Da Nang’s tourism business recently attended a seminar which was co-hosted by the municipal Tourism Association, the Sun World and National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines.

Visitors shopping at the Son Tra Night Market

Dicussions focussed on developing and promoting a diverse and attractive tourism products in an effort to encourage a thriving night-time economy in Da Nang. 

The evening economy describes economic activity taking place in the evening after many people finish daytime employment or formal education, such as eating and drinking, entertainment, and nightlife.

That Da Nang is able to become one of Viet Nam's best cities for nightlife is highly likely to be within this city’s reach if nighttime economy progressing programmes are given the priority in Da Nang’s overall socio-economic development strategies.

This statement was made by Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council since 2007 cum member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Group since 2009, former Director of the Viet Nam Institute of Economics.

Mr Thien highlighted the importance of new nighttime products created by Da Nang’s tourism businesses and more incentive policies from the Da Nang government to help the city to attract more domestic and international visitors.

In regard to tourist’ expenditure behaviour, Mr Duong Phu Nam, the General Director of Sun World Holding, pointed out to the fact that tourists often want to spend all the money carried with them during their trips.

At present, shops, entertainment venues, bars, and pubs along downtown streets that are packed with customers at night are located near residential areas. Therefore, their nighttime operation activities are not allowed to linger through midnight in order to avoid affecting locals.

A ‘bai choi’’(singing while acting as playing cards) performance at the eastern end of the Rong (Dragon) Bridge

A recently-conducted study on the development of nighttime industries in Ha Noi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City shows that economic activities nationwide bustle from 7.00am to 5.00pm. However, day light consumption only generates 30% of the total tourism revenue. Meanwhile, the favorite time for tourists to dig deep into their pockets is from 6:00pm to 3:00 am the next day and so the tourism sector earns 70% its revenue from night consumption. Therefore, it’s a pity the potential of nighttime economy is left under-invested for the time being.

In his point of view, Mr Le Tan Thanh Tung, Deputy General Director of the Vitours urged the city, in an immediate and drastic manner, to create a large zone reserved for pedestrian-only use in the heart of Da Nang, thereby bringing a new look to Da Nang. This area may include shopping, sightseeing, traditional services and culinary performances.

According to Ms Truong Thi Hong Hanh, the Director of the municipal Tourism Department, the city now houses basically-formed nightlife venues, including the Asia Park, Sun World Ba Na Hills, some bars and festive activities bustling along the eastern bank of the iconic Han River.

In the coming time, the city will take actions to accelerate nightlife activities.

During the 2021 – 2023 period, investment will be channeled into the development of the An Thuong tourist quarter, in Ngu Hanh Son District’s My An Ward, the Bach Dang Night Market, and nighttime entertainment services near the western side of the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, and along Tran Hung Dao riverside street and major coastal routes.

During the 2023 – 2025 period, focus will be given to expanding a number of nightlife hot spots, along with formulating incentive mechanisms and policies in a bid to attract more investment into Da Nang’s tourism industry.

By THU HA – Translated by A.T