Vietnam Shines Bright: Hà Giang & Hội An Among World’s Most Beautiful Destinations

Out of hundreds of global destinations nominated, Hà Giang’s rocky plateau and Hội An’s ancient town have earned a spot on Time Out’s prestigious list of the 44 most beautiful places in the world.

The ranking was conducted by Time Out Magazine (UK), based on votes from a global network of travel-loving writers. The destinations receiving the highest number of votes were selected for the final list.

Among the 44 locations, Ha Giang secured the 10th position, while Hoi An came in at number 44.

Hà Giang is famous for its vast terraced rice fields. Every September, as the rice ripens, the entire region transforms into a stunning golden landscape.

In its praise for Hà Giang, Time Out highlighted the province’s dramatic mountain passes such as Tham Ma Pass, known for its six sharp bends, and Ma Pi Leng Pass, dubbed the "king of mountain passes," offering breathtaking views over the Nho Que River.

Ma Pi Leng Pass – One of Vietnam’s Four Greatest Mountain Passes

But what truly captivated the magazine was the majestic landscape of La Si in Ngam La Commune, noted for its serene atmosphere and dramatic mountain scenery.

“It took thousands of years of hard work for local people to cultivate rice in such a rugged landscape,” wrote Grace Beard, Time Out’s travel editor.

Turning to Hội An, the magazine painted a dreamy picture of silk lanterns swaying in front of charming restaurants, adorning the golden walls of the ancient town.

“Life in Hội An, a town on Vietnam’s central coast, moves like molasses—slow and sweet,” Grace Beard shared.

"Hội An, a town on Vietnam’s central coast, moves like molasses—slow and sweet"

“When I first visited this dreamy little town, I spent my mornings sipping coconut coffee in cozy cafés and my afternoons biking past rice fields and water buffalo. Now, I spend a few months each year here, watching lantern-lit boats glide down the Thu Bồn River, cycling through the quiet Old Town before the crowds arrive, and unwinding on one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches,” she added.

Hoi An is also an icon of eco-tourism of Vietnam

Topping the list was Komodo National Park in Indonesia, famous not only for its iconic Komodo dragons, but also for its pink-sand beaches and world-class diving sites.

Komodo Island National Park hiking (Photo source: From the Internet - Website: national-parks.org/indonesia)

Time Out recommended that visitors explore dive spots like the Cauldron, Castle Rock, and Crystal Rock, where you can swim alongside schools of trevallies, tuna, sea bass, and even manta rays and dolphins.

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