The city reported a nearly 35% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This impressive growth highlights the city's continued appeal to global travelers, raising the question: What exactly is driving this remarkable surge in tourism?

According to the Da Nang Statistical Office, the city welcomed approximately 2.5 million international visitors from January to July 2024, marking a 34.7% increase over the same period in 2023. This surge has brought Da Nang close to its annual target of 8.42 million visitors, with projections suggesting that the city could see up to 3.5 million international tourists by the end of the year - approaching pre-pandemic levels.

Several factors contribute to this growth, with Da Nang's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural events, and world-class attractions playing pivotal roles.

A destination that satisfies every traveler's desires

One major driver of this tourism boom has been a series of high-profile events designed to draw in both domestic and international visitors. The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2024 (DIFF), held from June 8th to July 13th, significantly boosted tourism during its run. 

Additionally, Da Nang's sustained appeal is bolstered by attractions like Sun World Ba Na Hills, which remains a top draw for international visitors. Statistics reveal that for every 10 international tourists visiting Da Nang, seven make their way to Ba Na Hills.

Sun World Ba Na Hills captivates international tourists with its ability to cater to diverse preferences, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from various countries.

For tourists from year-round hot climates like Thailand, Malaysia, and India, Ba Na Hills is known as a temperate paradise where visitors can enjoy cool weather throughout the year. The number of Indian tourists visiting Sun World Ba Na Hills reached 132,000 by the end of July 2024, accounting for nearly 50% of all Indian tourists to Vietnam during the first seven months of the year.

“Ba Na is a dreamlike paradise for my family. The Golden Bridge, with its stunning, vibrant castles, creates an enchanting atmosphere. The cool, comfortable climate allows us to explore and enjoy ourselves all day without feeling fatigued," shared Muskan Tiwari from New Delhi, expressing what Indian tourists cherish about Ba Na. 

Additionally, Indian visitors can savor authentic Indian cuisine here, as the attraction offers a buffet restaurant serving Halal food, catering specifically to their dietary preferences.

For South Korean tourists, who now represent the largest international tourist market in Vietnam, Sun World Ba Na Hills is particularly popular. The attraction resonates with South Korean visitors who appreciate the European-style architecture and highly-rated Instagram destinations. 

According to the South Korea’s Financial Times, one in three tourists at Sun World Ba Na Hills is South Korean.

Yong Sung Ok, Southeast Asia regional manager at Hanatour, one of South Korea’s leading travel companies, noted that Koreans enjoy mountains and cable cars. "Personally, I enjoy taking cable cars. I think the most appealing aspect is being able to sightsee beautiful scenery from above," he remarked.

For many tourists worldwide, the Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills is a dream destination. Visitors from Europe and America often fly 8-9 hours just to take a photo at this iconic structure, which TIME magazine named one of the 100 greatest places in the world. The bridge continues to maintain its global popularity, recently highlighted by Travel+Leisure as a must-visit spot for photography in Da Nang.

On Instagram, the world's largest photo-sharing platform, the hashtag #goldenbridge has reached 159,000 posts, reflecting the bridge's global appeal.

A constantly renewed destination

Frequent visitors to Sun World Ba Na Hills often remark on how the attraction continually reinvents itself. “What I love about Ba Na Hills is that every time I come back, I have a chance to experience something different. That's why whenever I visit Da Nang, I always choose to return to Ba Na and never get bored," said Lee Seo Joon, a Korean tourist.

Ba Na Hills is not only known for its iconic attractions like the Golden Bridge, French Village, and Helios Waterfall but also for its year-round festive atmosphere, complete with world-class shows. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on exclusive shows, visitors can enjoy international standard performances throughout the day with just a cable car ticket. 

This summer, Ba Na Hills offers a variety of mini-shows by international artists, including a skating performance at the central church square and the Beer King game as part of the B'estival festival. A special show titled Fairy Blossom, which combines 12 types of art and features hundreds of international artists, takes place daily (except Tuesdays) at Noel Plaza square.

The festive atmosphere at Ba Na Hills is further enhanced by the availability of delicious German beers, allowing visitors to experience an Oktoberfest-like environment without traveling to Germany. Notably, Sun World Ba Na Hills has introduced Vietnam's highest craft beer brewery at 1,487 meters above sea level - a project 10 years in the making. The Sun Kraft Beer brand offers freshly brewed beer with ingredients carefully selected from Germany, New Zealand, and the United States, ensuring each batch is brewed with an authentic and delicious taste.

Even as night falls, Ba Na Hills continues to dazzle visitors with captivating attractions. Guests can immerse themselves in a fire dance show, join a campfire led by South American artists, or dance the night away with glamorous Thai transgender beauty queens at the Cabaret Plus costume show. For a more tranquil experience, visitors can stay overnight at the Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills, enjoying leisurely walks along picturesque streets under a star-filled sky.

With its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and innovative attractions, it’s no wonder Da Nang continues to see a surge in international tourists. Sun World Ba Na Hills, in particular, stands out as a key "magnet" for foreign visitors, offering experiences that are hard to find anywhere else in the world. As Da Nang continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the city is well-positioned to maintain its status as one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations.

PV