HANOI, VNA. The central city of Da Nang has been selected by Lonely Planet for its “Best in Travel 2027” list, which was compiled from travel experience.
The renowned travel guide highlights Da Nang as a destination where mountains, beaches, culture and cuisine come together.
Located in central Vietnam, Da Nang is described by Lonely Planet as a city with mountains, a long urban beach and a cool atmosphere. The Son Tra Peninsula offers peaceful natural surroundings and panoramic sea views, while the city’s beaches provide opportunities for swimming, relaxation and outdoor activities.
Another advantage is the city’s convenient access to central Vietnam’s well-known heritage sites. From Da Nang, visitors can take day trips to the Hue Imperial Citadel, My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An. All three are recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Lonely Planet also suggests a three-day itinerary for exploring the city. Visitors can start the morning with a bowl of Quang noodles before heading to the Museum of Cham Sculpture to learn about a civilisation that once flourished in the region.
Ba Na Hills is another recommended stop, with cable cars running through forested mountains, the iconic Golden Bridge and European-inspired architecture. The Son Tra Peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda and Ban Co Peak offer views of the city. To see local life, the guide recommends an early-morning visit to Man Thai fish market.
Cuisine is another part of the itinerary. Besides Quang noodles, travellers can try Vietnamese pancakes, steamed rice cakes, tapioca dumplings, fresh seafood and street food at Con Market. In the evening, Bach Dang pedestrian street, Son Tra night market and the Dragon Bridge’s weekend fire and water shows are popular entertainment options. On the final day, visitors can combine relaxation at My Khe Beach with sightseeing at Ngu Hanh Son and visits to spiritual sites.
The recognition adds to a growing list of international accolades for Da Nang. In July, Lonely Planet ranked the city second among Asia’s best summer destinations. Travel + Leisure also included the 2026 Da Nang International Fireworks Festival in its list of the world’s nine most exciting festivals. Events along the Han River have further increased the city’s appeal to domestic and international visitors.
Da Nang’s growing popularity is also reflected in tourism statistics. In the first nine months of 2026, local accommodation establishments served approximately 15.86 million visitors, up 26.4% year on year. About 7.73 million of them were international visitors.
Other destinations featured in Best in Travel 2027 include Australia’s Red Centre, Veneto in Italy, León in Spain, Okinawa in Japan, Rabat in Morocco, Dessau in Germany and Gujarat in India.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
