Untapped potential of ecotourism in Da Nang

11/07/2025

Ecotourism has long been identified as one of the five pillars of Da Nang’s tourism. The recent merger of Quang Nam Province which is famous for its diverse and unique ecosystem from forests to islands is expected to elevate Da Nang’s brand in this aspect.

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Cu Lao Cham has the potential to become a premier ecotourism destination under the new Da Nang. Photo: Quoc Tuan

Unfinished opening journey

Former Quang Nam Province is endowed by nature with an abundant ecotourism resource system, with many unique characteristics. While tourism has flourished here, it has relied heavily on its cultural tourism strengths.

Some large ecological areas associated with unique tourism resources have only been exploited at a limited level or had their potential untapped. Only the Bay Mau coconut forest area in Hoi An Dong Ward has made a mark in ecotourism activities by welcoming nearly 1 million visitors each year.

Such destinations as Cu Lao Cham, Phu Ninh Lake, Song Thanh National Park, and Bai Say - Song Dam in recent years have been planned by the authorities of former Quang Nam Province to develop ecotourism with many expectations but all have remained incomplete. Among these, Cu Lao Cham welcomes the most stable number of visitors but it lacks distinctive ecotourism experiences.

Despite nearly two decades of investment promotion efforts at the Phu Ninh Lake, only one investor has established a modest tourism area with underwhelming activity. Plans to develop ecotourism in Song Thanh National Park and the Bai Say - Song Dam area remain mostly on paper.

According to Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hai from the Viet Nam Academy of Agriculture, the tourism industry in former Quang Nam Province lacks facilities serving specialized ecotourism activities such as nature research centers, facilities for education and raising awareness about conservation, and trekking and camping service points. In addition, the homestay system in ecological areas is still limited in quality and quantity, not meeting the needs of international tourists and those interested in sustainable tourism.

Balancing development and conservation

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In addition to its historical and cultural value, the My Son Cultural Heritage Landscape Protection Zone in Thu Bon Ward, Da Nang, has great potential for ecotourism development. Photo: QUOC TUAN

On a general level, the ecotourism resources of the old Da Nang are not too abundant, but the tourism industry has exploited this type quite well in such areas as Son Tra Peninsula, Sun World Ba Na Hills Tourist Area, and some tourist areas on National Highway 14G...

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Trung Luong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Tourism Training Association, the merger of Quang Nam Province and Da Nang will open a great opportunity to expand the new city’s tourism space. The merger will make the culture and tourism of Quang region more complete and rich in identity, paying the way for the new Da Nang to become a national tourism hub of regional and international stature.

According to several tourism businesses, ecotourism, if developed systematically, can offer high added value and cater to premium markets.

Mr. Bui Van Tuan, Director of HiVooc Co., Ltd., noted “There are several promising biodiversity-focused tours connecting Da Nang and Quang Nam, such as Son Tra - My Son and Son Tra - Tam My Tay. These tours offer unique experiences that appeal to international travelers willing to spend more on exploring endemic wildlife and plant species”.

Meanwhile, according to Mr. Le Ngoc Thao, an officer of the Management Board of Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area, ecotourism is the most suitable type to meet the goal of developing livelihoods associated with conservation, especially in the case of Cu Lao Cham.

He emphasized the importance of the "four-party" cooperation model: government, scientists, businesses, and local people in tourism development in Cu Lao Cham. This will limit the shortcomings in resource conservation management, develop ecotourism associated with biodiversity conservation and promote indigenous knowledge values.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hai recommended that successful conservation models worldwide typically involve strong participation from local communities not just in tourism operations but also in conservation efforts. To that end, local tourism authorities should encourage residents to engage in ecotourism activities. This would simultaneously raise environmental awareness and provide a stable source of income.

He also called for the development of regional and national tourism linkages to create inter-connected ecotourism value chains, enhancing appeal and diversifying experiences for visitors.

https://en.baodanang.vn/untapped-potential-of-ecotourism-in-da-nang-3265242.html

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