Ho Chi Minh City metro line among world's greatest places in 2025: TIME magazine

The first-ever Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line in Vietnam's southern metropolis opened in December.

The metro, spanning nearly 20 kilometers, features 2.6 kilometers of underground tracks, three underground stations, and 11 elevated stops. With a total investment of over VND43.7 trillion (US$1.72 billion), the line is equipped with 17 trains, each capable of carrying up to 930 passengers, including 147 seated and 783 standing.

"Now travelers can bypass whizzing motorbikes and gridlocked streets to reach popular tourist sites such as the French colonial Saigon Opera House, Nguyen Hue pedestrian boulevard, and bustling backpacker/nightlife thoroughfare Bui Vien," TIME editors wrote.

The list features a range of hotels, cruises, museums, parks and more across two categories: places to stay and places to visit.

TIME's editorial team evaluates entries based on factors including relevance, innovation, impact and success, according to its website.

Other Asian destinations on the list were Zebun Nessa Mosque of Bangladesh, Nintendo Museum Uji of Japan, the Beijing Library of China, Eagle Hunter Cultural Center of Mongolia, and Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum of Bhutan.