Vietnam continues to make its mark on the global tourism map as the ancient town of Hoi An is ranked highest on the list of the world's most beautiful "hidden gems" by the renowned travel magazine Travel+Leisure.
| Hoi An glows brilliantly under the sunset. (Source: Tourism Information Center) |
According to Travel+Leisure , new research shows that travelers are increasingly seeking out "hidden gems" that offer unforgettable experiences on short trips.
Cultural heritage
To compile this ranking, Travel+Leisure analyzed destinations globally based on criteria such as affordability, experience density, and weather conditions. Each factor was scored on a scale of 100, with experience density accounting for 50% of the total score, cost 40%, and weather 10%.
Hoi An topped the rankings with an impressive score of 92.96, while Da Nang followed closely behind in second place, creating a standout pair of destinations in the region. This result reflects a new travel trend, as international tourists increasingly prioritize destinations that offer rich experiences, reasonable costs, and are not overly crowded.
The heart of Hoi An is its Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel+Leisure describes Hoi An with its narrow streets, ancient architecture, and the romantic Hoai River, creating a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere.
With its relatively small size, visitors can easily explore the entire neighborhood by strolling around, enjoying the peaceful, slow-paced, and intimate atmosphere.
As night falls, Hoi An becomes more enchanting than ever, with lanterns illuminating the streets and reflecting on the water, while boats gently drift by, creating a poetic scene. The night market becomes a vibrant highlight, attracting tourists with its street food, handicrafts, and unique cultural atmosphere.
Besides its rich heritage, Hoi An is also attractive for its diverse culinary experiences, from banh mi and cao lau to banh bao and banh vac, along with its distinctive Vietnamese coffee culture.
In addition, activities such as riding in a basket boat through the mangrove forest or relaxing on An Bang beach further diversify the exploration journey.
Meanwhile, the urban center of Da Nang offers a completely different atmosphere – modern, dynamic, yet still close to nature. This coastal city stands out with its long sandy beaches, spacious urban areas, and well-developed tourism infrastructure.
From the heart of Da Nang, visitors can easily access many popular destinations in the region, including Hoi An, creating a seamless connection between heritage and relaxation. In addition, experiences such as strolling along the beach, exploring iconic bridges, and enjoying fresh, delicious cuisine contribute to the city's unique appeal.
The fact that Hoi An and Da Nang both topped the rankings not only demonstrates the diverse appeal of tourism in Central Vietnam, but also affirms Vietnam's growing position as a destination rich in identity, in line with new tourism trends.
In the ever-changing global tourism landscape, hidden gems like Hoi An and Da Nang are testament to the allure of destinations that harmoniously blend traditional values with contemporary experiences – where each journey is not just a trip, but an inspiring discovery.