Da Nang Develops Heritage Tourism Centered on Ky Anh Tunnels

Da Nang City in central Vietnam is focusing on developing cultural and tourism promotion centered on the historical heritage site of the Ky Anh Tunnels. The recent "2026 Ky Anh Tunnels–Dam River Reed Bed Cultural and Tourism Festival" featured a rich program including art performances, traditional ceremonies at Thach Tan and Vinh Binh communal houses, a re-enactment of soldiers returning to their village during wartime, a fish and shrimp release to replenish aquatic resources in the Dam River, and a community folk dance contest. This festival served as an opportunity to convey the wartime memories held by the Ky Anh Tunnels and the resilience of the local community to the present day. The tunnels are underground fortifications used by soldiers during the Vietnam War, and their historical background makes them an attractive tourist resource for visitors from both within and outside the country. This initiative seems to validate Lonely Planet's assessment of Da Nang as a must-visit summer destination in Asia. Under Vietnam's one-party system, the preservation and utilization of historical heritage are often advanced under state leadership. War heritage sites like the Ky Anh Tunnels are utilized as educational materials for national patriotism and historical education. While Vietnam aims for economic growth, tourism development through such cultural and historical heritage plays a crucial role not only in revitalizing the local economy but also in strengthening national identity. Especially in its relations with China, Vietnam seeks to enhance its regional presence by emphasizing its unique history and culture. Information source: VietnamPlus English