Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2026 Opens 30 May
The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival - DIFF - returns on 30 May 2026 and runs through 11 July, bringing ten pyrotechnics teams from nine countries to the Han River for six competition nights across six consecutive Saturdays.
This year’s theme is “Da Nang – United Horizons.” Two Vietnamese teams - Da Nang and Z21 Vina Pyrotech - compete alongside international teams from France, Japan, Italy, Germany, Macau, Australia, and Portugal. Shows begin at approximately 8pm at the Han River Port area in central Da Nang, with each competition night carrying its own artistic theme:
- 30 May: Opening night - Da Nang (Vietnam) vs France - Maritime Heritage
- 6 June: Vietnam Z21 Vina Pyrotech vs Japan - Culture
- 13 June: Italy vs Australia - Innovation
- 20 June: Germany vs Macau - Creativity
- 27 June: Portugal vs a wildcard team - Vision
- 5 July: Grand Final
The festival transforms central Da Nang each Saturday into a concert-scale outdoor event. Grandstands along the riverbank provide ticketed viewing, with general areas also open along the promenade. Tickets for reserved grandstand seats are available through official channels at diff.vn, with pricing typically ranging from VND 200,000 to VND 600,000 (approximately USD 8–24) depending on section and proximity to the launch area. Free viewing positions on the pedestrian sections of Han River Bridge and along the Tran Hung Dao riverside boulevard fill from around 7pm - arrive early to secure a spot with a clear sightline.
Getting there and getting around
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) has direct connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and an expanding list of international routes including Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, and Tokyo. From the airport, taxis reach the Han River area in approximately 20 minutes and cost around VND 150,000–200,000. Grab is reliable and often slightly cheaper.
Traffic in central Da Nang intensifies significantly on festival evenings. If you are driving, park further from the river - the My Khe Beach strip about one kilometre east is a practical option - and walk in. Post-show traffic clears within about 45 minutes as the crowd disperses.
Where to stay and what to book first
DIFF is one of Southeast Asia’s largest annual fireworks competitions and routinely draws very large crowds. Hotels in central Da Nang and along the nearby beach strip fill quickly during competition weekends. Rooms within walking distance of Dragon Bridge and the Han River festival zone book out weeks in advance during the June dates, when DIFF overlaps with early summer travel peaks. We recommend securing accommodation at least three to four weeks before your chosen competition night, and checking cancellation policies carefully given how rapidly the festival calendar is confirmed each year.
For those planning time between shows, the Da Nang things to do guide covers the city’s beaches, landmarks, and day trips including Ba Na Hills and the Marble Mountains. Visitors looking for accommodation options across all budgets can browse Best Hotels in Da Nang. Those building a wider Vietnam itinerary should check Vietnam in June for weather patterns and travel conditions across the country during DIFF’s peak competition weeks.
Combining DIFF with wider central Vietnam travel
June is one of the better months to visit central Vietnam, with Da Nang sitting in the rain shadow of the Hai Van Pass and enjoying lower rainfall than the north or south during this period. The proximity to Hoi An - 30 km south by taxi - makes it practical to use the ancient town as a quieter base and travel up to Da Nang on competition Saturdays. Ba Na Hills, the cable car attraction west of the city, typically runs year-round and is a practical half-day trip on non-competition days. To book Da Nang tours and day trips - including Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains, and Hoi An excursions - browse in advance to avoid sold-out slots on festival weekends.