Viet Nam ranks 57th in Best Countries 2026 rankings: U.S. News & World Report

In the Southeast Asia, Viet Nam ranks 4th behind Singapore (16th), Malaysia (41st), and Thailand (46th), but ahead of Indonesia (62nd), Philippines (78th), Cambodia (91st), Laos (94th), and Myanmar (96th).

Viet Nam his highly favored for its rapid economic growth, cultural appeal, and the value of its tourism experiences.

The results indicate that the nation's image is undergoing a significant transformation in international perceptions, particularly in terms of culture, society, and destination attractiveness.

According to U.S. News, Viet Nam is increasingly recognized as one of Asia's dynamic economies, characterized by rapid growth, a cost-competitive living environment, distinctive cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural landscapes.

In addition, the country was highly rated for its ability to offer emotionally engaging exploration and adventure experiences — a trend that is increasingly sought after by global travelers.

U.S. News also highlighted the importance of Viet Nam's Doi Moi launched in 1986 in driving the country's transformation. After nearly four decades of opening up and international integration, the country is no longer viewed merely as a developing economy, but is gradually emerging as a country with growing competitiveness in regional and global value chains.

In the Best Countries 2026 rankings, Viet Nam was recognized not primarily for economic power or market size, but for its "soft appeal", an increasingly important factor in how the world evaluates a modern nation.

The Best Countries 2026 rankings were developed based on 100 indicators across eight major categories, including economic development, governance, healthcare, infrastructure, natural environment, opportunity, public well-being, and culture and tourism./.