Central Vietnam hub Danang eyes partnering with neighboring Hue to develop luxury resort island

The central city of Danang plans to collaborate with its neighboring Hue to develop Hon Son Cha into an eco-resort island exclusive for high-paying and ultra-luxury tourists.

This collaboration is part of an economic cooperation plan between Danang and provinces in the south central coast, Central Highlands, and the East-West Economic Corridor 2, which was recently approved by Chairman of the Danang People's Committee Le Trung Chinh.

In addition, Danang intends to partner with Hue city to jointly develop other tourist destinations such as Bai Sung Co, Ma Da, and Hai Van Quan.

According to the plan, Danang aims to become one of the largest international tourism hubs, serving as a gateway to the central and Central Highlands regions.

The city envisions linking to Lang Co, Bach Ma, and Canh Duong of Hue in the north, and Dien Ban, Hoi An, and Thang Binh of Quang Nam province in the south, ultimately becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top coastal tourism centers.

Hon Son Cha: A pristine island destination

Hon Son Cha is a small, untouched island located at the foot of Hai Van Pass. From a distance, the island resembles an upside-down pan, which is why it was historically known as Hon Chao by locals.

Located about 10 nautical miles from the mainland, Hon Son Cha rises 235 meters above sea level, featuring steep, towering cliffs. In addition to its clear and blue waters, the island is also known for its pristine, untouched forests.

Earlier, in September 2024, the Government Office announced the conclusion of Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, assigning Danang to manage Hon Son Cha and the southern area of Hai Van mountain, while Thua Thien-Hue province (now Hue city) will oversee the northern area of Hai Van mountain.

Investing in connectivity infrastructure

Regarding infrastructure development, Danang will receive investments to build a comprehensive expressway network, including Danang-Thanh My-Ngoc Hoi-Bo Y Expressway, which will connect with Danang-Quang Ngai Expressway.

Additionally, the local government plans to complete La Son-Tuy Loan Expressway and upgrade National Road 14B’s section running through Danang to a six-lane urban main road. National Road 14G will be developed with two lanes, and a bypass around Hai Van will also be built.

The East-West Economic Corridor 2, which connects Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar to Danang via National Roads 14B and 14D, will also be completed, linking the Nam Giang International Border Gate (Quang Nam) with Danang.

Furthermore, Danang will construct a public transportation system (either a metro or equivalent mode of transport) connecting the city with Hoi An (Quang Nam) and Lang Co (Hue).

For rail transportation, it plans to build a high-speed rail line alongside a conventional national railway running parallel to the expressway towards the east. A railway from Danang to Kon Tum province in the Central Highlands, linking with the national North-South railway at the new Danang station, is also planned after 2030.