Quy Nhon was named among the world’s top 25 destinations for 2025. Photo: An Vi
Founded in 1973, Lonely Planet is a global travel guide publisher known for its destination guides, travel tips and curated recommendations for travelers worldwide.
Quy Nhon makes Lonely Planet's top 25 list
Lonely Planet has named Quy Nhon, a popular destination on Vietnam’s south-central coast, among its 25 best places to visit in 2026.
Nestled between rugged mountains and tranquil lagoons, Quy Nhon features stretches of soft sandy beaches alongside ancient Cham towers, fishing villages and a diverse culinary scene.
According to Lonely Planet, the destination’s biggest draw is its laid-back atmosphere and unusually slow pace of life.
Beyond the central area, Lonely Planet recommends renting a motorbike to explore coastal spots such as Ky Co and Bai Xep, as well as Cham architectural sites including the Twin Towers and Banh It Towers.
Bai Xep in Dak Lak province is known for its unique geological and geomorphological features. Photo: Nguyen Hoang / Tuoi Tre
Across Vietnam: A dream journey through Asia
Early in the year, Vietnam earned a spot on Lonely Planet editors’ list of '10 dream trips to take in Asia in 2026.'
In a January 5 article, the travel guide recommended a roughly 10-day itinerary starting in Hanoi, the capital known for its timeless charm.
From there, travelers can head to Ha Long Bay before returning to Hanoi to catch an overnight train to Lao Cai and explore Sa Pa.
In Sa Pa, visitors can enjoy the cool mountain air or work up a sweat climbing the mist-shrouded Fansipan, which rises 3,143 meters above sea level.
For those with more time, Lonely Planet suggests extending the journey to Ha Giang or taking the Reunification Express south to central Vietnam to explore Hue Imperial City and Hoi An Ancient Town.
Cloud hunting atop Fansipan. Photo: Hieu Hoang
Da Nang as a summer's top destination
In May, Da Nang was named by Lonely Planet as one of nine Asian destinations to visit in summer, alongside Busan, Singapore, Bali, Almaty, Sendai and Chengdu.
The travel guide highlighted Da Nang as a standout destination, particularly for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities.
Visitors can relax on beaches such as My Khe and Non Nuoc or explore landmarks including the Dragon Bridge and the Museum of Cham Sculpture.
Lonely Planet also pointed to Da Nang’s affordable prices and modern amenities as factors behind its appeal as a Southeast Asian destination.
Tourists take photos on the 150-meter-long Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills in Da Nang. Photo: AFP
Lonely Planet names Vietnam's 10 best beaches
In mid-June, Lonely Planet unveiled its list of Vietnam’s 10 best beaches, spanning the country’s more than 3,400-kilometer coastline.
The list includes Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, Ho Coc, An Bang, Con Son and Cat Ba, Doc Let, My Khe in Da Nang, and My Khe in Quang Ngai.
Notably, Lonely Planet named My Khe Beach in Quang Ngai the best choice for families.
Visitors enjoy the pristine waters and long sandy beach at Doc Let in Khanh Hoa province, south-central Vietnam. Photo: Tran Hoai / Tuoi Tre
Vietnam's traditional markets take the spotlight
Vietnam’s traditional markets have also caught Lonely Planet’s attention, alongside its beaches and tourist destinations.
On July 8, the travel guide published a feature on nine markets worth experiencing across Vietnam.
In the north, the list includes Long Bien Market, Cho Gioi and Lang Chuong Hat Market in Hanoi, as well as Dao San Highland Market in Lai Chau, Ta Sin Thang Market in Dien Bien and Moc Chau Love Market in Son La.
Central Vietnam is represented by Tam Tien Fish Market in Da Nang.
In the south, Lonely Planet highlights the 'squat market' in Vi Thanh, Can Tho, for its riverside culture, along with Long Xuyen Floating Market in An Giang.
Vendors sit low to display their goods at Vi Thanh’s 'squat market,' a name inspired by the market’s distinctive way of selling. Photo: Chi Quoc / Tuoi Tre
Vietnam's enduring appeal on the global travel map
Beyond the lists mentioned above, Lonely Planet has published a series of dedicated guides to Vietnamese destinations throughout 2026.
On January 28, the travel guide published a guide to Hoi An.
In early February, it highlighted 10 experiences in northern Vietnam, from overnight train rides and motorbike trips through Lai Chau to mountain homestays, the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai and Ha Long Bay.
In March, Hanoi received its own list of 17 experiences, highlighting street food, bia hoi, the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and historic sites.
Most recently, on September 11, Lonely Planet published a guide to traveling by train in Vietnam, featuring the 1,726-kilometer North-South railway and routes such as Da Nang-Hue via Hai Van Pass and Hanoi-Lao Cai for trips to Sa Pa.
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