Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has captured the attention of the global tourism industry, taking home two prestigious awards at the 2026 World Travel Awards (WTA). The Vietnamese national park is being recognized once again for its natural beauty on the international stage.
Two Titles Awarded at the 33rd World Travel Awards
The park received both awards during the 33rd World Travel Awards ceremony, held in the Maldives on September 27, 2026. Phong Nha-Ke Bang was named Asia’s Leading National Park 2026 and Vietnam’s Leading Nature Destination 2026.
This isn’t the first time the park has earned this kind of recognition. Phong Nha-Ke Bang also won the very same categories at the WTA in 2025, making this a back-to-back achievement for the Vietnamese destination.
About the World Travel Awards
The World Travel Awards is an international tourism award program that has been running since 1993, making it one of the longest-standing recognitions in the global travel industry. Winners are determined through online voting involving both tourism industry professionals and everyday travelers, giving the awards a mix of expert and public perspective.
Recognition Comes With Responsibility
Dinh Huy Tri, Deputy Director of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, described the awards as recognition of the park’s natural appeal, paired with a renewed responsibility to protect and preserve the area going forward.
“These two awards are a tremendous honor, but they also place a greater responsibility on us to preserve nature and protect the values of this World Heritage site,” he said, as quoted by VnExpress on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
“Through these awards, we hope to bring Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Quang Binh, and Vietnam closer to global travelers,” he added.
What Makes Phong Nha-Ke Bang Special
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is renowned for its massive cave systems, dense rainforest, underground rivers, dramatic karst landscapes, and rich biodiversity. The park has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, cementing its status among the world’s most significant natural landmarks.
The park spans 123,326 hectares, with an additional 220,055-hectare buffer zone surrounding it. It also shares a direct border with Hin Nam No National Park in Laos, forming a connected cross-border conservation area that’s drawn increasing attention from international conservationists and adventure travelers alike.
A Growing Reputation on the Global Stage
With these two World Travel Awards 2026 wins, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park continues to reinforce Vietnam’s standing as a premier destination for natural tourism on the international stage. The back-to-back recognition suggests the park’s appeal isn’t a one-time spotlight moment, but a sustained reputation building among both industry professionals and travelers worldwide.
For adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts planning future trips to Southeast Asia, this recognition adds further weight to Phong Nha-Ke Bang’s growing profile as one of the region’s must-visit natural destinations, known especially for its world-class cave exploration opportunities and untouched rainforest landscapes.
