Vietnam beat nine other nominees, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, according to the results announced at the sixth annual ceremony in Jamaica on Oct. 12.
Since the category began in 2021, Singapore has won twice, followed by the Philippines in 2023 and Hong Kong in 2024 and 2025.
Vietnam’s cruising experiences range from journeys through limestone islands in the north to river voyages through the Mekong Delta in the south.
In Ha Long Bay, passengers can spend the day sailing between limestone formations before anchoring overnight and waking up to views of the surrounding islands.
Itineraries often combine time aboard with kayaking and cave visits, while onboard activities can include cooking classes and squid fishing, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism’s official website.
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A cruise ship sails through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, surrounded by limestone karsts. Photo courtesy of Ha Long Bay Lux Cruise |
Mekong Delta cruises offer a closer look at life along the waterways, the tourism authority says.
Boats pass palm-lined riverbanks and villages, with shore excursions allowing passengers to explore local markets and towns or sample tropical fruit.
Vietnam also won the World’s Best River Cruise Destination at this year’s awards. Ha Long Cruise Port was named Asia’s Best Cruise Terminal.
Vietnam has the potential to become a regional cruise tourism hub thanks to its location along busy Asian shipping routes, Nguyen Anh Tuan, director of the Institute for Tourism Development Research, said, as quoted by VietnamPlus.
Turning that potential into reality would require investment in dedicated cruise ports, better services and staff training, alongside stronger international promotion, he said.