Ha Giang Named Asia’s Leading Emerging Destination at 2023 World Travel Awards
Go back
Ha Giang, Vietnam’s northern province, named Asia’s leading emerging destination at the 2023 World Travel Awards, recognized for its rugged landscapes and challenging motorbike loops. 
Vietnam’s northern highlands province of Ha Giang has been honored as Asia's leading emerging tourism destination at the prestigious 2023 World Travel Awards. This marks the first time Ha Giang has received this recognition, beating nine other nominees from across Asia, including Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), Flores (Indonesia), Koh Kood (Thailand), Melaka (Malaysia), Morioka and Okinawa (Japan), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Sumba Island (Indonesia), and Taipei (Taiwan).
Why Ha Giang Stands Out
Ha Giang is renowned for its rugged natural beauty and challenging terrain. Nestled on the border with China and about 300 kilometers from Hanoi, it’s particularly famous for its dangerous mountain passes, such as the dramatic Ma Pi Leng Pass, and winding roads that traverse high mountain peaks and deep valleys. This challenging landscape attracts adventurous travelers seeking an authentic and adrenaline-pumping experience.
A popular activity in Ha Giang is the Ha Giang loop, a roughly 350-kilometer motorbike route that can take three to four days to complete, depending on weather conditions. The journey, while not for the faint of heart, offers stunning views of towering limestone mountains, terraced rice fields, and traditional ethnic villages. Motorbike rentals are widely available throughout the province for around VND150,000 ($6.40) per day.
Growing Popularity and Recognition
Ha Giang’s recognition on the global tourism stage has been steadily growing. During the recent National Day holidays, the province boasted Vietnam's highest hotel occupancy rate, reaching 93%, demonstrating its rising appeal among both domestic and international travelers.
Earlier this year, The New York Times included Ha Giang in its list of the 52 best places to visit in 2023, further cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Vietnam’s Success at the World Travel Awards
At the World Travel Awards ceremony, held in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday, Vietnam also celebrated broader success, winning 50 awards across various categories, highlighting the country's increasing prominence on the global tourism map.
About the World Travel Awards
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, are regarded as the travel industry's equivalent of the Oscars. They recognize and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Winners are determined by votes cast by travel industry professionals and the public.
Ha Giang’s win as Asia’s leading emerging destination is a testament to the province’s growing reputation as one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary destinations, offering unique landscapes, vibrant ethnic cultures, and unforgettable adventure experiences.
Vietnam’s northern highlands province of Ha Giang has been honored as Asia's leading emerging tourism destination at the prestigious 2023 World Travel Awards. This marks the first time Ha Giang has received this recognition, beating nine other nominees from across Asia, including Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei), Flores (Indonesia), Koh Kood (Thailand), Melaka (Malaysia), Morioka and Okinawa (Japan), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Sumba Island (Indonesia), and Taipei (Taiwan).
Why Ha Giang Stands Out
Ha Giang is renowned for its rugged natural beauty and challenging terrain. Nestled on the border with China and about 300 kilometers from Hanoi, it’s particularly famous for its dangerous mountain passes, such as the dramatic Ma Pi Leng Pass, and winding roads that traverse high mountain peaks and deep valleys. This challenging landscape attracts adventurous travelers seeking an authentic and adrenaline-pumping experience.
A popular activity in Ha Giang is the Ha Giang loop, a roughly 350-kilometer motorbike route that can take three to four days to complete, depending on weather conditions. The journey, while not for the faint of heart, offers stunning views of towering limestone mountains, terraced rice fields, and traditional ethnic villages. Motorbike rentals are widely available throughout the province for around VND150,000 ($6.40) per day.
Growing Popularity and Recognition
Ha Giang’s recognition on the global tourism stage has been steadily growing. During the recent National Day holidays, the province boasted Vietnam's highest hotel occupancy rate, reaching 93%, demonstrating its rising appeal among both domestic and international travelers.
Earlier this year, The New York Times included Ha Giang in its list of the 52 best places to visit in 2023, further cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Vietnam’s Success at the World Travel Awards
At the World Travel Awards ceremony, held in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday, Vietnam also celebrated broader success, winning 50 awards across various categories, highlighting the country's increasing prominence on the global tourism map.
About the World Travel Awards
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, are regarded as the travel industry's equivalent of the Oscars. They recognize and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Winners are determined by votes cast by travel industry professionals and the public.
Ha Giang’s win as Asia’s leading emerging destination is a testament to the province’s growing reputation as one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary destinations, offering unique landscapes, vibrant ethnic cultures, and unforgettable adventure experiences.
Reviews from the experts
Reviews from our Clients on Trip Advisor
"We ask our clients after their tour with Vietnam Exploration Booking Tours to write a review on Trip...
