Photo courtesy of VN Express

Da Nang, a key tourist city in central Vietnam, faces significant challenges managing 1,600 to 1,700 metric tons of waste daily. Streets, sidewalks, and beaches are cluttered with household waste and construction debris, affecting local aesthetics and tourism. Efforts to clean up have shown limited success, as new dumping sites quickly appear near recently cleared areas.

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Despite cleanup operations and warning signs, illegal trash sites persist across the city. Notably, areas like Vo Nguyen Giap and Hoang Hoa Tham Streets are hotspots for waste, with sidewalks serving as makeshift dumps. The lack of adequate public bins exacerbates the issue, as overflowing garbage and pungent smells deter tourists and obstruct daily life.

The waste management crisis has drawn criticism from city officials. During a May 22 meeting, Vice Chairman Tran Nam Hung rebuked local agencies for failing to prevent accumulation and urged strict enforcement measures. Plans include public shaming of offenders and fines based on surveillance footage, aiming to curb the ongoing waste problems.

Looking ahead, Da Nang faces considerable pressure to manage waste more effectively, especially during peak tourist seasons. The city plans to enhance waste collection, improve infrastructure for proper disposal, and implement stricter penalties to prevent illegal dumping. Long-term strategies are required to maintain Da Nang's reputation as a top tourist destination.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 28 May 2026

Unfortunately, this place has turned into a dump.

Largely due to the type and quality of the recent expats 😔