In the wake of the opening night, social media feeds and travel forums were abuzz not only with images of dazzling fireworks lighting up the Da Nang sky, but also with talk of a unique spectator experience: being there, inside the stands.

'One ticket - two feasts'

“I used to think that watching fireworks was the same no matter where you stood,” said Minh Anh, a visitor from Hanoi.

“But once I took my seat in the stands, I realised this was truly worth every penny. From here, you can take in both the stage and the fireworks overhead.

"The sense of closeness was so intense that at times I felt I could just reach out and touch those brilliant bursts of light. Now I understand why so many people buy their tickets well in advance.”

A spectacular fireworks display at the opening night of DIFF 2026.

According to numerous spectators, the greatest advantage of the grandstand view is the ability to appreciate the full artistic 'work' each competing team presents. Every team weaves a complete narrative through music, pyrotechnic techniques, and performance art – and from the stands, the audience feels that connection in its entirety.

From that same vantage point, viewers also witness an elaborate artistic production that graces the Han River only once a year. This year’s DIFF stage is the largest in the festival’s history – nearly 100 meters wide – equipped with state‑of‑the‑art LED lighting, lasers and performance effects. No wonder many visitors call it 'one ticket, two feasts': a top‑tier international fireworks competition and a grand‑scale artistic extravaganza featuring leading artists, all rolled into one.

Tourists watch the fireworks at a leisurely pace from the stands.

Another advantage that resonates with many is convenience. Instead of arriving hours early to claim a decent spot or jostling through crowds, ticket holders in the stands enjoy a stable seat, a direct view and the leisure to soak up every moment of the show.

Remarkably, the cost of experiencing DIFF 2026 from the stands is no longer a barrier. Thanks to ongoing promotions on online platforms, audiences can secure tickets with savings of nearly 30 per cent.

Tourists experience an elaborate art performance.

Specifically, purchases made via booking.sunworld.vn or the Sun Paradise Land app receive up to 20 per cent off. Moreover, paying with a Visa card adds another 10 per cent discount (maximum VND 500,000). This explains why many visitors are booking early for the remaining competition nights, especially as the DIFF buzz continues to intensify after the opening night.

France vs. Vietnam: The Qualifying Round’s Showdown

Hailed as the qualifying round’s highlight match, the June 6th competition under the theme 'Heritage' brings together two teams with radically different styles. Vietnam’s second representative, Z121 Vina Pyrotech – runner‑up of DIFF 2025 – brings an innate understanding of local culture. They are expected to present a modern vision of Vietnamese heritage, blending increasingly refined pyrotechnics with cultural narratives that strike a chord with the home audience.

The second night of DIFF 2026 promises to be another night of explosive emotions.

Meanwhile, the French team is considered one of the strongest contenders for the championship. Renowned for a cinematic, poetic visual language, the French will tell a story of cultural exchange across historical eras. Their recent Gold Jupiter win at the Montreal International Fireworks Competition 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious pyrotechnic contests, has drawn even more attention to this European 'fireworks powerhouse'. Against this backdrop, the France‑Vietnam face‑off promises yet another night of explosive emotion along the Han River.

For the first time, DIFF expands the audience experience beyond a mere visual performance. Through the Sun Paradise Land app, viewers can create 'digital keepsakes' for themselves and loved ones, designing virtual stamps and e‑postcards with AI‑powered messages, capturing brilliant, joyful moments with the fireworks.

If you’ve ever been to DIFF, try experiencing the festival from the stands. Because the most unforgettable part isn’t just the fireworks blooming in the sky, it’s the feeling of being fully immersed in one of the most worthwhile festivals on the planet.