Hoi An & Da Nang: Vietnam’s Hidden Gems Take the World Stage

04/17/2026

For the first time, Hoi An and Da Nang have jointly topped Travel + Leisure’s “Hidden Gem Cities” list — a milestone that cements Central Vietnam’s rise as one of the world’s most compelling travel regions.

Some destinations take careful planning. Others only need to be mentioned to spark the urge to go. In 2026, Hoi An and Da Nang fall firmly in the second category — two cities that have quietly, confidently climbed to the top of a global ranking that measures what travel is really about.

Travel + Leisure’s Hidden Gem Cities list evaluated 23 destinations worldwide, with “experiential density” as the key criterion — how many meaningful layers a destination can deliver within a single journey. Hoi An scored 92.96 out of 100, claiming the top spot, with Da Nang following right behind. A rare one-two finish for Vietnam.

Hoi An — A Living Heritage

Travel + Leisure doesn’t describe Hoi An as a relic — it calls it a “living heritage.” Senior photo editor Taylor McIntyre put it simply: Hoi An feels like a window into the past. And that’s precisely what makes it so disarming.

The Ancient Town greets visitors with amber-washed rooftops, lantern-hung alleyways, and centuries-old walls that bear traces of Eastern and Western cultural exchange. But this is no static museum — the space breathes. Bicycle wheels roll over old brick. The scent of cao lau, banh mi, and steamed dumplings drifts through every alley.

What makes Hoi An remarkable is how accessible it all is. A traveller can walk from a neighbourhood café to a lantern-making workshop to a craft stall without covering much ground — and still feel completely immersed.

After dark, Hoi An transforms. Lantern light shimmers across the Hoai River. Boats drift slowly, carrying warmth and untold stories. The pace is unhurried — yet it holds you longer than you planned.

Da Nang — Modern Energy, Natural Beauty

If Hoi An is a slow, reflective melody, Da Nang is the bright and powerful chorus. The city’s appeal lies in a rare balance: a morning swim at My Khe Beach in crystal-clear water, an afternoon standing on Ba Na Hills watching clouds roll past the Golden Bridge, and an evening lit by the dragon-shaped Dragon Bridge along the Han River.

This constant shift between settings — beach, highland, city — is exactly what drives Da Nang’s high experiential density score. As one travel expert noted: “Da Nang’s strength is its ability to meet multiple traveller needs within a single trip — from relaxation and nature to modern entertainment.”

The seamless connection between Da Nang and Hoi An is equally important. In a short transfer, visitors can move from a buzzing modern city to a centuries-old town. The contrast is striking — yet somehow, the two feel like two halves of one journey.

When Experience Is the New Currency

The Hidden Gem Cities list doesn’t reward the most visited places. It rewards the most felt ones. That Hoi An and Da Nang outranked celebrated destinations across Europe and North Africa reflects a broader shift: travellers today don’t go to check a box — they go to feel something.

A tourism industry spokesperson welcomed the recognition: “This opens a significant opportunity for Vietnam to reach international markets — especially North America, where Travel + Leisure carries real influence.”

But the deeper meaning is this: the ranking validates a style of tourism built on local authenticity. A handcrafted lantern. A bowl of noodles. A quiet corner of a street that’s stood for five centuries. These are the things that make a journey unforgettable.

A Traveller’s Perspective

Anna Bright, a traveller from Hanoi who took a 4-day Da Nang–Hoi An tour, described the experience: “I’ve travelled a lot, but very few places feel as seamless as this. One morning in Da Nang, and by evening I was sitting beside the Hoai River. Each place had its own feeling — yet they connected so naturally.”

Her most vivid memory? Sitting on a boat in the middle of Hoi An at night, watching lanterns float on the water. “At that moment,” she said, “I didn’t feel like a tourist anymore. I felt like I was living inside the place.”

When the ‘Hidden Gem’ Steps into the Light

Being recognised by Travel + Leisure — and continuing to appear on international rankings — signals that Hoi An and Da Nang have entered a new phase. The title is no longer a goal; it’s the natural result of sustainable, values-driven development.

From heritage conservation to infrastructure upgrades, from authentic local experiences to modern amenities — both cities have grown without losing what made them special. That balance is rare. And it’s worth protecting.

Visit Da Nang & Hoi An in 2026

2026 is an ideal time to explore both destinations — when the experience is at its richest and the balance between discovery and comfort is just right. From white-sand beaches to ancient streets to cutting-edge architecture, every itinerary here offers something new.

Trip ASEAN designs personalised Da Nang–Hoi An journeys that let you experience every dimension of Central Vietnam — at your own pace, with room to rest and room to explore. If you’re looking for a trip that’s beautiful, meaningful, and genuinely memorable, now is the time to go.

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