The vibrant coastal city of Da Nang is one of Asia’s leading events and festival destinations. This city in central Vietnam is renowned not just for its stunning beaches but also for its rich cultural heritage and several lively festivals and events. Throughout the year, Da Nang comes live with a wide range of celebrations, giving visitors a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.
In the sections below, we have rounded up some of the top festivals and events in Da Nang, from colourful street parades and traditional music performances to culinary extravaganzas. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may have the opportunity to immerse yourself in one or more of these vibrant events.
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
This is an annual event held in Da Nang, mostly in June. The main highlight of the festival is the breathtaking fireworks shows presented by teams from various countries, which feature synchronised music and elaborate choreography. Through the universal language of fireworks, the festival serves as a unique platform for collaboration and cultural exchange. Visitors also have the opportunity to experience different traditions and cultures firsthand, as each team brings its artistic flair to the event.
Since this is one of the most popular festivals in Da Nang, you should expect increased traffic congestion and large crowds, especially around the festival venues and fireworks viewing spots. If you are visiting Da Nang between June 3rd and July 8th, you should plan your accommodation early and ensure you secure a good vantage point for the shows.
Cau Ngu Festival
The Cau Ngu Festival, popularly known as the Whale Worshipping Festival, is a traditional cultural event celebrated in most coastal communities throughout Vietnam. This event is held annually on the 16th of the first lunar month or immediately after the Tet holiday. Unlike the other events in Da Nang, the Cau Ngu Festival is deeply rooted in Vietnamese maritime culture and traditions.
If you are into religious practices and cultural ceremonies, this is one of the local festivals to attend. During this festival, a series of ritual ceremonies conducted by village elders and shamans, including incense offerings and prayers, are performed to honour the whale gods and ancestors. As a visitor, you should familiarise yourself with the local traditions to ensure you dress appropriately for the occasion and show respect for sacred rituals and practices observed by participants.
Local Village Festivals: An Hai Village, Tuy Loan Village, Hoa My Village
Besides the national events celebrated in various parts of the country, some local village festivals offer the opportunity to interact with residents and gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of specific villages and towns.
Villages such as Hoa My, An Hai, and Tuy Loan are known to host communal house festivals at different times of the year. Most of these festivals feature cultural performances, communal feasts, and, sometimes, colourful processions. Village festivals provide a platform for community bonding since they bring together families and residents to celebrate shared values and traditions.
Unlike the larger and tourist-oriented events, local village festivals offer an authentic and intimate glimpse into everyday life in rural Vietnam. Before planning a visit to these villages, research the dates and timing in advance. Also, plan the most convenient transportation options to and from the villages or accommodation options if you wish to spend a night in the villages.
Da Nang International Marathon
The Da Nang International Marathon, held annually, attracts thousands of participants from around the world. This event takes place at different times of the year. The 2024 marathon took place on April 23rd, while the 2025 marathon will take place on March 23rd. Participants can choose from 42 Km, 21 Km, 10 Km, 5 Km, and 1.5 Km races through the stunning coastline, charming neighbourhoods, and iconic landmarks.
Since the marathon is open to all, you can challenge yourself by setting a personal goal and competing against runners from diverse backgrounds and countries. If you are a novice runner, ensure you follow a structured training plan as you gradually increase your mileage and endurance leading up to the event. That said, you should prioritise your health and safety during the marathon by paying attention to the weather, staying hydrated, and pacing yourself appropriately.
Boat Racing Festival
The Boat Racing Festival in Da Nang is an annual event that celebrates the tradition of boat racing, a popular sport in Vietnamese culture. This event is held at the beginning of each lunar year along the Han River and features colourful dragon boat races, with teams of rowers competing in a unique display of skill, speed and teamwork.
The Boat Racing Festival often coincides with major events, adding to the festive atmosphere and drawing crowds of participants and spectators alike. If you want to join the team of spectators along the river, plan your visit accordingly and consider using public transportation or ridesharing services to avoid parking challenges or traffic congestion.
Quan The Am (Avalokitesvara) Festival
This is a popular religious festival held in the second lunar month in Da Nang to honour Quan The Am Bodhisattva, also known as Avalokitesvara. The festival takes place at the Quan The Am Pagoda, a Buddhist temple located on the slopes of the Marble Mountains. Like the other religious festivals, this event provides insight into Vietnamese religious traditions and customs as they relate to Mahayana Buddhism.
The festival is marked by colourful decorations, traditional music and dance performances, and food stalls offering local vegetarian dishes. When visiting this place, dress modestly and respectfully and show respect for Buddhist practices by maintaining a cool demeanour. If you plan on interacting with locals, ensure you have a translator app to break the language barrier and facilitate effective communication.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of the family-friendly annual events held in Da Nang City and the ancient town of Hoi An. This festival showcases colourful hot air balloons soaring gracefully against the backdrop of the city’s scenic landscapes. The event is typically held in March or April, with the exact dates and venues varying each year.
Unlike most events, the Hot Air Balloon Festival provides ample opportunity for photography enthusiasts to capture magnificent images and memorable moments. For those planning to attend this event, keep in mind that hot air balloon flights are subject to weather conditions; hence, the launch date or time may change.
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Make the Most of Your Time in Da Nang
Before planning your visit, choose the events in Da Nang that you wish to attend based on your taste and preferences. Once you have identified those that align with your interests, bookmark them, and then stay up to date for any changes in venues or dates. You can refer to event sites like Eventbrite for real-time updates.
The next step is to plan your itinerary, outlining the times, dates, and locations of the festivals you plan to attend. You should also take into account any travel times between the venues and stopovers for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While exploring the city, be sure to sample the local cuisines from seafood stalls and authentic restaurants. For a top-notch dining experience, consider booking reservations at Si Dining, an Italian-Vietnamese restaurant located at 01 Giang Chau 2 Street.
Lastly, if you are travelling from far away, choose an accommodation home that offers flexibility and convenience. Hotels and resorts located within the city centre allow for easy access to festival venues, dining spots and attraction centres.
