Vietnam among world's top new trips for 2023

Vietnam has been ranked 15th in the list of 27 top new world trips for 2023 by leading U.K.-based travel magazine Wanderlust.

"Guests will get to enjoy the picture postcard scenery of Southeast Asian, from southern Vietnam to the temples of Angkor in Cambodia."

The magazine suggested readers travel through Vietnam's Mekong Delta "to see colourful markets, flooded forests, and a way of life that centres around agriculture and fishing."

"Cross the Cambodian border, travel to the fishing village of Kep and explore this little-visited region of Cambodia, with visits to a pepper farm, fish market, national park, and the riverside town of Kampot. Next is a short stay in Phnom Penh, with its European architecture, promenade along the Mekong, and thriving foodie scene.

Drive to the provincial capital of Battambang, a town surrounded by countryside and monuments. Finally take a private boat across Lake Tonle Sap to Siem Reap, and end with two days exploring the Temples of Angkor," it added.

The other destinations in the list in order include: Spain (Journey by Rail Along the Camino de Santiago), Nepal (Everest Base Camp 70th Anniversary Trek), Bosnia & Herzegovina (Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition), Sri Lanka (Nature Trails and Cultural Tales), Canada (Wolf-focused indigenous experience in British Columbia), South Korea (Hallyu The Korean Wave), Spain (Stay in the Historic Spa Hotels of Spain), São Tomé & Principé (Discover the little known archipelago of São Tomé & Principé), Costa Rica (Join a Citizen Science trip to Costa Rica), and Canada (Take a scenic drive through Nova Scotia).

The remaining places are Portugal (Walking in Portugal’s only National Park), Mongolia (Mongolia's dinosaurs), Greece (Mountains & Myths of mainland Greece), Greenland and Iceland (A polar sailing adventure), the U.S. (See the October solar eclipse deep in the heart of Texas), Mexico (Tour the Mayan Trail), Botswana (Okavango Delta Mobile Safari & Victoria Falls), Norway (Snowmobile safari, Sami reindeer sledding and sleeping in Igloos in Norwegian Lapland), Turkey (Journey to the Edge of History), Spain (Walking from Inn to Inn along Menorca’s Coastal Trails), Scotland (Car-Free Scottish Island Hopping), Peru (Trek with llamas along the Great Inca Road), Norway (Across Norway’s Arctic Circle by Train and Boat), Sri Lanka (A Wellness Journey through Nature and Rural Life) and Egypt and Jordan (Enjoy the classic highlights of Egypt and Jordan).

In October, Wanderlust had honored Vietnam as one of the 20 best places to visit in January.

"The weather is similarly pleasant, dry and sunny," it notes, adding: "You'll never get bored of Vietnam's varied cities: Hoi An, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue, the perfect city for cycling enthusiasts."

"Natural beauty is around every corner in Vietnam, too. There's Halong Bay and the lesser-known Lan Ha Bay, both accessible from Cat Ba Island."

In July, Vietnam was named among the eight cheapest countries to retire by Travel + Leisure, with the overall cost of living about 49% lower than in the U.S., and rents about 75% lower, depending on the location.

"Vietnam is a very affordable place to retire, especially for adventurous retirees who appreciate the country's beaches, scenery, food, history, and culture.

"High-quality health care is very affordable, with both public and private systems. Most expats carry international health insurance and take advantage of private hospitals," it wrote.