Hanoi ranked 25th and Ho Chi Minh City ranked 38th in Time Out's "World's Best Cities 2026." The survey combined responses from more than 24,000 urban residents with votes from more than 100 Time Out experts. While it serves as a useful reference for travel destinations, it is not the same as government statistics or an objective "liveability index."
2026 Rankings
City : Rank : Highlights noted in the article
Hanoi : 25th : Evolving urban culture, Vietnamese-led bar scene
Ho Chi Minh City : 38th : Film culture, food and drink, creative industries
The ranking is a composite of 44 criteria including food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness, and city atmosphere. A single number cannot be taken to mean that a city excels in traffic, air quality, safety, healthcare, and housing as well.
Behind Hanoi's 25th Place
Time Out highlights not only the old streetscapes but also the bar culture created by young Vietnamese people and the emergence of new cultural venues. For travelers, the food and cafés of the Old Quarter are the most accessible draws, but road crossings, traffic congestion, and air quality can be a burden depending on the day. A high ranking and ease of getting around for everyone are two different things.
Ho Chi Minh City at 38th and Its Status as a Film City
In 2025, Ho Chi Minh City officially joined UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in the "Film" category. It has been described as the first film creative city in Southeast Asia. This designation recognizes the city's foundations in film production, education, and screening infrastructure, and is a framework for future international cooperation. It is not simply a title awarded because film festivals are popular.
Removal of Anonymous "Voices of Residents"
The original article included comments from five men and women speaking about traffic and prices, but their names, interview methods, and sources could not be verified. Because fabricated responses cannot be used to support a ranking, all of them have been removed.
How to Use This for Travel Planning
If you are planning to visit both cities, allow time not only for the flight itself but also for getting to and from the airport and pre-boarding time. For a short trip, some travelers find it more satisfying to stay in one city and combine food, culture, and day trips rather than rushing through both. Choose based on the experience you are looking for, not the ranking.
Connecting the numbers to your own judgment
When I look at rankings or figures, I first check the surveying body, the period covered, the sample, the currency, and whether it is a calendar year or fiscal year. A national growth rate does not directly reflect the prices or crowds at the specific places you visit. For travel planning, it is more practical to treat statistics as background context and make final decisions based on fares, accommodation rates, and operating information on the days you plan to travel.
Summary
25th and 38th place are a starting point for understanding the cultural vitality of both cities. However, "World's Best" is an editorial ranking based on a particular survey design. Read it with an eye for both the positives and the everyday challenges, and tailor your itinerary to your own transport needs, the climate, and your interests.
Related articles:Hanoi／Ho Chi Minh City／Travel cost
Source:Time Out Official Rankings／UNESCO
Check the update date
Check the update date in the body of the article, not just the search result excerpt. If you are unsure whether figures or proper nouns are still current, go to the primary source from the company, organizer, or government authority. If no official page can be found, treat that fact itself as a factor in your judgment, and do not make bookings or long trips based on old articles alone.
