Vietnam named World’s Leading Heritage Destination 2025

Lifestyle

Vietnam named World’s Leading Heritage Destination 2025
The repeated recognition over the years affirms the lasting, timeless allure of Vietnam’s renowned destinations. It also reflects the continuous efforts of localities to preserve resources, diversify tourism products and improve service quality. The growing global acclaim contributes to shaping a diverse, distinctive and highly competitive network of destinations, helping Vietnam continue to shine at prestigious international tourism awards.
Buckwheat flower season on the Dong Van Karst Plateau in Tuyen Quang province. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam has once again been honoured as the World’s Leading Heritage Destination at the World Travel Awards (WTA), marking its sixth recognition after wins in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The award, which was announced at the WTA Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025 held in Bahrain on December 6, recognises Vietnam’s sustained efforts in preserving and promoting its heritage in parallel with advancing sustainable tourism. The harmony between natural landscapes, cultural depth and community identity has created a distinctive appeal, making Vietnam a favoured experiential destination for international travellers. It also serves as an incentive for localities to continue investing in infrastructure and improving service quality, contributing to reaffirming the brand “Vietnam – Timeless Charm” on the global tourism map.

Beyond national-level recognition, many local destinations in Vietnam were also honoured in this year’s global top categories. Notably, Dong Van Karst Plateau in Tuyen Quang province won the title of World's Leading Regional Cultural Destination for the first time, highlighting the unique value of the UNESCO Global Geopark and the cultural identity of highland communities.

The natural beauty and everyday life of people in the rocky highlands continue to captivate both domestic and international visitors. (Photo: VNA)

Moc Chau Plateau in Son La province was listed as a World’s Leading Natural Destination for the third time. With its mild climate and pristine scenery, Moc Chau continues to demonstrate its enduring appeal.

With its mist-shrouded beauty and distinctive French colonial architecture, Tam Dao in Phu Tho province was voted the World’s Leading Town Destination for the fourth time. Bai Kem beach in Phu Quoc was recognised as World’s Leading Regional Beach.

The repeated recognition over the years affirms the lasting, timeless allure of Vietnam’s renowned destinations. It also reflects the continuous efforts of localities to preserve resources, diversify tourism products and improve service quality. The growing global acclaim contributes to shaping a diverse, distinctive and highly competitive network of destinations, helping Vietnam continue to shine at prestigious international tourism awards.

Many Vietnamese travel, aviation and tourism service enterprises were also honoured in the world’s top categories, underscoring the sector’s comprehensive development and the strong potential for Vietnam’s tourism industry to make even greater breakthroughs in the coming years.

Vietnam currently boasts nine world natural and cultural heritage sites, 15 intangible cultural heritage elements, and 10 documentary heritage items, along with national relics and cultural heritage sites. This provides a vital foundation for Vietnam to remain one of Asia’s leading countries in terms of heritage richness./.

# Vietnam tourism # World’s Leading Heritage Destination 2025 # travel # tourism

Related News

Vietnam emerges as Asia’s fastest-growing tourism hotspot

The country welcomed 17.6 million foreign visitors in 2024 and another 15.4 million in the first nine months of 2025, putting it on track to hit the 25 million target by year-end. As of the third quarter, Vietnam had more than 192,000 midscale-to-luxury hotel rooms, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.9% over the past decade, one of the highest in Southeast Asia.

Transport link for northern mountainous provinces set to meet deadline

The transport connectivity project for northern mountainous provinces, approved by the Prime Minister, comprises two routes with a total length of around 200 km. Work is under way to resolve site-clearance obstacles to ensure the project stays on schedule for completion and opening to traffic by June 30, 2026, creating major opportunities for economic growth, tourism and trade across the northwest region.

See Also

Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 underway in downtown Hanoi

The Vietnam Happy Fest 2025 is not only a festival but also a stepping stone toward establishing an annual “Vietnam Happiness Day”, affirming that the country is not only a land of natural beauty, but also a destination of humanity, peace, and confidence in a better future.

Vietnam emerges as Asia’s fastest-growing tourism hotspot

The country welcomed 17.6 million foreign visitors in 2024 and another 15.4 million in the first nine months of 2025, putting it on track to hit the 25 million target by year-end. As of the third quarter, Vietnam had more than 192,000 midscale-to-luxury hotel rooms, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.9% over the past decade, one of the highest in Southeast Asia.

Over 100 ethnic minorities gather for Vietnam’s 2026 New Year celebrations

December’s centerpiece is a showcase of Co Tu heritage from the central city of Da Nang, featuring immersive cultural experiences. At the Co Tu village space, artisans will stage the Pro ngooch brotherhood ritual, a centuries-old ceremony for settling disputes and reinforcing inter-village solidarity, alongside ceremonial toasts, folk singing, and festive displays of folklore and performing arts.

Hanoi posts sharp rise in visitors, revenue

In December, the Hanoi tourism sector will focus on completing a project to reform the management, conservation and promotion of the Huong Son (Perfume Pagoda) Special National Relic Site; continue surveys on community-based, agricultural and night-time tourism offerings; and host the 2025 Hanoi Craft Village and Craft Street Cuisine and Tourism Festival. Preparations are also under way for participation in the National Green Tourism Forum in Lam Dong.

Vietnam rolls out 13-car high-quality train for Hanoi-Da Nang route

Vietnam Railway Equipment Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Jinxin Group (Jinxin Vietnam), has officially launched a 13-car high-quality train on the Hanoi–Da Nang railway line, operating under codes JSE17/JSE18 in both directions, to meet the rising travel demand of local residents and tourists. This is a new-generation passenger train applying advanced technology, and the first of its kind to be manufactured and assembled in Vietnam.