Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Sa Pa named top SEA destinations
This ranking highlights the country's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and unforgettable experiences, further solidifying its appeal to global travelers.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s trio of iconic destinations, including Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Sapa, have been featured on Gulf News' prestigious "Top 15 Southeast Asian Tourist Destinations: Why It's Worth a Visit" list.
Ha Long Bay, ranked third, captivates visitors with its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. Gulf News praises the bay’s "surreal" seascape and recommends activities such as overnight cruises, kayaking, and taking in panoramic views from the Sun World Ha Long cable car.
Ha Long Bay enthralls visitors with its green seas and towering limestone karsts. Photo: Vinh Quang/Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
At night, the lively Vui Phet Night Market and Bai Chay Beach offer vibrant dining and entertainment options, while luxurious accommodations such as the Oakwood Ha Long and the Japanese-style Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh provide tranquil retreats.
Eighth on the list is Hoi An, celebrated as a "lantern-lit ancient town" where Vietnamese heritage thrives. Its well-preserved architecture, tailor shops, and riverside charm blend tradition and modernity seamlessly.
Hoi An, eighth on the list, is celebrated as a "lantern-lit ancient town" where Vietnamese heritage thrives. Photo: Thien Tu/Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
Travelers often extend their journey to nearby Danang. Dubbed "Central Vietnam’s tourism capital," Danang offers cool mountain air and premier beach resorts.
Moreover, Danang’s Golden Bridge and the conical hat-inspired glass dome at Eclipse Plaza have garnered global acclaim, drawing comparisons to the Louvre in France.
Rounding out the list at number 15, Sa Pa enchants visitors with its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority cultures. At 3,143 meters, Mount Fansipan, the "Roof of Indochina," offers breathtaking vistas via cable car.
Rounding out the list at 15th, Sa Pa enchants with terraced rice fields and ethnic minority cultures. Photo: Le Viet Khanh/Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
Vietnam’s prominent position on this list highlights its increasing status as a must-visit destination, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and exceptional hospitality.
