Nearly 1,000 sailors and crew members from the USS George Washington carrier strike group have explored Danang's cultural, historical and culinary attractions as part of the group's official visit to Vietnam.
Sailors from the USS George Washington enjoy mi quang noodles in Danang (Photo: Son Thuy).
During their stay, crew members visited popular destinations including Ba Na Hills, Linh Ung Pagoda and Con Market, while sampling local specialities such as mi Quang noodles and coconut ice cream.
The sailors also toured some of the city's best-known landmarks, including the Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass Gate and traditional markets, as well as craft villages such as Nam O fish sauce village.
According to Nguyen Son Thuy, director of the travel company organising the experience programme, many crew members had been eager to go ashore to learn about Vietnam's history, culture and local cuisine.
Beyond the city's major attractions, many sailors chose to experience everyday life by sitting at pavement cafés, trying local food and shopping at traditional markets.
"The sailors described Danang as a beautiful, safe city with outstanding food, and everyone was excited to explore and enjoy it," Thuy said.
He added that the programmes had been designed around four themes aimed at providing authentic local experiences rather than conventional sightseeing tours, with many participants making the most of every opportunity to experience the city's atmosphere.
"We hope every sailor leaves Vietnam with lasting memories of the people, culture and hospitality of Danang," Thuy said, adding that the visit also offered an opportunity to promote the city and Vietnam as attractive destinations for international travellers.
Sailors visit Con Market (Photo: Son Thuy).
Alongside official exchanges and defence cooperation, the sightseeing programme is intended to strengthen people-to-people ties and showcase Danang as a safe, welcoming and culturally distinctive destination.
The USS George Washington carrier strike group was officially welcomed at Tien Sa Port in Danang on July 30 by Vietnam's Naval Region 3 Command.
The US Navy delegation includes the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86). The vessels are making a five-day visit to Vietnam from July 30 to August 5.
The visit marks the fourth time Vietnam has hosted a US aircraft carrier, following previous visits in 2018, 2020 and 2023.
During the visit, the delegation's senior officers are scheduled to meet leaders of the Danang People's Committee and Naval Region 3 Command. Officers and sailors are also taking part in community activities, including cultural exchanges and sporting events.
Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence said the visit would help maintain and strengthen relations between Vietnam and the United States in line with the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development.
The ministry added that the visit also demonstrated Vietnam's growing logistical and technical capability to host foreign naval vessels while enhancing the country's international profile.