Vietnam wins third river cruise destination title at World Cruise Awards
The 2026 honour was announced in Jamaica on Oct. 12, while Ha Long Cruise Port received the award for Asia's Best Cruise Terminal.
Vietnam received the World's Best River Cruise Destination award for 2026 at the World Cruise Awards ceremony in Jamaica on Oct. 12. Its third victory gives it more wins in the category than any other country.
The other nominees were Portugal, Peru, Botswana and Montreal in Canada. Vietnam's earlier wins came in 2022 and 2025. The category began in 2021, when Peru won; Botswana took the honour in 2023 and Austria in 2024.
Now in its sixth year, the awards programme uses voting by cruise industry professionals and members of the public to recognise destinations and businesses. Ha Long Cruise Port also received the Asia's Best Cruise Terminal title.
Vietnam's river cruise routes span the southern Mekong Delta and the northern Red River. In the north, operator Pandaw offers a 10-night itinerary linking Ha Long Bay, Hanoi and inland waterways, with visits to Duong Lam village and craft communities.
