In its latest report on global travel trends, the prestigious travel website Lonely Planet has published a list of the 25 most attractive destinations in the world in 2026 (The 25 Best Destinations in 2026). Notably, Quy Nhon, Gia Lai province, is the only representative from Vietnam included in the category of beach destinations, affirming the increasingly prominent position of the South Central coastal region on the international tourism map.
Advantages from landscape planning and tourism infrastructure
According to Lonely Planet's analysis, Quy Nhon's appeal lies not only in its coastline and white sandy beaches, but also in its sustainable development strategy, preserving a peaceful way of life amidst the overcrowding faced by many coastal cities. Its unique geographical location, nestled between coastal mountains and lagoons, creates a harmonious spatial structure between urban life and nature.
The planning for this area focuses on preserving indigenous cultural spaces such as coastal fishing villages, combined with promoting the value of ancient architectural structures. This aligns with current trends in the international tourism market: prioritizing authentic, culturally rich, and environmentally friendly experiences.
A system of unique local destinations and experiences.
Besides its rapidly developing transportation infrastructure, Quy Nhon boasts valuable coastal land with stunning scenery. Lonely Planet suggests exploring by motorbike along the coastal road to access unspoiled areas, offering a unique experience compared to mainstream tourism models.
Specifically, Ky Co area impresses with its crescent-shaped sandy beach and clear blue waters, while Bai Xep is positioned as a peaceful resort area, combined with vibrant outdoor dining areas that come alive at night. The surrounding fishing villages also serve as tourist satellites, where visitors can directly experience the marine economy and enjoy local specialties such as squid pancakes.
Heritage depth and development vision until 2026
One of the technical factors that helps Quy Nhon surpass many competitors in the region is its system of cultural heritage sites with a history spanning hundreds of years, cleverly integrated into tourism planning. Right in the heart of the city, the Twin Towers, a perfectly preserved Cham architecture, plays a crucial role as a heritage highlight.
The Cham tower complex here also includes the Banh It Tower cluster located on a hilltop, one of the most beautiful ancient architectural complexes in Vietnam. In addition, spiritual sites such as Ong Nui Pagoda with the largest seated Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, located about 30km from the city center, also form a complete spiritual and ecological tourism axis.
Being recognized among the top 25 world destinations in 2026 comes at a time when Vietnam's tourism industry is experiencing rapid growth. Visa policies, the expansion of international flight routes, and investment in key transportation infrastructure are creating momentum for localities like Quy Nhon to enhance their competitiveness and attract investment in resort real estate and high-end tourism services in the future.