The Golden Bridge, one of Danang's best-known tourist attractions (Photo: Anh Duong).
Beach destinations continue to dominate Vietnamese travellers' summer holiday plans, with Danang emerging as the country's most searched domestic destination, according to online travel platform Booking.com.
Booking.com's latest survey found that 57 per cent of respondents planned a beach holiday this year, while 46 per cent said they preferred nature-based escapes to relax and recharge.
Search data for trips between July 1 and September 1 showed the 10 most searched domestic destinations were Danang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat, Hoi An, Hanoi, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc, Quy Nhon and Ha Long.
The rankings underline the continued popularity of Vietnam's coastal destinations during the summer travel season. Dalat was the only destination in the top 10 without a coastline, maintaining its appeal through its cool climate and natural scenery.
Danang topped the list after several years as one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations. In addition to attracting domestic travellers, the city has recorded strong growth in international visitor numbers in recent years.
According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Danang welcomed more than 4.2 million overnight visitors during the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 15.3 per cent compared with the same period last year.
The city had already surpassed its pre-pandemic tourism levels. In 2024, it received more than 4.1 million international visitors, up 36.3 per cent from 2023, while total overnight stays reached nearly 10.9 million, an increase of 32.8 per cent.
International arrivals continued to rise in 2025, reaching more than 7.6 million, around 25 per cent higher than the previous year. The city's largest source markets included South Korea, China, India, Thailand and Russia.
For 2026, Danang aims to welcome around 19.5 million overnight visitors, including 8.9 million international guests.
By May 2026, the city had restored and expanded its international aviation network to more than 20 direct routes linking destinations in South Korea, Japan, Thailand, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, with more than 50 international flights operating each day.
Branavan Aruljothi, country manager for Booking.com in Vietnam, said Vietnamese travel preferences were evolving beyond traditional sightseeing holidays.
Rather than simply looking for a place to relax, many travellers are increasingly seeking experiences tailored to their personal interests, including wellness retreats, local culinary experiences and short breaks focused on self-care.
In this context, Danang offers a combination of attractions that appeals to a broad range of visitors. The city features sandy beaches, a wide range of accommodation options, diverse dining and entertainment, and convenient access to nearby destinations including Hoi An and Hue, allowing travellers to combine seaside holidays with cultural and nature-based experiences.
Travel companies also reported that coastal destinations remained the strongest performers during this summer season. Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Quy Nhon and Vung Tau all recorded healthy visitor numbers, supported by favourable weather, festivals, events and new tourism products.
Danang has maintained its leading position partly because of the Danang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2026, alongside a programme of cultural and entertainment events running throughout the summer.
Danang is not only popular with Vietnamese travellers but is also chosen by many international visitors (Photo: Toan Thinh).
Nguyen Tien Dat, vice-chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, said Danang was increasingly becoming an "all-in-one" destination where visitors could enjoy beaches, mountains, historic towns and entertainment attractions within a short travelling distance.
"Few cities in Southeast Asia combine modern infrastructure, beautiful beaches and affordable travel costs as successfully as Danang. That gives the city a significant competitive advantage," he said.
