Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City among the “Best Cities on Earth in 2025”

THE HANOI TIMES — Chosen by nearly 20,000 global readers, this prestigious list places Hanoi at an impressive 31st, holding strong against other iconic Asian cities such as Bangkok (40th), Mumbai (43rd), Kuala Lumpur (68th), and Dubai (73rd).

In the regional category for the best cities outside Europe and the Americas, Hanoi proudly claims the 10th spot.

Meanwhile, the southern metropolis Ho Chi Minh City clinches 77th place, continuing to rise in international favor thanks to its electrifying urban energy and blend of historical and modern charm.

Hanoi: A living tapestry of Vietnamese culture

For visitors, Hanoi is a poetic symphony of history, art, and authenticity. The Telegraph describes an ideal city as one that “converges historical depth, recognizable beauty, great cuisine, rich culture, and many interesting activities to explore.”

From its atmospheric 36 ancient streets of the Old Quarter to the elegant French colonial architecture, every corner of Hanoi tells a story. Iconic landmarks like the Temple of Literature, the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, and the lively Old Quarter Area, among others, offer a unique rhythm of life that enchants both new and returning visitors to the city.

Moreover, Hanoi continues to earn acclaim from international media around the world. In 2025, Travel + Leisure ranked the city among 15 Dream International Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable, highlighting Hanoi’s thousand-year-old heritage, refined cuisine, and remarkably budget-friendly travel costs.

With over 18.36 million visitors, including 4.21 million foreigners, in the first seven months of 2025, Hanoi has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

For Emma Watson, a traveler from the United Kingdom, Hanoi is like a living postcard. “I spent a week exploring hidden cafes tucked behind art galleries, took a cooking class in a colonial villa, and even witnessed a traditional water puppet show. It’s the kind of city that feels timeless but trendy,” she shares with The Hanoi Times.

Ho Chi Minh City: The beating heart of the south

In the south of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City thrives with an entirely different energy: vibrant, fast-paced, and forward-looking.

Once called the “Pearl of the East,” this bustling metropolis is Vietnam’s largest economic hub and a fascinating fusion of past and present. According to The Telegraph, it’s a place where motorbikes zip through neon-lit streets, skyscrapers rise beside old pagodas, and modern shopping centers coexist with war memorials and French colonial relics.

Earlier this year, The Independent Newspaper highlighted the city’s layered identity: “In a marriage of tradition and modernity, Ho Chi Minh City is the metropolis where pagodas meet skyscrapers and innovative commerce hubs thrive.” Visitors often marvel at the grandeur of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the emotional impact of the War Remnants Museum, and the unforgettable descent into the Cu Chi Tunnels – a window into Vietnam's resilient past.

With nearly 700,000 international visitors in July 2025 alone (up 75% year-on-year), and more than 26 million total arrivals so far this year, Ho Chi Minh City continues to shine as a destination not just for business, but for global travelers seeking culture, energy, and excitement.

Miguel Rodriguez, a visitor from Spain, shared: “Ho Chi Minh City is an electric city in Vietnam. From rooftop bars to historic tunnels, it was a whirlwind I didn’t want to end. The food scene is unbeatable with various dishes like banh xeo, banh mi, and com tam (steamed broken rice) that cost less than a cup of coffee in Madrid. Its people impress me with their friendliness.”

Vietnam is a land of striking contrasts, and nowhere more evident than in its two largest cities. In the north, Hanoi enchants with serene lakes, centuries-old temples, and a timeless charm steeped in tradition. Meanwhile, in the south, Ho Chi Minh City pulses with cosmopolitan energy, vibrant street life, contemporary art, and a thriving nightlife scene.

Each city tells a different story, yet both form two essential chapters of the Vietnamese experience. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a backpacker, or a luxury traveler, these two cities have something unforgettable in store for you.