AFAR picks Da Nang among top places to go in 2026
VOV.VN - US travel website AFAR has listed Da Nang city among its 26 places to go in 2026, making it the only Vietnamese destination to appear on the ranking.
The central coastal city placed seventh on the list, which highlights emerging global hotspots and lesser-known destinations.
According to AFAR, Da Nang is increasingly attracting international travelers with its surf beaches, street food, and natural landscapes. The city is bordered by more than 40 miles of golden Miami Beach–like coastline and has long been a popular domestic getaway, known for activities such as surfing and dishes like the local noodle specialty mì Quảng.
The publication said growing global attention follows new air links launched in 2025 by airlines, including Emirates and Philippine Airlines, connecting Da Nang with Bangkok, Manila and other Asian hubs. Major luxury brands are also expanding, with Nobu planning a 200-room beachfront hotel in 2026 and Mandarin Oriental set to introduce 22 residences.
AFAR also highlighted nearby attractions, including the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone outcrops housing Buddhist pagodas and grottoes, and the Son Tra Peninsula, home to a protected rainforest.
It recommended wildlife tours run by the woman-owned company Next Continent, where visitors can see the endangered red-shanked douc langur.
Adelaide, Australia which is famous for aboriginal heritage, live music, and a flourishing food-and-wine scene meet on South Australia’s coast tops the list. It is followed by Albuquerque (New Mexico), Birmingham (Alabama), Bucharest (Romania), and New York (USA).