Hoàn Kiếm Lake in the very heart of Hà Nội and its surrounding areas are home to many historical, cultural, architectural and traditional artistic relic sites. Photo bvhttdl.gov.vn

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội and HCM City have been listed among the world's Best Cities on Earth by The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025.

Some 20,000 global readers of the world-renowned UK newspaper, The Telegraph, recently voted for the two Vietnamese cities along with others from around the world. The top three cities in the ranking are South Africa's Cape Town, Seville in Spain and Sydney, Australia.

The prestigious publication has listed Hà Nội at an impressive 31st place and HCM City at 77th place among a total of 105 cities.

This rank has helped put Việt Nam’s capital city in a strong position over other famous cities in Asia, such as Bangkok, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai. 

Hà Nội has also made a splash in the regional category, ranking 10th among the best cities outside Europe and the Americas.

An article published in The Telegraph on August 6 by Joshua Zukas, a travel expert who has spent two decades digging into Việt Nam and over ten years in Hà Nội, described the city as "ever-evolving".

He wrote: "When I’m not unearthing new neighbourhoods in this ever-evolving city, I’m probably exploring backroads in Việt Nam’s farthest-flung corners."

The reporter suggested 19 things to do in the city, noting that Hà Nội has too much to do, from whizzing around on cyclos to demystifying the war years.

"Some travellers spend weeks in Việt Nam’s cultural capital, but still manage to leave museums unexplored, lakes unvisited and neighbourhoods undiscovered. The key to getting the most out of the capital is tailoring an itinerary based on personal passions, whether that’s ambling around centuries-old archaeological sites, gobbling up noodles on a street food tour or exploring the Old Quarter by cyclo." 

The historic Long Biên Bridge in Hà Nội. VNS Photo Trương Vị

Zukas also described Hà Nội as an urban oxymoron: chaotic but calming, ramshackle but refined, choked by traffic but filled with nature.

"You’ll clock evidence of colliding contradictions just about everywhere. Bentleys idle beside street kitchens, pagodas squat beneath skyscrapers, and unpalatable exhaust fumes mingle with tempting scents from chargrilled meats and simmering soup broths," he wrote.

"This nuanced capital of Việt Nam doesn’t reveal itself through a checklist of sights. The major landmarks, such as the Temple of Literature, and compelling museums, like the Hỏa Lò Prison, will help contextualise the city (and country), but Hà Nội’s magic lies in its neighbourhoods, where foodies, shoppers and photographers will all find reasons to linger longer than expected."

For many visitors to Hà Nội, the city is a poetic symphony of history, art and authenticity.

From its atmospheric 36 ancient streets of the Old Quarter to the elegant French colonial architecture, every corner of Hà Nội tells a story. Iconic landmarks like the Temple of Literature, Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the lively Old Quarter Area, among others, offer a unique rhythm of life that enchants both new and returning visitors to the city.

Moreover, Hà Nội continues to earn acclaim from international media around the world, Hanoi Times reported.

In 2025, Travel + Leisure ranked the city among its '15 Dream International Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable', highlighting Hà Nội’s thousand-year-old heritage, refined cuisine and remarkably budget-friendly travel costs.

With over 18.3 million visitors (including 4.2 million foreigners) in the first seven months of 2025, the capital city has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for travellers from around the world.

HCM City has recently emerged as the top choice for micro-travel adventures in the country

Meanwhile, HCM City continues to rise in international favour thanks to its electrifying urban energy and blend of historical and modern charm.

The city has recently emerged as the top choice for micro-travel adventures in the country during the first five months of 2025, surpassing other provinces and cities.

With its non-stop energy and vibrant cityscape, it is the perfect place for a one-night recharge.

According to the digital travel platform Agoda, from rooftop cocktails to street food delights and bustling nightlife, the city provides constant excitement at every turn.

Agoda has recently shed light on how micro-travel – short, easy getaways – is resonating with Vietnamese travellers.

Securing the number one spot came as a surprise for HCM City. Despite not having many advantages in terms of natural retreats like coastal or mountainous areas, the city has captivated domestic tourists with its lively atmosphere, diverse nighttime activities and modern amenities. VNS