A Taste of What’s New: From Streetside Icons to Hidden Cocktails 

Central Vietnam’s magic has always been its contrasts — ancient towns and new skylines, quiet beaches and buzzing markets, humble flavours and refined cuisine. Today, those contrasts are sharper than ever. Street food stalls once known only to locals are now recognised by the Michelin Guide. Nights once defined by lantern-lit walks now lead behind hidden doors to cocktail bars known only to those who know where to look. 

For returning travellers, these aren’t just pleasant additions to an itinerary. They are reasons to look again, stay longer, and experience this coastline in a new light — and from the comfort of your private peninsula, they’re closer than you think. 

Street Food That’s Gone Global 

Vietnam’s streets have always been its most democratic dining room. But in 2024, the Michelin Guide made it official: the best bowls of mì Quảng, the smokiest bún thịt nướng, and the richest duck porridges are worthy of the world’s attention. 

The guide praises these humble spots for their “authenticity, consistency, and flavour” — proof that exceptional dining in Central Vietnam isn’t confined to white tablecloths. And yet, it’s worth noting that the region’s only Michelin-starred restaurant sits within InterContinental Danang itself. La Maison 1888, designed by Bill Bensley as a grand colonial mansion in the rainforest canopy, pairs Chef Christian Le Squer’s Parisian precision with the bold flavours of Vietnam’s coast. 

It means you can start your day wandering the streets in search of a perfect bowl of noodles, then return to the resort for a dinner that’s among the finest in Asia. That’s the joy of staying here: access to both worlds — the unpretentious and the world-class — without compromise. 

Evenings with a Hidden Story 

Central Vietnam’s story doesn’t end with daylight. In Hoi An and Danang, a new kind of evening has emerged — quieter, more intimate, and infinitely more intriguing. Small-group cocktail tours now unlock a series of hidden bars tucked behind shuttered doors and narrow staircases. Each space has its own story, and each drink is crafted around local ingredients that reflect the region’s history. 

One glass might highlight herbs foraged from the hills above Son Tra. Another might reimagine a classic with rice wine distilled just a few kilometres away. Together, they trace a narrative of place that’s as compelling as any guided tour. 

And from InterContinental Danang, the journey to these hidden worlds is effortless. Hoi An’s after-dark scene is just a short drive from the resort — close enough to slip away for an evening, yet far enough that your villa still feels like a retreat. 

Familiar, Yet Entirely New 

Central Vietnam has never stood still. But what’s unfolding now — the global recognition of its streetside kitchens, the intimacy of its hidden cocktail bars — shows just how much there is left to discover. If you’re a returning traveller, that means there’s always more to taste, more to uncover, and more to come back for. 

And when your base is a private peninsula framed by rainforest and sea, those discoveries aren’t just easy to reach. They’re part of the story you’ll take home. 

Plan your next journey with us.