Vietnam has been named among the best ideas for journeys that will inspire 50-somethings to get out their calendars and start making plans, according a list released by Travel + Leisure, a travel magazine based in New York City, New York.

Travel + Leisure advises travelers that a visit to the Banyan Tree Lang Co in central Vietnam will get tourists away from everyday life with its exotic location, ancient towns, and nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites that include Imperial City in Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.

“Guests can explore local fishing villages and lagoons in a traditional basket boat, learn to make spring rolls and Bun Bo Hue, a traditional noodle dish, or book private yoga instruction,” Travel + Leisure wrote.

San Diego in California tops the list, followed by Phuket in Thailand, Amelia Island in Florida, Tecate in Mexico, The Maldives, British Columbia in Canada, Tucson in Arizona, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, etc.

Earlier, Vietnam has been named among the world’s 10 best beach destinations for retirement in 2019, according to a list released by International Living (IL) and Live and Invest Overseas (LIO), two data-driven travel and lifestyle content producers.

Vietnam’s fast-growing economy is a great place for retirees who are looking to start a business or find economic opportunity in act two of life.

According to IL and LIO, a couple can live here for less than US$1,000 a month in many places. Coastal Da Nang, which is the region LIO recommends specifically, feels very intimate despite its million-person population. Da Nang is bookmarked between Vietnam’s more well-known cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to be further inland, LIO recommends Da Lat in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, too.

The number of foreign holidaymakers to Vietnam in the first quarter of 2019 is estimated at 4.5 million, a rise of 7% year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

Hanoitimes