Vietnam has recently received accolades in three categories from Condé Nast Traveler readers: “Top Countries in the World,” “Top Ten Friendliest Countries in the World,” and “The Best Countries in the World.”

With 91.91 scores, Vietnam ranks seven on the list of “Top Countries in the World: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards”, nine among “Top Ten Friendliest Countries in the World: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards”; and 15th among “The Best Countries in the world: 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.”

The legendary Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi. Photo: Chuyen Cua Ha Noi Group

Vietnam has been rated by Condé Nast Traveler readers as a culturally diverse and appealing destination. Its rustic charm and captivating features have made it a top favorite among travelers.

“From skyscrapers in Ho Chi Minh City to paddy fields in Sapa, there are many sides to Vietnam, yet all welcome travelers with open arms,” wrote the Condé Nast Traveler.

“Even in rural villages, locals offer spare rooms to guests through homestay schemes, alongside their insider tours and home-cooked meals. The street food scene caters to travelers too, known for its traditional recipes at budget-friendly prices, while the unique Vietnamese ‘sidewalk culture’ immerses passers-by in the close-knit community through curbside food vendors, exercise groups, and barbers,” it added.

The recognition from Condé Nast Traveler readers is expected to raise the status of Vietnamese tourism. Vietnam is no longer just a noteworthy destination; it has become a must-visit for travelers. 

International visitors to Hanoi's iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo: Dong Duc

In the first eight months of 2024, Vietnam received a total of more than 12.7 million visitors, 43% more than in the same period last year. By the end of 2024, the tourism industry is projected to welcome 17-18 million foreign visitors.

This indicates the growing interest of foreign visitors in Vietnam - a "hidden gem" of Asia. Hanoi, the fascinating capital of Vietnam, is an essential part of any discussion of Vietnamese tourism.  According to Condé Nast Traveler, the city is often called "the Paris of the Orient" thanks to its tree-lined boulevards, lakes, and parks, belle époque villas, and beautiful temples that reflect a blend of Indochinese and French colonial influences.

“Given the political and historical importance of Hanoi and its burgeoning population, it's a surprisingly low-key but vibrant city, sharply in contrast to Ho Chi Minh City in the south,” wrote Condé Nast Traveler.

The Hanoi Opera House, a typical French-style architecture in Hanoi. Photo: Pham Anh Dung

Nowhere is its vibrancy more evident than in the tangle of streets known as the Old Quarter, the commercial heart of the city since the 15th century. Hanoi is the only city in Vietnam to have preserved its ancient merchants' quarter, a dense square kilometer that was closed off behind massive ramparts and heavy wooden gates until well into the 19th century. There are few individual sights in the area; the best approach is to explore the back alleys, taking in the colorful stalls and street vendors.

According to holidaymakers, Hanoi also plays an important role as a good base for excursions to Ha Long Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fabulous nature of Ninh Binh or Sapa - the northern mountains where travelers can experience the life of Vietnam's ethnic minorities. There are some attractions closer by, such as Perfume Pagoda, Duong Lam Ancient Village, Ba Vi National Park, and many others.

Costa Rica topped the Condé Nast Traveler - Friendliest Countries in the World: 2024 Readers' Choice Awards list with a score of 96.15. It is followed by New Zealand scoring 95.63, Thailand 94.37, and the Maldives 93.50.

Visitors to Duong Lam Ancient Village, Son Tay Town, Hanoi. Photo: Pham Minh Long

In addition, Phu Quoc is the only Vietnamese destination to make the list of the world's top islands as ranked by Condé Nast Traveler in its 2024 Readers' Choice Awards, coming in second among the top 10 islands in Asia.

The ranking is part of the magazine's annual Readers' Choice Awards, which are voted on by readers around the world.

Now in its 27th year, the awards received more than 575,000 votes from readers who rated their travel experiences in each country based on criteria such as culture, scenery, tourism services, and infrastructure.

Condé Nast Traveler is a premium and leisure travel magazine. It is a global authority on travel, providing inspiration, expert insight, news, tips, and guides. The magazine is known for fostering discussions about sustainability, inclusivity, and change, as well as being an opinionated voice on travel and culture.