Golden Bridge is an iconic landmark in Da Nang city. (Photo: VNA)

The magazine described Da Nang, a modern beach city located amid dozens of Vietnam's UNESCO-recognised heritage sites in the central region as “one of Asia’s big post-COVID success stories", with 2023 international arrivals exceeding pre-pandemic figures.

The result was partly spurred by new flight routes that make the “city of bridges” easier to get to than ever before, according to the magazine. Every June, more than 150 daily flights deliver tourists eager to witness the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival.

Da Nang’s attractions include the Golden Bridge and Son Tra Peninsula, home to a 17-storey statue of Lady Buddha and endangered red-shanked douc langurs. The central region’s staples such as Mi Quang (Quang Nam-styled flat noodle) and banh xeo (sizzling pancakes) should be another feature of any travel itinerary, Conde Nast Traveller said.