Across the globe, the travel industry watches for those rare destinations where heritage, innovation, and hospitality converge to create something truly exceptional. In 2025 and 2026, Vietnam has emerged as such a place—earning recognition from the Vietnam Tourism Association, the World Travel Awards, and the ASEAN Tourism Forum, among others. What follows is a curated account of these honors, each one a testament to the nation’s rising stature in the world of luxury and sustainable travel.
In December 2025, the Vietnam Tourism Association officially launched the Vietnam Tourism Awards 2025, setting the stage for a gala ceremony to be held during the Vietnam International Tourism Fair (VITM) Hanoi 2026. The awards span the full spectrum of the industry, with many categories now incorporating the VITA GREEN sustainability criteria—a reflection of the country’s commitment to responsible tourism. Honorees are recognized in fields ranging from travel agencies (by market segment, including inbound, outbound, domestic, and MICE organizers) to transportation, accommodation, destinations, and innovation in tourism products. Special emphasis is placed on businesses and destinations that excel in green transformation and plastic waste reduction, alongside tourism training facilities and golf courses serving the travel sector. Evaluation criteria for the 2025 awards include business performance, customer service efficiency, management capacity, and contributions to the tourism community—ensuring that the winners represent the very best of Vietnam’s travel industry.
The World Travel Awards opened nominations for 2026 in early spring, with voting commencing March 30, 2026. The 2025 winners automatically re‑qualify for consideration, maintaining a roster of excellence that continues to shine. Among the nominees and winners with strong Vietnamese ties are: Leading Tour Operator – Explore Real Asia, INSIDE TRAVEL, Vietravel; Leading Travel Agency – INSIDE TRAVEL, Satguru Travel Vietnam, Vietravel; Leading Destination Management Company – ASIA DMC, DTH Travel Vietnam, Vivu Journeys; Leading Cultural Destination – Halong Bay, Hanoi, Hoi An; Leading Nature Destination – Halong Bay, Moc Chau, Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park; Leading Tourist Attraction – Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha Cave, Sun World Fansipan Legend; Leading Hotel – JW Marriott & Suites Saigon, Park Hyatt Saigon, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi; and Leading Beach Resort – Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort. These nominations underscore Vietnam’s growing presence among the world’s most celebrated travel destinations and operators.
The Indochine Cruise fleet, operated by Indochina Sails, has garnered significant recognition throughout 2025 and 2026, establishing itself as a benchmark for luxury cruising in Southeast Asia. At the World Luxury Travel Awards 2025, Indochine Premium was honored as “Southeast Asia’s Most Luxurious Art Cruise,” standing alongside global hospitality icons such as InterContinental, JW Marriott, Four Seasons, and The Ritz‑Carlton. That same year, the vessel also received the “Best Luxury Cruise Line in Vietnam” title from the Luxury Lifestyle Awards—a rare double recognition. The entire fleet—Indochine, Indochine Premium, and Indochine Grand—was awarded the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2025, placing them in the top ten percent of listings worldwide. Booking.com further celebrated their consistent excellence with a Traveler Review Award, buoyed by sustained high ratings (9.8 out of 10) from 2021 through 2025. Even the fleet’s spiritual predecessor, Indochina Sails, received international applause with a nomination for “Outstanding International Wedding Venue” at the UK Weddings & Honeymoons Awards 2025—a fitting tribute to a brand that has redefined luxury cruising in Ha Long Bay for over three decades.
At the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, held in Cebu, Philippines, Vietnam claimed an impressive 25 awards. Among them, Quang Ninh province—home to Ha Long Bay—secured three prestigious honors: Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery was named an ASEAN Green Hotel, recognized for its sustainable operations within the sacred Yen Tu complex. Royal Halong Hotel received the ASEAN MICE Venue Award for its exceptional meeting facilities. And the People’s Committee of Co To (Co To Island) earned the ASEAN Environmentally Friendly Tourism Destination Award, celebrating the island’s commitment to pristine preservation. These accolades underscore Quang Ninh’s strategic focus on green and sustainable tourism development—a philosophy that resonates throughout the region’s most cherished destinations.
Vietnam’s destinations themselves have become award‑winning protagonists. At the HOTLIST Travellive Editor’s Pick 2025 ceremony, three regions were celebrated for their outstanding tourism performance: Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 8.5 million international visitors and 45 million domestic travelers in 2025, with tourism revenue approaching 278 trillion VND. Its “Find Your Vibes” campaign earned the TPO BEST 2025 Award. Hue, the host of National Tourism Year 2025 (“Ancient Capital – New Opportunities”), saw a 60 percent revenue surge, attracting 6.3 million visitors, of which 1.9 million were international. Quang Ninh recorded 21.28 million domestic and 4.5 million international visitors, a landmark year further burnished by the July 2025 UNESCO World Heritage inscription of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac complex—a cultural pilgrimage site now sharing the world stage with Ha Long Bay. Meanwhile, Sun World Entertainment earned its second consecutive “Best of Vietnam – Attractions” title at the Vietnam Klook Partner Awards 2025, a recognition of its iconic landmarks: the Fansipan cable car, the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, and the Kiss Bridge in Phu Quoc.
Saigontourist Travel concluded 2025 with an extraordinary collection of 14 prestigious awards and titles, highlighting its leadership in both sustainability and market performance: Green Enterprise of Ho Chi Minh City 2025; Top 50 Outstanding Enterprises of HCMC (1975–2025); Top 10 International Inbound Tour Operators in Vietnam; Top 10 Best Domestic Tour Operators in Vietnam; Top 10 ASEAN Green Growth Brands 2025; and the Emulation Flag of the Government of Vietnam (2024). These honors reflect a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and the promotion of Vietnam’s cultural and natural heritage.
The calendar for 2026 holds several key events for those following Vietnam’s travel accolades: the Vietnam Tourism Awards 2025 Gala (April 9–12, 2026, at VITM Hanoi 2026); World Travel Awards 2026 Voting Opens (March 30, 2026; nominations close March 22); and the Vietnam Klook Partner Awards 2026 (scheduled for early 2027, recognizing annual achievements in travel partnerships). As Vietnam prepares to host the National Tourism Year 2026, the stage is set for even greater international acclaim. For travelers and industry insiders alike, this is a moment to celebrate—and to watch.
