Three Vietnamese destinations have earned spots on the Australian news website Nine.com.au’s list of the 15 most beautiful locations in Southeast Asia, according to reports published in August 2026.
Ninh Binh and the Trang An Landscape Complex
Often described as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh features vibrant, neon-green rice paddies flanked by towering limestone karst mountains, according to Nine.com.au. Visitors can explore the landscape by floating down winding rivers on hand-rowed bamboo boats. These vessels are small enough to drift directly through low-hanging caves carved into the sides of the mountains.
The recognition places the Trang An Landscape Complex among the top natural sights in the region.
Ha Giang’s Northern Mountain Passes
Located in the country’s far north, Ha Giang serves as Vietnam’s final frontier, featuring rugged mountain landscapes, deep canyons, and winding passes like Ma Pi Leng. According to Nine.com.au, the area is famous for the Ha Giang Loop, a multi-day motorbike journey that follows twisting roads through mountains and secluded ethnic minority villages near the Chinese border.
The route attracts a growing number of foreign tourists seeking adventurous travel. Riders navigate steep limestone peaks and remote valleys that remain largely untouched by mass commercial development.
Hoi An Ancient Town’s Preserved Heritage
Hoi An operates as a well-preserved trading port dating back to the 15th century, boasting a UNESCO-listed ancient town with distinctive yellow historic buildings. According to Nine.com.au, its colorful silk lanterns and maze of narrow pedestrian-friendly lanes make it one of the country’s most recognizable destinations.
The town sits just south of the beach resort city of Da Nang. While it attracts numerous day-trippers, the publication noted that the location is well worth a multi-day stay to fully explore its culinary culture and coastal charm along the Thu Bon River.
Regional Tourism Context
The Australian travel site’s list spans multiple countries across Southeast Asia. Other recognized locations include the Perhentian Islands and Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park in Indonesia, and the Kuang Si Waterfalls in Laos.
Additional spots featured on the 15-destination list include El Nido in the Philippines, Bagan and Inle Lake in Myanmar, Chiang Rai and the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, and Angkor Wat and Koh Rong in Cambodia. The diverse selection highlights how Vietnam’s mix of adventure, nature, and history compares alongside established regional landmarks.
Worth a look