In "The World's 51 Most Beautiful Destinations for 2026" announced by the authoritative British travel outlet Time Out, the ancient Vietnamese town ofHoi Anranked 51st. Its warm yellow streetscape and lantern light, and encounters with local traditional crafts, are winning acclaim worldwide. A town long popular with Japanese tourists is once again drawing the world's attention.
News overview
In 2026, the British travel outlet "Time Out" announced "The World's 51 Most Beautiful Destinations." From Vietnam, two cities were selected:Hoi An(51st) and Ha Giang (17th). Time Out described Hoi An as "a town that embodies the beauty of time," explaining that its warm yellow streetscape, lantern-lit night views, and immersive experiences of local traditional-craft villages and everyday communal life were highly rated.
Hoi An was also chosen as Vietnam's most hospitable destination in the "Traveller Review Awards 2026" announced by Booking.com, receiving two international honors at once.Da NangLocated in the same administrative district as, this ancient town is expected to receive about 19.10 million visitors (up 10.2% year on year) in 2026, of which 7.86 million are projected to be foreign travelers.
With a history as an international trading port where Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants gathered from the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An still conveys a distinctive architecture and culture blending multiple traditions. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's known as a town that has succeeded in reconciling historical value with the tourism experience.
Vietnamese readers' reactions
On social media and in local media, voices proud of the award came one after another.
・"It's only natural that Hoi An is recognized worldwide. The beauty of that town can't be put into words. We who live here understand it best." (Hoi An resident, woman in her 40s)
・"Time Out's selection is an appeal to European and Western tourists. I'm hoping for ripple effects on the local lodging and dining industries." (tourism operator)
・"I'm glad Ha Giang was also chosen at 17th. Not just famous Hoi An but the still-unknown scenic spots of the north should get attention too." (Hanoi resident, travel blogger)
・"There's also a worry that if tourists increase too much the town's atmosphere will change. I want people to think hard about a sustainable form of tourism." (Da Nang resident, cultural-preservation activist)
Impact and key points for Japanese tourists
Hoi Anhas deep historical ties with Japan, and in the 16th–17th centuries there was a Japanese Quarter. The surviving "Japanese Bridge (Lai Vien Kieu)" is its symbol, and many Japanese tourists visit it with special emotion.
The best season for sightseeing is March–May.Da NangWith good access at about 30 minutes by car from the international airport, a 2- to 3-night plan combined with Da Nang is the standard. It's packed with more charm than you can cover in a single day, such as viewing the old town's night scenery, having tailor-made clothes fitted, and pottery- and lantern-making experiences.
SouvenirsHoi An's specialty silk products, lanterns, and herbal teas are popular. Also,fresh spring rollsthe food experience in this town, said to be the birthplace of, is not to be missed. Take the Time Out selection as a cue and, if you haven't visited yet, do add it to your itinerary.
Reference:Ha Giang, Hoi An gain global spotlight in Time Out’s 2026 rankings（VietnamPlus）
