Prior to 1975, Da Nang was one of the largest US military bases during the American War. 

The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort (Photo: Internet )

Between 1975 and 1997, the city entered a new phase of development with many new buildings constructed.  However, they featured very simple architectural styles and decorations using materials including granite, iron gates and whitewashed walls. 

On 1 January 1997, the city was recognised as a centrally-governed city, and it was the largest urban hub in the central region.  Since then, the city has seen remarkable changes in its architectural planning and development.  Great efforts have been made to make the city a modern seaside urban area.  In particular, the opening of the Furama Resort Danang in 1997 played a vital role in changing the city’s architecture towards a modern, worldwide style.

Over the past 2 decades, the city has seen a boom in the number of high-rise buildings, and they feature a wide variety of designs and building materials.  In addition, many impressive constructions have been completed, including the Han River, Thuan Phuoc, Rong (Dragon) and Tran Thi Ly bridges, and the Hue T-junction overpass.

Luxury seaside hotels and resorts have mushroomed in the locality, whilst various entertainment areas have been created to meet the demands of both local residents and visiting tourists.

After 5 years of construction, the FPT City Da Nang urban area in Ngu Hanh Son District was opened, and it won a 2014 National Architecture Award in recognition of its synchronous architectural design.  In addition, the area boasts a modern social infrastructure which provides a comfortable living environment for its residents.  Public parks and artificial lakes have been created at the site to offer healthy entertainment spaces for the residents and to control rain-water resources.

Situated along Truong Sa in Ngu Hanh Son District, the Naman Retreat Danang Resort has become the central region's newest architectural masterpiece.  Designed by Vietnamese multi-award winning architect Vo Trong Nghia, along with well-known interior designer Vincent Koh from Malaysia, the Naman Retreat features 113 villas and rooms meeting 5-star international standards.

The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort on the Son Tra Peninsula has been nominated by Virtuoso Best of the Best Awards in the category of the Best Achievement in Design.  Designed by architect Bill Bensley, who is known as ‘the wizard of resorts’, this development is in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings.  Mr Bensley has also been involved in planning the still-developing Asia Park theme park.

Municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Tuan recently remarked, “The city’s development strategies are to develop ecological and unique architecture which together create visual hallmarks for the city.  Under the plans, the focus will be on creating new urban spaces in combination with modernising inner-city areas.  Importance will also be attached to ensuring the aesthetics of local streets, developing more impressive constructions, and creating more community spaces”.