Dong Dinh Art Museum is in Central Vietnam within the serene Son Tra Nature Reserve. It serves as a repository for cultural treasures and has become increasingly popular among tourists, thanks to its ancient architecture that blends harmoniously with nature.
Dong Dinh trees surround the Museum, which has earned the name “Garden of Memories.” Some artifacts it houses date several centuries back, originating from various cultures such as Champa, Chinese, Dai Viet, and Sa Huynh.
Dong Ding Museum comprises four main sections: the fishing village memorial, the ethnographic display house, and the art and antique exhibit areas. We have rounded up all you need to know before visiting this art Museum in Son Tra Peninsula.
Where is the Dong Dinh Museum in Da Nang?
As noted above, Dong Dinh Museum sits at the heart of Son Tra Peninsula, adjacent to the popular Linh Ung Pagoda. Son Tra Peninsula is located approximately 10 kilometres from Da Nang. The Peninsula is known for its plentiful flora and fauna and has been under national protected forest regulations. Son Tra has more than 30 kilometres of natural forests, with nearly 300 types of plants and several hundred kinds of animals, including rare species. It’s worth noting that this Museum is one of the three authorized to operate within the forest’s confines.
Getting to Dong Dinh Art Museum in Da Nang
To reach Dong Dinh Art Museum, use the Hoang Sa Road, which leads to the Son Tra Peninsula. This scenic route offers great views of the mountains and the sea. Once you reach the Linh Ung Pagoda, the entrance to the Museum is located to the left. The journey along this scenic route showcases the region’s natural beauty. If you are in a group of four or less, you can opt for a taxi as it is more convenient. Otherwise, you would want to ride on a motorbike to fully appreciate the gentle breeze and the unobstructed views of nature.
Before planning your trip, it’s worth noting that Dong Dinh Museum welcomes visitors year-round, with afternoons and mornings being ideal due to the calm weather and fewer crowds. Where possible, you should avoid visiting the area during rainy days, especially from mid-October to December.
Best Things to Do In Dong Dinh Art Museum
As one of the fascinating art Museums in Da Nang, you can do a couple of things during your time here. We have discussed them in detail below.
Explore the Fishing Memorial House
This is perhaps one of the first places you will visit within the Dong Dihn Museum. The Fishing Memorial House is a small cottage that preserves the memories of an ancient fishing village. It is built from two ancient ships and five basketboats believed to be from the Nam Tho Village. Inside and around the memorial house are fishermenmen’s tools of trade and furnishings, which visitors can marvel at as they appreciate ancient culture and civilization.
Besides the exhibit of ancient fishing supplies, you’ll also find images of the ancient Cham people, from paintings to relics. Most of these images are believed to have been taken in the early 1900s. Be sure to go with a phone or a notebook to record the history of this part of the world.
The Hill House
A section of the Dong Dihn Museum, which serves as the Art Exhibition Space, features a modern architectural design that attracts most visitors. Most architects and ecologists have commended the hill house design of this section of the Museum as a statement piece as it blends modernity with the serene feel of a forest ecological space. Exhibits within this section include coloured paintings and aesthetic masks that date to ancient civilization.
On the other end of the Museum is the Antique Exhibit House, designed based on the Kim Bong artisans’ ancient style. Here, you get to explore relics originating from over 54 ethnic groups. There’s also the Ethnographic Gallery, which displays relics and collections originating from various villages and ethnic minorities.
Tips to Make Your Travel Memorable
To enjoy your trip to the Dong Dinh Art Museum, you need to keep certain things in mind. Here’s a summary of the dos and don’ts:
- Drive/Ride with Care. If you are new to the area and have hired a motorbike or car, be sure to navigate the road to the Museum carefully. The road is smooth but has bends, so maintain a slow pace.
- Dine before or after the trip. Dong Ding Art Museum is located within a nature reserve, with limited dining options. Plan to dine before or after the trip. You can have your lunch or dinner at the Si Dining Restaurant near the Han River in Da Nang. This restaurant serves modern Italian delicacies with a Vietnamese twist and is popular among locals and tourists.
- Dress appropriately. Depending on the weather conditions at the time of time, you want to prioritize safety and comfort. Since you are visiting a forested area, wearing long pants and sleeves is advisable to protect you against insects.
Lastly, look for any restrictions or rules within the Museum. Before taking photographs of some relics or any other item on exhibit, you should consult with the staff to ensure you are not violating any rules. That said, the staff and locals within the Museum are friendly, and you are sure to get along quite well with most people you’ll interact with.
The Bottom Line
Compared to the many Da Nang art Museums, Dong Dinh is one of the most unique and highly visited due to its strategic location and cultural significance. Whether you are an art lover or a nature enthusiast, visiting this Museum would be a worthwhile experience. Be sure to embrace an adventurous spirit as you immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and the serene beauty of the San Tra Peninsula.
