On November 15, the world-renowned travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller announced the best destinations to visit around the world in 2024. In the list of Asian destinations, Da Nang was the only representative of Vietnam to make it to the top, alongside famous destinations such as Chinatown in Bangkok (Thailand), the Kathmandu Valley (Nepal), the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, Singapore, Mongolia, and Sri Lanka.

Vietnam's coastal city, Da Nang, has recently made it to the prestigious list of CN Traveller's top destinations for 2024. This recognition is a testament to the city's ability to surpass strict criteria set by the editorial team at CN Traveller, including its potential to leave a lasting impression on travellers. In the wake of economic turmoil, Sri Lanka is making a strong comeback, while Mongolia is easing visa restrictions, signalling a promising resurgence in the region.

The American magazine wrote: “As travel restrictions are gradually lifted and borders reopen, Asia is ready to welcome visitors with renewed enthusiasm and boldness. The continent is eager to remind international travellers of the unique experiences they may have missed out on.”

The Golden Bridge - one of the most famous tourist attractions in Da Nang. Photo: Da Nang Photography Club.

The Golden Bridge has become one of the iconic symbols of tourism in Vietnam and the world, CN Traveller calls the capital of the Central region “the city of bridges”.

Located at an altitude of approximately 1,414 meters above sea level, the Golden Bridge is part of the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist complex, consisting of eight spans and stretching about 150 meters along the Truong Son mountain range, overlooking the East Sea and Da Nang City. Since its launch, the Golden Bridge has garnered worldwide attention, quickly rising to the top of the list of “The World's 100 Greatest Places of 2018” just two months after its opening. The renowned British newspaper, The Guardian, has honoured the Golden Bridge as one of the “Top 10 Most Unique and Beautiful Architectural Bridges Worldwide.”

The Golden Bridge continues to be in the spotlight and is continuously featured in international media. In June 2023, India's Luxebook praised it as a world-renowned iconic structure. The Independent, a well-known British publication listed the Golden Bridge as one of the 14 most spectacular bridges in the world. Most recently, Bored Panda stated that the image of Da Nang is now synonymous with the Golden Bridge in the eyes of international visitors, and it's not an exaggeration to say that the Golden Bridge has put Da Nang on the map for hundreds of millions of tourists across Asia and beyond.

Experience the Danang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) from the Dragon Bridge. Photo: Kim Lien

In addition to being home to unique bridges such as the Golden Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Han River Bridge, Da Nang is also a “bridge” connecting Hoi An Ancient Town and Hue Imperial City. “A modern coastal city, surrounded by dozens of UNESCO-recognized heritage sites in Central Vietnam,” CN Traveller wrote.

The American magazine also recognises Da Nang as a great success story in the post-COVID-19 era in Asia, with international arrivals in 2023 surpassing pre-pandemic levels, thanks to the opening of new flights from around the world. The peak was in June, the city welcomed over 150 daily flights bringing visitors to the Han River city to enjoy the visually stunning International Fireworks Festival Da Nang – DIFF 2023, a truly spectacular event.

One of the must-visit destinations in Da Nang, as suggested by CN Traveller, is the Son Tra Peninsula, home to the towering statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, as tall as a 17-storey building, and the endangered red-shanked douc langur. CN Traveller also mentions Da Nang as a destination with a concentration of luxurious resorts from leading hotel groups worldwide.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Son Tra Peninsula, Danang

Located on the Son Tra Peninsula, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort by Sun Group is a must-visit destination recommended by CN Traveller. Recently, the resort celebrated its 10th anniversary with the launch of a new club lounge, villa category, and spa concept. For many years, this resort has not only been a pride of Da Nang but also a symbol of Vietnam, the region, and the world.

The resort's achievements have been recognised by Destination Deluxe Awards 2023, where it won the "Holistic Treatment of the Year" category for its impressive experience at Mi Sol Spa. This award is just one of many prestigious accolades that the resort has earned over the years.