Vietnam is stepping confidently onto the global luxury tourism stage. In the recently announced Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2025, two Vietnamese gems - Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc Island - secured their spots among the top 10 cities and islands in the region. This recognition highlights the country’s growing appeal to international travelers seeking not just beauty, but a blend of comfort, culture, and authenticity.
Whether you're planning a return trip to Southeast Asia or considering Vietnam for the first time, this is the year to make it happen—and here’s why.
What Are the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards?
Travel + Leisure is one of the most respected voices in the global travel industry. Its annual Luxury Awards are voted on by experienced travelers who value service, atmosphere, food, architecture, and overall destination experience.
In 2025, readers selected their favorite destinations across Asia-Pacific—from world-renowned cities like Tokyo and Bangkok to tranquil islands such as Bali and Palawan. Vietnam made a bold appearance on both lists, signaling its rising status among luxury travelers.
Ho Chi Minh City: A Cosmopolitan Hub with Soul
Ranked #7 among the top 10 cities in Asia-Pacific, Ho Chi Minh City offers far more than just hustle and bustle. It’s a city that embraces modernity while holding tight to its colonial and cultural roots.
Cultural Depth Meets Urban Energy
The city’s historical heart features French colonial architecture such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Independence Palace. These landmarks are reminders of Vietnam's layered past—beautifully preserved and still fully woven into daily life.
Meanwhile, vibrant streets like Nguyen Hue Walking Street pulse with youthful energy, and timeless markets such as Ben Thanh offer a sensory overload of local cuisine, textiles, and handicrafts.
A Game-Changer for Visitors: The New Metro
A major milestone for tourism and infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line, launched at the end of 2024, now connects key districts with modern, air-conditioned convenience. For travelers, this means smoother movement across the city and easier access to hidden gems previously off the typical tourist map.
A Culinary Destination Worth Flying For
The city’s culinary scene is rapidly gaining global acclaim. With multiple restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, food in Ho Chi Minh City is no longer just about street eats - though banh mi, pho, and com tam are still unmissable. Upscale dining establishments blend local flavors with global techniques, creating a scene that satisfies both casual explorers and seasoned gastronomes.
Phu Quoc: Southeast Asia’s New Luxury Island Paradise
Even more impressive is Phu Quoc Island, which earned the #3 spot among the top 10 islands in Asia-Pacific. Once a quiet fishing island, Phu Quoc has transformed into a world-class destination for those seeking peace, beauty, and pampering.
Natural Beauty That Rivals the Maldives
Phu Quoc offers stunning natural landscapes - turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, dense tropical forests, and vibrant coral reefs. It’s not hard to see why it’s often called the “Pearl Island.”
Travelers can relax under swaying palms, take in a sunset cruise, or dive into rich marine life with snorkeling or scuba adventures. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as a multi-generational family group, there’s something deeply soothing about life on this island.
Luxury Meets Local Flavor
Phu Quoc isn’t just pretty - it’s comfortable. The island is now home to a range of high-end resorts and boutique hotels, some perched on remote beaches, others nestled in lush greenery. Think private villas, oceanfront infinity pools, and personal butler service. The island is also known for the world’s longest over-sea cable car, which offers panoramic views of the An Thoi Archipelago - a breathtaking experience in itself.
For those looking to combine relaxation with exploration, Phu Quoc’s national parks, local temples, and night markets provide a cultural counterbalance to its lavish resorts. Seafood lovers, especially, are in for a treat.
Vietnam vs. the Region: A Rising Star Among Asia-Pacific Giants
In the same rankings, cities like Tokyo, Bangkok, Kyoto, Singapore, and Seoul featured alongside Ho Chi Minh City, while islands like Bali (Indonesia), Koh Samui (Thailand), and Langkawi (Malaysia) shared the spotlight with Phu Quoc.
But what sets Vietnam apart?
Affordability: Vietnam offers luxury at a fraction of the price of many other high-end destinations.
Authenticity: Unlike some overly commercialized destinations, Vietnam retains a deeply local character.
Diversity: From the urban energy of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to the quiet beauty of Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, Vietnam offers variety without long-haul travel times.
As more travelers seek meaningful luxury - experiences that are refined yet authentic - Vietnam checks all the boxes.
Planning Your Trip: Where to Go, What to Do
Whether you’re looking for a short holiday or a multi-week adventure, Vietnam has something to suit every pace. A well-curated itinerary might include:
3-4 days in Ho Chi Minh City for history, architecture, and culinary discovery
4-5 days in Phu Quoc for beach relaxation and luxury resort life
Add-ons like Ha Long Bay cruises, Hue’s imperial city, or Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets for a well-rounded cultural journey
For those who want a seamless, high-quality experience tailored to your travel style, check out our curated packages through our network of trusted Vietnam local tour operators.
Final Thoughts: Vietnam Is Ready for the World
The recognition from Travel + Leisure is more than just a trophy on the shelf - it’s a call to global travelers that Vietnam has arrived. It’s a destination where you can eat like royalty, sleep like a celebrity, and explore like an adventurer - all while being welcomed with signature Vietnamese warmth and hospitality.
So if you’ve been dreaming of a place that offers both authenticity and elegance, culture and comfort - 2025 is the year to experience luxury travel in Vietnam.
