The Marble Mountains have become a special national historical relic (Photo: Phuong Cuc/VOV)

Danang has 2 special national relic sites, 18 national-level and 51 city-level relics, and 4 national intangible heritages. Cultural and historical sites include the Danang Museum, the Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture, the revolutionary base K20, and the Marble Mountains. Some of the intangible cultural heritages are “Bai choi” (folk singing practice of the central region that resembles a game, using playing cards and village huts), “Tuong” (Vietnam’s classical opera), the Whale worshipping ritual, and the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva festival.

The Marble Mountains are among the best known destinations thanks to a system of majestic stalactite caves. The mountains used to welcome tourists only during the festival but are now open all year round. Nguyen Van Hien, head of the management board of the Marble Mountains, said: “The Marble Mountains are attracting more and more visitors, many of them are at middle age and advanced age. They admire the natural landscape and find peace of mind.”

The Danang Museum attracts about 800 visitors each day, and even 1,000 during the peak season. They come to learn about the local history and people while contemplating well-preserved antiques. Huynh Dinh Phuoc Thien, the Museum’s Director, said cultural heritages have made Danang’s tourism distinct from other areas. He added: “We will operate new tours linking municipal and national level heritages. We will involve the public in preserving and promoting those heritages.”   

Hai Van gate at the peak of Hai Van pass attracts tourists. (Photo: Phuong Cuc/VOV)

According to Huynh Van Hung, Director of Danang City’s Department of Culture and Sports, local tourism development requires preservation and promotion of the national relic sites. Hung told VOV: “The heritages should be preserved and used for sustainable tourism development. We are currently restoring the Dien Hai citadel and planning to build a square around it, making the citadel a tourist attraction in Danang City.”

Danang has cooperated with nearby localities of Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, and Quang Binh to run tours of heritage sites beyond the city boundary.