Vietnam through the lens of British media: Beauty meets hospitality
DNO - According to a ranking by The Telegraph on “The most beautiful countries that still warmly welcome tourists in 2026”, Vietnam placed third thanks to its natural charm and genuine hospitality.
In recent years, as the term “overtourism” has become increasingly common and protests against tourists have emerged from Europe to the Americas, the world has begun to reassess the travel experience not only where visitors go, but how they are received. In that context, Vietnam stands out as a vibrant and welcoming destination.
In its ranking, The Telegraph, one of the United Kingdom’s most reputable and long-established newspapers, placed Vietnam third, not because of flashy campaigns, but due to its intrinsic appeal and warm, hospitable spirit.
Last year, Vietnam welcomed nearly 22 million international arrivals and aims to raise the figure to 25 million this year. What sets the country apart lies not only in “what it offers” but in “how it welcomes”.
From the surreal beauty of Ha Long Bay to the vibrant rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City, the travel experience extends beyond landscapes and cuisine, evolving into a sense of closeness and sincerity that many famous destinations are gradually losing amid overwhelming crowds.
International media, including BBC, have also expressed fascination when featuring Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Area. In a region where many theme parks adopt Western motifs, Suoi Tien has chosen a different path: telling Vietnam’s story through its own cultural language.
Here, instead of fairy-tale castles or superheroes, visitors encounter layers of folk mythology, Buddhist symbolism, and distinctly Asian imagination.
The towering statue of Avalokitesvara with a thousand arms and eyes, along with vividly colored temples, forms a landscape that may feel exotic to international visitors yet deeply familiar to Vietnamese people.
It is not merely a theme park, but a storytelling space where Vietnamese culture is not confined to museums, but it lives and breathes in everyday life.
While many destinations around the world are being forced to impose “soft limits” to protect themselves, Vietnam is moving at a different pace, and continuing to welcome visitors while preserving its warmth.
In the not-so-distant future, the country may face challenges similar to those of other destinations.
For now, however, through the recognition of The Telegraph and perspectives from BBC, Vietnam is demonstrating a valuable distinction: opening its doors to the world while retaining its inner warmth.
And sometimes, what lingers after a journey is not photographs, but the feeling of having been genuinely welcomed.