Viet Nam among world’s top 40 most beautiful countries

The Southeast Asian nation scored 26.6 points, ranking 36th on the list thanks to its boasting fantastic caves, imperial landmarks, and emerald island coves.

According to the magazine, "Doi moi" economic policy reforms beginning in 1986 have helped Viet Nam transition to a more modern and competitive nation.

Viet Nam is densely populated and growing quickly, with about a third of the population living in bustling cities. Ho Chi Minh City is the most populous city in the country. War ravaged much of Viet Nam's landscape, but fantastic caves, imperial landmarks and emerald island coves remain. Pho, a brothy noodle soup, and a growing culinary arts scene have garnered global attention, it noted.

US News & World Report was founded as a weekly news magazine in 1933. It is known for its annual lists of rankings in various topics and based on survey results of nearly 17,000 people from 36 countries and territories worldwide.

Each country was scored based on 73 factors, evaluated on a 100-point scale. These factors were divided into 10 main criteria: adventure, agility, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, openness for business, quality of life, social purpose, and national power.

According to the latest report from the General Statistics Office, international arrivals totaled in the first 11 months of 2024 reached more than 15.8 million, marking a 41 per cent increase year-on-year, bringing the country closer to its goal of welcoming 17-18 million international tourists set earlier this year.

Viet Nam now waives visas for travelers from 25 countries, with 13 enjoying unilateral exemption.

Since August 2023, Viet Nam has issued e-visas for all nationalities and extended their maximum stay from 30 to 90 days, with unlimited entries. Those who get visa waivers under Viet Nam's unilateral exemption policy can now stay for 45 days rather than the earlier 15./.