Travel+Leisure: Hoi An is one of the 10 best cities in the world in 2025

Ranked 6th, with a score of 91/100 from global readers, Hoi An (Da Nang) is the only representative from Vietnam to appear in the list of the 10 best cities in the world in 2025, as selected by Travel+Leisure (T+L) magazine, one of the world's leading publications on travel and experiences.

The ancient town of Hoi An makes a strong impression thanks to its architecture, which bears the distinct mark of a blend of local and foreign cultures, along with its interwoven canal system and the friendliness of its people.

"Tourists love strolling or taking photos on the moss-covered cobblestone streets, exploring small cafes, craft shops, and the vibrant nightlife and culinary scene," T+L editors suggest to visitors to Hoi An.

This year's Travel+Leisure ranking shows a dominance of Asian cities, occupying 7 positions in the top 10, including Chiang Mai (Thailand), Tokyo (Japan), Bangkok (Thailand), Jaipur (India), Hoi An (Vietnam), Kyoto (Japan), and Ubud (Indonesia).

Earlier in June, the travel platform Agoda also featured Hoi An (Vietnam) as one of the top 5 cycling destinations in Asia.

This option was introduced in celebration of World Bicycle Day on June 3rd.

Besides Hoi An, other ideal cycling destinations in Asia include Hokkaido (Japan), Luang Prabang (Laos), Sun Moon Lake (Taiwan, China), and Sukhothai (Thailand).

The Japanese Bridge – a symbol of Hoi An – is a clear testament to the unique cultural exchange between Vietnam, China, and Japan dating back to the time of the trading port. (Photo: Nhat Anh/VNA)

Agoda describes how, to explore the ancient town and surrounding countryside of Hoi An, cyclists can enjoy stunning routes through rice paddies, coastal roads, and vibrant local villages, with accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to luxury resorts.

The rich blend of culture and natural beauty makes Hoi An an attractive destination for cyclists wanting to experience Vietnam's diverse landscapes.

Located on the banks of the picturesque Hoai River, 30km from Da Nang city, the ancient town of Hoi An has been a popular and attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists for many years.

Having weathered the ups and downs of history, the passage of time has bestowed upon Hoi An a serene and tranquil beauty.

In contrast to modern cities, Hoi An impresses visitors with its moss-covered roofs, ancient yellow-painted walls, and lanterns that have become its signature feature.

Established and developed since the 16th century, Hoi An was once one of the busiest international trading ports in the region.

From the 16th century onwards, this was a hub for goods from merchants from China, Japan, the Netherlands, India, Spain, and other countries.

Therefore, the architectural works and cultural values of Hoi An ancient town are a convergence of many Eastern and Western cultures.

The ancient town of Hoi An is famous for its architecture, typical of a traditional Southeast Asian trading port, and it remains almost completely preserved to this day.

The architectural structures, religious sites, beliefs, and cultural values of Hoi An ancient town are the most vivid evidence of the formation, development, and even decline of this ancient city.

This area boasts a system of 1,360 historical sites, including 1,068 ancient houses, 11 ancient wells, 38 ancestral temples, 19 pagodas, 43 shrines, 23 communal houses, 44 special ancient tombs, and one ancient bridge.

Stepping into this beautiful old town, one can deeply feel the diverse, artistic, and ancient blend of buildings, each bearing the distinctive architectural features of different cultures.

While strolling through Hoi An, visitors will have the opportunity to visit centuries-old temples such as the Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Lam Pagoda, and Van Duc Pagoda, and admire the elaborate and colorful architecture of the Chinese assembly halls and temples.

Alongside them are houses with roofs reflecting traditional Vietnamese architecture and houses with a distinctly old-fashioned French style.

The first group of international tourists to visit the Japanese Bridge in 2025. (Photo: Doan Huu Trung/VNA)

Beyond being a living museum of architectural structures, the cultural value of Hoi An ancient town lies in its rich and diverse intangible cultural heritage.

Despite enduring many upheavals throughout history, the daily life of the people of Hoi An has retained its original charm and remains free from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The streets are laid out in a grid pattern, winding along the riverbank and embracing the houses.

In each of these peaceful little corners, visitors can easily find street vendors selling famous local dishes such as cao lầu, Quang noodles, bread, chicken rice, etc., or shops selling handicrafts. All of this reflects the simple, unhurried, and warm-hearted lifestyle of the people here.

Hoi An Ancient Town was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and has been repeatedly voted by prestigious organizations and magazines around the world as a leading urban cultural destination in Asia, one of the top 15 best cities in Asia, and one of the most popular destinations in the world.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/travelleisure-hoi-an-la-1-trong-10-thanh-pho-tot-nhat-the-gioi-nam-2025-post1049739.vnp