On March 28, 2025, the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction officially approved the detailed development plan for Da Nang’s seaport land and water zones for the 2021 - 2030 period, with a long-term vision to 2050. A key highlight of the plan is the phased transformation of the Tien Sa Port into a dedicated cruise terminal after 2030. The move signals a major opportunity for Da Nang to unlock its full potential in maritime tourism and ocean-based services.
The Tien Sa Port will be gradually transformed into a tourist port. Cruise ships dock at the Tien Sa Port. Photo: TRAN NGOC
Since the start of 2025, the Tien Sa Port has seen a surge in cruise activity, welcoming dozens of vessels and tens of thousands of international visitors, including some of the world’s most luxurious liners. From May through December, Da Nang is set to receive around 76 cruise calls, bringing over 70,000 passengers, up 64% from 2024.
Despite this impressive momentum, cruise tourism remains a minor contributor to the Da Nang Port’s bottom line. In recent years, freight has accounted for the overwhelming majority of volume and revenue, while cruise ships contributed just 0.65% of total income and profit. The limitations are clear: only two out of five main berths at Tien Sa can currently handle large cruise ships, restricting both the number of vessels that can dock and the duration of their stay.
Lam Ny, the Cruise Passenger Operations Manager at Saigontourist Travel Service - Da Nang Branch, sees strong potential in the cruise market. “Cruise tourism in Da Nang is growing rapidly but unlocking its full value will require serious upgrades” , he said. He called for improved port infrastructure to better accommodate cruise passengers, expanded docking capacity, and longer port stays. Importantly, he emphasised the need for Da Nang to evolve Tien Sa into not just a transit port but a homeport for outbound cruise departures as well in the future. Targeted marketing in high-potential cruise markets, he added, will be key to sustaining long-term growth.
According to the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the city has been exerting sustained efforts to leverage its maritime assets and develop a robust sea-based tourism economy. Recent national-level directives and planning decisions continue to chart a future in which Da Nang becomes a major coastal and tourism hub. Notably, Conclusion No. 79-KL/TW of the Politburo, which extends the implementation of Resolution No. 43-NQ/TW on the development of Da Nang to 2030 with a vision toward 2045, clearly outlines the ambition: “to develop Da Nang into a major maritime economic centre, an international coastal city, and a leading tourism metropolis closely tied to the marine economy.”
International cruise ship passengers arrive in Da Nang to visit the city's famous tourist attractions. Photo: NGOC HA
Further reaffirming this vision, the city’s action plan to implement the Vietnamese Government Resolution No. 48/NQ-CP on the sustainable exploitation and protection of marine and island resources to 2030, with a vision to 2050 sets out bold targets. By 2030, Da Nang aims to become a leading marine economy in Viet Nam. By 2050, it envisions itself as an international coastal city underpinned by green growth, preserved marine biodiversity, clean coastal and island environments, and a society in harmony with nature.
On March 28, 2025, the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction approved a detailed development plan for Da Nang’s port land and water areas for the 2021 -2030 period, with a long-term outlook to 2050. According to the plan, by 2030, the Da Nang Port is expected to handle 23 - 29 million tons of cargo, including 1.33 - 1.71 million TEUs of container throughput (not including international transshipment). Passenger volume is projected to reach 532,300 to 597,000 annually.
Critically, the plan also outlines a phased conversion of the Tien Sa Port into a cruise port after 2030, coinciding with the development and operationalisation of the new Lien Chieu Port for cargo handling.
Cao Tri Dung, the Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, emphasized that in line with central government policy, the city must continue to develop and refine its core tourism offerings.
These include high-end beach tourism, cultural and historical experiences rooted in local heritage, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, urban tourism, and eco-tourism. He also underscored the importance of raising awareness among government agencies, businesses, and the local community about sustainable and civilized tourism practices, ensuring a professional, reputable, and internationally competitive destination.
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