Da Nang emerges as a global culinary star for 2025

Since June 2024, when Michelin first cast its discerning eye on Da Nang, the city has joined Vietnam’s culinary elite, trailing only Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

At Da Nang Food Tour 2025 (Photo: VNA)
At Da Nang Food Tour 2025 (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang (VNA) – The Michelin Guide’s selection of Da Nang as an exciting culinary destination for 2025 has cemented the central coastal city’s place on the global food map, highlighting the vibrant appeal of its seafood-heavy cuisine and diverse regional flavours, said the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

A culinary map to draw repeat visitors

Da Nang is aiming high for 2025, targeting 11.9 million visitors to its hotels, restaurants, and attractions, with a projected revenue from tourism-related services exceeding 36 trillion VND (1.44 billion USD).

Since June 2024, when Michelin first cast its discerning eye on Da Nang, the city has joined Vietnam’s culinary elite, trailing only Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Up to 36 local eateries snagged the 2024 Bib Gourmand for quality and wallet-friendly fare, while one restaurant secured a coveted Michelin Star and another received a Michelin Green Star for sustainability.

In early 2025, Michelin named the city one of Asia’s 10 must-visit culinary hubs and a haven for food tourists and digital nomads.

sp-1.jpg
Da Nang Tourism Ambassador, Miss International 2024 Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy spreads Da Nang cuisine at the Da Nang Food Tour 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang rolled out its Food Tour Passport programme in late 2024 to maintain the momentum. From March 28 - June 28, 2025, visitors can collect stamps at participating eateries to redeem for gifts, with 5,000 bilingual passports offering exclusive perks.

A digital culinary map, accessible at www.foodtourdanang.vn, guides tourists to 400 reputable eateries, Michelin-honoured venues, and local specialties ideal for souvenirs.

Expanding a dynamic food scene

Da Nang is ramping up promotional activities to position itself as a global culinary crossroads, where Vietnamese traditions meet international palates. Food festivals regularly pop up, and campaigns like the Food Passport keep the buzz alive.

Behind the scenes, tech partnerships with platforms like iPOS and KiotViet are dragging stalls into the digital age, streamlining orders and polishing service.

The municipal authorities have pegged gastronomy as a linchpin, pouring resources into quality and innovation. The goal is to lure deep-pocketed travelers, including leisure seekers, corporate groups, golfers, honeymooners, and luxury vacationers, from Northeast and Southeast Asia, with an eye on farther-flung markets like Western Europe, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, India, and the US.

To distinguish itself, Da Nang is building its culinary tourism around three pillars: local dishes rooted in central Vietnam’s traditions, regional specialties from across the country, and international cuisine that reflects its growing appeal./.

VNA

See more

The Huc Bridge spanning Hoan Kiem Lake, an icon of Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi launches new tourism products ahead of National Day holiday

From 2022 to 2024, Hanoi saw a strong annual growth rate of 28.3% in visitor numbers during the National Day holiday, with international visitors rising 62.5% annually. Tourism revenue grew by 31.6% per year, reinforcing Hanoi’s status as a vibrant, culturally rich, and safe destination.

Ho Chi Minh City expects to become a regional leading tourism hub. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City expects to become regional leading tourism hub

Following the recent administrative restructuring that merged the city with the neighbouring provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau, HCM City now boasts 681 potential tourist sites. With a population of over 14 million, it has become Vietnam’s largest intra-provincial tourism market, both in scale and in diversity.

Saigon Central Post Office - a landmark site in HCM City (Photo: VNA)

Tourism boom takes hold in newly-expanded Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 3.85 million foreigners in the first half, a 44% surge year-on-year, alongside 18.3 million domestic tourists, up 7%. The influx generated nearly 117.94 trillion VND (4.53 billion USD) in revenue, a 27.3% yearly rise, putting the city nearly halfway to its annual target, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

Son Doong recognised as surreal natural wonder by Travel+Leisure (Photo: VNA)

Travel+Leisure hails Son Doong as world’s greatest cave

In the article titled "The World's Largest Cave Has Its Own Climate System With Jungles, Rivers, and Clouds—and This Is the Only Way You Can See It", Travel+Leisure describes Son Doong as a “surreal natural wonder,” featuring massive domes, a primeval jungle hidden underground, an underground river system, and its own secluded climate.

Festivals contribute to introducing and promoting destinations, products, services, and tourism gifts of Hanoi. (Photo: VNA).

Hanoi eyes tourism boost with launch of new offerings

Hanoi’s Department of Tourism has introduced a series of new attractive tourism products, aiming to make a strong breakthrough during the National Day (September 2) holiday, and accelerate growth through the end of the year.

Viewed from the scenic coastal road DT702, Vinh Hy Bay resembles a watercolour painting framed by rolling mountains and emerald water. (Photo: VNA)

Discovering majestic beauty of Vinh Hy Bay

With its pristine natural beauty, diverse tourism options, and growing focus on sustainability, Vinh Hy Bay is truly a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the wonders of Khanh Hoa province.

Hanoi launches regional biodiversity conservation initiative

Hanoi launches regional biodiversity conservation initiative

In line with guidance from the Government Office and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the capital has assigned its Department of Agriculture and Environment to raise public awareness and disseminate legal knowledge on biodiversity conservation and resource use.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, a 5-star hotel in Hanoi near Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Opera House. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi hotels launch promotions to attract locals

To encourage domestic visitors, the Tourism Department has launched the 2025 tourism promotion scheme themed "Hanoians and Tourists Experience Four- and Five-Star Hotel Services in Hanoi", with a special focus on the week leading up to Vietnam Family Day (June 28).

Vietnamese and Japanese travel businesses meet in person to exchange tourism information. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Japan explore untapped tourism potential

Over 50 Vietnamese and Japanese travel firms and tourism authorities gathered at a tourism promotion seminar in Hanoi on July 2 to showcase their products, exchange market insights, and strengthen practical and effective cooperation between the two countries.

International visitors explore downtown Ho Chi Minh City aboard a double-decker bus. (Photo: VNA)

HCM City launches 2025 summer tourism stimulus campaign

Running from July to August, “Find your flavour” aims to become a key offering of this summer by integrating activities such as food passports, interactive games, videos, and all-in-one culinary city tours in partnership with local travel agencies and restaurants.