Vietnam is the one and only Southeast Asian country with the most representatives in the Time's list, which is expected to bring opportunities for the country’s tourism as the COVID-19 pandemic passes.
Hanoi - Renewed life in the Old Quarter
As part of their article, Time suggests that travelers exploring Hanoi’s renowned Old Quarter can enjoy a renewed life there.
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| Pho (noodles) is the capital’s signature dish. Photo: Paul Hahn-laif/Redux. |
“Vietnam’s 1,000-year-old capital is embracing change while maintaining a strong sense of identity,” Time wrote, adding that such a balancing act is exemplified by the new Capella Hanoi, a 47-room hotel where architect Bill Bensley pays homage to the opera of the Roaring ’20s, while the city’s more flamboyant side is showcased in another major hotel opening: Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake, a glimmering building billed as the world’s first gold-plated hotel.
Time noted that: “Hanoi’s incredible street-food culture is another source of fierce civic pride". It suggested visitors try pho, a local signature dish, when visiting the city, adding that Pho Gia Truyen - one of Hanoi’s most legendary vendors at Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem district, was recognised in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants “Essence of Asia” list in 2020.
Ho Chi Minh City – Tastes of Vietnam
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| Sandwiches using truffles in Saigon Restaurant. Photo: Anan Saigon. |
Time states that Ho Chi Minh City "tastes of Vietnam" and is notable for being a place where collection of famous restaurants converge.
It says Anan Restaurant, led by Vietnamese-American chef Peter Cuong Franklin, became the first venue in the country’s southern hub to earn a place among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
"Notable recent additions to the local dining scene include Monkey Gallery, where chef Viet Hong merges Vietnamese, French and Japanese techniques and flavors, and Esta, a modern Asian eatery with an ever changing, expansive menu that runs the gamut from smoked-eel pate to veal sweetbreads," Times added.
Phu Quoc – Idyllic paradise
Known as the “jewel of Vietnam,” this teardrop-shaped resort and fishing island has become one of the fastest-growing destinations in Southeast Asia: in 2019, Phu Quoc attracted five million visitors, a 30% increase from the previous year.
The island city is planning to welcome back vaccinated international travelers in the fall, and continues to entice tourists with visa-free stays for up to 30 days.
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| The New World Phu Quoc Resort in Vietnam. Photo: TIME. |
“Lodging options abound: earlier this year, the expansive, 375-villa New World Phu Quoc Resort, which boasts a private stretch of beach and lush landscaped gardens, made its debut, as did the US$2.8 billion Phu Quoc United Centre, a massive entertainment complex featuring a theme park, golf course and casino—in addition to a series of hotels,” Time wrote.
Time magazine said its third annual World’s Greatest Places list is "curated from editor and expert nominations from around the world" and that "the list recognizes 100 unique destinations that are offering visitors an extraordinary experience that's unlike any other."
Other Asian destinations in the Time list include Bangkok, Beijing, Malaysia's Desaru Coast, Dubai, South Korea's Gyeongju, Thailand's Khao Yai National Park and Cambodia's Siem Reap. The list features 21 U.S. destinations while Europe is well-represented on the list as well, accounting for 28.
