By: Elisa Maria da Silva
15 April 2025
From April 7–11, 2025, I had the opportunity to accompany the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, and SOM Leader of Timor-Leste, Ms. Milena Rangel, to attend the ASEAN–New Zealand and ASEAN–United Kingdom Senior Officials’ Meetings. We also participated in the “Meet ASEAN in Da Nang” 2025 event, held in the vibrant city of Da Nang, Vietnam, to engage with regional partners and explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation in key areas such as trade, tourism, education, and digital innovation. While the main purpose of our mission was a diplomatic and working visit, the journey also provided a valuable opportunity to observe a dynamic city that blends modern development with natural beauty—offering meaningful insights for Timor-Leste’s own path toward growth and integration.
Entering Vietnam – Easy for Diplomats and government officials, Still Requires Visa for Regular Passport Holders
As part of the official delegation, we traveled using diplomatic and official passports, which allowed us visa-free entry to Vietnam due to the bilateral agreement already in place. The immigration process at Da Nang International Airport was smooth and efficient.
However, for ordinary passport holders from Timor-Leste, a visa is still required. The good news is that Vietnam offers a convenient e-visa system, which can be applied for online via https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The process takes about three working days and costs around USD $25. Currently, the governments of Timor-Leste and Viet Nam are in the process of finalizing a visa agreement for holders of ordinary passports. We hope it will be signed soon, as it would further enhance people-to-people connectivity and promote tourism between our two nations.
Da Nang – Clean, Calm, and Full of Inspiration
Arriving in Da Nang, I was immediately struck by how clean, organized, and peaceful the city is. The roads are wide and tidy, the sidewalks are well-maintained, and green public spaces are everywhere. It is a city that invites reflection—with a calm atmosphere, fresh air, and gentle landscapes that bring a sense of peace and balance.
Just outside the city, there are farms and rural areas that showcase traditional Vietnamese agricultural life. On our way to Ba Na Hills, the driver with, his enthusiastic and sympathy smile, informed us that there are many things’ tourists can do, such as watching the full moon rise over the coast or the hills, enjoying the scenic cable car and Golden Bridge ride, visiting the French Village, Le Jardin D’Amour, and Linh Ung Pagoda, and also trying the Debay Wine Cellar. This blend of modern infrastructure with natural and rural charm is a perfect example of something that Timor-Leste could also promote in its tourism development.
Exploring Da Nang – Beyond the Meetings
While our schedule was mostly filled with official duties, we managed to visit a few key attractions:
- Scenic Cable Car Ride – Our adventure began with a ride on the Ba Na Hills cable car, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop single-track cable car, stretching over 5.8 km. This 15–20-minute ascent offers breathtaking views of lush jungles, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas of Da Nang and the coastline below.
- Visit to the Golden Bridge – The renowned Golden Bridge is a 150-meter-long pedestrian bridge held aloft by two massive stone hands. This architectural marvel provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. I personally enjoyed the views and took many photos to remember the day.
- Visit to the French Village – Adjacent to the Golden Bridge, we had the opportunity to visit the French Village, a charming replica of a European town complete with cobblestone streets, gothic-style architecture, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. It was the perfect place to immerse ourselves in a different cultural ambiance.
- Visit to Le Jardin D’Amour – We also explored Le Jardin D’Amour, a beautifully landscaped garden divided into nine themed sections, each offering unique floral displays and artistic installations. It’s an ideal spot for leisurely walks and relaxation.
- Visit to Linh Ung Pagoda – We visited the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a towering 27-meter-tall white Buddha statue. Perched atop the hills, the pagoda offers a serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes—definitely worth the visit.
- Try the Debay Wine Cellar – In addition, we discovered the Debay Wine Cellar, built by the French in 1923. This historic cellar, nestled deep within the mountain, maintains a constant cool temperature, making it perfect for wine storage and tastings. We also had the privilege of sampling the wine.
Everything was well-maintained, and the city was clearly built with tourists in mind. We stayed at a comfortable hotel near the beach, priced at around USD $30 per night, including breakfast. Da Nang offers a wide range of accommodations—from budget hostels to luxury resorts—with friendly service and reliable online booking systems.
Lessons for Timor-Leste
This trip reminded me that progress doesn’t mean losing our identity or natural beauty. In fact, Da Nang shows how careful planning can lead to inclusive and sustainable development, where Timor-Leste can draw inspiration:
- Urban Planning and Clean Cities – Investing in clean, walkable, and green public spaces improves both quality of life and tourist appeal.
- Sustainable Tourism Development – Da Nang’s tourism model balances development with environmental care. We can do the same with our islands and cultural sites.
- Digital Services – From e-visas to online hotel bookings, Da Nang’s use of technology makes travel smooth and accessible.
- Public Infrastructure – Roads, drainage, sidewalks, lighting, and public parks are all well-maintained — a model for how Timor-Leste can upgrade infrastructure.
- Community Involvement – Locals are proud of their city and actively support tourism. In Timor-Leste, we also have this strength and can nurture it through training and awareness.
- International Cooperation – Participating in ASEAN meetings in Da Nang reminded me how collaboration and openness to ideas can accelerate development.
- Cultural Promotion – Preserving identity while welcoming international visitors.
Final Reflections
My trip to Da Nang was not just about attending meetings—it was also about seeing what is possible. I found inspiration in the clean streets, the friendly people, and the digital services. It was a reminder that Timor-Leste has similar natural beauty and cultural richness. With the right planning and mindset, we too can create destinations that are both authentic and attractive.
I was proud that we, as diplomats, could travel easily under the visa-free agreement with Vietnam—and I hope ordinary Timorese citizens will soon enjoy the same ease through a future bilateral visa waiver.
Conclusion
Da Nang is more than just a beautiful coastal city—it’s a dynamic, fast-growing hub for tourism, business, and innovation in Central Vietnam. With its stunning natural scenery, rich culture, modern infrastructure, and welcoming lifestyle, it serves as both an attractive travel destination and a model of smart, sustainable development.
For Timor-Leste, Da Nang offers valuable lessons in tourism promotion, urban planning, public service delivery, and economic diversification. As we continue our path toward full ASEAN membership and regional integration, learning from successful cities like Da Nang can support our national development goals.
Recommendations as Way Forward
- Enhance bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste and Vietnam in tourism, urban planning, and smart city development.
- Promote knowledge exchange through study visits, city-to-city partnerships, and ASEAN capacity-building programs.
- Speed up the visa agreement process between Timor-Leste and Vietnam to ease travel and promote people-to-people ties.
- Encourage investment and tourism promotion strategies based on Da Nang’s best practices.
Practical Suggestion
One suggestion for Timor-Leste is to create partnerships with Vietnamese tourism agencies to share knowledge on sustainable tourism development, including training for local entrepreneurs and guides. Promoting eco-tourism by showcasing Timor-Leste’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, similar to how Da Nang markets its attractions, could be beneficial. Community-based tourism initiatives could help preserve local cultures while benefiting residents.
Additionally, investing in infrastructure—such as improved transportation and public spaces—would enhance both visitor experiences and residents’ quality of life. Engaging in regional events and collaborations through ASEAN could further strengthen tourism and diplomatic ties.
Da Nang shows what is possible with a clear vision, effective planning, and regional collaboration—principles Timor-Leste can embrace as we build a stronger, more connected future.
If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend visiting Da Nang. It’s not just a tourist city—it’s a city of balance, growth, and vision. And most importantly, it’s a place from which Timor-Leste can learn and be inspired. (*)
