Da Nang among world's top 10 Christmas and New Year holiday destinations
VOV.VN - Da Nang has been ranked fourth on Lonely Planet's list of the 10 best places to visit between Christmas and New Year's Eve, becoming the only Asian destination featured in the selection.
According to the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Centre, the international travel guide recently published its list titled "10 Best Places to Travel Between Christmas and New Year's Eve", recommending destinations for travellers seeking relaxation and new experiences during the year-end holiday period.
The list includes French Polynesia, Montreux in Switzerland, Cleveland, Leadville, Newport Beach, Dollywood and Pigeon Forge in the United States, Salzburg in Austria, Victoria in Canada, Dunedin in New Zealand.
Ranked fourth, Da Nang stands out for its urban beaches, mountainous landscapes, local cuisine and convenient access to UNESCO World Heritage sites in central Vietnam.
Lonely Planet describes Da Nang as a coastal city blessed with mountains, a long beach, fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere. Located roughly halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it offers an appealing combination of seaside relaxation and cultural exploration.
Among the recommended attractions is Sun World Ba Na Hills, known for its European-inspired architecture and entertainment facilities. Visitors can also explore Son Tra Peninsula, home to Linh Ung Pagoda and its 67-metre-tall Lady Buddha statue.
The city boasts nearly 10km of urban coastline, including My Khe Beach, where visitors can enjoy seaside cafes, restaurants and recreational activities.
The central city also provides convenient access to three UNESCO World Heritage sites in central Vietnam, namely Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary and the Complex of Hue Monuments.
Local cuisine is another highlight. Lonely Planet recommends Mi Quang, a regional noodle dish served with shrimp, pork and quail eggs.
Other suggested dining spots include Banh Xeo Ba Duong, known for its crispy pancakes filled with shrimp and pork, and Be Man Seafood Restaurant, which serves fresh seafood near the beach.
For accommodation, the travel guide highlights Novotel Danang Premier Han River, a 37-storey hotel offering panoramic views of the Han River and the city's bridges, and InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, which features a private beach surrounded by forested hills on Son Tra Peninsula.
The latest recognition follows Da Nang's inclusion in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2027, featuring 50 destinations and travel experiences worldwide.
Meanwhile, Skyscanner ranked Da Nang seventh on its Trending Destinations 2027 list for the UK market, recording a 68% year-on-year increase in return-flight searches. The city was the only destination from Vietnam and Southeast Asia featured in the ranking.
Travel platform Priceline also included Da Nang among its 10 recommended destinations for 2027, highlighting attractions such as the Golden Bridge, My Khe Beach and the Marble Mountains.
To attract visitors during the year-end holiday season, Da Nang is preparing a series of cultural, culinary and entertainment activities, including the Hoi An International Lantern Festival, Christmas celebrations and festive markets.
The Da Nang New Year Festival 2027 is set to take place from December 30, 2026, to January 3, 2027, at Bach Dang pedestrian street, areas around Dragon Bridge, Hoi An, Tam Ky and other locations.
The event will feature food stalls, festive decorations, photo opportunities, a wishing space, the "Light Up the Han River" running event and artistic performances.
A highlight will be the countdown programme, expecting to bringing residents and visitors together to welcome the new year.
The city is also expanding its international air connections in the final months of 2026 to facilitate travel and attract more overseas visitors.
With its combination of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, local cuisine, resort facilities and festive events, the city is poised to bolster its attractiveness as a destination for the Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 holidays.
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