In recent months, Da Nang’s iconic My Khe Beach - once voted the "world’s most alluring beach" by Forbes - has been experiencing foul odors every afternoon. Following public complaints, the city’s Department of Construction launched an investigation and identified the culprit: improper wastewater drainage from a beachfront restaurant.

On May 13, Da Nang’s Department of Construction issued an official response to the odor problem along the My Khe shoreline, especially on the key tourist routes of Vo Nguyen Giap, Vo Van Kiet, Nguyen Van Thoai, and Pham Van Dong.

Residents reported that over the past 3–4 months, strong sewage smells have been frequent from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM daily - coinciding with peak hours when locals and tourists walk, exercise, or swim. The stench was especially intense at the roundabout where Vo Van Kiet intersects with Vo Nguyen Giap.

The issue was traced to My Hanh Restaurant, whose wastewater drainage system failed to meet technical requirements. Wastewater from the restaurant’s preliminary treatment system still contained solid materials like plastic bio-carriers and activated carbon. These materials clogged the pipeline connecting the My Hanh pumping station to the My Khe SPS3 station.

Blockages first emerged in September 2024. Although the city's Drainage and Wastewater Treatment Company issued a formal request for the restaurant to fix the issue and cleared the blockage, the problem returned in early 2025. This time, the backup forced untreated water to overflow onto sidewalks.

To mitigate the issue, the company installed a temporary bypass pipe that redirected wastewater from the My Hanh station into the city’s general drainage system at the Vo Van Kiet – Vo Nguyen Giap intersection. However, this emergency measure caused new odors to emerge from the nearby drainage grates.

The company responded by spraying deodorizing chemicals, thoroughly cleaning the affected areas, and conducting further pipe unclogging. These temporary measures were completed by April 26. Since then, no significant odor has been reported, and the site continues to be monitored.

The Department of Construction has ordered the Drainage and Wastewater Treatment Company to continue on-site monitoring and submit a permanent solution to fix the drainage issue at My Hanh Restaurant by the end of May 2025.

My Khe Beach, located on Vo Nguyen Giap Street, is one of Da Nang’s most famous attractions. Previously named among Asia’s and the world’s most beautiful beaches, it draws large crowds of domestic and international tourists - especially during the summer high season.

Ho Giap