1. Introduction to the Carp-Dragon Statue of Da Nang
The Carp-Dragon statue is located on the bank of the Han River, between Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge, in the central area of Da Nang city. Completed in 2015, the work quickly became a favorite stopover for tourists visiting the “most livable city in Vietnam”. With its exquisite design, the statue carries both artistic value and symbolizes the aspiration for advancement of modern Da Nang people.
If you come to the Marina yacht harbor area, you can easily find the Carp-Dragon statue facing the Han River. From here, visitors can combine a walk on the Love Bridge, enjoy coffee by the river, or watch the city light up at night, an unmissable experience in your Da Nang exploration journey.
Carp statue turning into a dragon - Da Nang's new tourism symbol (Source: Collected)
1.1. Origin and legend of the carp turning into a dragon
The legend "Carp crossing the Dragon Gate" tells that to become a dragon, carp must cross the fierce waterfall named Vu Mon. That legend becomes a symbol of will, effort, and the aspiration to achieve success. In East Asian culture, the image of carp and dragon is not only associated with spiritual elements but also expresses the harmony between heaven – earth – water.
When placed in the context of the coastal city of Da Nang, the carp-dragon statue carries even more special meaning: strong self-improvement, the spirit of overcoming difficulties to reach new heights, just like how Da Nang continuously innovates to become the leading tourism center in Central Vietnam.
1.2. Meaning of the carp-dragon statue in Vietnamese culture
In Vietnamese culture, the carp turning into a dragon is a symbol of fame, fortune, and career advancement. This image often appears in art, architecture, and feng shui, with wishes for a prosperous and successful life. In many homes, paintings or statues of carp turning into dragons are displayed solemnly to pray for luck and smooth sailing in work.
Coming to Da Nang, visitors not only admire an artwork with rich aesthetic value but also feel the national spirit, where traditional values are expressed in a modern, lively, and creative language.
1.3. Why is the carp-dragon statue considered a new tourism symbol of Da Nang?
The carp-dragon statue is 7.5 m high, weighing 200 tons, and is entirely crafted from white marble, a stone famous in Ngu Hanh Son. The design of the dragon head, carp body, and meticulously carved scales, along with a water spraying system into the Han River, creates a vivid effect, attracting the eyes of tourists day and night. This is also a work directly executed by Da Nang artisans, demonstrating their exquisite craftsmanship and love for their homeland.
The special point that makes the statue a new symbol is its prime location: situated between two symbolic bridges of the city, Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge. From here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the poetic Han River, especially in the evening when Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water on weekends. Around the statue area are the Marina yacht harbor, riverside cafes, and the Love Bridge check-in area, all creating a vibrant riverside tourist complex.
When you come here, you should arrive around 5 PM – 9 PM to watch the sunset and admire the entire city lit up. If you want to take an impressive photo, choose an angle from Dragon Bridge or from the yacht harbor to capture the statue spraying water into the river, considered a symbol of life, of Da Nang's continuous flow.
2. Guide to traveling to the carp-dragon statue in Da Nang
2.1. How to travel from Da Nang city center
The carp-dragon statue is located on Tran Hung Dao street, An Hai Tay ward, an area right on the bank of the Han River, between Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge. From the city center (Bach Dang, Le Duan, or Nguyen Van Linh street area), visitors can easily travel in just 5–10 minutes.
The most convenient route is to follow Vo Van Kiet, cross Dragon Bridge, then turn right onto Ngo Quyen street, continue straight to Ly Nam De, and then turn left onto Tran Hung Dao. Drive for about 300 m more, and you will see the carp-dragon statue on the riverbank. Along the way, you can stop at riverside cafes or the Love Bridge area to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
A small note for visitors is that the area around Dragon Bridge can be quite crowded with vehicles, especially in the evening or on weekends. Visitors should choose to travel in the early morning or early afternoon to avoid traffic jams and find parking more easily.
Aerial view of the Carp-turned-dragon statue (Source: Compilation)
2.2. Directions when starting from the north of the city
If starting from the north of Da Nang, the Tien Sa Port area, Son Tra Peninsula, or Nguyen Tat Thanh street, visitors can choose the route along Nguyen Van Linh – Dragon Bridge – Tran Hung Dao. After crossing the Dragon Bridge, turn right following the signs to Tran Hung Dao, then continue turning left to the foot of the Love Bridge, where the Carp-turned-dragon statue is located. The statue is right in the Marina yacht harbor area, making it easy to recognize from afar.
On this journey, visitors will admire the expansive Han River and the dynamic life of the coastal city. If traveling by motorbike, you can stop at points along the river to take photos of the Dragon Bridge or watch tourist boats on the river, which are very characteristic experiences of Da Nang.
Additionally, the area near the statue has spacious parking, located behind the statue, near cafes and the Love Bridge check-in area. Parking fees for motorbikes are around 5,000 VND/entry, and for cars, 20,000–30,000 VND/entry depending on the time.
2.3. Suggested transportation to the Carp-turned-dragon statue
The route to the Carp-turned-dragon statue is quite easy to find and suitable for various modes of transportation. Here are some popular options for visitors:
Taxi or ride-hailing services: This is the most convenient way to travel if you are not familiar with the roads. Da Nang has many reputable companies like Mai Linh, Vinasun, or apps like Grab, Be. The average fare is about 10,000–12,000 VND/km, with a total travel cost from the center to the statue of only about 40,000–60,000 VND.
Motorbike ride-hailing services: If traveling alone, you can use motorbike ride-hailing services (GrabBike, Gojek) for a more economical cost, ranging from 20,000–30,000 VND. Additionally, traveling by motorbike allows you to easily stop to admire the scenery or take photos along the way.
Self-drive motorbike rental: An ideal choice for those who want the freedom to explore Da Nang. The average rental price is about 100,000–150,000 VND/bike/day, and rentals are available at hotels, shops, or the airport. When renting a motorbike, you should carefully check the brakes, fuel, and documents to ensure safety.
Regardless of the chosen method, visitors should use Google Maps for navigation and to understand the route clearly. Furthermore, local people are very friendly and willing to give directions if you have difficulty finding the location.
3. Suggested experiences near the Carp-turned-dragon statue in Da Nang
3.1. Combine with a visit to the Han River tourist cluster – Sun World Ba Na Hills
After visiting the Carp-turned-dragon statue, visitors can easily combine it with visits to other famous attractions around the Han River area. Along the same Tran Hung Dao street is the Love Bridge, where many couples visit to hang love locks and take photos with a romantic view towards the Dragon Bridge. Nearby is the Dragon Bridge, a modern symbol of Da Nang, which features fire and water shows on Saturday and Sunday evenings, a captivating event not to be missed.
Besides the city center, visitors should dedicate at least a full day to explore Sun World Ba Na Hills, a famous tourist complex located about 25 km from the city center. From the statue area, you can follow Nguyen Van Linh – Nguyen Tri Phuong – Hoang Van Thai route to reach the tourist area. The cable car system here has received numerous world records and takes you to a "city in the clouds" with prominent structures like the Golden Bridge and French Village.
Golden Bridge - an architectural masterpiece not to be missed when visiting Da Nang (Source: Collected)
3.2. Ideal time to admire the carp-dragon statue
The most beautiful time to admire the carp-dragon statue is in the late afternoon from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, when the sunset light covers the Han River, creating a shimmering and magical scene. This is also the time when photographers and tourists who love "sunset hunting" often choose to take photos.
In the evening, from 7 PM to 9 PM, this area becomes more vibrant as the Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge light up simultaneously. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), if you visit around 8:45 PM, you can also watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire and water, one of Da Nang's most spectacular performances. At this time, the carp-dragon statue is brightly lit, reflecting on the river, creating an impressive night scene.
Admire the sparkling city by the Carp-Dragon statue (Source: Collection)
3.3. Photography and Souvenir Tips
The Carp-Dragon statue is one of Da Nang's iconic check-in spots. To capture impressive photos, you should choose angles with the Dragon Bridge or Love Bridge as the background. In the afternoon, natural golden light from the west helps create beautiful contrast and depth in your photos.
When shooting at night, bring a phone or camera with a night mode to capture the shimmering lights of the statue and the Han River. A small tip is to stand on the opposite side of Bach Dang street to encompass the river, the statue, and the Dragon Bridge in a single frame.
The Carp-Dragon statue is a unique architectural highlight, a cultural symbol, and the pride of Da Nang. Whether you come to admire the scenery, wish for luck, or contemplate feng shui, this structure is sure to bring positive inspiration and an unforgettable impression to your journey exploring the city by the Han River.
