Hanoi, Vietnam – May 11 – Vietnam has once again captured the imagination of global travelers, with Hà Giang and Hội An being named among the Top 44 Most Beautiful Places in the World by renowned UK-based travel magazine Time Out. The list celebrates destinations that offer breathtaking landscapes, immersive culture, and unforgettable experiences—and these two Vietnamese gems deliver just that.
Hà Giang: Majestic Peaks and Timeless Heritage
Ranked 10th on Time Out’s list, Hà Giang, Vietnam’s northernmost province, is a place where nature, culture, and tradition intertwine. Described by Time Out as having an “otherworldly air,” Hà Giang is known for its winding mountain passes, dramatic limestone peaks, and breathtaking rice terraces that have been cultivated over thousands of years.
A standout attraction is the Thẩm Mã Pass, famous for its sharp, hairpin bends and dizzying views. Equally awe-inspiring is the Mã Pì Lèng Pass, which hugs a cliffside more than 3,000 feet above the emerald Nho Quế River—a scene that leaves travelers both humbled and spellbound.
In places like La Si, visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of terraced rice paddies that stretch endlessly across the mountains. Home to 43 diverse ethnic groups, Hà Giang is not just a destination, but a cultural journey through Vietnam’s rich indigenous tapestry.
Hội An: A Slow, Sweet Slice of Vietnamese Charm
Hội An, located in Quảng Nam Province along Vietnam’s central coast, offers a completely different, yet equally captivating experience. Time Out poetically describes the ancient town as a place where “life moves like molasses – slow and sweet.”
Famed for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, lantern-lit streets, and riverside charm, Hội An draws travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity. Days are best spent sipping coconut coffee in quiet cafés, biking through lush rice paddies, or watching lantern boats drift lazily along the Thu Bồn River at sunset.
With a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences, Hội An is a living museum of history, architecture, and local tradition. And just beyond the town lie some of Vietnam’s most pristine beaches, perfect for sunbathing, seafood, and seaside serenity.
Vietnam’s Tourism on the Rise
The international recognition comes amid a surge in global interest in Vietnam as a must-visit destination. According to the National Statistics Office, nearly 7.7 million foreign visitors arrived in Vietnam during the first four months of 2025—a 23% increase year-on-year.
With initiatives in place to boost tourism and enrich the visitor experience, Vietnam is well on its way to achieving its goal of welcoming 22–23 million international travelers by 2025.
Why Visit Now?
Whether it’s the soul-stirring mountains of Hà Giang or the timeless charm of Hội An, Vietnam offers a diverse, immersive, and unforgettable journey for every traveler. As Time Out’s recognition affirms, these destinations are not just beautiful—they’re some of the best the world has to offer.
Plan your visit. Let Vietnam’s natural wonders and cultural richness change the way you travel.
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Source: Vietnam Insider