The Golden Bridge at Bà Nà Hills, one of Đà Nẵng’s best known attractions, features in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027selection. — Photo courtesy of Lonely Planet

ĐÀ NẴNG — Đà Nẵng, a coastal city in central Việt Nam, has been named the country’s only destination on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list, which features 50 destinations and travel experiences expected to inspire travellers in the year ahead.

The travel publisher describes the central city as a place where mountains, long beaches, good food and a relaxed pace of life come together.

Visitors can spend time by the sea, explore the natural surroundings of the Sơn Trà Peninsula or take day trips to nearby heritage sites.

The list, released in September, includes destinations and experiences chosen by Lonely Planet’s travel experts for their potential to surprise visitors and encourage them to try something different. 

For travellers interested in history and culture, Đà Nẵng is also a convenient base for visiting three UNESCO-recognised heritage sites: the Complex of Huế Monuments, the Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and Hội An Ancient Town.

Each offers a different perspective on central Việt Nam, from the imperial history of Huế to the remains of the Champa civilisation at Mỹ Sơn and the historic streets of Hội An.

Closer to the city, the Sơn Trà Peninsula offers sea views and a quieter natural setting.

The Golden Bridge at Bà Nà Hills, held aloft by two giant stone hands, has also become one of Đà Nẵng’s best-known attractions.

According to Lonely Planet, the city suits both visitors looking for a leisurely break and those who prefer to fill their days with activities and excursions.

The selection comes as Đà Nẵng attracts growing numbers of visitors.

The central city welcomed more than 14.2 million overnight visitors in the first eight months, up nearly 25 per cent from a year earlier. International visitors accounted for nearly 7 million, an increase of 26 per cent.

Revenue from accommodation and food services reached nearly VNĐ47 trillion during the period.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel is an annual selection published online and in book form. Its 2027 list features destinations and experiences across the world, with choices based on the potential to offer travellers something unexpected or encourage them to venture beyond familiar experiences.

For Đà Nẵng, the inclusion offers another reason for international visitors to consider central Việt Nam, where a beach holiday can easily be combined with local food, mountain scenery and visits to historic towns and monuments. — VNS