By aussiematesvietnam 
Welcome to Tien Sa Port: The Gateway to Da Nang’s Stunning Coastline
G’day, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here with my better half Tracy. After calling Vietnam home for nearly two decades, we’ve explored every nook and cranny of this beautiful country. Today, I’m excited to share with you one of Da Nang’s hidden gems that most tourists zoom right past – Tien Sa Port. This bustling maritime hub isn’t just for cruise ships and cargo; it’s also your ticket to some of the most spectacular coastal views in Central Vietnam.
When Tracy and I first arrived in Da Nang back in the early 2000s, Tien Sa was just a functional port without much fuss. Fast forward to today, and it’s transformed into an essential stop for cruise passengers and a jumping-off point for local adventures. So grab a cold one, settle in, and let me walk you through everything you need to know about Tien Sa Port and why it deserves a spot on your Vietnam itinerary.
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The History and Development of Tien Sa Port
Like most things in Vietnam, Tien Sa Port has a fascinating history. Originally built by the French during their colonial period, this deep-water port has seen its fair share of historical moments. During the American War (what we know as the Vietnam War), it served as a strategic military port. But don’t worry – those days are long gone.
Since the 1990s, Tien Sa has undergone massive transformations. When Tracy and I first visited in the early 2000s, it was primarily handling cargo with minimal tourist facilities. Today, after several expansion phases, it’s a modern international port capable of welcoming massive cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers. The Vietnamese government has poured millions into making it a world-class facility, and crikey, does it show!
The port now boasts three main piers, modern passenger terminals, and can accommodate ships up to 70,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage). That’s a far cry from the modest facility we first encountered all those years ago.
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How to Get to Tien Sa Port
Located about 13km northeast of Da Nang’s city center, getting to Tien Sa Port is a breeze. If you’re staying in Da Nang proper (which I highly recommend – more on that later), you’ve got several options:
- Taxi: The most straightforward option. A taxi from the city center will set you back about 150,000-200,000 VND (roughly $10-13 AUD). Make sure they use the meter!
- Grab: Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber is everywhere in Da Nang. Download the app before your trip – it’s a bloody lifesaver.
- Motorbike Rental: If you’re feeling adventurous (and have international driving experience), renting a motorbike costs about 150,000 VND ($10 AUD) per day. The ride along the coast to Tien Sa is spectacular.
- Shuttle Services: If you’re booking a cruise that departs from Tien Sa, check if your cruise line offers shuttle services from major hotels.
Tracy and I prefer hiring a private driver for the day (about 800,000 VND or $50 AUD), which gives us the flexibility to explore the surroundings after checking out the port. Worth every dong, as the locals say!
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What to Expect Upon Arrival
When you first arrive at Tien Sa Port, you might be surprised by the scale of operations. It’s not just a tourist port but a major commercial hub for Central Vietnam. Don’t be put off by the cargo containers and ships – the passenger terminal area is separate and well-organized.
The passenger terminal itself is modern and air-conditioned (thank goodness – Da Nang’s heat can be brutal!). You’ll find basic amenities including:
- Tourist information desk
- Currency exchange counters
- Small cafes serving Vietnamese coffee (try the ca phe sua da – iced coffee with condensed milk)
- Souvenir shops (though prices are tourist-oriented, so maybe save your shopping for the city)
- Clean toilets (always a plus in my book!)
- Free Wi-Fi (though connection can be spotty)
One tip from Tracy and me: if you’re arriving via cruise ship, prepare for potentially long queues during disembarkation, especially during peak season. Patience is key here, mates!
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The Spectacular Views from Tien Sa
Now, here’s where Tien Sa Port really shines – the views are absolutely ripper! The port sits at the base of Son Tra Peninsula (also known as Monkey Mountain), creating a stunning backdrop of lush greenery against the deep blue East Sea.
Tracy and I often bring our overseas visitors here just for the panoramic views. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Cham Islands in the distance. To the south, Da Nang’s skyline glitters, while to the north, the misty outline of Hai Van Pass (Vietnam’s most scenic mountain pass) creates a postcard-perfect scene.
The best viewing spot is actually just outside the main port area, at a small roadside lookout. There’s usually a few local vendors selling fresh coconuts – grab one for about 20,000 VND ($1.30 AUD) and soak in those million-dollar views. Fair dinkum, it’s worth the trip just for this!
If you’re lucky enough to be here during sunrise or sunset, have your camera ready. The golden light washing over the bay, illuminating the fishing boats and cargo ships, is something special. Tracy reckons it’s one of the most romantic spots in all of Da Nang, and after 20 years here, she knows her stuff!
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Beyond the Port: Exploring the Surroundings
While Tien Sa Port itself might only occupy you for an hour or so, its real value is as a gateway to some incredible nearby attractions. Here are our top picks that Tracy and I always recommend:
Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain)
Just adjacent to the port, this stunning peninsula is a protected nature reserve covering about 4,000 hectares. It’s home to the rare red-shanked douc langurs – some of the most beautiful primates you’ll ever see. A motorbike ride around the peninsula’s coastal road offers jaw-dropping ocean views at every turn.
Don’t miss the giant Lady Buddha statue (Chua Linh Ung) standing 67 meters tall. It’s visible from almost anywhere in Da Nang and offers spectacular views from its base. Tracy and I often bring a small picnic here in the late afternoon – it’s peaceful once the tour buses leave.
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My Khe Beach
Head south from the port for about 15 minutes, and you’ll hit My Khe Beach – once dubbed “China Beach” by American soldiers who came here for R&R during the war. Today, it’s a stunning 20km stretch of white sand that’s surprisingly uncrowded outside the Vietnamese holiday periods.
The water is clean, the sand is soft, and there are plenty of beachside cafes serving fresh seafood. Tracy’s favorite spot is a little place called Tam’s Pub & Surf Shop, where you can rent boards or just enjoy a cold beer while watching the waves. Perfect for us Aussies who need our regular beach fix!
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Marble Mountains
About 20 minutes south of Tien Sa Port are the famous Marble Mountains – a cluster of five marble and limestone hills poking dramatically out of the flat landscape. Each mountain is named after an element: water, wood, fire, metal, and earth.
The main attraction is Thuy Son (Water Mountain), which features stunning caves and Buddhist sanctuaries. The stairs to the top can be a bit of a workout (there’s about 156 steps), but as I tell Tracy whenever she complains about the climb, the views are worth every huff and puff! If you’re not up for the stairs, there’s now an elevator for 40,000 VND (about $2.50 AUD).
At the base of the mountains, you’ll find dozens of shops selling marble sculptures. The craftsmanship is impressive, though shipping anything substantial back to Australia might cost you a pretty penny!
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Practical Tips for Visiting Tien Sa Port
After countless visits over the years, Tracy and I have picked up a few insider tips that might make your visit smoother:
- Timing is everything: If you’re not arriving on a cruise ship, try to avoid visiting when a large vessel is docked. Check the port schedule online or ask your hotel.
- Weather considerations: Da Nang has two seasons – dry (February to August) and wet (September to January). The views from Tien Sa are best during the dry season, though even in the wet season, mornings often start clear.
- Local etiquette: While the port area is used to tourists, remember you’re still in a working facility. Stay in designated tourist areas and follow any security instructions.
- Currency: While some vendors and facilities accept credit cards, cash is king. Have some Vietnamese dong handy for small purchases.
- Dress appropriately: Da Nang gets hot – we’re talking 30-35°C in summer. Wear light clothing, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. If you plan to visit temples near the port (like Lady Buddha), bring a scarf or covering for your shoulders.
Oh, and one more thing – if you’re planning to take photos of the port from certain angles, be aware that security might approach you. Some areas are considered sensitive. Just be polite and move along if asked – no arguments, mate!
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Where to Eat Near Tien Sa Port
Let’s face it – exploring works up an appetite! While there are basic food options at the port itself, the real culinary adventures happen just a short distance away. Here are Tracy’s and my favorite spots:
Bà Duông – About a 10-minute drive from the port, this local joint serves the best bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory crepes) in Da Nang. No English menu, but pointing works fine. A meal here will set you back about 100,000 VND ($6.50 AUD) per person.
Red Sky Bar & Restaurant – Located on the way to My Khe Beach, this place offers stunning sea views and a mix of Western and Vietnamese dishes. The perfect compromise when Tracy craves a proper burger and I want local food. Mid-range prices, around 200,000-300,000 VND ($13-20 AUD) per person.
Madame Lân – For a more upscale experience, this beautiful restaurant housed in a colonial building offers refined Vietnamese cuisine. Their seafood is fresh from the nearby port! Expect to pay around 400,000 VND ($26 AUD) per person, but the quality justifies the price.
If you’re in a hurry, the street food vendors near the port entrance sell bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches) for about 25,000 VND ($1.60 AUD). They’re simple but delicious – just look for the stalls with the most locals queueing up!
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