Accordingly, Da Nang has ranked second on the list, just behind Bangkok of Thailand. The city is the only representative of Vietnam on the list.

To make it to this list, Da Nang has passed many strict criteria of the Condé Nast Traveller editorial team.

A modern beach city located amid dozens of UNESCO-recognized sites in the country’s heartland, including the ancient port city of Hoi An and the former imperial capital city of Hue, Da Nang is one of Asia’s big post-COVID success stories, with 2023 international arrivals exceeding pre-pandemic figures, thanks in part to new flight routes that make the City of Bridges easier to get to than ever, the Condé Nast Traveller noted.

Accordingly, Da Nang has ranked second on the list, just behind Bangkok of Thailand. The city is the only representative of Vietnam on the list. Photo: Shutterstock

In 2023, Vietnam Airlines reopened its popular Tokyo route, Taiwan’s China Airlines started direct flights from Taipei, and several Southeast Asian budget airlines launched flights to the city, with plenty more in the works. Every June, more than 150 daily flights deliver tourists eager to witness the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival.

The Son Tra Peninsula, just a 20-minute journey from the city center, is an ideal destination for those seeking natural wonders. The tourist spot is home to a 17-story, 220-foot statue of Lady Buddha, as well as endangered red-shanked douc langurs that live in the peninsula’s nature reserve.

Central Vietnamese food specialties like Quang noodles, the official noodle soup of the region, and ‘banh xeo’ turmeric crepes, should be another feature of any travel itinerary.

Da Nang is a dream destination for foodies, with scores of seafront eateries and street food stalls. Photo: Vietnam Visa

Hotel and resort developers are taking note of Da Nang’s newfound popularity.

The other destinations in the list include Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, Chinatown in Thailand, Kobe in Japan, Kochi in India, Mongolia, Singapore, and Silk Road in Uzbekistan.

With broad beaches, fantastic street food, the fabled Hai Van Pass, and a growing collection of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it’s no wonder the residents of Da Nang sport some of the broadest smiles in the country. The warm sands of My Khe Beach sweep south from the mountainous Son Tra Peninsula. Da Nang hosts some of Vietnam's top luxury resorts, but much of the beach still belongs to the people who make it their playground, gym, and source of livelihood.

Enjoy the beach

Along the shore, fishermen sell the day’s catch, football and volleyball matches spring up all around, and people jog, stroll, or relax on the sand. Photo: VinWonders

Be sure to set the alarm clock early at least once during your stay. Along the shore, fishermen sell the day’s catch, football and volleyball matches spring up all around, and people jog, stroll, or relax on the sand.

See the Son Tra Peninsula

The Son Tra Peninsula strikes out into the ocean, its densely forested hillsides are home to the endangered red-shanked douc langur -- one of the world’s most striking primates. Grab binoculars, hire a motorbike, and head out for a day of wildlife spotting.

Learn about Cham culture

The Cham people once ruled much of Central Vietnam, and ruins of their temples have been excavated around Da Nang. The superb Cham Museum of Sculpture houses the largest collection of Cham sculpture in the world.

Dine on street food

Da Nang is a dream destination for foodies, with scores of seafront eateries and street food stalls. Photo: Culture Pham Travel

Da Nang is a dream destination for foodies, with scores of seafront eateries and street food stalls. Mi Quang — a dish of rice noodles, pork, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts, and fresh herbs — is a must-try delight.

Explore Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is a collection of five outcrops topped with atmospheric pagodas, only 15 minutes from the city. Set out in the early morning to take a serene walk up stone steps, explore hidden caves, and admire ancient shrines.

Da Nang Weather

Da Nang is a great destination year-round. However, the best months to visit are from March to May and September to October, when the weather is warm. June to August sees little rain and the sea is clear and calm. The rainy season from November to February brings long rains and moody weather.

Experience The Serene Paradise At Lo Lo Chai Village In a journey discovering Ha Giang, Lo Lo Chai village is a serene paradise that is chosen by a lot of tourists to discover and ...

Tan Hoa Tourism Village Listed Among World’s Best In 2023 Featuring a weather-adaptive tourism model, Tan Hoa Tourism Village in Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh province, has been named among the Best Tourism Villages 2023 ...

Vietnam’s Weather Forecast (November 19): The Weather Is Warmer In Hanoi On November 19, Vietnam’s weather forecast is predicted to be a little warmer during the day in Hanoi, but it is still freezing in the ...