Why go?

Backed by dramatic green mountains that roll down to endless stretches of sun-soaked sand, it’s little wonder that Da Nang has drawn attention from multimillion-pound investors. Their recent input has transformed the city from a mere gateway to the Unesco-listed Ancient Town of Hoi An to an upscale destination in its own right. It may be the largest city in Central Vietnam, but it offers a more laid-back allure than the frenetic pace of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Split in two by the Han River, on the east, palm trees and glittering condos look out over the turquoise South China Sea, while on the west, museums, markets and restaurants await. December’s lower humidity and 25C highs make it the ideal time to explore the city’s colourful streets and tropical beaches without breaking too much of a sweat.

What to do

Discover the history of Vietnam’s Cham people at The Museum of Cham Sculpture chammuseum.vn which houses artefacts dating back to 6AD. Next, sneak a peek down the mural- lined alleyways at nearby Fresco Village, before pootling to Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theatre nhahattuongdanang.com to catch a performance of traditional Quang Nam arts. If it’s beaches you’re after, a short hop over the iconic Dragon Bridge brings you to the white sands of My Khe Beach. December is prime surfing season and Da Nang Surf School danangsurfschool.com is on hand to help amateurs and pros alike ride the waves. Or, for a bird’s eye view, head to the dramatic, recently launched Cau Vang or Golden Bridge (pictured), in the lush Ba Na Hills. Closer to base, and looming over the city from the northern Son Tra Peninsula is Vietnam’s largest statue of Lady Buddha – expect panoramic scenes of the city, plus a chance to visit Central Vietnam’s largest pagoda, Linh Ung. Meanwhile, a ten-minute taxi ride south of the city centre takes you to the undulating Marble Mountains, where you can explore the many caves, tunnels and temples.

Where to stay

Recent years have seen a wealth of luxurious lodgings shooting up all around Da Nang, including Premier Village Resort 00 84 2363 919, premier-village-danang.com which offers a wide range of villas. Sprawled among the greenery of Son Tra Peninsula is the top-notch InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort 00 84 236 393 8888, intercontinental.com which is worth a visit just to sample the menu at their superb restaurant La Maison 1888. Relaxation is a priority at the beachfront Fusion Maia Da Nang 00 84 236 3967 999, maiadanang.fusionresorts.com as the ‘all-spa inclusive’ room rates include spa treatments, while the Moclan Boutique Hotel 00 84 96 935 5372, moclanboutique.com is an airy, tropical-chic option themed around botany.

Where to eat and drink

Each region of this sprawling country has its own culinary specialities, and Da Nang is no exception. Follow your nose to Banh Xeo Ba Duong 00 84 236 3873 168 to try banh xeo (savoury pancakes), or head to well-loved Bao Nam Tram 00 84 236 3889 889 for the best no-nonsense mi quang (herby noodles in a hearty broth). The innovative menu at Nen 00 09 05 74 3070, restaurantnen.com is filled with modern takes on local classics – their mi quang is served with Viet pesto, clams and a lime foam. The dome of Nom Bistro 00 84 23 63 79 9944, nombistro.com resembles the traditional Vietnamese fishing boats that bring in the seafood that appears on the menu. At weekends, a balmy December evening calls for a visit to the brightly coloured tents of the Helio Night Markets, to graze on the steaming array of local delicacies. Sip on a glass of award-winning IPA on the roof terrace of brewery 7 Bridges 00 84 961 917 066, 7bridges.vn for uninterrupted views of the majestically illuminated Dragon Bridge.

Time running out?

Explore Da Nang’s specialities from bo tai chanh (spicy beef salad) to banh mi ga (chicken sandwich) with a four-hour food tour through the heart of the city led by lively local guides (from £28.70pp). danangfoodtour.com

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Time is 7 hours ahead of GMT. Flight time from London to Hanoi is 11.5 hours, from where you can connect to Da Nang, a flight of around 1 hour.

Getting There

Cathay Pacific offers flights from London Heathrow to Da Nang International Airport via Hong Kong. cathaypacific.com
Vietnam Airlines flies to the city via Hanoi. vietnamairlines.com

Resources

Da Nang Fantastic City is the official tourist board and its website offers a history of the city, along with sightseeing ideas and dates of significant events. danangfantasticity.com