Da Nang tourism bustles in the first days of the New Year

Festive New Year “first-footing” at many destinations

On the morning of January 1, 2026, numerous tourist sites simultaneously organised New Year “first-footing” activities to welcome the first visitors to the city in a cheerful and warm atmosphere.

At Da Nang International Airport, nearly 1,400 international and domestic passengers were welcomed early in the morning, while Chu Lai Airport received more than 300 first New Year visitors, raising expectations for the early return of international flights.

In Hoi An ancient quarter, the first tour group of 2026 from the Philippines was welcomed at the Japanese Covered Bridge with traditional dances and folk music.

Nearby, first visitors were also received at the Bay Mau nipa palm forest and Tra Que vegetable village, while major attractions such as the My Son Sanctuary and the Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains) Scenic Complex held ceremonies to greet the year’s first arrivals.

Creating momentum for the tourism industry

During the four-day New Year holiday, more than 20 events were held across Da Nang, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere. Highlights included the “Da Nang - Welcoming New Year 2026” Boulevard, Cheer Fest food space, “Lighting Up the Han River - Run to the Future”, etc,.

According to Da Nang International Airport and Chu Lai Airport, Da Nang handled an estimated 831 flights during the 2026 New Year holiday (from December 30, 2025 to January 4, 2026), up 13.9% year-on-year, including 464 domestic and 367 international flights.

In Than Tai Mountain Hot Spring Park, a festive setting blending Western New Year and Lunar New Year themes helped boost visitor numbers by about 20% in early 2026. Sun World Ba Na Hills offered a “One Ticket - Three Days of Experience” policy from January 1, while Dong Giang Heaven’s Gate Ecotourism Site provided a 50% ticket discount from January 1 to 4.

In Hoi An, several new cultural and tourism products are set to launch in 2026, including the night-time tour Against the Flow of Memories at the Hoi An Prison relic; the thematic tours Decoding Hoi An Heritage Architecture and Touching Heritage Journey; traditional craft and folk art experience tours.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Da Nang aims to welcome about 19.1 million visitors in 2026, up 10.5% compared to 2025, with tourism revenue projected at nearly VND 70 trillion, an increase of over 15%.