According to the latest 2026 rankings by TasteAtlas, Vietnamese cuisine continues to assert its global presence,with three popular breakfast dishes earning spots among the world’s top 100.

This year’s list is based on more than 47,000 ratings, of which over 27,000 have been verified by the international food publication,offering a credible reflection of global culinary preferences.

Among the highlights is bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew), ranked 36th. This dish represents a refined blend of Eastern and Western culinary influences, featuring tender braised beef and carrots in a rich broth infused with lemongrass, cinnamon, and shallots. Bo kho is commonly served with baguette or rice noodles, making it a flavorful and satisfying breakfast option.

Ranked 40th is bun bo Hue, a signature dish of Central Vietnam. The soup is known for its robust broth made from simmered beef and pork bones, enhanced with lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste.Generous toppings such as sliced beef, pork hock, and crab cakes create a bold, spicy flavor that reflects the culinary identity of Hue, the former imperial capital.

Also featured on the list is banh bao, a familiar Vietnamese staple inspired by Chinese baozi. The soft, fluffy dough encases a savory filling of ground pork, mushrooms, boiled eggs, and Chinese sausage, offering a convenient yet nourishing breakfast choice.

Topping this year’s ranking is Turkey’s traditional breakfast spread, Kahvalti, followed by Libya’s sfinz and Serbia’s komplet lepinja.

More than just everyday dishes, Vietnamese breakfast specialties are increasingly becoming a cultural experience sought after by international travelers visiting Vietnam.

Source: VnExpress

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According to the Australian media outlet, most towns can be found set back a little from the ever-flooding Mekong river, although Cai Be district in Tien Giang province is an exception.

“Its French colonial church appears to float on the waterlily-tangled water, and its market becomes mobile as locals take to rowboats piled with greens and tropical fruit, their wares advertised on the ends of long wooden poles,” The Sydney Morning Herald noted.

Moving along the river, Sa Dec city in Dong Thap province is the next destination. “If you’re a fan of 20th-century, Vietnam-born French writer Marguerite Duras (and why wouldn’t you be) you’ll want to visit Sa Dec where she lived and wrote The Lover,” the article wrote.

Visitors to the area can enjoy Sa Dec’s crumbling waterside mansions and rickety temples, while surrounding flower farms are an Instagrammer’s delight, it added.

The newspaper also introduced visitors to Tan Chau town in An Giang which is located close to the Cambodian border and is famous for its silk manufacturing, with glorious lengths of shimmering silk emerging from rattling and clanking machines. The most coveted is black and dyed with a local berry and dried in the breeze.

The town is also devoted to mat weaving, slipper making and eel farming, whilst it is surrounded by rice fields and villages where monks snooze and kids show off by leaping into the Mekong from nearby bridges, it described.

The other three destinations to make the list are Phnom Penh, Koh Onha Tei, and Angkor Ban in Cambodia.

Source: VOV

The post Three local destinations among six coolest towns along Mekong river first appeared on VietStar Rental.

At first glance, Can Tho seems to be a bustling city, with a stream of commerce flowing continuously down the Hau River. But treat yourself to a room on its leafy banks, dine on its sun-ripened fruits and fresh river fish, glide on sampans through its sultry canals, and you’ll soon realise Can Tho’s big city facade is just half the story. The other half? Misty sunrises over the water, lazy afternoons swaying in a hammock, and balmy evenings announced by a chorus of insects. Under the Mekong Delta’s blazing blue skies, Can Tho leaves a vivid impression.

Top things to do in Can Tho

Tour the islets

Whether you go by bicycle or sampan, the islets of Can Tho are where you feel the real pulse of local life. Book a community-based tour to lunch with a local family, explore rice paper villages and fruit orchards, and enjoy a taste of pure Mekong Delta charm.

Wake up for the floating markets

It’s worth the early morning start to see Can Tho’s morning markets heaving with colourful boats and exotic produce. Cai Rang is the most famous in the area, but ask your local host about smaller floating markets where you can engage with the vendors.

Taste Hu Tieu on a boat 

There’s nothing like a breakfast of steaming Hu Tieu noodles served on the water in the early morning. Sticky tapioca noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and thinly sliced pork blend together in a tasty savoury broth. Slurp it up surrounded by the sounds of the market. Binh Thuy ancestral house

Take a step back in time to see how Can Tho’s wealthy merchant families lived. Built in 1870, this brightly painted house has housed several generations of the Duong family, and is a fascinating blend of French and Asian architecture.

Relax by the riverside

Can Tho offers several enticing places to stay, where discerning travellers can enjoy a tropical escape by the water’s edge. Spoil yourself at the Azerai Can Tho, relax with heartfelt hospitality at Victoria Can Tho, or try a sustainable homestay experience at Mekong Rustic.

Can Tho Weather

Can Tho has a tropical climate. Summers come with heavy rainfall, and most of the rest of the year is hot and dry. December and January are the coolest months. Rains fall regularly from July to November, and the heat is on from March to June.

Can Tho Transport

The international airport in Can Tho is just 20 minutes outside of the city, with flights arriving from major hubs in Vietnam. Taking passengers on the four-hour journey from Ho Chi Minh City stop at the bus terminal four kilometres outside the town. It’s also possible to reach Can Tho via the Hau River, on a cruise from Ho Chi Minh City or Cambodia. Once in town, local taxis are readily available. Cycling is also an option on the islets and roads leading away from the city. Local ferries run regularly between the mainland and islets.

Source: VietNam Travel

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While Vietnamese cuisine abroad still flies under the banners of phở and bánh mì, the full spectrum of Vietnamese food is a symphony of delightfully textured, bright and piquant flavours.

The Vietnamese love their food and cooks make the most of each region’s abundance produce and special ingredients to make their meals. Northern food is known for its simplicity; the dishes of central Vietnam are generous in spice and quantity; Southerners like to add sugar. Wherever you travel across the country, you’re sure to eat well.

1. Phở

Phở-real: this world-famous soup differs from north to south.

Phở is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, the word phở referring to the type of noodle used in the recipe. Flat rice noodles dance around with medium-rare slivers of beef or boiled chicken in a hearty beef stock. The more popular of the two widely known varieties is phở Hanoi. Originally from the north, it is distinguished by a clear broth and dressed only with a squeeze of lemon and slices of bird’s eye chili. The southern iteration, phở Nam, has a murkier broth and is served with a bouquet of fresh herbs like bean sprouts, basil and mint.

The secret to a good bowl of phở lies in its stock. The broth is usually infused with fragrant star anise, clove and cinnamon to lend a natural sweetness to the mix. This dish is found on almost every street corner and is actually consumed for breakfast, unbeknownst to outsiders.

Try it: Pho Thin, 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District in Hanoi or Pho Hoa, 260C Pasteur Street, District 3 in Ho Chi Minh City

2. Bánh Mì

With so many varieties, you’re bound to find the perfect bánh mì on a trip to Vietnam.

Baguettes may have been adopted from the French, but bánh mì is as Vietnamese as it comes. Paté and margarine are spread swiftly across the soft, chewy interior of a baguette and later, the sandwich is loaded with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, pork belly, pork floss and cucumber. Sink your teeth into the crunchy crust and watch the warm roll give way to a whole scheme of textures.

Try it: Banh My Phuong, 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An

3. Cơm Tấm

A platter of Cơm Tấm in Ho Chi Minh City.

Back in the day, Vietnamese farmers would eat the fractured rice grains they could not sell. Nowadays, “broken” rice is a food staple for the everyday working-class citizen. For a meal of humble origins, the preparations for cơm tấm can get very decadent.

While it’s prepared in a number of ways, the most popular is cơm tấm sườn nướng ốp la. A fried egg is paired with caramelised grilled pork chop and laid out on a generous heap of broken rice. The dish is then slathered with nước chấm, a mixture of chilli, fish sauce and sugar, and a drizzle of green onion oil. The final touches include a side of shredded pickled carrots and daikon, slices of cucumbers and tomatoes, and crushed fried pork rinds and shallots for garnish.

Try it: A family-operated stall on 260 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

4. Bún Bò Huế

Called “the greatest soup in the world” by the late Anthony Bourdain.

Representing the legendary royal cuisine of Hue, bún bò huế is a mighty demonstration of both beauty and taste. The alarmingly red broth is the first signal of its striking flavour—the result of hours spent simmering beef bones and stalks of lemongrass to produce a citrusy concoction. Flash boiled vegetables paired with tender beef shanks give this dynamic affair added vivacity. This may be a beef soup—the word bò is Vietnamese for beef—but don’t be surprised when you see sausage lurking in the bowl. Chả lụa is a sausage made of ham paste that has a texture reminiscent of tofu.

Try it: Quan Bun Bo Hue,19 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hue

5. Cao Lầu

Thick noodles with a secret recipe, these are a must in Hoi An.

A dish unique to Hoi An, cao lầu is beyond compare. Saluting the history of the coastal trading port from where it originated, this sensuous bowl of noodles is a fusion of Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese influences. Slices of Chinese barbecued pork are fanned over cao lầu noodles. These thick noodles, with the same heft as Japanese udon, are then doused with a spice-laden broth and topped with fresh herbs and crushed pork cracklings. Authentic cao lầu is said to be made from the water found in the thousand-year-old Ba Le well in Hoi An, rumoured to have magical properties.

Try it: Thanh Cao Lau, 24 Thai Phien St, Hoi An

6. Cơm Gà

Chicken and rice is a foolproof combination. But in Hội An, this delicious duo is elevated using fresh ingredients from the countryside. Strips of tender chicken are shredded, mixed with flavoured fish sauce and onions to accompany a bowl of turmeric rice. Pickled shallots, radish and herbs are served on the side. Cooks from all over the country have their own secrets to set their turmeric rice apart. Classic Hội An chicken rice is topped with a few leaves of Vietnamese coriander and hot mint to balance out the zesty chicken marinade and soft, young eggs. After a day exploring the Ancient Town on foot, a plate of golden chicken rice is simply the perfect treat.

Try it: Com Ga Hien, 539 Hai Ba Trung St, Hoi An

7. Mì Quảng

Worth a slurp: try these scrumptious noodles on a trip to Da Nang.

Part soup, part salad, mì quảng gracefully pulls off an identity crisis. That being said, don’t let the elegance of mì quảng fool you. This light and springy noodle dish from the Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam is street food. The vibrantly yellow noodles owe their rich colour to the turmeric-infused broth made rich with peanut oil. Only a ladleful is used in the making of this “soup”, which can be topped with anything from shrimp and chicken to pork belly and snakehead fish. Eat mì quảng with sliced banana flowers, Vietnamese coriander, basil and bánh tráng me, toasted sesame rice crackers.

Try it: Quan Mi Quang Ba Mua, 95 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Chinh Gian, Thanh Khe, Da Nang

8. Bánh Xèo

Cripsy bánh xèo before it’s been rolled up in rice paper with fresh greens.

A Mekong Delta creation, bánh xèo is widely eaten around south and central Vietnam. Watching the crispy crepe being assembled is an audio-visual experience: the batter crackles loudly when it hits the hot pan—xèo meaning sizzling—and the edges gradually curl and golden as the skilled xèo maker deftly swirls the pan to evenly spread out the dense batter. The batter, traditionally made from rice flour and coconut milk, owes its yellowish hue to the addition of turmeric. Another French-inspired delight, the savoury pancake is filled with slices of boiled pork, minced pork, bean sprouts and shrimp and then folded in the manner of a crepe. A bánh xèo shouldn’t be too soggy and is best appreciated fresh off the skillet.

Try it: Banh Xeo 46A, 46A D Dinh Cong Trang, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

9. Bún Chả 

Hanoi’s iconic bún chả, with a side of nem rán (deep-fried spring rolls).

Bún chả became an overnight sensation after President Obama was pictured scarfing down a bowl of these grilled pork patties with Anthony Bourdain. But this speciality of the Old Quarter in Hanoi has always been popular among the locals. Around lunchtime, the scent of pork grilling over hot charcoal wafts down the sidewalks, filling the noses of hungry Hanoians.

This classic northern dish is comprised of cold bún (rice vermicelli); slices of seasoned pork belly; a mountain of fresh herbs and salad greens; and last but not least, medallions of minced pork swimming in a bowl brimming with a fish sauce-based broth. The go-to approach is to scoop small bundles of bún into your broth bowl and rotate between eating the noodles, the pork and the greens.

Try it: Bun Cha Huong Lien (also known as Bun Cha Obama), 24 Le Van Huu, Phan Dinh Ho, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

10. Xôi

Find multi-coloured xôi in the mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam.

Xôi, Vietnamese sticky rice is a departure from other sticky rice interpretations in the region. The weighted, more dense glutinous staple is comes in a savoury or a sweet option. Xôi mặn, savoury xôi, is a popular, inexpensive breakfast fix. Hankering for something sweeter? There are over 20 types of xôi ngọt; but if you’re hoping to mesmerised, you’re in luck. Xôi ngũ sắc, the five-coloured xôi, is a psychedelic swirl of purple, green, red, yellow, and white, pigmented using natural plant extracts.

Try it: Xoi Yen, 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

11. Bánh Bèo

Bánh Bèo is a dish fit for royalty.

More of an appetizer, bánh bèo is a quick fix from Hue in Central Vietnam. These steamed rice cakes come in bite-sized servings, akin to Vietnamese tapas. Each delicate, chewy disk is topped with a spoonful of creamy mung bean paste and toasted shrimps. The cakes are then trimmed with either croutons or the more indulgent tép mỡ—crunchy fried pork fat. At the centre of a good bánh bèo should be a dimple, signalling a well-steamed batch. This is paired nicely with nước chấm.

Try it: Quan Hanh, 11 Pho Duc Chinh (South Bank), Hue

12. Bún Riêu

Hearty bún riêu is always served with shredded greens.

The interplay between crab and tomato makes bún riêu a truly standout dish. A hearty soup bursting with acidity, the components of this meal include slippery bún, fresh crab meat, blocks of tofu and stewed tomatoes. Cooking an authentic bowl of bún riêu is a labour-intensive process. After the crab meat is separated from the body, the shell is then pulverized using a mortar and pestle and then strained through to form the base of the broth. Floating around the bowl are pillowy clusters of minced crab combined with ground pork and egg that melt in your mouth.

Try it: Bún Riêu Cua Thanh Hồng, 42 Hòa Mã, Ngô Thì Nhậm, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi

13. Gỏi Cuốn

Refreshing and light,  gỏi cuốn  dipped in fish sauce is perfection.

An action-packed salad roll, gỏi cuốn is bursting at the seams with freshness. The semi-transparent skin is made from softened sheets of rice paper. Encased within is a stack of leafy greens, mint, coriander, some form of protein and a stalk of garlic chive poking out from the snugly wrapped roll. The most common variety of gỏi cuốn is a surf and turf combo of pork tenderloin and shelled shrimp. The roll is either dunked in a bowl of nutty hoisin sauce or nước chấm.

Try it: Quan An Ngon, 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

14. Bánh Căn

Similar to bánh khọt, but baked in the grill and eaten with broth.

Bite-sized savoury pancakes bánh căn are a beloved south-central speciality. Made from a combination of rice batter, a cracked quail egg and green onions cooked over flame in an earthenware grill, each bite is more satisfying than the last. Traditionally served plain, bánh căn is now topped with either shrimp or pork and dipped in a bowl of broth loaded with green onions and a few floating meatballs.

Try it: Phan Rang, 106 Trương Định, Phường 9, Quận 3, Ho Chi Minh City

15. Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang

A bowl of Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang in best tasted in the Mekong Delta.

This is the standard street food item in the south. The Vietnamese version of the kuy teav in Cambodia and guay tiew in Thailand, hủ tiếu is a bowl of noodles served either wet (nước) or dry (khô). Typically, an opaque broth made from pork bones is eaten with hủ tiếu noodles. The definitive rendition of hủ tiếu is Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang. The recipe calls for pork on the bone, boiled liver, a quail egg and some shrimp. If you’re squeamish, ask them to hold off on the congealed pork blood chunks, which make their way into a bowl every now and then. The peppery broth speckled with chopped green onions also has a noticeable sweetness to it, coming from the addition of rock sugar.

Try it: Hu Tieu Co Huong, 152/7/2 Ly Chinh Thang, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

16. Chả Cá

Aromatic and flavourful chả cá is a Hanoi staple.

Perfumed with fresh dill, chả cá is a uniquely northern delicacy from the capital contrasting in flavours, textures and colours. Chunks of flaky white fish are marinated in turmeric before being sautéed in butter on high heat. Dill and green onion is then generously distributed across the skillet, feathering out across the pale yellow fish fillets like moss growing in wild abandon. It’s a very photogenic entrée so snap a picture while the dill is still wispy and not wilted from the blazing temperatures.

Try it: Cha Ca Thang Long Restaurant, 19-21-31 Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

17. Nộm Hoa Chuối

The ever-versatile nộm hoa chuối is can be enjoyed with rice or on its own.

Nộm hoa chuối is a stunning array of shredded banana flowers tossed with pickled carrots, coriander, lotus root, and cabbage. Depending on the season, pomelo and julienned green mango or papaya can be added to the jumble. In some preparations, you’ll find the addition of chicken, beef and/or shrimp although it can also be served as a vegetarian dish. The salad is bound with nước chấm sauce and decorated with crushed peanuts and bird’s eye chilli. For a refreshing punch, hit it with a squeeze of lime.

Try it: Mountain Retreat, 36 Le Loi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

18. Bánh Cuốn

A Hanoi breakfast staple, found in street stalls throughout the city.

Made from large round sheets of steamed rice flour, gathered around minced pork and wood-ear mushroom and gently folded and chopped, bánh cuốn is a delight. This savoury treat is always made fresh-to-order, topped with dried shallots and served with a side bowl of fish sauce with pork sausage. Enjoy it for breakfast, like a local, and feel free to add fresh herbs to the mix and brighten up your bite. 

Try it:Bánh Cuốn 101 Bà Triệu, 147 Triệu Việt Vương, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi

19. Bún Chả Cá

Be sure to try bún chả cá on a trip to the beach-side city of Nha Trang.

Bún chả cá is a dish with many variations depending on where you find it. They all contain spaghetti-like rice vermicelli (bún), fish cakes (chả cá) and fresh herbs, with a little local twist. Pictured above, bún chả cá Nha Trang, from the central coastal city has the basic ingredients, plus bouncy squid cakes, dill, fried green onion and tomato, for a light and sour flavour. Slurp it up with a side of greens and a squeeze of lime.

Try it: Bún Cá Mịn 170 Bạch Đằng, Tân Lập, Nha Trang

20. Bún Bò Cuốn Lá Lốt

There are other variations of this dish, where water buffalo meat is used instead of beef.

A seared, crispy, leafy layer encases minced beef, garlic and shallots, sealing in juicy bites of bò lá lốt. This southern speciality is unexpected, with a merry meat mix rolled up in betel leaves like a small cigar, grilled over charcoal. The results are stupendous, peppery bursts of flavour that can be enjoyed with noodles or rolled up with rice paper and fresh herbs. Playful textures, dipped in a spicy fish sauce make bò lá lốt a must-try for meat-eaters when in Vietnam.

Try it: Cô Liêng, 321 Võ Văn Tần, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

21. Chè

Colourful varieties of cold chè are especially popular during the hot months

Chè is a sweet dessert, served either hot or cold and in the form of a pudding or dessert soup. Cold chè is filled with jellied ingredients and tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes and longan, usually doused in coconut cream. Always a textural adventure, you’ll be surprised to encounter coconut shreds, crushed ice, lotus seed and jellies in these syrupy snacks. The beautiful three-coloured dessert, chè ba màu is often called the rainbow dessert. This is a layered spectacle of red beans, mashed mung beans and pandan jelly, topped with crushed ice and coconut milk.

Try it: Che 95, 95 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

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Bà Đen Mountain National Tourism Area is the most notable spiritual and eco-tourism hub in Tây Ninh. VNA/VNS Photo

TÂY NINH – Tapping into its strengths in historical and cultural tourism, eco-tourism, high-tech agriculture, border trade, sports and entertainment, Tây Ninh is rolling out key measures to attract visitors and make tourism a spearhead economic sector.

According to the plan, developing synchronised infrastructure and linking destinations within and beyond the province is a crucial factor.

The Tây Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with relevant agencies, is advising the provincial People’s Committee to call for social investment and encourage enterprises to invest in service infrastructure, especially in eco-tourism, community-based tourism, hotels, resorts and entertainment complexes.

The province is also pushing administrative reforms to create a favourable environment for large-scale trade and service projects.

In addition to infrastructure, Tây Ninh’s tourism sector is focusing on technology application and digital transformation.

Free wifi, digital maps, smart tourism portals, and chatbot support are being deployed to help visitors easily access information, book tickets, and connect with tours.

Moreover, bilingual signage, information centres, rest stops and modern customer services are being developed to enhance the travel experience.

The province emphasises inter-regional and international connectivity through inter-provincial and inter-regional routes; organising family trips, fairs, festivals and major events to promote its tourism potential and products.

Cooperation with HCM City, Đồng Nai, the Mekong Delta provinces and Cambodia is considered a solution to expand tourism offerings and increase international arrivals.

Currently, Tây Ninh has formed several prominent attractions regarded as “visitor magnets.”

Most notable is the Bà Đen Mountain National Tourism Area, a spiritual and eco-tourism hub being developed into an international destination with a modern cable car system, Asia’s tallest bronze Bodhisattva statue, and large-scale cultural and religious works.

Meanwhile, the Central Office for South Việt Nam Special National Historic Sites is being upgraded with 3D mapping technology to recreate historical events, and combined with Lò Gò – Xa Mát National Park to create a chain of heritage and eco-tourism products.

At Dầu Tiếng Lake, a project to develop forests and eco-tourism on Nhím Island promises to become a new highlight.

Tây Ninh is also developing community-based tourism models, farmstays, riverside tourism, and cultural experiences tied to traditional heritage, offering diverse options for visitors.

Festival tourism continues to receive investment, particularly at historical sites and intangible cultural heritage locations, to improve organisation quality and build a distinctive tourism brand for the province.

According to the Tây Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in its long-term strategy, the province aims to develop high-tech agricultural tourism linked with existing eco-tourism areas of the Đồng Tháp Mười region, such as Tân Lập Floating Village, the Endless Field Medicinal Plant Area, and river cruises on the Vàm Cỏ Đông.

Entertainment destinations like Mỹ Quỳnh Safari, Happy Land and Chavi Garden are also being invested in to diversify tourism offerings.

With these comprehensive solutions, Tây Ninh hopes tourism will become an attractive destination for domestic and international travelers, contributing significantly to the province’s socio-economic development in the new period..

Source: VNS

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As part of its annual tradition, Expedia releases the “Unpack” report – a comprehensive global travel trends study forecasting travel behavior for the upcoming year. This report is highly anticipated by the global tourism industry, serving as a trusted source for emerging trends and insights into traveler behavior. It highlights the destinations that are capturing the world’s attention, shifts in accommodation bookings, and evolving travel styles for the coming year.

In its latest “Destinations of the Year 2026” list, Expedia named Phu Quoc among the world’s top four destinations, citing a remarkable 53% surge in travel searches. The ranking is based on the year-over-year growth in searches for flights and accommodations compared to the previous year. Notably, Phu Quoc stands as the only Southeast Asian destination and one of just two from Asia, together with Okinawa, Japan.

The stunning beauty of beaches like Bai Kem, ranked among the world’s most beautiful, continues to earn Phu Quoc international acclaim

Describing Phu Quoc, Expedia praised it as “a wonderful island for a relaxing vacation.” The global travel platform highlighted the island’s natural charm, with golden sandy beaches, stunning sunsets, and pristine islets ideal for snorkeling and diving. Beyond nature, Phu Quoc also offers a wealth of entertainment experiences – from riding the world’s longest three-wire cable car to visiting the iconic Kiss Bridge, or watching the world-record multimedia spectacle Kiss of the Sea, which holds a Guinness World Record.

On its official Instagram account, Expedia’s travel experts also recommended that travelers explore Sunset Town in Phu Quoc: “There’s nothing better than riding a scooter around the town, stopping by vibrant neighborhoods and bustling night markets as the sun begins to set,” one expert noted.

Phu Quoc’s inclusion in Expedia’s list demonstrates the island’s rapidly rising brand on the international tourism map. Recently, the prestigious travel magazine Travel Leisure described Phu Quoc as “a phenomenal rising star.” The Pearl Island was also named Asia’s Best Island and one of the Top 3 Best Islands in the World at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. Meanwhile, the BBC praised Phu Quoc as “a great place to live” for expats, thanks to its reasonable cost of living and friendly locals.

The island’s growing appeal to international travelers lies not only in its natural beauty and people but also in its strong infrastructure investments as it prepares to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2027. Over the past three years, a wave of new developments has been transforming Phu Quoc from a once-little-known island into a global phenomenon.

In the first seven months of 2025, international visitor arrivals to Phu Quoc increased sharply by 74.1%, supported by the growing network of direct international flights. Particularly notable is the launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, the island’s namesake airline, which officially debuted on October 15th, 2025, and will operate its first commercial flight on November 1st, 2025. This new carrier is expected to further strengthen Phu Quoc’s position as a premier global destination and a new aviation hub for the region.

By the end of this year, Phu Quoc will unveil a host of new experiences, ensuring the island remains endlessly captivating. Highlights include the opening of the Eric Kayser bakery by the renowned French brand Maison Kayser at Sunset Bazaar in Sunset Town; the return of Symphony of the Sea Season 2; and the upcoming Phu Quoc Tropica Fest 2025 at the Sun Paradise Land complex in the island’s south. The festival will feature dazzling light shows, beer celebrations, and lively street performances from morning until late night.

From being one of the world’s most-searched destinations to receiving consistent recognition from top international travel magazines, Phu Quoc continues to prove its irresistible charm. Phu Quoc is steadily emerging as a new symbol of Asian tourism – a paradise that instantly comes to mind when one thinks of tropical escapes, just as Bali, Phuket, and the Maldives have done before.

Source: VCCI

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Đà Lạt is named a must-visit destination for the Halloween holiday. — Photo Courtesy of Booking.com

HCM CITY – Đà Lạt in the Highland province of Lâm Đồng was named among the top destinations in Asia for the Halloween holiday.

Taking place annually on October 31, Halloween is a centuries-old celebration that blends ancient folklore with playful festivity. Children dress up for trick-or-treat, pumpkins glow with candlelight, families gather for bonfires, costume parties and ghostly tales that capture the spirit of the season. 

Though rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, countries across the globe have reimagined it in their own way by infusing local culture, seasonal charm and a playful dose of spookiness. 

A report from Booking.com found that 51 per cent of Vietnamese travellers say that they want to experience a different culture and 49 per cent want to have a variety of activities during their next trip.

According to Booking.com, October marks one of the most pleasant times of the year in Đà Lạt, when cool air and drifting mists wrap the town in an otherworldly calm. 

Around Halloween, this mountain retreat becomes an especially fitting destination, not only for its atmosphere but also for ghost stories whispered about certain places. 

Among them is the old French villa on Prenn Pass, once home to a French general before being abandoned and now restored, which still welcomes curious visitors. It only welcomes guests during the day, its quiet halls lined with Buddha altars, yet its lingering mystery still attracts those drawn to the unknown. 

Adding to Đà Lạt’s surreal charm is “Crazy House”, also known as Hằng Nga Guesthouse – a labyrinth of twisting staircases and dreamlike corridors that blurs the line between architecture and imagination.  

Other destinations include Hong Kong, where Halloween feels like a city-wide carnival of neon nights and creative costumes as a playful, unique blend of East and West turn the streets into a living spectacle. 

For Vietnamese travelers seeking a thrilling yet accessible Halloween getaway, Singapore is the ideal choice just a short flight away, even without centuries-old ghost tales. Every October, this modern metropolis transforms into one of Asia’s most thrilling Halloween hubs. 

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Nights of Fright at Sunway Lagoon has become a wild carnival of screams, lights and live performances where horror fans test their limits amid cinematic sets and mischievous street acts. With 63 per cent of Vietnamese travellers saying they’re motivated to travel to spend time together as a family, LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat Monster Party offers the perfect escape for this Halloween season. The entire park will transform into a playful monster wonderland, filled with creative workshops and stage shows that bring laughter to both kids and parents. 

In Japan, Halloween is less about scares and more about spectacle. Throughout October, thousands of locals and visitors join spontaneous parades in full costume, from anime characters to classic horror icons, turning the city into a vibrant Halloween parade, especially in Shibuya and Harajuku.  

Travel Trends 2025 research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who took a leisure trip with an overnight stay in the last 12 months, plan to travel in 2025 and are involved in trip planning. The sample comprises 32,300 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January or February 2025 including 800 from Việt Nam. — VNS

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According to the recently approved master planning scheme for the Mũi Né National Tourist Area, the development vision aims to make the destination one of Asia-Pacific’s leading tourism hubs by 2050, built on modern, sustainable, and environmentally friendly infrastructure.

The plan focuses on developing beach resorts, water sports, and sand dune experiences, while preserving Chăm cultural heritage, coastal community traditions, and local festivals — all contributing to Mũi Né’s unique identity.

With a “green, clean, and sustainable” vision, the development prioritises green spaces, natural landscapes, and the protection of cultural and historical landmarks, ensuring a balanced growth between tourism and urban development.

By 2030, the Mũi Né National Tourist Area is projected to host 200,000 residents, covering 9,909 hectares of land, including 1,773 hectares for tourism services and 41,000 hotel rooms. By 2040, the population is expected to reach 300,000, with 12,986 hectares of land and 71,500 hotel rooms dedicated to tourism.

The master plan also defines land-use strategies, infrastructure development, and key investment priorities to turn this ambitious vision into reality — positioning Mũi Né as a global icon of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

(Source: VNA/VNS)

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Asia is home to thousands of breathtaking islands, from pristine beaches and lush jungles to rich cultural heritage sites. A recent ranking by UK travel magazine Time Out has named the 7 best islands to visit in Asia — and Vietnam’s very own Phu Quoc proudly secured a spot in the top 3.

Asia’s Most Stunning Islands to Explore

1. Borneo

The largest island in Asia, Borneo spans across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. It’s a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, with dense rainforests, sandy beaches, and river safaris. Visitors here can spot endangered species such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.

2. Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia’s most famous island, Bali continues to attract millions of visitors every year thanks to its waterfalls, rice terraces, surfing spots, and vibrant Hindu culture. Dolphins, yoga retreats, and endless adventure await travelers here.

3. Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island has quickly risen to fame as one of Asia’s most beautiful destinations. With powdery white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, it’s a true tropical escape.

Beyond the beaches, visitors can explore hiking trails leading to scenic viewpoints, family-friendly attractions like VinWonders Phu Quoc and Aquatopia Water Park, or take a ride on the world’s longest oversea cable car from Sunset Town.

4. Baa Atoll, Maldives

The Maldives remains a bucket-list destination, boasting nearly 1,200 islands. Among them, Baa Atoll stands out as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where travelers can marvel at colorful coral reefs, crystal-clear lagoons, and luxury overwater villas.

5. Palawan, Philippines

Nicknamed the “last frontier” of the Philippines, Palawan dazzles with limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and diverse marine life. Highlights include El Nido’s island-hopping tours, Coron’s famous WWII shipwreck dives, and Puerto Princesa’s UNESCO-listed underground river.

6. Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan

One of Okinawa’s most accessible islands, Ishigaki offers world-class snorkeling, coral reefs, and powdery white sands. Visitors can relax at Yonehara Beach or climb the ancient coral stone steps at Shiraho for panoramic island views.

7. Koh Rong, Cambodia

Cambodia’s second-largest island, Koh Rong, is famous for its magical bioluminescent plankton, which glow as you swim at night. By day, travelers enjoy quiet beaches, water sports, and a laid-back island atmosphere.

Phu Quoc: Vietnam’s Shining Star

Ranking among Asia’s best is a major boost for Vietnam’s tourism. Phu Quoc continues to attract international travelers with its blend of natural beauty, modern attractions, and unique cultural experiences.

With direct flights from major cities in Asia and beyond, the island is expected to welcome even more visitors in the coming years, cementing its place as one of Asia’s top island getaways.

Source: VietNam Insider

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