Mr. Luke Weaving, a British person, was among a group of tourists visiting the Son Tra Peninsula in the early days of 2025. Their journey took them from the ancient town of Hoi An (Quang Nam) along the scenic coastal route of Hoang Sa – Vo Nguyen Giap in Da Nang. Sharing his thoughts with the tour guide, Weaving enthusiastically remarked, “The beaches in Da Nang remind me of Miami.”

The lush coconut palms lining the shores of Da Nang. Photo: Xuan Son.

Miami is a world-famous beach in Florida, USA—half a world away, requiring a 23-hour flight from My Khe Beach. Now, standing before the shores of Da Nang, Mr. Weaving remarks on the striking similarities between the two destinations—the vast stretches of color. The deep blue of the ocean, the endless sky, and the lush green of the coconut palms lining the coast.

Greening the coastline

The rows of coconut palms along the shoreline were planted several years ago. According to city authorities, since 2017, Da Nang has invested in planting over 1,400 coconut trees along the coastal roads of Truong Sa, Vo Nguyen Giap, and Hoang Sa. Despite the impact of storms and heavy rains, 1,010 trees continue to thrive. Meanwhile, the coastline along Nguyen Tat Thanh Road is lined with casuarina trees, adding to the city’s green landscape. This green transformation is set to expand even further. From late 2024 to 2025, Da Nang will implement a large-scale coconut tree planting initiative across its beaches. The program aims to plant more than 3,500 coconut trees along the shoreline, enhancing the coastal scenery while contributing to the preservation of the local ecosystem.

Mr. Tran Dai Nghia, Deputy Head of the Sơn Trà Peninsula and Da Nang Tourism Beaches Management Board, stated that the initiative to plant 3,500 coconut trees aligns well with the existing coconut trees that have been planted along Vo Nguyen Giap Beach in recent years. Coconut trees are highly adaptable, capable of thriving in nutrient-poor soil and withstanding temperatures ranging from 20 to 34°C, making them ideal for the harsh coastal climate. Besides, coconut trees play a crucial role in preventing erosion and protecting the shoreline from landslides. They also enhance the coastal landscape, creating a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing urban environment, contributing to the formation of green, sustainable landscape architecture...

Alongside the lush greenery of coconut trees, Da Nang’s coastal tourism spaces have been enhanced over the years with grass fields, flower gardens, beachfront parks, and scenic destinations designed to serve both locals and visitors while beautifying the urban landscape. Along popular beaches such as Bac My An, My Khe, and Man Thai, it’s easy for visitors to find a shaded retreat under the swaying coconut palms, where they can breathe in the fresh ocean air. This could be a cozy café adorned in the rustic style of an old fishing village or a luxurious resort offering panoramic views of the sea.

The development of coastal landscapes with green spaces was also a key topic discussed at the 21st session of the Da Nang People's Council (10^th tenure, 2021–2026). Addressing the management and sustainable use of Nguyen Tat Thanh Beach, Nguyen Thanh Tien, Secretary of the Thanh Khe District Party Committee, emphasized at the meeting: "Nguyen Tat Thanh Beach is frequently affected by strong winds and storms. Therefore, it is essential to expand tree planting efforts to establish a protective green belt, with coconut palms and casuarina trees being the most suitable choices. This green corridor aligns with Da Nang’s master plan for 2030, with a vision extending to 2045, aiming to create a continuous ecological link between Sơn Trà and Hải Vân. If this initiative is decentralized to local authorities, it will encourage greater community engagement and mobilization of social resources for implementation.”

Respecting the marine environment

In addition to promoting coconut tree planting, the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Tourism Beaches Management Board has issued official notices reminding beachfront restaurants and hotels to maintain cleanliness in their business areas. This effort aims to preserve the natural landscape and ensure a pleasant experience for visitors to Da Nang’s beaches. It is a story of the community's "shared responsibility" for the beach in particular and the environment in general. Within the tourism industry, there is a growing understanding: "Respecting the marine space is also a step toward building a sustainable tourism brand."

For many years, the Furama Ariyana International Tourism Complex in Da Nang has prioritized preserving a coastal nature reserve, which has become a sanctuary for more than 30 species of wild birds that frequently return. Mr. Gentzsch Andre Pierre, the General Director of the complex, emphasized: “With core values centered on social responsibility and environmental protection, we are deeply committed to maintaining the coastal landscape, contributing to Da Nang’s environmental improvement, enhancing quality of life, and fostering sustainable tourism development.”

Last autumn, the Da Nang Tourism Association, the Da Nang Hotel Association, and the Ariyana International Convention Center collaborated to organize the 2024 Barefoot Beach Run, which attracted nearly 1,000 participants. The event provided a healthy sports platform while raising community awareness about marine environmental protection. Additionally, the Da Nang Tourism Association and the Da Nang Hotel Association have actively encouraged member hotels and resorts to maintain clean beaches, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly tourism environment.

Regarding the message of "responsible behavior toward the coastal space," Mr. Gentzsch Andre Pierre proposed the idea of a Coastal Environmental Route. This initiative would feature information stations with educational boards highlighting meaningful environmental projects—such as coconut tree planting—allowing visitors to understand, engage with, and contribute to Da Nang’s environmental conservation efforts.

Sharing the same perspective, Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh, Vice President of the Da NangTourism Association and Chairman of the Da Nang Hotel Association, proposed strengthening media and educational programs on marine environmental protection. "Activities such as workshops, social media campaigns, and hands-on events at the beach can help raise public awareness. Organizing writing contests about Da Nang’s beaches for visitors can also contribute to building its reputation as a beloved coastal retreat." Respecting and preserving the ocean is a way for the community to protect and sustain the shades of blue—from the land, the sea, and the sky—for a sustainable future.

Reporting by XUAN SON – Translating by HONG VAN