Imagine strolling down lantern-lit streets, colors dancing in the night, ancient houses lining your path, and the melodious murmur of a gentle river nearby. Sounds like the setting of a dream, right? Well, that dream has a name — Hoi An, Vietnam. And it just got another feather in its UNESCO-adorned cap!
Ranked #1 in Asia’s Historical Districts
France’s renowned travel site, Tourlane, just dropped a list of the world’s most charming old towns, and guess who took the crown for Asia? That’s right — our very own Hoi An. The ancient town now proudly shares the limelight with global historic heavyweights like Krakow in Poland and Cartagena in Colombia.
What Makes Hoi An So Special?
Let’s break down why Hoi An isn’t just loved — it’s celebrated — using Tourlane’s own criteria.
🧭 Walkability
Hoi An was practically made for wandering. With traffic restricted in its historic core, every alley is an open invitation. No cars. No chaos. Just you and the stories written in its centuries-old walls.
🕰️ Rich History
Dating back to the 16th century, Hoi An used to be Southeast Asia’s key trading port. The blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European influences is visible in every tiled roof and wooden beam. It’s a living museum — only way more fun (and fragrant, thanks to its amazing food scene).
💶 Entry Fee: Only Around 2 Euros
Imagine experiencing all this history for the price of a cappuccino. That’s a luxury-meets-accessibility combo rarely seen in popular tourist destinations.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Galore
Let’s be real — we all love capturing that perfect shot. And with a backdrop featuring thousands of colorful lanterns, cobbled streets, and riverside magic, it’s no wonder that Hoi An is trending big-time on social media.
Beating Global Icons
Hoi An finds itself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with names like:
- 🎨 Avignon (France) – Known for its Gothic architecture and papal heritage
- 🕌 Bhaktapur (Nepal) – Home to intricate temples and ancient courtyards
- 🎋 Kyoto (Japan) – Famed for its geishas and Zen gardens
- 🛕 Luang Prabang (Laos) – Dotted with golden temples and French colonial charm
- 🧱 Galle (Sri Lanka) – Renowned for its well-preserved Dutch fort
And this isn’t just a “nice to know” list — it’s the big leagues for cultural tourism.
A City of Accolades
Hoi An isn’t new to the limelight. In recent years, it’s been racking up prestigious international awards like:
- 🏆 “Top 25 Best Tourist Cities Worldwide” by Travel + Leisure (2020)
- 🗺️ “Top 15 Cities in Asia” (2021)
- 🎭 Recognized as a cultural and architectural gem multiple times over
- ❤️ One of the world’s most romantic destinations (2022)
And just recently, Hoi An landed the #6 spot on Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Cities 2025” and snagged the #5 space in the Asia-focused segment.
More Than a Pretty Face
Beyond its good looks, Hoi An is a testament to Vietnam’s cultural resilience and artistic spirit. The city has preserved nearly 1,100 ancient houses — some dating back hundreds of years. Not to mention a stunning network of canals and timeworn bridges that’ll make you feel like you’re walking through a painting.
Hoi An: The City of Honors
From being a former trading port buzzing with merchants from all over the globe to becoming a beloved destination of travelers, photographers, history buffs, and food lovers—it’s no surprise that Hoi An is dubbed “The City of Honors.”
So whether you’re into timeless architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, or just want to bask in a lantern-lit evening wonderland, this magical riverside town has something for everyone.
Next time you’re planning a cultural escape, don’t just go somewhere… go somewhere that time has lovingly preserved. Go to Hoi An.
📍 Trust us — your Instagram will thank you.
📰 Source: baochinhphu.vn