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The world's leading travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveler (CN Traveler), has officially announced its list of the most impressive travel destinations for 2025. Outperforming thousands of competing destinations on the global travel map, Vietnam has been chosen by experts and veteran editors as a symbol of the perfect blend of heritage value, cultural depth, and vibrant contemporary energy.
CN Traveler's annual list isn't based on dry statistics, but rather on the firsthand experiences of its editors and reporters – those who travel directly to discover the most unique and memorable emotions.
In the 2025 summary, Vietnam emerged as a brilliant highlight, described as one of the rare travel experiences where every element, from culinary excellence and local hospitality to accommodation standards, reached perfection. This once again affirms Vietnam's position in the international market, no longer a rough gem but a preferred destination for family bonding trips and exploration of the human spirit.
One of the key reasons Vietnam scored a perfect 10 is its ability to blend urban beauty with the tranquility of the sea. Rebecca Misner, senior editor at CN Traveler, lavished praise on the country when recounting her trip with her husband and 16-year-old son.
For a multigenerational family, finding a destination that can satisfy both the curiosity of teenagers and the relaxation and historical exploration needs of adults is a difficult task, but Vietnam has solved it perfectly. The trip begins in the ancient capital of Hue, where the romantic Perfume River embraces the magnificent palace architecture of the Nguyen dynasty, creating an unforgettable start.
In Hue, the family of the American newspaper editor was not only overwhelmed by the scale of the royal tombs and the ancient Imperial Citadel, but they were also particularly impressed by the city's everyday rhythm. Unlike the hustle and bustle of large cities, Hue possesses a youthful yet tranquil energy.
Rebecca shared with global readers her amazement at the local coffee culture, especially salted coffee – a unique drink that is becoming a strong trend. Images of thousands of students from major universities traveling by motorbike under ancient trees created a picture of a "truly Vietnamese city," where history and modernity intertwine naturally and effortlessly.
Leaving behind the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient capital, the journey continues to Hoi An – an ancient town often described as a living open-air museum. Despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations, Hoi An still manages to captivate even the most discerning travelers with its serene moments at dawn.
Rebecca's family chose to wake up early, strolling through the lantern-lit streets to enjoy a warm loaf of bread before the crowds of tourists arrived. The refined experience of enjoying street food, combined with the distinctive architectural beauty of a bustling 17th-century trading port, created a tapestry of memories.
The CN Traveler editors' family's adventure extended to Phu Yen province – known as the land of "golden flowers and green grass". Here, they immersed themselves in the pristine coastal and island landscape, enjoying absolute tranquility before concluding their trip.
The most interesting and iconic image of Vietnam's appeal as a tourist destination is that of Rebecca's family returning to the US with suitcases overflowing with rice paper snacks and other local treats. These aren't just ordinary souvenirs; they represent bringing home a taste of Vietnam, accompanied by a burning desire to return someday. This satisfaction is the most vivid proof of why Vietnam consistently ranks among the top travel destinations in 2025.
Besides Vietnam, CN Traveler's list of the world's best travel destinations for 2025 also features many other unique routes, reflecting the trend towards sustainable travel and personalized experiences. These include family bonding trips to Copenhagen (Denmark), thrilling adventures walking with chimpanzees in Rwanda, or tranquil getaways in the Lafitte wetlands (Louisiana, USA). The world in 2025 will also see the rise of fairytale weddings in Tuscany (Italy), romantic honeymoons in Japan, South Korea, and Los Cabos (Mexico). Those who love poetry might choose pilgrimages to Ouro Preto (Brazil), while adventure seekers might opt for train journeys through Colorado and Utah or wander through the narrow alleys of Bangkok and Bali.
However, amidst a list of beautiful destinations, Vietnam stands out as a place offering the perfect balance between cost, experience, and emotion. For CN Traveler readers, Vietnam is not just a country to visit, but a journey to experience. Being recognized by a US publication as one of the best travel destinations of 2025 will give a major boost to Vietnam's tourism industry, attracting high-quality travelers from North America and Europe – those who seek cultural value over mass tourism.
