This is currently the most unstoppable destination in Asia: all records have been broken

Share the article

Latest news: The numbers are in and a new travel king is being crowned. The National Tourist Board has done that reported a seriously strong rise in 2025 for one unstoppable destination in Asia: Vietnam.

While new reports suggest Thailand is to lose With its lead as the ‘cheap and cheerful’ go-to, Vietnam has kicked the door wide open for travelers ready to broaden their horizons. The country just took note and welcomed an astonishing record of international visitors, exceeded the 21 million threshold for the first time ever.

Known for an almost absurdly low cost of living, sensational food across the board and an array of attractions that would be impossible to cover even in a lengthy, eye-drying journey. Travel + Leisure Characteristically, Vietnam has become Asia’s new powerhouse, breaking previous tourism records.

Not only are more and more travelers seeking breathtaking urban sprawls for temple-hopping and cheesy pics on rickety bar stools, but they’re also discovering paradise beaches and misty mountain towns where previously the lips of locals and big-name expats were closed.

Let’s take a look at what makes Vietnam such a worthwhile destination – and why Americans in particular should take advantage of the only direct flight to the country’s growing metropolis.

Ho Chi Minh City is leading Vietnam’s tourism wave

Ho Chi Minh City may be a mouthful, but that’s what we experts at Travel Off Path call foreshadowing, because there’s no way you’re going home on an empty stomach.

There are so many great cities to explore in Vietnam, but Ho Chi Minh City (also still called Saigon) is not only the economic engine, but also the best launching pad.

While it literally seems far-fetched to travel to save a few dollars, it’s hard to find a major city cheaper or culturally immersive.

From the outset, you’ll be enchanted by the city’s rich history, packed with French colonial monuments and insightful wartime scenes museums that turn back the clock.

Across the country, but perhaps none more so than in Ho Chi Minh, markets are a must-stop for cheap noodles, local life and sensory overload to take you out of jet lag.

The city welcomed approximately 8.5 million international visitors, almost 40% more than in 2024. Americans can take advantage of the one-way direct flight to Ho Chi Minh from San Francisco (SFO) via the country’s flagship airline, Vietnam airlines.

Asia’s most underrated country for epic beach holidays

If you’ve had Asia on your mind, you’ve probably looked at Thailand, the Philippines or maybe the Maldives if you fancy a trip, but somewhere in between on the scale of price and payoff lie the paradise shores of Vietnam.

Most notable is Phu Quoc, known as the ‘Hawaii’ of Vietnam and winner of The world’s leading nature island destination by the World Travel Awards 2025 (not to mention the incredible resorts) – but there are a handful of other beautiful coastal hideaways that are just starting to gain serious traction.

Slightly behind in popularity is Da Nang, one of the country’s most renowned holiday destinations for sun, sand and culture.

But according to the latest figures, these 4 relatively unknown destinations (even for seasoned travelers) are on the rise:

• Khan Hoa
• Than Hoa
• Quang Ninh
• Nghe An

An unparalleled foodie destination

Look, we get it — ordering menu items that you’re likely to mispronounce with symbols and syllables we’re not used to can be awkward, but that just adds to the allure of being “not in Kansas anymore,” and that’s what traveling is all about, right?

What’s the point of having a passport if you’re going to find a KFC in Saigon? That’s a missed opportunity if you ask us!

Worst case, if you order something that is texturally unpleasant or perhaps too spicy, your bank account won’t benefit if your first order was a failure.

It’s entirely possible to find local staples like piping hot bowls of pho, earthy spring rolls, and hearty bánh mì sandwiches under $2, especially at local markets and eateries that famous travelers like Anthony Bourdain fell in love with during countless escapades in Vietnam.

The city of Hanoianother booming city, is perhaps the country’s best foodie spot, made famous by President Obama’s visit in 2016, where its table is still behind glass at a popular Bun Chả Hương Liên Parts unknown episode.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.