Da Nang has been named among Lonely Planet’s “50 Best Places to Go in 2027”, part of Best in Travel 2027 – the annual selection by the internationally renowned travel guide brand. On the announcement page, the Golden Bridge in Da Nang is among the images featured to represent the Vietnamese destination.
Beyond one iconic landmark, Lonely Planet presents Da Nang through a much broader spectrum of experiences. The city is highlighted as “Best for laid-back city beaches and UNESCO stops,” with travel writer James Pham drawing attention to its combination of mountains, a long coastline, relaxed atmosphere, the natural beauty of Son Tra Peninsula, local cuisine and convenient access to some of Central Vietnam’s most remarkable heritage sites.
A coastal city of diverse experiences
The sea plays a prominent role in Lonely Planet’s portrayal of Da Nang. In its three-day itinerary published alongside Best in Travel 2027, the guide dedicates time to My Khe Beach, where the rhythm of daily life unfolds along the city’s coastline. Mornings by the sea, water-based activities, beachfront eateries and the relaxed atmosphere create an effortless sense of escape right within the city.
From the coast, the journey continues towards Son Tra Peninsula. Lonely Planet highlights its natural landscape and sweeping views over the shoreline, while also including Linh Ung Pagoda and the scenic roads across Son Tra among its recommendations for exploring Da Nang. The transition from the urban landscape to forested hills, coastline and quieter natural spaces is one of the qualities that adds diversity to a stay in the city.
Da Nang also comes to life in Lonely Planet’s perspective through its everyday local rhythm. An early morning at Man Thai Fish Market offers a glimpse of freshly landed seafood and the energy of a coastal community, while Con Market reveals another side of the city through local dishes and lively trading scenes. As evening falls, the Han River, Dragon Bridge, Bach Dang Pedestrian Street and nearby night-time spaces extend the experience well beyond daylight hours.
Cuisine and culture along the journey
Food is a recurring highlight in Lonely Planet’s recommendations for Da Nang. Mi Quang appears from the very beginning of the suggested three-day journey, followed by banh xeo, traditional cakes, seafood and other local specialties found in markets and neighbourhood eateries. More than simply part of a meal, food is presented within the living fabric of the city – from small roadside tables to traditional markets and restaurants overlooking the sea.
The city’s cultural depth continues at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, where Lonely Planet introduces visitors to a significant collection of Cham artworks and their connection to the history and culture of Central Vietnam. From there, the journey can continue to the Marble Mountains, with their caves, pagodas and panoramic viewpoints rising from the urban landscape.
Da Nang’s location is also presented by Lonely Planet as an advantage for extending a journey to UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Best in Travel 2027 feature mentions Hue with its imperial tombs and monuments, My Son Sanctuary with its distinctive Cham cultural heritage, and Hoi An Ancient Town. Together, these destinations allow travellers to combine a coastal holiday with nature, history and cultural discovery within one broader journey.
The Golden Bridge – one highlight within the Da Nang experience
The Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills is featured on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 announcement page for Da Nang. In “The Ultimate 3-Day Weekend in Danang, Vietnam,” Ba Na Hills is also included on the first day of the itinerary, with experiences ranging from the cable car and Golden Bridge to architecture, entertainment areas and performances on the mountain.
Within Lonely Planet’s suggested itinerary, Ba Na Hills is one of many stops that contribute to the diversity of a Da Nang journey. From Son Tra Peninsula, My Khe Beach and the Marble Mountains to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, local markets, culinary spaces and the Han River, each destination brings its own character, creating a harmonious combination of relaxation, nature, culture and local life.
Lonely Planet also highlights the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival as an experience worth considering for travellers visiting during the festival season. Fireworks performances along the Han River add another vibrant dimension to a destination already defined by its blend of beaches, mountains, culture, cuisine and entertainment.
Da Nang’s inclusion among the 50 destinations in Best in Travel 2027 reflects the many layers that shape the city’s visitor experience: a morning by the sea, a journey into the natural landscapes of Son Tra, the flavours of local cuisine, the legacy of Cham culture, the rhythm of life along the Han River, connections to heritage sites and a wide range of leisure and entertainment experiences.
While the Golden Bridge provides an instantly recognisable image on the announcement page, it is this diversity of experiences that invites travellers to spend more time discovering Da Nang – and to encounter a different side of the city with each new day.
Source: Lonely Planet – Best in Travel 2027; The Ultimate 3-Day Weekend in Danang, Vietnam.
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