Expanding Da Nang's tourism experience map
DNO - Da Nang is increasingly being recognised by leading international travel publications as a gateway to diverse travel experiences, reflecting a shift in visitor preferences from sightseeing to deeper cultural and local immersion.
Beyond iconic attractions
Long known for attractions such as My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, Da Nang is now being promoted as a destination for more immersive travel experiences.
In its list of the 11 Best Things to Do in Da Nang, London-based Time Out highlights a blend of beaches, mountains, cuisine, culture and local life. Meanwhile, U.S.-based Lonely Planet recommends Tam Tien Fish Market for its authentic fishing community and vibrant coastal atmosphere.
The recognition of Hoi An as the world's fourth-best city in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2026 further reflects growing demand for destinations that combine heritage, local culture and slower-paced experiences, encouraging visitors to stay longer.
According to Tran Tan Dien, Director of TaDi Travel, growing demand for local experiences is creating opportunities to develop tourism routes linking central Da Nang with the city's southwestern and mountainous areas.
New tours increasingly focus on overnight stays, community-based tourism, nature exploration and visits to local attractions, including Tak Po cloud-hunting sites and Ngoc Linh ginseng-growing areas.
Dien said the region's greatest strength lies in connecting the coast, lowlands and mountains into a single travel experience that encourages longer stays and adds value to Da Nang's tourism.
Connecting authentic destinations
To diversify its tourism offerings, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism conducted surveys in May and June 2026 to assess routes linking the city centre with ecological, cultural and community-based destinations in southern and western Da Nang.
The surveys covered attractions including Bay Say Song Dam, Phu Ninh Lake, Loc Yen Ancient Village, Tak Po cloud-hunting village, Co Tu cultural sites, the ancient Fokienia forest, and the Dong Giang Heaven Gate Tourist Area. They all are known for their natural landscapes, cultural heritage and community-based tourism potential.
According to this department, southern and western Da Nang have strong potential to develop distinctive tourism products based on natural landscapes, indigenous culture, historical heritage and community-based tourism.
Several tour operators have already begun designing two- to three-day itineraries combining eco-tourism, rural villages, forests, ginseng-growing areas, and ethnic cultural experiences.
Beyond sightseeing, visitors can experience local life through traditional farming, regional cuisine, and forest trekking.
Following the surveys, several travel companies launched pilot tours under the theme Touching Authenticity, attracting over 200 visitors on routes linking downtown Da Nang, Tam Ky, and Tak Po cloud-hunting village.
Early feedback shows strong interest in community-based accommodation, local culture, indigenous cuisine and nature-based experiences.
Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, said tourism expansion should prioritise carefully planned flagship routes rather than scattered development. He proposed a western corridor centred on Dong Giang Heaven Gate and a southern route linking Loc Yen Ancient Village, Phu Ninh Lake, and the Song Dam area.
He said authorities and businesses should first develop synchronised, competitively priced tourism products along these routes before gradually expanding to additional destinations.