Why has Condé Nast Traveler honored Vietnam in the world’s top 10 best countries 2020?

Scored 92.12 points, Vietnam has ranked 9th in a list of the world’s top 20 best countries compiled by the US’s prestigious travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, jumping one place from last year. The scores represent overall average levels of satisfaction according to the readers of Condé Nast Traveller. 

Vietnam is proud to be honored in this list along with other three ASEAN countries: Indonesia (ranked sixth with 92.98 points), Thailand (seventh with 92.62 points), and Malaysia (15th with 90.86 points).

Vietnam in a list of the world’s top 20 best countries compiled by Condé Nast Traveler

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. “The results of this year’s survey, conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, are a testament to the lasting power of a meaningful travel experience. The winners represent the best of the best for our audience and offer plenty of trip-planning inspiration for all the adventures we can’t wait to have next,” said Jesse Ashlock, U.S. Editor of Condé Nast Traveler.

Last month, in publications in the US and UK, CNTraveler repeatedly listed Vietnam as a safe destination to visit when the Covid-19 pandemic ends and 2021 because WHO (World Health Organisation) has lauded Vietnam for its well-response to the Covid-19 pandemic from the very outset.

In addition, CNTraveler (in UK publication) also selected Vietnam’s Thong Nhat (Reunification) Express, aka the North-South railway route, to the list of the ten most beautiful railway lines in the world.

About Condé Nast Traveler:

Condé Nast Traveler is the world’s most distinguished travel title providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers. Authoritative and influential, Condé Nast Traveler is a multi-platform, transatlantic brand. Publishing US and UK print editions, targeting an audience of the influential and curious, Condé Nast Traveler offers award-winning expertise in luxury travel from around the world.

Why Vietnam after the Covid-19 pandemic?

From September 22, Vietnam has resumed international commercial flights to six countries: Guangzhou, Taiwan, Seoul, Tokyo, Phnom Penh, and Vientiane. Besides, Vietnam is offering priority entry to diplomats, experts, investors and their respective family members, and Vietnamese returning home. To be granted entry into Vietnam, you must meet Vietnam’s Covid-19 mandatory and bring the required paperwork.

It’s never a bad time to visit Vietnam – but depending on where you’re going. The S-shaped country is blessed with a pleasant climate and stunning landscapes ranging from mountains to sandy beaches, from dense forests to the emerald green rice fields, from the beauty of its cultural heritage to the dynamic nightlife in the metropolis. Vietnam has them all to satisfy every expectation of discerning travelers – a must-visit destination to indulge your soul after a long time in “the Covid-19 prision”.

For thalassophile (Ocean lovers):

Around 2,000 miles of coastline plus a handful of renowned islands, Vietnam naturally has no shortage of stunning beaches. The North has Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba,… as beautiful as paradise. While Central Coast islands including Da Nang, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Phu Yen, Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Quang Ngai, Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Nam Du ... promise to be the unrivaled places to bask in Vietnam's surf, sun, and sand.

Cu Lao Cham island in Vietnam. Photo by thuquynhon

For mountain lovers:

To name some: Hà Giang, Sơn La, Cao Bằng, Yên Bái, Lào Cai,… are all provinces with mountains as high as 3,000 meters. The stunning mountains in Vietnam manage to fascinate everyone from couples, silver-travelers, families to adventure seekers, and many more. Thrilling, surreal, undulating mountain peaks, lush vegetation, meandering rivers and waterfalls, verdant meadows, hillside terraces… The scenery in Vietnam is literally diverse, no picture can do its Mountains justice.

For culture lovers:

Dating back thousands of years, Vietnam embodies cultures of significant historical influence, blended with modern-day twists. On the tourist map, Vietnam has the Mekong River Delta with a rustic culture of the South. The peaceful green villages, typical floating markets that are hundreds of years old or orchards, melaleuca forests, countryside rivers, ... all contribute to bringing the unrivaled experiences for travelers. In addition, with more than 1,500 handicraft villages in Vietnam, the country’s abundant natural resources providing opportunities for visitors to take part in the local’s activities.

Floating market. Photo by lehatruc

Read more: Discover Vietnam Tour By Styles

Covid-19 travel guidance in Vietnam for your safe trip

Up to October 23, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health confirmed 1,148 cases of COVID-19 in total. However, 1,049 of the affected patients have fully recovered and been discharged from hospitals. Only 35 deaths recorded due to the pandemic in Vietnam.

Free mask for tourists in Vietnam

So far there is a low risk of exposure to COVID-19 in Vietnam. Public beaches in several cities and provinces including Da Nang, Nha Trang, Binh Dinh, Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An reopened, still under social distancing restrictions. Also, tourism activities have resumed in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay from May 1. Here are some guidances from Threeland Travel to get prepared for your safe Vietnam trip:

• Negative RT-PCR certificate for SARS-CoV-2: This document must be issued by the local health authority and certified by Vietnam diplomatic missions in your locality within 3 days before boarding.

• Vietnam Health Declaration: You can collect and fill out this form online before or/and when you arrive in Vietnam, the airlines and immigration staff will help you out.

• Medical mask: You must follow Vietnam’s mandate of wearing face masks at crowded places such as airports, bus stations, supermarkets and on public transport.

Read more: Up-to-date guides for foreigners in Vietnam during the Covid-19 pandemic

Tips for you: You should install the "Vietnam Health Declaration" & "Bluezone" apps and fill out a mandatory electronic medical declaration. Please notice that if passengers’ body temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees Celcius, the airlines can refuse to carry.

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