Tourism

Why Da Nang emerges as Central Vietnam’s ultimate summer hub

Translated by THU LE 24/06/2026 18:08

DNO - Da Nang is emerging as a summer travel hub of central Vietnam, with travelers increasingly using the coastal city as a gateway to explore a wider range of destinations across the region.

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Many visitors are seen in Hoi An, Da Nang. Photo: Vinh Loc

Da Nang remains as popular as ever

Da Nang’s appeal received another boost after Lonely Planet ranked it second among Asia’s best summer destinations, highlighting not only its beaches and culinary scene but also its growing role as one of Southeast Asia’s leading leisure and lifestyle destinations.

According to online travel platform Traveloka, Da Nang and Phu Quoc are the most searched accommodation destinations in Vietnam this summer. Search data also points to a notable shift in traveler behavior: visitors are increasingly extending their trips to nearby destinations, turning a single-city vacation into a multi-stop experience.

Accommodation searches for the Marble Mountains area, known for its tranquil beaches and cultural heritage, jumped 76%, while UNESCO-listed Hoi An, located about 30 kilometers south of Da Nang, saw a 52% increase. Son Tra Peninsula, famous for Linh Ung Pagoda and its diverse coastal ecosystem, recorded a 45% rise.

Traveloka Vietnam Country Director Huynh Thi Mai Thy said the trend reflects changing travel preferences among both Vietnamese travelers and visitors from Southeast Asia.

One key driver is Da Nang’s packed calendar of events, which encourages visitors to stay longer. The city is hosting a series of major festivals this summer, including the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2026, recently named by Travel + Leisure among the world’s nine best summer festivals. The Da Nang Asian Film Festival and the Vietnam-Japan Festival are also expected to attract large crowds.

Equally important is the variety of experiences available within a short travel radius. From the natural beauty and traditional stone-carving village of the Marble Mountains to the biodiversity of Son Tra Peninsula and the lantern-lit streets and vibrant nightlife of Hoi An, travellers can combine beach escapes, cultural exploration and culinary experiences in a single itinerary.

Traveloka believes the trend also signals a more sophisticated approach to travel planning. Rather than focusing solely on iconic landmarks, travellers are increasingly seeking tailored experiences and researching specific neighborhoods and surrounding destinations.

Dragon Bridge
Dragon Bridge, a must-visit “check-in” spot for young people when visiting Da Nang. Photo: Vietnam+

Da Nang became the launchpad for exploring central Vietnam

Da Nang’s reputation as an event destination is nothing new. The city was twice named Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination by the World Travel Awards, in 2016 and 2022, cementing its position as one of the region’s most vibrant tourism hubs and shaping visitors’ expectations of a city alive with year-round cultural celebrations and entertainment.

According to Traveloka Vietnam Country Director Huynh Thi Mai Thy, Da Nang’s well-developed infrastructure and connectivity are increasingly turning the city into a natural gateway for exploring central Vietnam.

Beyond search trends, Da Nang’s transportation network and accessibility make it an ideal base for multi-destination trips. From the city, travellers can easily reach iconic attractions such as the Sun World Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, diving sites in the Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area, the open-air spectacle Hoi An Memories, or basket boat experiences in the Bay Mau nipa palm forest.

Traveloka Vietnam Country Director Huynh Thi Mai Thy

Even within the city itself, landmarks such as Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Love Bridge and Nguyen Van Troi Bridge have evolved far beyond their original role as transportation infrastructure. Together with the Han River waterfront, they have become attractions in their own right, drawing visitors to experience Da Nang’s distinctive urban landscape.

Traveloka’s search data suggests that Da Nang’s rise to the top of Vietnam’s summer travel rankings reflects more than seasonal demand. It also highlights a shift in how travelers are experiencing central Vietnam.

Increasingly, visitors are moving away from the traditional single-destination holiday in favour of more immersive itineraries that connect beach escapes, UNESCO heritage sites and lively festival nights along the Han River. In that sense, Da Nang has become the gateway to a broader journey across one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse coastal regions.

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Why Da Nang emerges as Central Vietnam’s ultimate summer hub
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