Vietnam Rank 17th & 50th in Time Out’s 51 Most Beautiful Places in the World (2026)
On March 17, 2026, Time Out released its list of the 51 Most Beautiful Places in the World. Vietnam claimed two spots: Hà Giang at #17 and Hội An at #50, confirming the country’s irresistible charm.
Hà Giang (#17) – Majesty of the Northern Frontier
Time Out describes Hà Giang as a place where “mountain after mountain, as far as the eye can see, of terraced rice paddies” creates a surreal panorama. The Mã Pì Lèng Pass is a serpentine road carved into cliffs overlooking the Nho Quế River. The province is home to 43 ethnic groups, offering a living cultural tapestry. Best visited Sep–Nov (golden rice season) or Mar–May (blossom season).
Hội An (#50) – Timeless Elegance on the Thu Bồn River
Hội An is a “living museum where golden‑hued architecture and lantern‑lit alleys coexist with contemporary life.” A UNESCO site, it charms with the Japanese Covered Bridge, night market, and riverboats. Time Out’s Katie Lockhart says: “I now spend several months each year in Hội An, cycling through rice paddies before sunset.” The monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival is magical.
Why This Recognition Matters
Vietnam’s double presence on this elite list – beside Picos de Europa, Komodo, and Angkor Wat – signals a global shift toward authentic, soulful destinations. Indochine Chic has long championed these values, creating journeys that go beyond the ordinary.
Complete List: Time Out’s 51 Most Beautiful Places (2026)
- 1. Picos de Europa, Spain
- 2. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
- 3. The Library at Morgan Library and Museum, New York City, USA
- 4. Douro Valley, Portugal
- 5. Big Sur, California, USA
- 6. Ullswater, England
- 7. Old Town, Bologna, Italy
- 8. Capo Testa, Sardinia, Italy
- 9. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
- 10. Punakha Valley, Bhutan
- 11. St John’s Co-Cathedral, Malta
- 12. Disko Island, Greenland
- 13. Brecon Beacons, Wales
- 14. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado, USA
- 15. Choquequirao, Peru
- 16. New Forest, England
- 17. Hà Giang, Vietnam
- 18. Lakeland, Finland
- 19. Lillafüred, Hungary
- 20. West Cork, Ireland
- 21. Altiplano, Bolivia
- 22. Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- 23. Sky Lagoon, Iceland
- 24. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
- 25. Highlands, Scotland
- 26. Dakhla, Western Sahara
- 27. Kotor Bay, Montenegro
- 28. Zhangye National Geopark (Rainbow Mountains), China
- 29. Storms River, South Africa
- 30. Elephant Rock, Westman Islands, Iceland
- 31. Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico
- 32. Stelvio National Park, Italy
- 33. Lord Howe Island, Australia
- 34. Janjske Otoke, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 35. The Door to Hell (Darvaza Gas Crater), Turkmenistan
- 36. Cinque Terre, Italy
- 37. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia
- 38. Gjipe Canyon, Albania
- 39. Wadi Rum, Jordan
- 40. The Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt
- 41. Omiš, Croatia
- 42. Mount Huangshan, China
- 43. The Blue City of Chefchaouen, Morocco
- 44. Marble Caves (Capillas de Mármol), Chile
- 45. Milford Sound, New Zealand
- 46. Meteora, Greece
- 47. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- 48. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- 49. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
- 50. Hội An, Vietnam
- 51. The Azores, Portugal
Source: Time Out · “The 51 most beautiful places in the world” (March 17, 2026).
“Vietnam’s double presence on this list is no accident. From the rugged north to the lantern‑lit south, the country offers a spectrum of beauty that few destinations can match. At Indochine Chic, we invite you to experience both.”
– Nguyễn Hoàng Anh, Travel Curator
Plan Your Journey with Indochine Chic
Whether you wish to conquer the passes of Hà Giang by vintage motorbike or drift through Hội An’s ancient streets on a bamboo boat, our bespoke itineraries combine luxury, authenticity, and insider access. Combine both destinations in a single journey – from the highlands to the coast – and discover why Vietnam captivates the world.