CNTraveller: Da Nang Ranks as Top Travel Destination for 2024

Da Nang was ranked second on the list, right behind Bangkok in Thailand.

According to the magazine, Da Nang is one of Asia’s major success stories after the Covid-19 pandemic, with its proximity to many UNESCO-recognized sites such as Hoi An and Hue. In fact, Da Nang has surpassed its pre-pandemic international arrivals, thanks to new flight routes that have made it more accessible than ever before.

Beautiful Dragon Bridge in the rain. Photo: Huynh Nam Dong

This year, Vietnam Airlines resumed its popular Da Nang – Tokyo route, while China Airlines of Taiwan (China) started direct flights from Taipei to Da Nang. Additionally, many Southeast Asian budget airlines have also launched flights to this coastal city, with more to come.

“Every June, more than 150 daily flights bring tourists who are eager to witness the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival,” added the magazine.

CnTraveller revealed that the Son Tra Peninsula, just 20 minutes from the city center, is another tourist attraction. It is home to a 17-story, 220-foot statue of Lady Buddha, as well as endangered red-shanked douc langurs in the peninsula’s nature reserve.

The magazine also suggested trying local delicacies like Mi Quang, the official noodle soup of the region, and Banh Xeo turmeric crepes when visiting this central city.

The other top 11 places to visit in Asia next year, according to CnTraveller, are Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, Kobe in Japan, Kochi in India, Mongolia, Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE, the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, and south and central Sri Lanka.

Da Nang is a great destination year-round. Photo: Mai Thanh Chuong

With its broad beaches, amazing street food, the famous Hai Van Pass, and a growing number of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it’s no wonder that the people of Da Nang have some of the widest smiles in the country. The warm sands of My Khe Beach stretch south from the mountainous Son Tra Peninsula. Da Nang is home to some of Vietnam’s top luxury resorts, but the beach still belongs to the people who use it as their playground, gym, and source of income.

The Son Tra Peninsula extends into the ocean and is densely forested, serving as the habitat for the endangered red-shanked douc langur – one of the world’s most beautiful primates. Bring some binoculars, rent a motorbike, and embark on a day of wildlife spotting.

The Cham people once ruled much of Central Vietnam, and the ruins of their temples can be found around Da Nang. The Cham Museum of Sculpture is home to the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures.

With its broad beaches, amazing street food, the famous Hai Van Pass, and a growing number of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it’s no wonder that the people of Da Nang have some of the widest smiles in the country. Photo: Dao Quang Tuyen

Da Nang is a food lover’s paradise, with numerous beachfront 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.

The Marble Mountains, located just 15 minutes from the city, are a collection of five peaks crowned with pagodas, creating a serene atmosphere. Embark on an early morning walk up the stone steps, explore hidden caves, and admire ancient shrines.

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

Da Nang International Airport offers numerous daily connections to major cities in Vietnam. There is also an increasing number of international connecting flights. Trains and buses pass through Da Nang, making it a convenient travel hub for exploring the central region. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available within the city. Popular day trips from Da Nang can be easily arranged, whether it’s going to the Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, Hoi An, or Hai Van Pass, with motorbike or car tours readily available.