Quy Nhon has become the only Vietnamese representative named among Lonely Planet’s top 25 destinations for 2026, joining globally renowned locations such as Brazil, Mexico, and Ireland.

According to CNN, Nitya Chambers, Executive Editor and Vice President of Content at Lonely Planet, said this year’s list celebrates places that offer “deep local identity and vibrant post-pandemic tourism recovery.”

Quy Nhon, currently a ward-level city in Gia Lai province, sits nestled between sea and mountains, with long, scenic beaches stretching across its coast.

Nicknamed the “emerald gem of central Vietnam,” Quy Nhon is famous for its curved sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged natural rock formations such as Eo Gio, Ky Co, and Hon Kho.

Beyond its breathtaking natural scenery, Quy Nhon preserves rich Cham culture through historical relics like Banh It Tower and the Twin Towers. The city’s cuisine is equally alluring, with signature dishes like fish cake noodles (bun cha ca), sizzling shrimp pancakes (banh xeo tom nhay), and a wide variety of fresh seafood.

In recent years, Quy Nhon has emerged as a fast-growing tourism hub, attracting travelers with its peaceful atmosphere, welcoming locals, and increasingly diverse accommodation options. It is becoming a go-to destination for those seeking sun-kissed beaches and a laid-back vibe, all while retaining the genuine simplicity of central Vietnam.

Alongside Quy Nhon, other prominent destinations recognized by Lonely Planet include Cádiz (Spain), Utrecht (Netherlands), Cartagena (Colombia), Quetzaltenango (Xela, Guatemala), Akaria-Flinders Ranges & Outback (Australia), Phuket (Thailand), Barbados (Caribbean), and British Columbia (Canada).

Lonely Planet, established in 1973 with its first guidebook Across Asia on the Cheap, has become a global travel publishing giant, selling more than 145 million copies to date.

Do An