Hanoi – When cultural depth elevates global destination status

Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi.

The capital's recognition by Tripadvisor at the Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Destinations 2026 awards in four significant categories – from top global destination, cultural destination, solo travel destination, to culinary destination – is an international acknowledgement of a sustainable and well-directed development journey.

These awards not only reflect the affection of global tourists but also demonstrate that Hanoi has positioned itself as a city with a distinct identity. Amidst many cities becoming increasingly similar in the modernisation process, Hanoi retains its "soul of the streets" – a long-term competitive advantage according to tourism experts. Cultural and tourism researchers note that Hanoi's allure lies in its ability to blend past and present: heritage is not confined like a silent museum but integrates into the daily life of the community.

The figure of over 33.7 million visitors in 2025, with total tourism revenue reaching approximately 134 trillion VND, is concrete evidence of this appeal. However, behind the growth statistics is a shift in quality. Today's visitors to Hanoi seek not just sightseeing but experiences: strolling under ancient trees around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, listening to historical tales at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, or feeling the tradition of learning at the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam. Here, history is not only recounted through documents but is present in space, architecture, and collective memory.

Many foreign tourists were impressed by Hanoi.

A European tourist once shared that what impressed her most about Hanoi was not the famous check-in spots, but the feeling of "living in history". In the morning, she could enjoy a simple bowl of pho on the sidewalk; in the afternoon, join a family cooking class; in the evening, watch water puppetry or immerse in the atmosphere of the walking street. These seemingly small experiences create a profound connection between the tourist and the city.

Cuisine, in this picture, acts as a persuasive "soft ambassador". From pho, bun cha to cha ca, egg coffee – each dish not only satisfies the palate but also conveys a refined living philosophy, valuing balance and harmony. Thus, Hanoi's high ranking among the world's top culinary destinations is not merely a tribute to delicious food but a recognition of a culinary culture with depth and character.

Notably, Hanoi is also highly rated as a destination for solo travel. Amidst the strong rise of personalized travel trends, a safe environment, diverse service systems, and the friendliness of the local community have made the capital an attractive choice. Many tourists share that they feel welcomed, listened to, and are willing to return – a crucial factor for sustainable development.

Hanoi's tourism achievements lie not merely in titles or growth figures but in the ability to preserve and renew traditional values in the context of integration

From the perspective of local residents, pride comes with responsibility. A longtime shop owner in the Old Quarter shared that the increase in international tourists requires each individual in the tourism industry to be more professional while also preserving the inherent elegance of life. "If we lose our identity, we lose our most precious asset," he said. This awareness is gradually spreading, contributing to the formation of a civilised tourism culture within the community.

In the development strategy for the upcoming period, Hanoi identifies its direction not just as expanding scale but enhancing the quality of experiences, developing green tourism, applying digital technology, and sustainably preserving heritage. Experts believe that in the global competition, cultural branding is the capital's greatest asset – something that cannot be copied or replaced.

Overall, Hanoi's tourism achievements lie not merely in titles or growth figures but in the ability to preserve and renew traditional values in the context of integration. Amidst the vibrant development pace of a modern city, Hanoi retains its tranquillity, sophistication, and depth – qualities that create the long-lasting appeal of a destination not just to visit, but to experience, understand, and connect with.

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