It said from the motorbike-filled streets of Hanoi and the towering limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the quiet charm of Hue and Vietnam’s street food culture, Vietnam  is becoming one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for international travellers.

Many visitors arriving in Hanoi are first struck by the city’s fast pace and dense traffic. Behind the bustle, however, lies a capital rich in history and culture, home to landmarks such as the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Hanoi Opera House, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda.

La Voix du Nord singled out the Temple of Literature, regarded as Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of the country’s long-standing tradition of learning. It noted that despite the capital’s constant motion, the site has retained a sense of calm, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Alongside its historic landmarks, Hanoi’s everyday experiences also earned praise, from egg coffee and the Old Quarter to its street food culture, which is especially popular among international visitors.

The journey through Vietnam then extends to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic limestone formations rising from emerald waters. The newspaper highlighted it as one of the world’s most iconic natural landscapes.

It also talked about Tam Coc-Bich Dong in Ninh Binh province, where visitors can take boat rides along the Ngo Dong River through rice fields framed by limestone mountains. The article described the experience as offering a vivid glimpse into the beauty of the Red River Delta.

In central Vietnam, Hue city was presented as another must-visit destination. The newspaper praised the historical and cultural significance of the Complex of Hue Monuments, which served as the political centre of the Nguyen Dynasty for more than a century. The Perfume River and Hue’s unhurried pace were described as a striking contrast to Hanoi’s energy.

Meanwhile, Hoi An in former  Quang Nam province, now the central city of Da Nang was featured as one of Southeast Asia’s most charming ancient towns. The article highlighted its pedestrian-friendly streets, colourful lanterns and well-preserved cultural heritage.

Vietnam’s appeal, the newspaper emphasized, extends beyond landscapes and heritage to its cuisine. Dishes such as phở (Vietnamese noodle soup), bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) and bún chả (grilled pork with rice noodles) were cited among the key reasons many travellers choose the country as a destination.

Particular attention was given to Bun Cha Huong Lien in Hanoi, where former US President Barack Obama dined with renowned chef Anthony Bourdain in 2016. The restaurant continues to attract large numbers of international visitors.

According to the article, Vietnamese cuisine stands out for its balance of fresh ingredients, herbs and distinctive seasonings such as ginger, mint and coriander. Rice and rice-based dishes also play a central role in daily meals, shaping the country’s culinary identity.

The newspaper  also praised the friendliness, hospitality and patience of Vietnamese people, describing these qualities as among the most memorable aspects of travelling in the country.

It  acknowledged challenges including air pollution in major cities and tourism-related pressure in some coastal areas. Still, it said these issues have done little to diminish Vietnam’s appeal as a destination where nature, history, culture and cuisine exist in harmony.

With its diverse landscapes, cultural depth and dynamic economy, Vietnam is drawing growing interest from European travellers, particularly from France, La Voix du Nord said, adding that no matter how long the journey lasts, the country  leaves many visitors with the sense that there is always more to discover.

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