Hanoi (VNA) – The central regionof Vietnam has been listed in the top 15 must-see destinations in 2020 by theWorld Travel magazine.

Themagazine described Central Vietnam as a melody of unique terrain, grand, sandybeaches, delectable islets quirkily creating a mini archipelago, and majesticmountains hiding many unfathomable wonders.

QuangBinh, dubbed Vietnam’s cave kingdom, is a rising star on the local tourism mapand has been made various efforts to gain global recognition, according to themagazine.

Itis home to UNESCO heritage site Phong Nha-Ke Bang and the world’s largest caveSon Doong.

Meanwhile,My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam province is a must-visit destination on a tour ofcentral Vietnam, the magazine stated.

"Oncehome to the Champa kingdom, My Son near Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,much loved for the romantic air resulting from its painting-worthy scenery ofcolorful lanes and cultural buildings lined up along canals and bay, a meltingpot of cultures."

Theformer imperial capital of Hue should not be skipped, it said. "Hue, oncewitness to the glories and collapse of Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), is linedwith dazzling pagodas in sculptured splendor, complete with palaces, shrines,citadel, and statues of warriors and horses guarding the secrets of ancienttombs."

Huebeef noodles, crab noodles, “banh beo” (steamed rice cake), “banh ram it”(fried dumpling), and “banh bot loc” (tapioca dumpling) are the most famouslocal dishes, the magazine recommended.

Italso advises travelers to explore Da Nang, Vietnam’s third largest city, famousfor the annual international fireworks festival.

"DaNang is blessed with beaches, marble mountains, and a unique French flare incertain quarters."

Otherdestinations included in the magazine were Patagonia between Argentina andChile, Ladakh State in India, St. Petersburg in Russia, Dubai, Kyushu Island ofJapan and Rijeka in Croatia.

Lastyear, the UK travel magazine Lonely Planet listed central Vietnam among the top10 must-go destinations in Asia-Pacific./.