As of the first day of 2025, Resolution 136/2024/QH15 regarding the organization of urban governance and the pilot implementation of specific mechanisms and policies for the development of Da Nang officially takes effect. From this significant milestone, Da Nang is sure to continue evolving and innovating every day. Thus, there will always be rendezvous for those who love Da Nang at this wonderful city.

There will always be rendezvous for those who love Da Nang at this wonderful city. Photo: Archive.

A destination that was planned long ago

Being a journalist brings me much joy, and one of the most valuable aspects is the friendships formed with colleagues. Journalists, especially those working in the Party press, find close companions wherever they go, whether in the mountainous regions of the Northwest, the Central Highlands, or the Mekong Delta. Thanks to our work in the Party press, we have numerous gatherings—sometimes a small group for a local event, other times a large reunion of “the whole village” from both the North and South at a national conference hosted by local Party newspapers on a rotating basis. Such meetings often become milestones, cherished and remembered with countless memories.

The 2015 conference hosted by Da Nang Newspaper is a prime example. It can be considered a significant gathering of Party journalists from all over the country. In addition to discussing professional issues related to the theme of Party newspapers and their role in promoting national sovereignty in the East Sea, which was highly relevant at that time, the event also left a lasting impression of a city by the East Sea that is growing and developing every day.

The rich experiences shared about the Statue of the Avalokiteshvara at Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula, the enchanting tourist area at Ba Na Mountain, and the five-star resorts have made many visitors hope to return after their first visit.

It is likely that from that moment, many rendezvous with Da Nang as a destination were sparked. Numerous such meetings have become a reality in this liveable city, characterized by towering buildings, wide boulevards, world-class resorts and golf courses, and stretches of beach that run for dozens of kilometres with blue waters, white sand, and golden sunshine, along with enticing street food.

For me, this desire had existed long before Da Nang earned its reputation as a livable city. I can’t recall exactly when it was, but it was quite some time after the country was reunified that I first set foot in Da Nang. Prior to that, my impressions of the city were limited to brief stops when the Thong Nhat train would pause at Da Nang Station for technical operations. The time spent there—about an hour—was just enough for passengers to stretch their legs after enduring long hours on crowded trains traveling south or north during the subsidy period.

Falling in love with Da Nang

Because of this, Da Nang leaves me with quite pleasant feelings and a desire to visit this largest city in Central Vietnam at least once. Later, due to work commitments and friendly connections, I was fortunate enough to travel to Da Nang multiple times. As a colleague aptly titled an article I wrote for Xuan Da Nang a few years ago, these trips made me “fall in love with Da Nang” without even realizing it. Typically, when someone develops feelings for a person or a place, they tend to want to share those experiences with friends and family, hoping for their empathy and connection.

My feeling with Da Nang is the same. I want to share, first and foremost with my family and close friends, the reasons that made me fall in love with Da Nang—from memories of the beaches of My Khe and Non Nuoc, with their lush casuarina trees lining the fine white sand and the clear, cool waters, to the unforgettable dishes I’ve tasted, like a bowl of Quang noodles, rice paper rolls with pork, and plates of delicious chicken rice that look appetizing even before you take a bite. These shared experiences often make Da Nang a top choice for my gatherings and trips with loved ones and friends.

It’s interesting that despite visiting many times and feeling like I know a place inside out, there comes a moment when I suddenly realize that what I thought I understood so well still holds experiences and discoveries yet to be explored. This realization compels me to return. Da Nang is no exception for me. Often, it’s not about anything grand. It could simply be a dish I haven’t had the chance to try, a café with a beautiful view by Han River that I’ve never sat in, or a new friend who feels like an old acquaintance…

Sometimes, new experiences come as a reward for my affection for Da Nang. Like the time I found myself wandering on a morning in Pham Phu Thu Street, beside Han Market. Although I had been to Da Nang many times, it was my first encounter with this flower market. It was a truly pleasant feeling. Despite being primarily a wholesale market, the owner of Thuong Lien flower shop happily selected a vibrant bouquet of carnations for me, as if they were still wet with morning dew, and carefully wrapped them when she learned I was buying flowers for my wife's birthday. Through our conversation, I learned from her and Le Thuong, who established a family chain of flower shops with names like Thuong and Nho, that Da Nang once had a village dedicated to flower cultivation in Son Tra. Today, that old flower village has given way to modern roads and buildings...

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Da Nang during the spring. Although it was already the third day of Tet, the essence of spring was still very much present in the city. The most striking feature was the large pots of yellow chrysanthemums displayed on either side of residential gates, shops, and offices. The vibrant yellow of the chrysanthemums added a brilliant touch of spring to the streets. Naturally, I have a desire, and a promise to myself: one day, I would celebrate the New Year with my loved ones in this city by the East Sea. Thus, it became another promise, even if it was just a commitment to myself.

December 2024

Reporting by TA VIET ANH – Translating by HONG VAN