Han River Cruise Da Nang: Watch the Dragon Bridge Fire Show, Ticket Prices & Travel Tips

If Ha Long Bay is famous for overnight cruises, Da Nang offers a very different kind: an evening cruise along the Han River, taking in illuminated bridges and a glittering city on both banks. Taking around an hour, it's a relaxed experience that almost anyone visiting Da Nang should try. This article compiles everything you need to know about the Han River cruise experience: when to go, what to see, how much it costs, and how to choose your ticket.

What is a Han River Cruise?

These are boat trips running along the Han River in the evening, departing from piers in the city center. The boat passes a series of famous bridges in turn; some trips are purely sightseeing, while others include dinner, live music, or artistic performances. Some boats are designed in the shape of a dragon and are very eye-catching.

Bridges You Will See

• Dragon Bridge: a bridge shaped like a golden, undulating dragon and the symbol of Da Nang. On weekend evenings and public holidays, the dragon's head breathes fire and sprays water, usually at around 9:00 PM.

• Han River Swing Bridge: the famous rotating bridge, beautifully lit up in the evening.

• Tran Thi Ly Bridge: features an inclined sail-shaped pylon that stands out against the night sky.

• Thuan Phuoc Bridge: a long suspension bridge near the river mouth, looking out toward the sea.

The bridges over the Han River are brilliantly illuminated in the evening. Photo: kizamaya / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.

What Time Should You Go?

Boats typically run from around 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The most popular time slot is around 8:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday evenings, so you can catch the Dragon Bridge fire and water show. If you prefer to watch the sunset over the river, choose an early departure just as the sun goes down.

Note: the Dragon Bridge fire show schedule may change during public holidays or special events. Check the schedule before booking your ticket.

A twilight cruise lets you watch the sunset over the Han River. Photo: Quangpraha / Wikimedia Commons, CC0.

Reference Ticket Prices

• Sightseeing ticket: from around 150,000 VND per adult.

• Ticket with dinner: from around 400,000 VND to over 1,000,000 VND depending on the menu and type of boat.

• Children: usually have separate pricing based on height; children under 1 m are typically admitted free of charge.

Prices vary by operator and time of year. During the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, both ticket prices and visitor numbers increase significantly.

Tips for Your Han River Cruise

• Book your ticket in advance, especially on weekend evenings and public holidays.

• Arrive at the pier about 20 minutes before departure to complete boarding procedures and pick a good seat.

• If you want to photograph the Dragon Bridge, sit on the outer deck or upper level of the boat.

• Bring a light jacket, as the river breeze can be quite cool, especially from November to February.

• Da Nang's rainy season falls around September to December. On stormy evenings, boats may temporarily suspend operations.

The Han River flows through the heart of Da Nang city. Photo: lumoplank / Wikimedia Commons, CC0.

Combining with Your Da Nang Itinerary

A Han River cruise fits easily into any itinerary: spend the day swimming at My Khe Beach or visiting Ba Na Hills and Son Tra Peninsula, enjoy seafood for dinner, then board the boat for an evening river cruise. If you're staying at a hotel near the Han River, you can walk to the pier.

Photo Credits

Cover photo: "Da Nang Dragon Bridge (II)" – Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Photos within the article are credited directly beneath each image.