From his very first visits, Australian travel journalist Ronan O’Connell could not hide his love for Vietnam. In his latest article on Escape, a leading Australian magazine, he shared his list of “must-visit” destinations, compiled from 19 trips spanning from north to south. Danang and Phu Quoc were the standout names, winning the heart of this writer who has traveled across Asia.

Phu Quoc — a rising tropical paradise

There are many reasons why O’Connell calls Phu Quoc a “booming island destination.” According to O’Connell, Vietnam’s Pearl Island “beckons” international visitors with its proudly unique natural beauty not found everywhere. In addition, Phu Quoc is considered one of Vietnam’s most attractive destinations thanks to its “high-end resorts at reasonable prices, large-scale amusement parks, and the vibrant beauty of the tropics,” O’Connell said.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island with 22 big and small islands, boasting white-sand beaches surrounded by emerald green waters. Its most famous beaches include Bai Kem, Bai Sao… all featuring pristine, poetic, and peaceful beauty. It is also a sanctuary of many world-class resorts, such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Premier Village Phu Quoc, New World Phu Quoc…

Sunset Town stands out on the list of activities at Phu Quoc, offering lively experiences day and night, year-round — from the architecturally iconic Kiss Bridge, once praised by CNN, to the Guinness record-breaking multimedia show Kiss of the Sea, and Vietnam’s first beachfront night market — VUI-Fest. From Sunset Town, visitors can easily travel to Hon Thom Island via the world’s longest three-wire cable car, taking in breathtaking views of the shimmering sea, the busy An Thoi port, and the clusters of small islands scattered across the vast ocean.

Da Nang — the ideal destination for all families

According to O’Connell, Da Nang is the ideal choice for families thanks to its balance of relaxation and exploration, a place where visitors of all ages can enjoy all kinds of experiences. The seaside city does not require a lot of planning. Visitors can choose their own itinerary, combining the sea and the mountains, the city center and the outskirts.

“No other major city in Vietnam is this close to nature,” O’Connell said. Visitors can go swimming and take just 10 minutes to return to the bustling city center, explore Con Market, or enjoy some coconut coffee at local cafés. Or in just 35 minutes, you can have a whole new view by the lush green hills by the East of the city. That’s Ba Na Peak, home to Sun World Ba Na Hills — a tourist complex offering countless experiences for family visitors. “So many things — a wine cellar, spectacular cable car, recreated French village, world-class golf course, beautiful flower gardens…,” O’Connell listed.

The Australian writer particularly fell in love with the Golden Bridge — Vietnam’s iconic tourist structure on top of Ba Na. In his article, he described this experience as a unique highlight and a social media sensation.

More than six years after its debut, the Golden Bridge still holds its place in international media. In a recent article on Culture Trip — a popular American travel site — the bridge was called “one of Vietnam’s most iconic scenes.” The outlet described: “The bridge stretches through the air, overlooking the deep green canopy of Ba Na Peak. Supported by two giant hands and often covered in early morning mist, this is undoubtedly one of the most emotional travel spots in the region.”

Vietnam has no shortage of famous cities, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, from Hoi An to Hue. But for someone who has visited the S-shaped land 19 times, Ronan O’Connell believes Danang and Phu Quoc are two destinations that combine natural beauty, modern amenities, and unique travel experiences. For a writer who has journeyed to many places, this assessment is clear proof of the growing appeal of Vietnam’s coastal destinations on the global tourism map.