Cuc Phuong National Park crowned top in Asia for 5 consecutive years

Vietnam's Cuc Phuong National Park has been honored at the World Travel Awards 2023 as Asia's Leading National Park for the fifth consecutive year.

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park is the oldest national park in Vietnam. Located 120 kilometers southwest of Hanoi and nestled between the provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong boasts an engaging cultural and wildlife heritage and enchanting scenery.

The ancient forest harbors over 2,234 vascular and non-vascular plants, 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 135 species of mammals.

There are also an incredible 336 documented bird species. Visitors in April and May are blessed with the chance to see literally thousands of vibrant butterflies.

Admission for adults is VND60,000 ($2.55), for students VND20,000 ($0.85), and for children VND10,000 ($0.43), while children under five enter for free.

The ceremony for Asia's Leading National Park Awards 2023 is scheduled to take place on September 6 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam has also been named among Asia’s leading destinations in 2023 by the World Travel Awards.

The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Today, the brand is recognized globally as a hallmark of industry excellence.

On August 6, Vietnam was named Asia’s new tourism hotspot by U.S. travel site Travel Off Path, which said the country is quickly becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations in Southeast Asia. The U.S.-based travel website identified three reasons for the rising popularity: adjusted visa requirements; well-preserved natural beauty; and a focus on tourism growth.

Travel Off Path also mentioned Vietnam’s long coastline, which stretches for an “incredible” 3,260 km, and “energetic” cities as popularity factors.

"When people think of travelling to Southeast Asia, Thailand is usually the first destination that comes to mind. But if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists in Thailand, then there is an emerging force for tourism in the region that is ripe for exploration - Vietnam," the website said.

In a report released in mid-July, Vietnam was ranked ninth among the world's 10 most welcoming countries in an annual survey commissioned by Expat Insider of the international organization InterNations. "With Vietnam coming in ninth place, it is obvious that expats feel welcome there. The friendliness towards foreign residents, rated positively by 83 percent, might have a positive impact on expats’ general well-being," an InterNations report said.

In early June, the country was named among the seven best countries to visit in Southeast Asia by British newspaper The Independent. "A similarly popular choice for Brits travelling around Asia, Vietnam’s various areas of natural beauty are among the most coveted in the region.

"Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang are the best destinations for those who want to experience Vietnamese cities (Danang also has beach areas), while Hoi An is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of Vietnam’ due to its canals, alongside its well-preserved Ancient Town comprised of wooden Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings," it wrote.

In May, leading Australian travel site Traveller named Vietnam among the world's eight budget-busting destinations perfect for family holidays.