Da Nang, a coastal gem in Central Vietnam, is increasingly being recognized as a dynamic filming location for both Vietnamese and international productions. Its diverse natural scenery, from pristine white sandy beaches to towering mountains, and unique architectural landmarks, make it a rare and ideal setting for filmmakers. The geographical advantage of the sea, river, and mountains coexisting is a unique find that sparks inspiration and intrigue.
In recent years, a variety of productions have chosen Da Nang to showcase its beauty, thereby enhancing the city’s image on the global stage. For instance, the Vietnamese adaptation of “My Sassy Girl, “titled “Love You Regardless” (2018), captured the city’s “dreamy and romantic” essence through its picturesque scenes. Similarly, the Hollywood action film “The Protégé” (2021) brought Da Nang to the forefront by featuring its protagonist as a local and highlighting the city’s landmarks, including the iconic Dragon Bridge and Da Nang International Airport. These successful films shot in Da Nang reassure the audience of the city’s potential as a filming location.
Vietnamese audiences have also taken pride in seeing familiar Da Nang backdrops in popular media, such as “Taxi Driver 2” (2023), which showcased the scenic riverside buildings along the Han River and the Dragon Bridge in its trailer. Furthermore, Netflix’s first feature film, shot in Vietnam, “A Tourist’s Guide to Love” (2023), dedicates significant portions to highlighting the country’s beauty, from its scenic beaches to its historic landmarks, offering viewers an authentic glimpse into local culture and landscapes.
The Thai film “Heartbeats” (2020) also featured Da Nang as a key setting, incorporating Sun World Ba Na Hills into its romantic narrative. These instances reflect a growing trend among filmmakers who are recognizing Da Nang’s exceptional qualities for creating visually captivating scenes, ultimately reinforcing its status as a promising destination for the film industry.
ICONIC SCENERY AND LOCATIONS ENHANCE DA NANG’S CINEMATIC APPEAL
Blessed by nature and shaped by human creativity, Da Nang stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities of cinematic storytelling. Notable spots include:
Dragon Bridge: Spanning the Han River, this magnificent steel bridge, inspired by the Ly Dynasty’s dragon symbol, sparkles brilliantly at night. More than just a transportation route, it serves as a tourism icon, often gracing panoramic city scenes. Its unique ability to breathe fire and water on weekends transforms it into a powerful visual spectacle, perfect for dynamic night scenes.
Da Nang Museum: Located at 42 Bach Dang Street, this recently opened museum, housed in the beautifully restored French-era City Hall, seamlessly blends classical and modern architecture. Celebrated as the most beautiful museum in Central Viet Nam, its 8,600m² exhibition space dedicated to local history and culture creates a stunning backdrop -ideal for documentaries or nostalgic scenes set in Da Nang in the old days.
Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son): A harmonious cluster of five marble and limestone hills along the coast, these sacred landscapes weave rivers, mountains, and enchanting caves into a singular “Southern Heavenly Scene.” The peaks—Thuy Son, Moc Son, and Hoa Son—are home to ancient temples like Linh Ung Pagoda and Huyen Khong Cave, making them ideal for historical, spiritual, or adventure enthusiasts. From Thuy Son’s summit, the sweeping views of the city and coast inspire breathtaking storytelling.
Sun World Ba Na Hills: A mountaintop resort complex rising to 1,487 meters above sea level, often likened to a real-life fairyland. Ba Na Hills is enchanted with its year-round temperate climate, a charming 19th-century European-style French Village, and the iconic Golden Bridge. Supported by giant stone hands, this breathtaking footbridge embodies Da Nang’s allure as a tourist destination. It serves as the perfect setting for fairy-tale, fantasy, or romantic cloud scenes. At the same time, the world-record cable car journey offers stunning aerial shots of the lush highlands.
Hoa Bac: A peaceful suburb in northwestern Da Nang, where the gentle Cu De River winds through lush fields and mountains. This rustic charm in Hoa Vang District presents a serene contrast to the urban bustle. Cinematographers will uncover postcard-perfect countryside scenes, inspiring pastoral or introspective films.
Son Tra Peninsula: Known as the “green lung” of Da Nang, this 4,400-hectare natural wonder is home to Viet Nam’s only coastal primary forest ecosystem. Just 10 km from the city center, its peaks rise nearly 700 meters above sea level, offering grand views of the city, Tien Sa Port, mountains, and the sea from sites like Ban Co Peak and the Indochina Eye (an old radar station). This dramatic landscape is perfect for sweeping panoramic scenes. The forest is also a sanctuary for the endangered red-shanked douc langur – “the queen of primates” -making it a haven for nature documentaries. Whether at dawn or dusk, Son Tra’s blend of sea and forest ensures that every frame tells a story.
Da Nang Beaches: Boasting over 30km of stunning coastline, Da Nang features some of the world’s most captivating beaches. My Khe Beach, recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s six most beautiful, offers soft, white sand, warm, clear waters, and swaying coconut trees—creating an ideal tropical backdrop for romance, sports, or resort-themed films. Alongside vibrant My Khe, quieter, pristine beaches like Xuan Thieu, Nam O, and Non Nuoc provide serene, dreamy settings. The sea is a source of local pride, guaranteed to enrich every cinematic endeavor.
POISED TO BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL FILM HUB
Da Nang’s remarkable diversity of landscapes positions it as an exceptional choice for filmmakers. The city seamlessly blends pristine natural beauty with cutting-edge urban infrastructure, catering to a wide array of filming needs across various genres. Da Nang has already attracted several professional film crews and continues to pique the interest of the industry.
Looking ahead, with a clear vision for sustainable tourism that harmonizes culture and landscape, Da Nang is poised to emerge as a leading open-air film studio in the region. Each element of its natural heritage and architectural landmark tells a captivating story, ripe for the big screen. With robust support from the local government in promoting the destination and streamlining film projects, an increasing number of producers will undoubtedly consider Da Nang as their following filming location. This government support encourages and supports the film industry, making Da Nang an attractive choice for filmmakers.
DANANG CENTER FOR TOURISM PROMOTION
