On the evening of September 27, the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2026 for Asia, Oceania, and the Indian Ocean took place in the Maldives. The ceremony honored outstanding destinations, enterprises, and travel products across the region.
Established in 1993, the WTA is widely celebrated as the “Oscars of the travel industry.” The awards framework operates across three tiers: national, regional, and global. Winners are determined through online voting by travel industry professionals and tourism consumers worldwide.
At the regional level, Vietnam was named “Asia’s Leading Destination” and “Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination.” Hanoi claimed the title of “Asia’s Leading City Destination,” while Ho Chi Minh City was recognized as “Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination.”
Vietnam’s tourism sector made a strong impression across several other categories, with numerous domestic enterprises, destinations, and services taking home awards.
A Double Victory for Phong Nha – Ke Bang
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park clinched two consecutive titles: “Vietnam’s Leading Nature Destination” and “Asia’s Leading National Park” at WTA 2026.
“These two honors are both a privilege and a heightened responsibility toward conservation and safeguarding World Heritage values. Preservation will always remain the cornerstone for Phong Nha – Ke Bang to develop sustainable tourism and reach international travelers,” said Dinh Huy Tri, Deputy Director of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.
Travelers exploring Son Doong Cave, the largest cave on the planet, located within the core zone of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in 2023.
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park spans over 123,300 hectares and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. The park is renowned for its million-year-old karst limestone formations, extensive cavern networks, and rich biodiversity.
Scientists have recorded more than 2,700 plant species, roughly 200 bird species, and 154 mammal species within the sanctuary. It also houses iconic subterranean marvels such as Son Doong—celebrated as the world’s largest cave—and Phong Nha Cave, noted for its underground rivers, stalactites, and stalagmites.
Visitors to Phong Nha – Ke Bang can participate in guided caving expeditions, jungle trekking, river swimming, ziplining, or wildlife spotting, offering chances to encounter rare species like the Ha Tinh langur.
Numerous eco-lodges and retreats around the park offer immersive nature getaways that integrate ecological conservation with support for local communities.
Ta Xua Earns Its First International Crown
Ta Xua won the title of “Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2026,” securing the award in its very first WTA nomination.
In July, the WTA revealed its regional nominations for Asia. Ta Xua and Ninh Binh represented Vietnam in the category, competing against Koh Kood (Thailand), Melaka (Malaysia), Morioka (Japan), Sumba Island (Indonesia), and Taipei (Taiwan, China).
Travelers “hunting clouds” at Wind Peak in Ta Xua Commune, Son La, in November 2025.
Ta Xua sits at an elevation of more than 2,800 meters above sea level in Son La Province, bordering Tram Tau in Lao Cai. Located roughly 240 kilometers from Hanoi, the highland destination offers a cool climate year-round and has gained fame for ocean-of-clouds hunting between October and April.
The terrain features narrow, steep mountain ridges flanked by sheer abysses. Beyond navigating by motorbike or car, adventurous travelers can trek to Ta Xua Peak along varied hiking trails starting from Yen Bai or Son La.
(Source: zingnews.vn)
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