He expressed his impression on the renowned destinations in the country, which, he considered "Asia’s best travel destination."

Ha Long Bay has left a profound mark on Ronan O'Connell.

Having visited Viet Nam 19 times over the past 18 years, O’Connell said he has been lured by the country’s diverse charm, lively atmosphere, and hospitality.

One moment that left a lasting impression on him was witnessing hundreds of Vietnamese high-school students in elegant Ao dai posing for graduation photos by Hoan Kiem Lake at sunset.

The radiant smiles and youthful energy of the students added to the vibrant ambiance of Ha Noi, the city that O’Connell’s brother, who often travels with him, describes as “an uncommonly upbeat city.”

According to O’Connell, Viet Nam is on course to become Southeast Asia’s second-biggest economy and recorded an extraordinary 40% increase in tourist arrivals last year.

He said he could feel the optimism as he wandered its tourist-soaked cities, chatting to taxi drivers, hotel staff, restaurant servers, and students trying to sharpen their English skills.

However, such positive vibes alone could not make a destination desirable. He stated that Viet Nam possesses incredible values - elite hospitality, reliable safety, varied landscapes, tremendous historical sites, and world-class cuisine.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its thousands of limestone islets rise out of the glassy, emerald-hued waters of the East Sea, 130km east of Ha Noi, left a profound mark on O’Connell. He recalled unforgettable sunrises and sunsets amidst the bay’s beauty.

Beyond Ha Long, O'Connell discovered the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc, dubbed the "Pearl of the Far East”, with a coastline of serene beaches like Khem, Ong Lang, and Bai Sao, and affordable luxury resorts, and impressive theme parks.

Ho Chi Minh City earned recognition as a "food heaven" in O'Connell's assessment, featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes including banh xeo, fresh spring rolls, banh mi, and the iconic pho.

While Ho Chi Minh City represents Viet Nam’s modern future, Ha Noi embodies its glorious past. Ha Noi has Viet Nam’s best array of historic wonders, including the giant Temple of Literature, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and the charming maze of the Old Quarter.

He strongly recommended visitors should not miss a side trip to Sa Pa, a majestic mountainside town with distinctive ethnic minority culture. Besides, highlighted Da Nang as Viet Nam’s best family travel destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with modern convenience.

“No other large Vietnamese city offers such a close connection to nature. Tourists can swim at their resort’s private beach, then drive just 10 minutes into its lively downtown to get a massage, scour fascinating Con market, gorge on fresh seafood at a rooftop restaurant, and sip local specialty coconut coffee at a cute café,” he said.

O'Connell reserved special acclaim for Hoi An, the UNESCO-recognised ancient riverside town with over 1000 historic, timber-frame buildings blending Asian and European architecture.

“By day the Old Town is dazzling, as sunlight drenches its every colour, mural, statue, stonework and wood carving. After dark, it becomes even more memorable due to the rainbow-hued light emitted from thousands of colourful traditional paper lanterns strung above its streets”.

Hoi An named world's 7th cheapest destination for British travelers

Hoi An in central Vietnam has secured the seventh position in a list of the world's best-value destinations for British travelers due to price increases.

Xuan Thuy aims to become a multifunctional ASEAN heritage park

Xuan Thuy National Park in Ninh Binh Province, a biodiversity conservation area home to many rare migratory bird species, has been recognised as Viet Nam’s first Ramsar site and is part of the World Biosphere Reserve. It is currently being nominated as an ASEAN Heritage Park.

 

Vietnam-Yunnan rail tourism sees strong growth

In the first half of this year, group tourist arrivals from Vietnam to China's Yunnan via Hekou had reached a record 27,200, up 74.68% year-on-year. The spike highlights a shift in travel preferences among Vietnamese tourists, with high-speed rail emerging as a preferred mode of cross-border transport.

 

Vietnam improves visa policy to boost tourism competitiveness

With a view to fostering rapid and sustainable tourism growth, Vietnam is professionalising its promotion strategy, focusing on digital technology and market diversification. Consistent communication campaigns, launched both domestically and internationally, will promote the new slogan “Vietnam – Travel to love,” highlighting the country as a safe, hospitable, high-quality, and experience-rich destination.

 

Geological trails

The creation of geological trails not only contributes to the preservation of natural landscapes but also paves the way for sustainable tourism development, gradually establishing Lang Son’s position on the domestic and international geological tourism map.

 

Hue famous for balanced and distinctive tourism

As the former imperial capital of Viet Nam, Hue possesses key foundations for development and the fostering of soft linkages in politics, economy, and culture. The city also boasts abundant natural resources and strengths, making it a promising destination not only for Viet Nam but also for Asia and the world at large.