Dynamic Danang

Treat yourself to indulgence and pampering after a day spent in Vietnam’s most liveable city

- Pete Wong

There is an endearing quality about Danang and the central coast region that attracts visitors, and makes them want to stay. Crowned ‘Asia’s leading festival and event destination’ by World Travel Awards, the coastal city with a 60km shoreline is a hive of activity year round with events ranging from fireworks and music festivals to beauty pageants and fashion shows filling up the calendar.

First-time visitors are often surprised by its new buildings, trendy cafes and white-sand beaches. Driving along coastal road lined with palms and passing the numerous luxury resorts and beach clubs, it is easy to see why Danang tops the list as Vietnam’s most liveable city. The country’s best golf courses and a growing number of beachfront stays are located around the city, and with a population of just over a million, it’s emerging as a major tourist destination.

Danang’s popularity is enhanced by its position as gateway to Hoi An, My Son and Hue, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hoi An was a 16th-century trading port and now well-preserved ancient town famous for its romantic riverside cafes, traditional lanterns and silk. My Son is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples built by the ancient Champa kings, while Hue, formerly a Chinese-style imperial city where emperors held court, is now known for its royal palaces, tombs and mausoleums.

BANYAN TREE LANG CO

Located in a quiet village midway between Danang and Hue, Banyan Tree Lang Cô has been delighting guests since it opened in 2013. About an hour’s drive north of Danang, the resort is part of a larger integrated wellness destination called Laguna Lang Cô that incorporates sister resort Angsana Lang Co and a Faldo-designed championship golf course. Guests are checked into pool villas that face a 3km stretch of private beach with lush hills forming the backdrop.