Da Nang International Fireworks Festival

General View about the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival

The Da Nang international fireworks festival (or Da Nang fireworks festival, Da Nang fireworks competition, Da Nang international fireworks competition, DIFF) is the signature festival of Da Nang. This prestigious occasion firstly held in 2008, with 4 countries participating and in the latest festival, it’s up to 8. The host city will represent Vietnam to compete with experienced candidates from all continents and show its best performance on the opening night. Most displays will be broadcasted on Vietnam’s and Da Nang’s television channels.

The most recent Da Nang international fireworks festival was held in 2023, and it’s the 11st competition. Together with side events, during this time of organization, there are nearly 1 million of tourists visiting Da Nang. Absolutely, it contributed a lot to the local economy. The defending champion is from Italy and the first runner up is from France. 

Read festivals in Da Nang during the year to participate when you come in their times.

Fact: During the competitions, some activities are shut, including the water and fire show at the Dragon bridge. Many streets are also blocked.

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival Over Years

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2008: Tien Sa Dance

The first Da Nang international fireworks festival took place on 27^th and 28^th March 2008. City leaders aimed to commemorate the 33^rd Da Nang liberation day (29^th March 1975) and to boost the local tourism industry. Vietnam (represented by Da Nang city), Canada, Malaysia and Hong Kong were the first participants ever in the festival’s history. Vietnam and Hong Kong made the first semi-final competition, and then Canada and Malaysia competed. Right last night, Canada was announced to be the winner.

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2009: The Echoes of Han River

From 27^th to 28^th March in 2009, the Da Nang international fireworks festival came back. In this second time, there are 5 representatives, including Vietnam, Spain, China, Australia and Philippines. On the first night, China and Australia competed, and three others would show their performances on the next evening. The winner was the Liuyang dancing fireworks from China.

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2010: Legend of Han River

The 3^rd Da Nang international fireworks festival occurred from 27^th to 28^th March 2010. The first semi-final competition was between Vietnam, Japan and Portugal. The USA and France had last performances, and then France won. Like two previous times, the theme of Da Nang fireworks festival was about the Han river – the symbolic river of the city.

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2011: The Sparkling Han River

The 2011 Da Nang international fireworks festival reschedule had a change from earlier years, from 29^th to 30^th April. In this time, the festival celebrated the Unfinication day of Vietnam (30^th April 1975) when two parts of Vietnam became one following the end of the American war. England, Vietnam and South Korea made the first night, and then it’s for Italy and China. The winner was Italy – the Parente fireworks.

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2012: The Colors of Da Nang

The Da Nang international fireworks festival took place from 29^th to 30^th April at this 5^th time of organization. The host – Vietnam, Da Nang city with four former winners – Canada, China, France and Italy made it more special than previous years. Italy repeated its winning prize.

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2013: The Love for Han River

The 6^th Da Nang international fireworks festival was on 29^th and 30^th April 2013. The champion – the Parente fireworks from France attended again and it’s the first time for Russia. Other competitors are Vietnam, Japan and the USA. On the opening night, the audience saw the performances from Vietnam, Italy and Russia and the next night, USA and Japan. The winning for the United States closed the festival this year.

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2015: The Symphony of Colors

To increase the attractiveness of the Da Nang international fireworks festival, city leaders decided to organize it every 2 years, from 2013. This 7^th festival falls on the days of 28^th and 29^th April. Five candidates for the championship are Vietnam, South Africa, USA, Poland and Australia. The Howard & Son fireworks from the Land of Oz, was the winner.

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2017: Shining the Marble Mountains

To draw more tourists, Da Nang city leaders changed the Da Nang international fireworks festival reschedule this year. Instead of two consecutive days in the Reunification day of Vietnam, it stretched from 29^th April to 24^th June 2017. Eight teams would compete in 4 semi-final nights, corresponding 4 first Saturdays and the female was on 24^th June. Two strongest performing teams had one week to prepare and . The theme of each competition was taken from five elements which formed the Marble Mountains – the most famous mountain of the city. Italy overcame Australia, Switzerland, Vietnam, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia to become the winner. Additionally, the audience stage was also moved from the right bank of Han river to its left bank, inside the Asia park theme park.

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2018: Legend of the Bridges

From this 9^th time of organization, the Da Nang international fireworks festival was held annually again but its reschedule would be in 5 weeks, from 30^th April to 30^th June. First 4 Saturdays were semi-finals in which Vietnam, Poland, France, USA, Italy and Hong Kong competed. Each was themed ‘love’, ‘time’, ‘happiness’, ‘hunger’ and ‘friendship’ respectively. The closing night was for two strongest competitors – the USA and Italy. One more time, the representative from Italy won.

Da Nang Fireworks Festival 2019: The Story of Rivers

Unlike previous years, the 2019 Da Nang international fireworks festival didn’t take place during Vietnam’s national holidays. Held from 1^st June to 6^th July, the city leaders aimed to extend the high local tourist season. Brazil and Finland joined for the first time, and other competitors are Vietnam, France, the United Kingdom, China and Russia. After four semi-finals on Saturday nights, the UK and Finland came to the finale, and Finland won thanks to a more striking performance.

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2023

Reschedule and Dates

The 11st Da Nang international fireworks festival takes place from 2^nd June to 8^th July 2023. On the first four Saturdays, representatives from 8 countries will compete (called the semi finals) and the winner was announced on the last night. Each performance lasts from 20 to 22 minutes, and the first one starts soonly after 8 pm. On 1^st July, there are no competitions, in order to give time for two champion candidates to prepare the best ideas and show the best performances as they can.

These are dates and the pairs:

– On 2^nd June: Vietnam (Da Nang) vs Finland (Yoho Pyro Professionals)

– On 10^th June: Canada (Hands Fireworks) vs France (Arteventia)

– On 17^th June: Australia (Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics) vs Italy (Martarello Group)

– On 24^th June: Poland (Surex Firma Rodzinna) vs the United Kingdom (Pyrotex)

– On 1^st July: off

– On 8^th July: Fenale (Italy vs France)

The Timings

Every night of the Da Nang international fireworks festival 2023 will follow this timetable:

– 7 pm: the stands open

– 8 pm: the opening introduction, music and dance

– 8:15 to 8:40 pm: first performance

– 8:40 to 9 pm: music and dance

– 9-9:20 pm: second performance

Note: On the ticket, the festival time is 8 pm, but spectators are advised to be in the stand area at least 30 minutes before it. If the distance is far, please go early to have a good seat. Although not allowed, parents still take seats for their kids, so seats are not enough if come late.  

Tickets and Prices

Ticket price of the Da Nang international fireworks festival 2023 ranges from 800,000 to 3,000,000 VND, depending on the seating. The Stand A (A1, A2, A3) provides the best views of fireworks, so the audience has to pay the most expensive to enter it. In particular, from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND. The Stand B (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5) on two sides of the Stand A and a seat here costs from 800,000 to 1,500,000 VND. Kids and children under 1 meter in height will be free of charge if sit with parents. The price to watch the semifinals and the fenale can be different.

To buy tickets, travelers can browse the official webpage of the Da Nang international fireworks festival via https://diff.vn/ or online at reliable companies and travel agencies. Text us in whatsapp number +84968009827 to ask for help, and you may have a cheaper price. E-ticket is available, besides the traditional physical tickets. It works at checkpoints.

In 2023, there are 5,500 seats available. Because of increasing watchers, Stand C and Stand B5 are added, providing extra 1,700 seatings. The ticket price here is 800,000 VND. Therefore, if can’t make sure which day you are in Da Nang (or available) to see the fireworks, before the competitions, additional tickets may be booked. Keep in mind to choose a reliable provider to buy them.

Note: Travelers are advised to buy Da Nang international fireworks festival tickets in advance, as soon as possible. The best spots to see performances are often fully reserved many days before.

The Theme

The theme of the entire Da Nang international fireworks festival 2023 is “Lighting up the borderless world”, aiming to encourage connections following the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s also used for the finale night. Each semi-final competition has its own theme. There are  ‘Peace for the world’ (Vietnam vs Finland), ‘Love without distance’ (Canada vs France), ‘Chasing your dreams’ (Australia vs Italy), and ‘Embracing the nature’ (Poland vs UK).

The Official Stand of Da Nang International Fireworks Festival

Location

The official stand of Da Nang international fireworks festival 2023 is on the right (east) bank of the Han river. It’s to the left of Tran Hung Dao St, opposite to the Han river harbour where cruises dock, and the Novotel hotel and the city’s administrative center building are located.

How to Get There from Da Nang

To go to the stands of Da Nang international fireworks festival 2023, the spectators have to walk. Four streets, the Han river bridge and laneways around them will be blocked for traffic from 5 pm. Walking streets are Tran Hung Dao St (from Vu Van Dung to Van Don), Nguyen The Loc St, An Don St and Bach Dang St (from Ly Thuong Kiet to Phan Dinh Phung St).

If taking a car or taxi, travelers are advised to go to Le Van Duyet – Van Don – Tran Hung Dao crossroad (link on Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/UtLCVX8pHBYAGkg16) that is to the north of the stands. From here, it’s needed to walk 1 km.

It’s easier with a motorcycle. Parking service is everywhere around the walking streets leading to the official stand. The parking fee is 5,000 to 10,000 VND. Bikes are a lot, so don’t forget where is your bike!

From Hoi An, we suggest riding the motorbike along the coastal road to Da Nang until the Hilton Gardens Inn hotel at Vo Nguyen Giap – Vuong Thua Vu crossroad (a traffic light). From here, turn left, go straight ahead and after the roundabout, go westwards along Van Don St.  

Other Places to See Da Nang International Fireworks Festival

Sky 36 Bar in Novotel Hotel

This sky bar is on the 36^th floor of the Novotel Premier Han River hotel that stands opposite to the official stand. Fireworks seen from here are absolutely stunning. When the competitions are ‘off’, visitors enjoy a fabulous city view from the above and delectable beverages from the bartenders. It’s the highest bar in town actually. By that, a table reservation in advance is a must do, and please contact directly with the hotel to know the conditions. Travelers can book a room here to stay, relax and witness lightful performances right from the balcony.

Cruises on Han River

Cruises on the Han river won’t take visitors to see the Dragon bridge anymore in firework’s days. Instead, they dock around the main stand to allow passengers to witness wonderful competitions of lights, and take memorable pictures and videos. Once again, travelers must book a seat in advance (at least 7 days before), and the price is more expensive than usual.

See more information in https://centralvietnamguide.com/da-nang-night-river-cruise.

Rooftop Venues and Bridges along Han Riverfront

The Han river waterfronts are kind of perfect to see fireworks. Local people often come early and stand by the river to take the most ideal spots. Bridges are also crowded by viewers (that’s why traffic there is closed). Sure, it’s free. If look for an option with foods, drinks and the view altogether, rooftop venues along Bach Dang St and Tran Hung Dao St will be finest. They usually on the top of hotels. Again, remember to make a reservation in advance.

Son Tra Mountain

Son Tra mountain is high, and also near the city, so some points in its southwestern side provide a good view to see and photograph fireworks. Please go to the crossroad between Yet Kieu St and the mountain road (on Google maps: 16°06’50.2″N 108°14’34.6″E), and then ride up the mountain. Automatic motorcycles are prohibited, so keep in mind!

Travel Tips for Da Nang Fireworks Festival

These are our tips for Da Nang international fireworks festival:

– Travelers should buy tickets as soon as possible. Tickets may be sold out or very expensive later

 – Come to the official stand at least 30 minutes before, to have the best seats, especially when traveling with family

– Waters and drinks are cheap around the stand, so don’t have to buy in advance

– Check the weather forecast to prepare necessary items (umbrella, rain poncho, etc)

– If go to the stand by car, should go early because of high traffic and you will have to walk to it later