Danang restaurants yet to wake up post pandemic

Many restaurants and beach hotels in Danang remain shuttered or vacant, although the number of arrivals at the tourism hub in central Vietnam has grown substantially as Covid-19 has been put under control.

Along Danang's coastline tourism routes like Vo Nguyen Giap, Pham Van Dong, and Tran Bach Dang, many dining, entertainment, and lodging outlets remain closed. Numerous locations have been abandoned for over two years, leaving dust covering tables and chairs along with ruined equipment.

Domestic tourists visiting the city have nearly returned, according to Cao Tri Dung, chairman of Da Nang Tourism Association, however the foreign tourist market is slowly recovering.

"Not just in Danang, but in many other localities, international visitors are still scarce. Danang’s business community has been developing new products and personnel resources, and the crucial factor now is the market source."

When the pandemic had not yet broken out, Thanh's shop on Tran Bach Dang street in Son Tra district received hundreds of Korean and Chinese clients daily. "Although the outbreak has been contained, foreign tourists have yet to return, making business extremely slow. Many businesses are yet to reopen. I only open to maintain my regular clients,” she told The Investor.

According to Danang Department of Tourism, the number of foreigners visiting Danang on the April 30 and May 1 holidays increased by nearly 16 times compared to the same period last year, thanks to the reopening of international flights. However, considering Danang's popularity as a tourist destination, this figure is still low.

Vietnam has abolished its Covid-19 testing requirement for people entering the country since May 15.

Danang is frequently referred to as the most livable in Vietnam, and it is located near several UNESCO world heritage sites, including Hoi An, Hue, and My Son Sanctuary.