Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture
French archaeologists began gathering Cham artifacts from central Vietnam in the late 19th century, initially displaying them in a public garden, though these pieces suffered from exposure and vandalism.
French archaeologists began gathering Cham artifacts from central Vietnam in the late 19th century, initially displaying them in a public garden, though these pieces suffered from exposure and vandalism. Recognizing the need for better preservation, Henri Parmentier of the École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO) proposed the creation of a museum. Construction began in 1913 under French architects Delaval and Auclair, incorporating Cham architectural elements, and the Musée Cham was completed in 1916. Over the years, the museum expanded, notably in 1936 when it was renamed after Parmentier, whose contributions to Cham studies were monumental.
Following Vietnam's independence, the museum became the National Museum of Đà Nẵng. Despite closing temporarily after 1975, it suffered minimal damage and was revitalized in the 1990s. In 2004, a significant expansion provided more space for new exhibitions, storage, and a restoration workshop.
Today, the museum houses the world’s most important collection of Cham art, making it a must-see in Đà Nẵng. The original colonial building, an inverted U-shape, contains several galleries showcasing the treasures of Cham culture. Visitors enter through the east wing, greeted by exhibits such as a model of the Mỹ Sơn ruins, a large map of Cham sites, and artifacts like the Trà Kiệu Pedestal and Shiva Linga, a national treasure from the 7th century. This gallery features stunning sculptures and friezes depicting Cham deities and legends.
The museum's west wing currently holds a special exhibit on the excavation of the Phong Lệ Temple Tower, while the central gallery displays artifacts from Mỹ Sơn, an important Cham religious center. Highlights include the Mỹ Sơn E1 Altar Pedestal, decorated with scenes of life on Mount Kailasa, and statues of Hindu deities like Ganesh and Shiva.
Another section is dedicated to the Đồng Dương Buddhist monastery, showcasing the museum’s third national treasure—a bronze statue of the Tara Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva from the 10th century, exemplifying the mastery of Cham bronzecasting.
Behind the original building, a modern gallery opened in 2004 features Cham art from various regions, including Quảng Bình, Đà Nẵng, Quảng Ngãi, and Bình Định. Highlights include 10th-century sculptures from lost temple sites, 12th-century friezes from Tháp Mắm, and rare objects from Bình Định-Kontum’s Vijaya kingdom. The gallery also offers insight into Cham inscriptions, ceramics, and the culture of the Cham community in Ninh Thuận.
This vast collection, housed in a beautifully preserved historical setting, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the artistry, religion, and life of the Cham civilization.
French archaeologists began gathering Cham artifacts from central Vietnam in the late 19th century, initially displaying them in a public garden, though these pieces suffered from exposure and vandalism.
The Hải Vân Pass, also known as the Sea Cloud Pass, gracefully winds across a dramatic spur of the Trường Sơn mountain range, where rugged peaks meet the sea.
Non Nước Beach, stretching gracefully for 5 kilometers along the base of the Marble Mountains, lies just 8 kilometers southeast of Đà Nẵng.
Opened in 2009, Sun World Bà Nà Hills Mountain Resort offers an exhilarating journey from its Ga Suối Mơ base station via a five-line Doppelmayer cable car system and a scenic 400-meter Garaventa funicular tramway.
Nam Ô Village, nestled at the mouth of the Cu Đê River, offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam's coastal heritage. Despite the encroachment of modernity, the village retains its old-world charm, with narrow alleyways that can only be explored on foot.
Perched high above Đà Nẵng on a 630-meter promontory, Linh Ứng Bãi Bụt Pagoda offers a harmonious blend of ancient tradition and contemporary devotion. Though completed between 2004 and 2010, the pagoda’s legacy is deeply rooted in a centuries-old legend from the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng (1820-1840).
Mân Thái Beach, located just 3 kilometers north of Đà Nẵng’s bustling center, is a serene coastal retreat that invites visitors to step into a world where time moves more slowly.
Pháp Lâm Pagoda, founded in 1932 in Đà Nẵng, Vietnam, initially served as a spiritual center under the name Pagoda of the Buddhist Assembly of Đà Nẵng, later becoming the Pagoda of the Annam Buddhist Assembly Đà Nẵng in 1938. Rebuilt extensively between 1999 and 2005, it now features a grand three-entrance gate and a two-level main building.
Originally opened in the 1980s, Đà Nẵng City Museum has a rich legacy of preserving and showcasing the city’s historical and cultural artifacts. The museum remains a vital repository of thousands of documents, photographs, and objects that trace the evolution of Đà Nẵng and its districts.
Nestled approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Đà Nẵng and 20 kilometers northeast of Hội An, the Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn, meaning "Five Elements Mountains") present a striking tableau of five marble and limestone peaks
Mỹ Khê Beach, situated just 6 kilometers east of Đà Nẵng’s bustling city center, is an idyllic coastal escape renowned for its long, pristine stretch of powdery white sand and tranquil azure waters.
Hàn Market (Chợ Hàn) is a symbol of Đà Nẵng's rich commercial heritage, dating back centuries. Though now housed in a modest building from 1991, its roots stretch to the city’s earliest days in Hải Châu. Over time, the market became a key trade hub and ferry terminal, reaching prominence as one of Quảng Nam's major markets by 1776.
Cồn Market (Chợ Cồn) in Đà Nẵng, established in the 1940s and modernized since, is a vibrant hub for authentic Vietnamese shopping. Located on Ông Ích Khiêm Street, 3 kilometers from the city center, it offers a diverse range of products including fresh produce, seafood, meat, clothing, and souvenirs.
Standing gracefully along modern-day Trần Phú Street, Đà Nẵng Cathedral, fondly known as Nhà Thờ Con Gà (Rooster Church), stands as a beloved symbol of faith and history in the city.
The Cao Đài faith, a syncretic religion blending Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, emerged in 1926 in Tây Ninh, Vietnam, as a unique spiritual movement. While the orthodox Cao Đài Tây Ninh sect established Đà Nẵng's first temple in 1938, this temple, located at 63 Hải Phòng Street, was constructed between 1956 and 1957.
The award-winning Dragon Bridge, an iconic architectural marvel in Đà Nẵng, was designed by Louis Berger and Ammann & Whitney following an international design competition.
Đà Nẵng’s eight westernmost districts—Đông Giang, Tây Giang, Nam Giang, Tiên Phước, Hiệp Đức, Phước Sơn, Bắc Trà My, and Nam Trà My—are known for their breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
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