Once a vital waterway in the southern region of ancient Vietnam, the dredging of Co Co River aims not only to pave the way for new breakthroughs in socio-economic development between Quang Nam Province and Da Nang City but also to create new vitality for this historic river.

Co Co River, like a silk ribbon, has connected Quang Nam and Da Nang for generations. Illustrative photo: N.H.A.

The "Heart" of Da Nang

Following the traces left by history, Co Co River, also known as Lo Canh Giang, flows from Dai Chiem Gate (Hoi An) to Han Gate (Da Nang), with a length of 25km. Renowned as a bustling trade route, it facilitated the transport of goods and passengers between Hoi An and Da Nang. For centuries, from the 16^th to the 18^th, this river served as a vital commercial link between the two major port cities, and it played a crucial role in the formation and development of the historic trading port of Hoi An.

The final stretch of Co Co River merges with Do Toa River before joining Han River and flowing into the sea. The upper section of Han River begins from Tuyen Son Bridge. However, due to natural processes and historical shifts, this river was naturally silted up since the Dong Khanh period, around the 18^th century.

In the past, Da Nang and Hoi An were connected by Co Co waterway. The vital river created the glory of the bustling trading port of Dang Trong, which witnessed many changes and historical ups and downs.

Writer Ho Trung Tu, known for his extensive research on the history of Quang region, highlighted Co Co River in his book "There were 500 years like that". He conveyed the idea: “The civilization of that era was still located along the length of the river.” Benefiting from its strength in transportation and a fertile hinterland with hardworking residents, Hoi An flourished in the 17^th century. Often described as a major "crossroads" of the southern region, Hoi An was a meeting point where three rivers converged before reaching the sea. This writer further remarked that if the port was considered the gateway for nations entering the southern lands in earlier times, Co Co River was the initial door facilitating waterborne trade.

In international trade, rivers running parallel to the coastline play an incredibly important role. This is because, centuries ago, cargo ships laden with goods could not easily venture into the open sea to catch the wind. If one were to choose the most symbolic project representing the cooperation and development between Quang Nam and Da Nang, it would undoubtedly be the project to dredge Co Co River.

From the perspective of a local resident, Mrs. Tran Thi Mai (67 years old, Hoa Quy Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District) shared that for generations, farmers in the area have relied heavily on this river, from its water for daily use to the fertile silt that nourishes the fields and vegetable gardens. Without grand visions of economic or social development prospects, Co Co River, in the hearts of the local people, remains simple and familiar—an inseparable part of childhood and the long lives of many people.

When mentioning Co Co River, writer Ho Trung Tu expressed his joy when seeing an economic corridor that has flowed through the cultural and spiritual life of the people of Quang region for centuries gradually coming back to life.

The historical project of Da Nang and Quang Nam

The idea of clearing Co Co River to promote economic and social development, as well as to restore its historical and cultural significance, was raised not just recently, but as early as the 1990s, when Quang Nam and Da Nang were still one province. The goal was to enhance the quality of life for the people across a vast region. Unfortunately, although this issue has been mentioned several times since, it has yet to be implemented effectively.

Currently, the section of Co Co River flowing through Da Nang has mostly been dredged, but there are still many areas in Quang Nam that remain silted and have not been cleared. This is the problem that both Da Nang city and Quang Nam province need to address in order to open up the river route connecting Hoi An, Dien Ban, Ngu Hanh Son, and Han River, promoting both tourism and transportation. With its proximity to the sea, the distance from Co Co River in Da Nang to the coastline is only 1-2 km, making it convenient for the development of coastal urban areas. As a result, many bustling projects are situated along both riverbanks, including Da Nang Golf Course, Quang Nam Golf Course, Cocobay Da Nang, FPT City, Phu My An urban area, and Tan Tra coastal area in Da Nang.

In particular, at the end of Co Co River is Nam Hoa Xuan urban area, a vast and attractive land project that opens up opportunities for the economic and social development of this region. In Quang Nam, there are also numerous real estate projects located in Dien Duong Ward, Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province, and Hoi An Town.

The potential of this river is undeniable, but the key issue that managers are addressing is how to manage, plan, and utilize it to increase the river's value and leverage its inherent advantages. In the future, if Quang Nam Province and Da Nang City collaborate to clear and enhance the 25-kilometer stretch of Co Co River, it will not only bring economic benefits but also have profound historical and cultural significance.

Reporting by NHAN HOA ANH – Translating by HONG VAN