Many Vietnamese generations who came from the North to the South, settled down in Quangnam long time ago and developed the Quang Nam province. Before becoming an administrative unit of Viet Nam, Quang Nam had a long history.

Archeological documents and researches in Bau Du (Nui Thanh district), Que Loc (Que Son district), Doi Vang (Dai Loc district), Tien Ha (Tien Phuoc district), Tabhing ( Nam Giang district), Hau Xa (Hoi An City... have proved human beings appeared in Quangnam about 6000 years ago. In addition, a relic of bronze age in the first millenium BC had been found, which was of the Sa Huynh civilization. After that, Cham people developed and created the Champa culture with citidels, and temples like My Son sanctuary, Tra Kieu citadel, Dong Duong Buddhist institute, Khuong My tower, Bang An towers, Chien Dan towers.

In 1306, Champa King, Che Man had surrendered Quang Nam as a betrothal gift when marrying Huyen Tran princess who was King Tran Anh Tong’s sister. In 1471, under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong (the second year of Hong Duc dynasty), Quang Nam was established as a land of Dai Viet. It was named Quang Nam from that time in the history of the predecessor. With several readjustments of its border and name, Quang Nam changed names many times: Quang Nam region (1490), Quang Nam division (1520) and Quang Nam palace (1602). In 1832, under the reign of 13th year King Minh Mang, Quang Nam division was converted into Quang Nam province. After 1945, Quang Nam province had changed its name and border again.

In 1952, The Republic Democracy of Viet Nam merged Quang Nam – Da Nang under the name of Quang Nam – Da Nang province. After the Geneve Convention was signed ( in 1954), the south of Vietnam was subjected to the domination of SaiGon administration. In 1962, This land was divided into two administrative units : Quang Nam and Quang Tin provinces. At the same time, Quang Nam- Da Nang province was divided into two differrent administrative divisions Quang Nam and Quang Da provineces by Quang Nam-Da Nang Resistance Committee. After the south of Viet Nam was properly liberated in 1975, the provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Da were merged to form the province of Quang Nam-Danang. At the 10th congress of the National Assembly session IX (October 1996) Quang Nam province was was divided into two administrative divisions: Quang Nam province and Danang City.