Hanoi among most world's attractive tourist cities for 2025

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is among three Vietnamese places listed in the top 50 most attractive tourist destinations worldwide.

The ranking in the Global Tourist Attractiveness Index (GCI) was recently released by the Yanolja Research Institute in South Korea, in collaboration with the Yanolja Research Institute, the H&T Analysis Center at Kyung Hee University in South Korea, and the Chriba Institute at Purdue University in the United States.

The rankings are based on two pillars including attractiveness and popularity, which measure how much a destination is discussed globally. Cities are evaluated based on four key dimensions: urban beauty and natural landscapes, cultural and historical richness, experiential offerings, and hospitality.

As expected, Hanoi continues to bask in the spotlight, solidifying its status as a timeless cultural gem that beckons millions of travelers each year.

From its rich historical layers to its sensory street food culture and warm, welcoming people, the capital city offers a deeply authentic travel experience.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of Hanoi's Department of Tourism, shared that Hanoi has firmly held its position as one of the country's two largest tourist hubs, leading tourism development in the Red River Delta and the northern region. The city's tourism industry has developed an innovative plan to promote night tourism, leveraging Hanoi's unique cultural elements as a new key offering.

"To date, Hanoi has introduced over 20 night tourism offerings and seven pedestrian zones featuring nighttime cuisine and services, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year," she said.

Moreover, Hanoi’s strength lies in its unique cultural continuity. It's a city where the past and present coexist seamlessly. From ancient temples and French colonial facades to vibrant markets and artisan craft villages, Hanoi offers something for every traveler.

As a land of "thousands of years of civilization," Hanoi captivates visitors with its perfect blend of tradition and modern flair. The Old Quarter, home to many ancient tube houses, bustles with the rhythm of daily life. Meanwhile, downtown's French colonial architecture, including the Hanoi Opera House, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, evokes memories of a bygone era.

Unlike many tropical destinations in Southeast Asia, Hanoi boasts a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, offering varied natural experiences throughout the year. As visitors stroll down charming streets like Hang Quat, Hang Trong, or Hang Manh, they are greeted not only by timeless facades, but also by the unforgettable aroma of grilled pork vermicelli wafting from charcoal stoves and the enticing scent of a steaming bowl of pho simmering at a sidewalk eatery - icons of Hanoi's world-renowned culinary scene.

Remarkably, Hanoi is also ranked among the "Top 4 Cities with the Most Satisfied Residents," reflecting the city’s strong sense of community, safety, and neighborly spirit. These values extend to visitors as well.

Leigh Bancroft, a tourist from Australia, recounted: “People here are so friendly, and they’re genuinely curious about where you’re from. It’s not just a destination - Hanoi feels like a story unfolding."

With affordable prices, it's no surprise that 89% of surveyed tourists agree that the cost of food, drinks, and entertainment is reasonable. Hanoi has become an accessible cultural haven for budget-conscious travelers.

Community-based tourism initiatives like the Hanoikids volunteer guide group and an expanding network of authentic homestay programs have played a vital role in deepening the emotional bond between visitors and local residents. Hanoi’s tourism philosophy centers on meaningful cultural exchange, ensuring that every traveler feels not just a visitor, but a temporary resident of the city.

Adding to its allure, Hanoi is expected to host a series of festivals, parades, and cultural events that will showcase the country’s vibrant artistic spirit and enduring patriotism, as Vietnam celebrates the 80th anniversary of its National Day in 2025. This promises to be a memorable year for travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences.

Earlier this year, in January 2025, the prestigious Time Out Magazine (UK) ranked Hanoi ninth among the 20 most vibrant cultural and artistic cities in the world- the highest ranking in Asia - further cementing its status as a regional cultural powerhouse.

These accolades highlight Hanoi's rich past and point toward a sustainable and innovative future for its tourism industry.

In addition to Hanoi, which ranked 41st, Nha Trang and Danang also earned spots in the top 50 global tourist cities of 2025, ranking 31st and 39th, respectively. This marks a notable leap forward from the previous year's rankings.

The Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index is highly reputable because it objectively gauges the appeal of global tourism destinations from the perspective of tourists, reflecting actual tourist demand.

The index reflects how tourists perceive and evaluate the appeal and popularity of tourism cities. It is derived through sentiment analysis and the measurement of positive and negative buzz volumes associated with specific keywords based on social media data collected in 14 languages. The analysis covers 191 cities worldwide, offering comprehensive, data-driven insights into global tourist perceptions.