11 'most beautiful places in Vietnam' featured in British magazine

Familiar destinations such as Hue, Ha Noi, and Da Nang are included in a list of Vietnam's 11 most beautiful and worthwhile places to explore in 2026, according to The Times.

Ha Noi's Old Quarter also made the list, described as an area reflecting the daily rhythm of the capital. The British magazine writer noted that the Old Quarter is dense with narrow alleys, shops, street food stalls, French colonial architecture, and ancient temples. Visitors should walk to fully explore the Old Quarter, passing through specialized streets, enjoying street food, sidewalk coffee, and visiting old French villas hidden in the alleys. *Photo: Hoang Giang*

The Times, a British newspaper, published an article by travel writer Joshua Zukas, introducing 11 destinations in Vietnam along with suggested experiences for international tourists.

Hue is the first name on the list. The ancient capital attracts tourists with its tree-lined boulevards, parks along the Huong River, and a system of heritage sites including Dai Noi, garden houses, and lotus ponds. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Hoi An, Hue offers a tranquil space, suitable for visitors interested in learning about Nguyen dynasty architectural history. Tourists can take a boat trip along the Huong River, visit Dai Noi, royal tombs, and enjoy traditional local cuisine. *Photo: Vo Thanh*

Cao Bang stands out for its limestone mountainous terrain, river and stream systems, and famous landmarks such as Ban Gioc waterfall (pictured) and Nui Thung (Nui Mat Than). This location preserves many historical and cultural values with Khuoi Ky stone village and Pac Bo cave. Tourists can rent a self-driving car or moto to navigate through mountain passes, visit waterfalls, and historical sites. *Photo: Thai Duong AC*

My Son Sanctuary, Da Nang, is introduced as a destination with ancient beauty, featuring a complex of ancient Cham Pa temples and towers built from the 4th to the 13th century. Visitors should explore the site early in the morning to avoid the heat and large crowds; combining their visit with learning about Cham Pa architectural history. *Photo: heritagewanderlust*

The British magazine observed that Sa Pa has experienced rapid tourism development in its center, while the surrounding areas retain natural landscapes with mountain ranges, rolling hills, and terraced rice fields. The image shows the O Quy Ho tea hill in Sa Pa in 12/2025.

Tourists seeking pristine mountain scenery should join trekking tours through ethnic villages and stay with locals to learn about indigenous culture. *Photo: Hoang Trung Hieu*

Cat Tien National Park is recognized by UNESCO as a "World Biosphere Reserve," home to hundreds of rare animal species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. It is not only a place for exploration but also a suitable retreat for nature lovers. The British magazine suggests visitors hike through the forest, mountain bike, visit the Bau Sau area, or observe wildlife at night. *Photo: Tang A Pau*

Hoang Su Phi, Tuyen Quang (formerly part of Ha Giang), is introduced as a suitable destination for tourists who prefer less crowded spaces. This destination features terraced rice fields nestled along steep mountain slopes.

Tourists can travel by moto or car along inter-commune roads to admire the terraced fields during the pouring water season or the ripe rice season. *Photo: Pham Hoang Cuong*

Con Dao is noted for offering distinct resort experiences thanks to its pristine nature and slow pace of life. Known as a land rich in historical and spiritual value, Con Dao is also a green tourism destination with over 80% of its area belonging to a national park, featuring international luxury resort brands, and has appeared multiple times on the global tourism map. *Photo: Linh Huynh*

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Quang Tri, is highlighted as a site with ancient karst topography and an extensive cave system. The list of caves here ranges from easily accessible spots to complex underground caverns.

Visitors can choose to take a boat trip to Phong Nha cave, walk through Thien Duong cave, or book adventure tours to explore Son Doong, Hang En, and Hang Va.

The image shows a newly discovered cave in Phong Nha - Ke Bang in 6/2026. *Photo: Jungle Boss*

The South Central Coast region's coastline is featured among Vietnam's 11 most beautiful destinations. The coastal road connecting Quy Nhon to Phan Rang is notable for its rocky peninsulas, small coves, white sand beaches, and clear blue waters. The image shows a coastal road through Gia Lai province, approximately 115 km long.

Tourists can admire the coastal route by car or moto, stopping at fishing villages and pristine beaches along the way. *Photo: Nguyen Gia*

Another Da Nang location on the list is Son Tra Peninsula. This area serves as a green barrier protecting Da Nang city from wind and is home to the red-shanked douc langur (pictured).

Visitors here should travel by moto along the coastal road of Bai Bac, visit Linh Ung Pagoda, or book wildlife observation tours. *Photo: Ngo Tran Hai An*