Hanoi has once again made its mark on the international tourism map by winning two prestigious titles at the 2026 World Travel Awards: “Asia’s Leading City Break Destination” and “Vietnam’s Leading City Cultural Destination.” These awards highlight the capital’s enduring appeal and recognize its efforts to preserve and promote the cultural and historical values that have been passed down through generations.
The 2026 World Travel Awards ceremony for Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean was held in the Maldives, bringing together outstanding destinations, organizations and tourism industry representatives. At the event, Hanoi proudly received two major awards in recognition of its tourism development, heritage preservation and commitment to enhancing visitor experiences.
Notably, this marks the fifth consecutive year, from 2022 to 2026, that Hanoi has been named “Asia’s Leading City Break Destination.” This achievement demonstrates the capital’s strong appeal to domestic and international visitors, particularly those seeking short getaways filled with sightseeing, cultural discovery and memorable experiences.
In addition, Hanoi won the title of “Vietnam’s Leading City Cultural Destination” for the third consecutive year, from 2024 to 2026. The award recognizes the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage, including its diverse collection of tangible and intangible cultural assets that reflect the depth of its history and the distinctive identity of the Vietnamese nation.
With more than 1,000 years of history, Hanoi offers a unique charm through its ancient monuments, historic streets, distinctive architectural landmarks and traditional cultural practices preserved over generations. These elements create a diverse range of experiences, attracting visitors interested in exploring history, discovering local culture and experiencing the vibrant rhythm of life in the capital.
Beyond its cultural strengths, Hanoi continues to invest in tourism infrastructure, improve service quality and develop tourism products that cater to the increasingly diverse needs of visitors. Combining heritage preservation with innovative tourism experiences is a key strategy for strengthening the city’s competitiveness and promoting sustainable tourism development.
The two awards at the 2026 World Travel Awards not only enhance Hanoi’s position on the regional tourism map but also create further opportunities to promote the capital to international audiences. They also serve as an incentive for the city to continue preserving its heritage, improving visitor experiences and building its image as a distinctive, welcoming and attractive destination.
With its rich history, vibrant cultural identity and commitment to sustainable tourism, Hanoi continues to establish itself as one of Vietnam’s outstanding destinations, offering visitors