Vietnam's ancient city tops the world's tourism rankings
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Quiet and unhurried, Hoi An captivates visitors with its ancient beauty and slow pace of life. This small Vietnamese city unexpectedly tops the list of the world's most promising travel destinations.
In the context of a changing global tourism landscape, more and more travelers are moving away from crowded destinations in search of peaceful places, rich experiences, and strong local character. Amidst this trend, an ancient Vietnamese city has unexpectedly risen to the top of the list of the world's most attractive "hidden gems," becoming an ideal choice for those who want to explore unspoiled beauty at a reasonable cost.
According to the ranking published by the Sweepstakes Table, the list of the ten most promising tourist cities in the world is based on many rigorous criteria. In this ranking, the density of unique experiences accounts for 50%, price for 40%, and weather conditions for 10%, each factor scored on a scale of 100. Experience density is understood as the ratio between the number of interesting activities and unique restaurants relative to the size of the city, reflecting the richness of what tourists can explore within a relatively small area.
The results show that Vietnam made a strong impression, occupying the top two positions. Hoi An excelled, ranking first with a score of 92.96, far surpassing many famous destinations worldwide. Da Nang, the coastal city, came in second, nearly 26 points behind. The next positions are held by Brugge (Belgium), Essaouira and Chefchaouen (Morocco), followed by Calabria (Italy), Paros (Greece), Cambridge (England), Belgrade (Serbia), and Cascais (Portugal).
Hoi An's special appeal lies in its ancient beauty and rare peaceful atmosphere. The Old Town – the heart of the city – stands out with its narrow streets adorned with thousands of vibrant lanterns. Architectural structures bearing the marks of time, along with famous landmarks like the Japanese Bridge, create a picture that is both ancient and romantic.
The entire Old Town, with its low-rise houses, traditional shops, and local businesses along the Thu Bon River, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is quite compact, making it convenient for visitors to easily explore on foot. In just a short distance, you can visit attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and savor the unique, unhurried atmosphere of Hoi An.
As night falls, the ancient town takes on a completely different beauty. The shimmering light from lanterns reflects on the river, blending with the image of small boats drifting leisurely, creating a picturesque scene. This is also the time that attracts many tourists to stop, admire, and capture memorable moments.
Hoi An's cuisine is one of the elements that makes visitors fall in love at first sight. From flavorful bread rolls and characteristic Hoi An dry noodles to delicate white rose-shaped steamed buns, everything offers a unique experience. Besides that, Vietnamese coffee with its rich flavor is also an unmissable choice, available from small roadside stalls to impressively designed coffee shops.
In the evening, Hoi An's night market becomes a vibrant highlight with a series of food and souvenir stalls. The atmosphere is lively yet retains a warm and friendly ambiance, suitable for all ages and offering a complete experience for visitors.
Beyond the ancient town, Hoi An boasts many other attractive destinations. An Bang Beach, with its tranquil, tree-shaded space, is an ideal place to relax. In addition, visitors can participate in activities deeply rooted in local culture, such as rowing basket boats on the coconut-lined canals or exploring riverside life through short trips.
With its harmonious blend of ancient beauty, diverse experiences, and reasonable costs, Hoi An is not only a source of pride for Vietnamese tourism but also a promising destination on the world tourism map. Its top ranking in this list is clear evidence of the enduring appeal of a small city that holds immense value.
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