Hoang Sa Exhibition House in Da Nang – Explore Precious Documents on Sea and Island Sovereignty

Hoang Sa Exhibition House is located on Hoang Sa Street, Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang City. The building sits right at the intersection of Hoang Sa – Phan Ba Phien, opposite Hoang Sa beach and facing directly towards the East Sea, where the sacred Hoang Sa Archipelago of the Fatherland lies.

• How to get there:
  • From Da Nang Airport: About a 15-20 minute drive via Vo Nguyen Giap Street - turn onto Hoang Sa.
  • Bus: Route No. 2 (stops near Man Thai beach) then walk 500m.
  • Taxi/Grab: Very convenient, costing around 150,000 – 200,000 VND from the city center.

This prime location is not only convenient for tourism but also holds symbolic significance: a structure "facing the sea" as a constant reminder of territorial sovereignty.

The Hoang Sa Exhibition House was designed based on the winning entry of an architectural competition in 2014, executed by a team of Japanese architects (Fuminori Minakami and Vietnamese associates) and consulted by WRIGHT Architecture Company. The structure was inspired by the "seal of sovereignty" from the reign of Emperor Minh Mang – the royal decree establishing the Hoang Sa Flotilla in 1835.

Architectural highlights:

• Facade: A giant yellow star red flag (over 100m²) designed like a lighthouse, glowing brightly at night, asserting Vietnam's sovereignty over Hoang Sa.
• Scale: 1 ground floor + 3 upper floors, with a total floor area of over 1,800m², standing 18.2m high on a 1,300m² land plot.
• Interior symbols: The main lobby features the sovereignty landmark stele (erected by the French in 1938) and the Hoang Sa torch – symbolizing the undying will to protect the seas and islands.

Modern yet deeply Vietnamese architecture, harmoniously blending tradition and contemporary style, makes the Hoang Sa Exhibition House one of the most beautiful and meaningful cultural landmarks in Da Nang.

The interior space is divided into 4 floors with 5 display themes that are clear and logical, utilizing modern technology (interactive screens, bilingual Vietnamese - English audio QR codes). The entire layout is scientifically designed and easy to follow along a historical timeline.

5 prominent themes:

• Geographical location and natural conditions of the Hoang Sa Archipelago Introducing coordinates, island entities, natural resources, and a rich marine ecosystem.
• Hoang Sa in ancient Vietnamese records before the Nguyen Dynasty (17th century – before 1802) The name "Bai Cat Vang" (Golden Sandbank) in ancient records and maps from the Nguyen Lords' era.
• Hoang Sa in ancient records during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945) Activities of the Hoang Sa Flotilla, soldier commemoration ceremonies, imperial records (Chau Ban), and royal edicts.
• Evidence of sovereignty from 1945 – 1974 Administrative, economic, and military activities of the Republic of Vietnam; particularly documentation of the 1974 event.
• Evidence of sovereignty from 1974 to present Continuous efforts by Vietnam to assert sovereignty despite challenges.

In addition, you can see the Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks (Memory of the World documentary heritage), 3D dioramas, boat models, as well as civilian and military artifacts. Each item is attached with a QR code for detailed audio guides.

The Hoang Sa Exhibition House holds over 300 documents, maps, and artifacts of exceptional historical and legal value, contributing to clearly and convincingly affirming Vietnam's sovereignty over its seas and islands. The artifacts are carefully selected, reflecting key historical periods throughout.

• Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks: UNESCO-recognized World Documentary Heritage, containing important information on the imperial court's administration of seas and islands.
• Ancient maps from the 17th – 19th centuries: Includes maps from Vietnam and Western countries, and even maps published by China, all clearly showing that Hoang Sa was not Chinese territory.
• Imperial records (Chau Ban) and decrees of the Nguyen Dynasty: Administrative documents annotated by emperors, proving official administration and establishment of sovereignty.
• 1938 Sovereignty landmark stele & 1974 event documents: Important historical milestones detailing the process of protecting sea and island sovereignty across periods.
• Giant National Flag: Spanning over 100m², donated by Mrs. Pham Thi Phan along with an earnest letter, reflecting deep patriotic spirit.
• Research materials by scholars: Includes works by experts such as Nguyen Nha, Tran Duc Anh, and Nguyen Tang Tri, contributing to reinforcing academic and legal value.
• "Historical Witnesses" Area (3rd floor): Displays 31 portraits of living witnesses, integrated with QR codes to listen to authentic and emotional stories.

Far from being mere display items, the documents here serve as solid legal proof while inspiring national pride and awareness of preserving maritime sovereignty in every Vietnamese person.

The Hoang Sa Exhibition House is a free cultural and historical attraction, offering convenient conditions for visitors and locals to learn about Vietnam's sovereignty over its seas and islands.

• Ticket price: 100% Free for all visitors.
• Opening hours:
  • Tuesday to Sunday (including public holidays and Tet)
  • Morning: 08:00 – 11:30
  • Afternoon: 13:30 – 17:00
• Important notes:
  • Closed every Monday
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during holidays or weekends
• Tour support: Visitors can scan QR codes at display areas for automated audio commentary, or contact the hotline 0236.3689.921 / 0236.3690.929 for further details.

With flexible opening hours and completely free admission, the Hoang Sa Exhibition House is a meaningful destination you should not miss when visiting Da Nang.

The Hoang Sa Exhibition House is not merely a thematic museum, but an architectural symbol of patriotism and the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people. Through every artifact and valuable document displayed here, visitors not only acquire historical and legal knowledge but also deeply feel national pride and the responsibility to protect sovereignty. Visit the Hoang Sa Exhibition House in Da Nang to contemplate undeniable historical evidence, feel the eternal vitality of the East Sea, and jointly affirm an unshakeable historical truth: Hoang Sa belongs to Vietnam, forever an inseparable part of our beloved Fatherland!