What is DIFF?
DIFF is an international fireworks competition run by the city of Da Nang, held annually since 2008 under a different theme each year. Its defining feature is the head-to-head tournament format: two teams each perform a roughly 20-22 minute show, and a panel decides the winner. The show launches from the Han River port area, with the audience viewing from along Tran Hung Dao Street on the opposite bank.
The 2024 theme was "Made in Unity - Global Connection - Radiant on Five Continents." 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of Da Nang's liberation, ran under "Da Nang - A New Era." 2026's theme was "Da Nang – United Horizons." Both the theme and the competing countries change every year, so even repeat visitors get a different experience.
2026 match schedule
DIFF 2026 ran across six nights (mostly Saturdays) from May 30 to July 11. Japan competed for the first time, which made headlines.
| Date | Matchup |
|---|---|
| May 30 | Vietnam (Da Nang Team) vs China |
| June 6 | Vietnam (Z121 Vina Pyrotech) vs France |
| June 13 | Japan vs Italy |
| June 20 | Germany vs Macau |
| June 27 | Australia vs Portugal |
| July 11 | Grand final (between the winning teams) |
The ten competing teams represented Vietnam (2 teams), China, Italy, Germany, Portugal, France, Japan, Macau, and Australia.
A different lineup every year
One of the most interesting things about DIFF is that a completely different set of countries shows up each year. The 2025 edition, held to mark Da Nang's 50th liberation anniversary, ran as follows:
- Vietnam 1 vs Finland ("Cultural Heritage")
- Vietnam 2 vs Poland ("The Art of Creativity")
- Canada vs China ("Path to Unity")
- Portugal vs UK ("Sustainable Development")
- South Korea vs Italy ("Power of Innovation")
- July 12: Grand Final ("A New Era of Rising")
Some countries, like Italy and Portugal, show up year after year, while others — Finland, Poland, Canada, the UK, and South Korea in 2025 — appear for just one edition. A lot of repeat visitors say part of the fun is wondering which countries will turn up next.
Viewing spots and tickets
Viewing areas fall into two categories: paid seating, split into five numbered zones, and free viewing along the Han River. Paid seats sell on a first-come basis, and the grand final in particular tends to sell out fast, so book as soon as your travel dates are set.
- Official site — the most reliable source, though English support can be limited
- Travel platforms (WAUG, Traveloka, Klook, etc.) — sometimes cheaper than buying locally, and often offer English support
- Free viewing along the river — no cost, but you'll need to claim a spot early
Tips for going
If you're watching from the free riverside area, crowds start building from around 5pm, and moving around becomes difficult after 7pm. Claim your spot early and plan not to need to relocate.
During the festival period, food stalls and street performances multiply along the river, giving the whole city a festival atmosphere. Hotel prices tend to rise during this window too, so it's worth booking your accommodation early alongside your tickets.