New York Times highlights Hon Thom Cable Car as symbol of Vietnam's tourism development

At the start of the new year, The New York Times published its annual list of "52 Places to Go in 2026." The list, structured around the 52 weeks of the year, is often viewed as an indicator of emerging global travel trends, with featured destinations frequently attracting increased international attention.

Screenshot of New York Times highlights Hon Thom Cable Car as symbol of Vietnam's tourism development.

In selecting Vietnam for the 2026 list, the newspaper's editorial board characterized the country as a growing tourism hub in Southeast Asia. "A growing tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia, it beckons to millions of vacationers annually with its famous food culture, staggering natural scenery, ranging from mountains to rainforests, and a storied history that dates to the seventh century B.C.," the New York Times wrote.

The newspaper also cited significant investments in tourism infrastructure expected to be completed this year, noting that these developments are positioning Vietnam to welcome a new wave of visitors.

Against this backdrop, the New York Times chose an image of the Hon Thom Cable Car in Phu Quoc to represent Vietnam's evolving tourism infrastructure. The cable car is the world's longest three-wire system, stretching nearly eight kilometers and offering panoramic views of southern Phu Quoc's coastal landscape. International travel outlets including CNN Travel and Lonely Planet have previously described the experience as a notable attraction on the island.

Phu Quoc is one of the few islands worldwide to perform fireworks every night. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

This is not the first time the Hon Thom Cable Car has been featured by the New York Times. In a 2023 article, New York Times writer Patrick Scott described the cable car station as resembling a fully realized version of Rome's Colosseum, while likening the surrounding Sunset Town to a Mediterranean city inspired by Italian architecture, complete with a clock tower, fountains, and Roman-style ruins. He described the cable car journey as offering views of "crystal clear" waters dotted with fishing boats, creating a vivid seascape.

Beyond the cable car, Phu Quoc has developed a broader tourism, entertainment, and resort ecosystem featuring purpose-built attractions and integrated leisure offerings. These include the Sun Paradise Land complex at Sunset Town, which hosts nightly fireworks displays, large-scale shows such as "Kiss of the Sea" and "Symphony of the Sea", and landmarks such as Kiss Bridge. The island also features a range of resorts operated by international hospitality brands.

Night market at Sunset Town, Phu Quoc. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

In discussing factors that contributed to Vietnam's inclusion on the 2026 destinations list, the New York Times also pointed to the country's visa policies, noting that citizens of many countries benefit from unilateral visa exemptions. Within this context, Phu Quoc stands out as the only destination in Vietnam offering a visa-free stay of up to 30 days for visitors of all nationalities.

Vietnam's inclusion in the New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2026," along with the selection of the Hon Thom Cable Car as its illustrative image, reflects growing international recognition of the country's tourism development. With a combination of natural attractions, cultural heritage, and continued investment in infrastructure and visitor experiences, Vietnam, and Phu Quoc in particular, has increased its visibility on the global travel map.