Hanoi (VNA) - French magazine Paris Match, in a feature published in early July, portrayed Vietnam as a destination where travellers can experience beaches, cultural heritage, mountains, and authentic local life in a single journey.
From Da Nang and Hoi An to Ha Long Bay, Yen Tu and Ninh Binh, the magazine presents Vietnam as a country of diverse landscapes, unique cultural identity and growing appeal on the global tourism map.
The journey begins in Da Nang city, which the magazine describes as a coastal city transformed from a former US military base into one of central Vietnam's leading tourism hubs. Lined with luxury resorts and hotels, the city has undergone a remarkable tourism makeover, while its Son Tra Peninsula, once home to military radar stations, is now renowned for its forested hills, scenic coastline and natural beauty.
Paris Match attributes much of Da Nang's tourism growth to the expansion of its high-end hospitality infrastructure, highlighting several luxury resorts for their harmonious blend of architecture, landscapes and premium services.
For Hoi An in Da Nang, the UNESCO-listed ancient town that has preserved much of its centuries-old charm, the magazine notes that the town has preserved much of its historic charm, with centuries-old houses, the Cau (Bridge) pagoda, Chinese-style assembly halls, and traces of its past as a thriving international trading port. As night falls, thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets and cast shimmering reflections on the Hoai River, creating a scene the magazine says especially captivating.
The magazine also highlights a precious heritage museum by French photographer Réhahn, whose “Precious Heritage” project documents the portraits, traditional costumes and daily lives of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. After spending more than 15 years travelling across the country, Réhahn's work is praised for showcasing Vietnam's cultural diversity while celebrating the dignity and beauty of its people.
The next stop is Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh, which Paris Match describes as one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, known for its thousands of limestone islands, caves and dramatic seascapes. However, the magazine notes that rising visitor numbers have put pressure on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Also in the north, Yen Tu is presented as a spiritual and cultural retreat where visitors can enjoy tranquillity amid forests and mountains. According to the magazine, accommodation there draws inspiration from traditional Vietnamese architecture and blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, offering wellness, meditation and cultural experiences.
Nearby, the northern province of Ninh Binh, often dubbed the "Ha Long Bay on land," is praised for its limestone mountains, rice fields and winding rivers. At the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, the only mixed world heritage site in Southeast Asia, visitors can explore caves and karst formations by boat while taking in the area's distinctive natural scenery.
Paris Match says Vietnam's appeal extends beyond its landscapes and luxury resorts. Its unique combination of nature, history, cultural heritage and local life offers travellers a wide range of authentic experiences, making the country an increasingly attractive destination for international travellers./.
