When the sky goes quiet between Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) show nights, the competing teams don’t just sit around polishing choreography. They get out there—riding cable cars through the clouds, sampling local eats, chasing sunsets on silky beaches, and soaking up the city’s famously warm welcome. Here’s what they loved most—and what you can borrow for your own Da Nang game plan.
Bà Nà Hills: Everyone’s First Stop (for Good Reason)
Ask any team where they’re heading first and you’ll hear the same answer: Bà Nà Hills. The Korean team’s captain, Jung Young Ho, summed it up: the whole crew was eager to experience the mountaintop resort they’d heard so much about—and to fill their camera rolls before flying home.
What keeps drawing international guests back?
- That record-holding cable car ride straight into the clouds
- A dreamy European-style hill town with photogenic corners wherever you turn
- The Golden Bridge (yes, the “giant hands” one) and the Moon Waterfall as perfect backdrops
- Cool mountain air and a seamless blend of nature and architecture
The Italian team, led by Giorgio Bonaccio, last visited three years ago—cable car, Linh Ung Pagoda, the works. This time, they returned to let first-timers go all in. Their verdict? Da Nang keeps evolving, and every comeback trip feels fresh.
New and Tasty: Ba Na Brew House
One crowd favorite is Ba Na Brew House, where fresh craft beer meets hearty, German-style bites (hello, grilled sausages). It’s a relaxed pit stop that pairs nicely with a long day of sightseeing.
Summer Shows That Bring the Energy
Bà Nà Hills is piling on the entertainment this season with:
- Solar Warriors at Vinh Cuu Square, turning up the heat with Malambo rhythms
- Happy Fair, a lively spin on a medieval European market
- Afterglow, a moody, emotion-rich night show curated with international audiences in mind (details: banahills.sunworld.vn)
Beach Day = Recovery Day
Competition prep is intense, so off-days matter. The UK team, headed by Mark Kelsall, did it right: a full Sunday devoted to Da Nang’s beaches. Long sweeps of soft sand, clear water, and easygoing activities—swimming, long walks, or a quick game of beach volleyball—make the shoreline a perfect reset button after high-pressure show nights.
Finland and Portugal Ate Their Way Through the City
Local flavors are half the fun in Da Nang. Teams kept raving about:
- Mi Quang (the city’s iconic turmeric rice noodles)
- Bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup)
- Crispy banh xeo and fresh-off-the-boat seafood
Da Nang Downtown’s night-time scene and casual oceanside restaurants made it easy to sample widely—menus are diverse, spaces relaxed, and you can wander between stalls and tables at your own pace.
Portugal’s young team captain, Andre Macedo, was all in on the food-and-culture combo. After their show, Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) was next on their list—plus another round of Vietnamese dishes. “The food here is genuinely superb,” he shared.
Finland’s team (DIFF 2024 champions), led by Johan Hollaender, was thrilled to be back. Pagodas, Bà Nà Hills, Hoi An Ancient Town, and plenty of local eateries kept them busy. They also carved out time for museums because understanding the city’s history “is always a key part of any trip.”
The Secret Sauce: People, Ease, and Vibes
Across three continents, teams echoed the same impression: Da Nang is friendly, easy to navigate, and packed with energy. Jaroslaw from the Poland team put it simply: among European fireworks festivals, DIFF stands out—not just for its scale but for the warmth. The city feels beautiful, welcoming, almost like home. That’s why they’re happy to come back year after year.
What’s Next: DIFF 2025’s Grand Finale
Seven international teams have now wrapped their Da Nang journeys with plenty of good memories. All eyes turn to the DIFF 2025 final:
- Finalists: Z121 Vina Pyrotech (Vietnam) vs. Jiangxi Yanfeng (China)
- Time: 8:00 PM, July 12
- Broadcast: Live on VTV1 (Vietnam Television)
More info: diff.vn
Getting Around: A Handy Ride Deal
Riding to the festival zone? Xanh SM, an electric ride-hailing brand, is rolling out a special DIFF2025 promo:
- 15% off (up to 50,000 VND) on Xanh Car and Xanh Premium
- Valid for trips with pickup or drop-off in the DIFF event area on July 12
- Book via the Xanh SM app and select eligible locations in-app
Always check the app for the latest terms, availability, and coverage.
Quick Tips from Seasoned Travelers
- Plan Bà Nà Hills early: Morning cable car slots are popular; weather can change fast in the mountains.
- Dress smart: Light, breathable clothing for the city; an extra layer for Bà Nà’s cooler air.
- Hydrate and snack: Festival days run long. Keep water and light snacks handy.
- Respect local culture: Temples and pagodas have dress codes—cover shoulders and knees when visiting.
- Book ahead for finals night: Hotels, rides, and restaurant tables fill up quickly around the closing show.
- Check official sources: Schedules and promotions can change. Confirm on diff.vn and relevant brand channels.
Why This Matters (and Why You’ll Love It)
Travel memories live between the highlights—the spontaneous detours, the meal that surprises you, the stranger who gives directions with a smile. That’s the spirit these DIFF teams experienced in Da Nang. If you’re planning a visit, borrow their playbook: ride the clouds at Bà Nà, unwind on the beach, eat adventurously, and leave room for the city to surprise you.
See you under the lights—and the fireworks.