Lien Chieu

Lien Chieu is the northernmost urban district of Da Nang, forming the city's industrial and logistical gateway. Covering roughly 83 km², it is the largest district by area among Da Nang's urban districts. The district is dominated by the Lien Chieu Port (the city's primary cargo and industrial port), the extensive industrial zones, and the campus of the University of Da Nang. Its population exceeds 120,000.

Lien Chieu's coastline along Da Nang Bay features the Nam Ô fishing village and several less-developed beaches. The district's western edge rises toward the foothills of the Hai Van Pass. The climate is slightly cooler than downtown Da Nang, especially in the foothills. The dry season (February–August) is pleasant for coastal exploration; the rainy season (September–January) brings heavy downpours and occasional flooding in low-lying areas.

By Plane

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is 12 km south-east of central Lien Chieu — a 25-minute taxi ride (150,000–200,000 VND). Grab cars are available.

By Train

The Reunification Express line runs through Lien Chieu, but the main Da Nang Railway Station is in Thanh Khe district, 10 km south. The Lien Chieu station is a minor stop for local services only. Most travellers use the main station.

By Car / Road

Lien Chieu is the starting point of National Highway 1A heading north over the Hai Van Pass toward Hue. Driving from Da Nang city centre takes 20–30 min. The Hai Van Tunnel — bypassing the pass — has its southern portal in western Lien Chieu. Local buses (line 7) connect the district to central Da Nang.

The district is spread out; a motorbike or car is essential for getting around efficiently. Taxis and Grab operate throughout. The Nam Ô fishing village and the port area are best reached by motorbike. Local bus service along Nguyễn Lương Bằng and Tôn Đức Thắng covers the main corridor.

• Nam Ô Fishing Village: A traditional coastal village on Da Nang Bay, known for its fish-sauce making and colourful fishing boats. Best visited at sunrise when the fleet returns.

• Lien Chieu Port: One of central Vietnam's busiest cargo ports; the container terminals and shipyards are best viewed from the public road along the bay.

• Hai Van Pass (southern approach): The famous coastal ridge road starts at the north-western edge of the district, offering dramatic views before the ascent.

• Đà Nẵng University Campus: A large modernist complex with lakes and green spaces, interesting for its architecture.

• Bà Nà Hills lower cable car station: The foothill terminal is on the western boundary with Hoa Vang district.

• Tour the Nam Ô fish market early in the morning (05:00–07:00).

• Drive or cycle the coastal road along Da Nang Bay at sunset.

• Visit the fish-sauce production houses in Nam Ô village (free, with purchase).

• Hike the foothill trails on the western edge of the district near the Ba Na Hills cable-car base.

• Bún Chả Cá Nam Ô: Nam Ô-style fish-cake noodle soup — the local speciality, made with fresh mackerel cakes and a turmeric-golden broth. Around 30,000 VND at village eateries.
• Bánh Tráng Cuốn Thịt Heo: The classic Da Nang rice-paper roll, available at restaurants along Nguyễn Lương Bằng.
• Hải sản nướng (grilled seafood): Several open-air restaurants near the port grill fresh catches — a seafood platter for two costs about 200,000 VND.
• Mỳ Quảng: Central Vietnamese turmeric noodles with pork and shrimp, found at simple quán in the university area.

• Fresh coconut water from street vendors near the port.
• Cà phê sữa đá at university-area coffee shops.
• Bia tươi (draught beer) is available at bia hơi shops along Tôn Đức Thắng.
• Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is sold everywhere.

• Budget: Khách sạn Hải Vân (near the port) — basic rooms from 180,000 VND/night.
• Mid-range: Danang Golden Bay Hotel (near the university) — rooms from 600,000 VND/night, bay views.

• Nam Ô nước mắm (fish sauce) — considered some of the best in Vietnam, sold in plastic bottles at the village for 30,000–80,000 VND depending on age and grade.
• Dried seafood and shrimp paste at the port market.
• Fresh fish direct from boats at Nam Ô wharf (best in the early morning).

• Hai Van Pass (20 km north, 40 min by car) — the legendary coastal drive with ocean panoramas, best by motorbike at sunrise.
• Son Tra Peninsula (15 km east, 30 min by car) — Linh Ung Pagoda, Monkey Mountain, and My Khe Beach.
• Ba Na Hills (30 km west, 1 hr by car) — cable car to the Golden Bridge and French-colonial hill station.
• Hue (100 km north via Hai Van Tunnel, 2 hr by car) — imperial citadel and royal tombs.
• Hai Chau District (12 km south-east, 25 min by car) — Da Nang's commercial and cultural heart.