According to the Hoi An Centre for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, Hoi An Ancient Town (Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City) was recently ranked No. 1 by the online travel platform Tourlane (France) in the Top 5 Most Charming Historic Centres in Asia. The remaining four destinations are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bhaktapur (Nepal), Kyoto (Japan), Luang Prabang (Laos) and Galle Fort (Sri Lanka). Tourlane based its ranking on four criteria: walkability, historical age, entry costs and popularity on Instagram.
Hoi An is not only a tourist destination but also likened to a “living museum” – where heritage exists in every street corner and in the daily lives of local communities. Earlier, at the World’s Best Awards 2025 organised by Travel + Leisure magazine, Hoi An was voted by global readers as No. six in the Top 25 Best Cities in the World and No. five in the Top 15 Cities in Asia.
Located along Viet Nam’s central coast, Hoi An preserves unique architectural and cultural values, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking a blend of the ancient and the modern. Visitors can explore heritage sites, stroll through the old market, enjoy half-day tours, enjoy local cuisine, craft their own lanterns or have garments tailored by skilled artisans. Its rich cultural heritage and diversity of experiences have contributed to Hoi An’s enduring charm.
Of note, Cam Thanh Village (Hoi An Dong Ward, Da Nang City) was also recently recognised by Forbes (US) in the “50 Most Beautiful Villages in the World 2025”, becoming the only representative from Viet Nam included in the list. According to Forbes, exploring Cam Thanh on a basket boat through the Bay Mau nipa palm forest, watching skilful fishermen row and cast their nets, leaves visitors with unforgettable memories. Onshore, tourists can cycle along narrow lanes, past lotus ponds and shrimp lagoons, encounter water buffalo grazing leisurely, or join a traditional cooking class to prepare local dishes themselves.
In 1999, Hoi An Ancient Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Over the years, Hoi An has repeatedly been voted by international organisations as one of the world’s most charming and romantic ancient cities, as well as among the most photogenic destinations for visitors. These continuous titles and international accolades reaffirm Hoi An’s enduring value – a destination that bridges heritage with modernity, preserves the past while integrating into the shared development of the world.
