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The New York Times: Vietnam ranked in “52 Places to Go” list 2026

Translated by THƯ LÊ Jan 16, 2026 12:06

Vietnam has been ranked among the 52 must-visit destinations in the world for 2026 by The New York Times, marking a significant endorsement of the country’s rapidly evolving tourism sector.

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The New York Times’ introduction to Viet Nam.

Placed 34th on the list, Vietnam is described as an emerging tourism powerhouse undergoing a strong transformation, driven by diversified experiences, rising service quality and large-scale infrastructure investment.

The annual list, inspired by the 52 weeks of the year, highlights destinations that stand out for culture, nature, innovation and momentum.

In selecting Vietnam, The New York Times notes that Vietnam, a growing tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia, beckons to millions of vacationers annually.

Its appeal lies in a rare combination of globally celebrated cuisine, dramatic natural landscapes stretching from mountainous highlands to tropical forests and long coastlines, and a rich historical and cultural depth shaped over centuries.

In addition to its natural and cultural assets, Vietnam is gaining attention for its clear determination to upgrade the quality of visitor experiences. Major investments in tourism infrastructure are central to this shift.

“With significant investments in tourism infrastructure arriving in 2026, Viet Nam is positioning itself for an upswell of visitors,” The New York Times editor Christine Chung wrote.

A cornerstone of this transformation is the Long Thanh International Airport, whose first phase is expected to become operational in June 2026.

Once completed, the airport is projected to handle tens of millions of passengers annually and function as a major aviation hub, significantly strengthening Vietnam’s connectivity with international tourism markets.

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The Golden Bridge on the Sunworld Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, one of the most popular destinations in Viet Nam.

At the same time, Vietnam is seeing a growing presence of some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands. These include the first Park Hyatt resort in Phu Quoc, Four Seasons in Hanoi, and the arrival of Nobu in Da Nang.

The expansion of high-end accommodation is expected to elevate service standards, diversify tourism products and better meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of international travelers.

The New York Times also noted that the Vietnamese Government has introduced a range of favourable visa policies, notably expanding visa exemptions and extending visa validity for nationals of many countries, making travel to Viet Nam more flexible and convenient.

Vietnam’s strengths, resources and emerging growth drivers point to a comprehensive upgrade of its tourism sector, spanning modernized infrastructure, expanded accommodation capacity and policies that facilitate international arrivals.

Taken together, these advances highlight Vietnam’s growing stature as an open, dynamic and increasingly influential destination on the global tourism map.

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The New York Times: Vietnam ranked in “52 Places to Go” list 2026
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