Da Nang tops Lonely Planet’s 11 best places to visit in Vietnam in 2027

On November 10, Lonely Planet published an article titled “11 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in 2027”, offering suggestions to help travelers plan their trips to explore Vietnam in the coming year.

Da Nang - An ideal destination for enjoying laid-back lifestyle of a coastal city

Located in central Vietnam, Da Nang is blessed with natural attractions such as the Marble Mountains and the long My Khe Beach, along with cool vibe.

These advantages make the city an ideal destination for a flexible travel itinerary, allowing visitors to combine sightseeing, relaxing by the sea and experiencing urban life in a single trip.

In particular, Lonely Planet highlights the scenic Son Tra Peninsula, where visitors can enjoy peaceful moments amid nature and take in sweeping views of the open sea.

From here, the destination’s appeal extends to day trips connecting three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the complex of monuments in Hue, the My Son Sanctuary of the Champa civilization, and the picturesque Ancient Town of Hoi An.

Can’t miss destinations and experiences

Notably, ranked seventh on the list, Hoi An is recommended by Lonely Planet for travelers drawn to places with a nostalgic charm.

With its graceful character and historic appeal, the ancient town offers deeper insights into Vietnam's layers of history through its architecture, trading traditions and cultural life preserved across generations.

According to Lonely Planet, Hoi An was once one of the most important ports in all of Asia, with traders from as far as Japan, Spain and North America filling the pockets of local merchants. Therefore, history is only the starting point of a journey through Hoi An.

Many visitors choose to stay in the ancient town for several days to join cooking classes led by professional chefs, learn how to make white rose dumplings and fresh spring rolls, or have tailor-made outfits created at affordable prices by local tailoring shops.

For a change of pace, the guide suggests heading inland from Hoi An and spending a night at a community-based homestay in Bho Hoong Village, home to the Co Tu ethnic community. This offers another opportunity to extend the journey from the ancient town to the community culture of western Da Nang's mountainous areas.

Beyond its beaches and heritage sites, the article suggests that visitors should make time to watch the Dragon Bridge's spectacular fire breathing and water spraying displays, held at 9:00 pm on weekends and public holidays.

Lasting just a few minutes, the shows offer a distinctive and entertaining experience of Da Nang's nightlife.

The city's distinctive cuisine is another key reason for its high ranking. According to Lonely Planet, the combination of scenic landscapes, a pleasant atmosphere and appealing culinary experiences makes Da Nang's selection as Vietnam's sole representative in Best in Travel 2027 unsurprising. The annual list highlights the world's leading destinations for the year ahead.

According to the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center, being featured once again in an international travel guidebook helps strengthen the image and appeal of the local tourism brand.

As travelers seek inspiration for their 2027 trips, the recommendations from Lonely Planet provide another compelling reason to choose Da Nang, turning inspiration from the pages of a travel guide into real-life journeys of discovery and experience.