Vietnam’s tourism industry marked a triumphant year in 2025, setting new records and earning widespread recognition in some of the world’s most prestigious travel and culinary rankings.

20 millionth international visitor welcomed  -  a historic milestone

On December 15, Vietnam officially welcomed its 20 millionth international visitor of the year - a first in the 65-year history of the country’s tourism industry.

With an estimated annual growth rate of 21%, Vietnam was recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) as one of the fastest-growing travel markets globally. This is especially notable considering that global tourism in 2025 only averaged a 5% increase, with the Asia-Pacific region at 8%, and worldwide recovery reaching just 90% of pre-pandemic levels.

16 global awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards

Vietnam made a stunning impact at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) - often referred to as the “Oscars of the travel industry” - by securing 16 top-tier global honors.

Among the highlights, Vietnam was named World’s Leading Heritage Destination for the sixth time. Individual locations also earned accolades: the Dong Van Karst Plateau as World’s Leading Local Cultural Destination 2025; Moc Chau won World’s Leading Local Nature Destination for the third time; Tam Dao claimed World’s Leading Town Destination for the fourth time; and Phu Quoc retained its title as World’s Leading Nature Island Destination for the fourth year running.

Phu Quoc also swept several other global awards, including World’s Leading Iconic Tourism Bridge for the Kiss Bridge, World’s Leading Beach 2025 for Bai Kem, and World’s Leading Iconic Scenic Spot for Sunset Town.

In the hospitality and resort sector, Vietnam earned multiple prestigious distinctions such as World’s Leading Green Resort 2025 and World’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort 2025.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, these global accolades not only affirm the country’s position on the global travel map but also highlight the sector’s dynamic progress amid intensifying global competition.

Earlier, at the WTA Asia-Pacific Awards in October, Vietnam was named Asia’s Leading Destination for the seventh time and Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination for the third time.

Two Vietnamese villages honored as Best Tourism Villages 2025

On October 17, in Zhejiang, China, the United Nations World Tourism Organization announced the Best Tourism Villages 2025 awards. Among the winners were Lo Lo Chai Cultural Tourism Village in Lung Cu (Tuyen Quang Province) and Quynh Son Community Tourism Village in Bac Son (Lang Son Province).

Selected from more than 270 entries across 65 countries, the recognition reflects the exceptional cultural and natural values of these destinations and their commitment to sustainable tourism development.

To date, Vietnam has five villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism: Tan Hoa (Quang Binh), Thai Hai (Thai Nguyen), Tra Que Herb Village (Da Nang), Lo Lo Chai (Tuyen Quang), and Quynh Son (Lang Son).

Vietnamese cuisine gains global acclaim

Vietnam ranked 4th in the 2025 list of the world’s top culinary destinations, as voted by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller. With a score of 96.67%, Vietnam placed just behind Thailand (98.33%), Italy (96.92%), and Japan (96.77%).

At the 6th World Culinary Awards, Vietnam was named Asia’s Leading Culinary Destination 2025, while Hanoi received the title of Asia’s Leading Emerging Culinary City Destination 2025.

In December, TasteAtlas ranked Vietnamese cuisine 16th globally - three places higher than the previous year. Dishes like pho, banh mi, banh xeo, cha gio, bun bo Hue, bun cha, and com tam were highlighted as must-try foods for visitors.

The global popularity of Vietnamese cuisine also helped secure Vietnam a spot on Time Out magazine’s list of Top 20 Winter Destinations Worldwide 2025-2026, under the category “Best for food.”

Linh Trang