- Hoi An has been voted best city in the world in the 2019 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
- The Vietnamese city was praised for its relaxed atmosphere, accessibility, and brilliant shopping.
- It knocked the Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende down to 2nd place in the ranking.
Hoi An in Vietnam has been named the best city in the world for 2019 in this year’s Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
The awards are the result of their 24th annual readers’ survey.
Hoi An has taken the crown from San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, which has held the top spot for the past two years, but has now been bumped down to second place.
The Vietnamese city has jumped up from 8th place in the 2018 ranking.
Read more: Travel + Leisure named Hoi An, Vietnam as the world’s best city of 2019
“Brands and properties from all over the world — from Peru to Japan, India to Italy, and right here at home in the United States — are recognized by our audience because they deliver exceptional experiences, rooted in a sense of place. I congratulate all of this year’s winners, who have worked so hard to be among the world’s best,” said Travel + Leisure’s Editor in Chief Jacqui Gifford.
Here are photos selected by Insider, which prove why Hoi An, Vietnam is worthy of the Best City in the World title.
The colourful old town has been largely preserved in time. @ Shutterstock/Judyta Jastrzebska
It’s incredibly pedestrian-friendly, and is considered one of the safest cities in Asia.
Hoi An ancient town. @ Shutterstock/Tang Trung Kien
“It’s great that the inner part of the city is restricted and cars aren’t allowed, so one can walk down the center of the street to the shops and markets,” said one person.
The shopping is fantastic.@ Shutterstock/CCinar
“You can have anything made to order,” said one voter in the awards, from a dress to a three-piece suit, and it’ll be remarkably cheap.
You can pick up all sorts of exotic fresh produce from local markets. @ Shutterstock/steve estvanik
And of course, the food is incredible. Spring rolls are a must eat. @ Shutterstock/Tang Trung Kien
The lantern-lit night street markets are magical. @ Shutterstock/newroadboy
Being situated right on the river lends a calming vibe to Hoi An, and the lifestyle is slow and relaxed. @ Shutterstock/Tang Trung Kien
“The city has a nice atmosphere, being right on a river,” said one person.
You can take a basket boat tour through a mangrove palm forest in Cam Thanh village. @ Shutterstock/Hien Phung Thu
The local fishermen will be out on the river with their nets. @ Fishermen in Cua Dai. Shutterstock/Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin
The traditional fishing method is incredibly visual, and visitors can learn some of the techniques. @
Shutterstock/Thampitakkull Jakkree
You can make like the Hoi An locals and travel by boat to market at sunrise. @ Shutterstock/Jimmy Tran
Or wait till sunset for the striking views. @ Shutterstock/Thampitakkull Jakkree
At certain times of the year, the water is covered in vibrant water lilies. @ Shutterstock/saravutpics
You can hire a bike for about $1-2 a day, and everything in the city is pretty cheap. @ Shutterstock/saravutpics
The beaches are unrivaled. @ Ang Bang beach. Shutterstock/Chris Howey
Wannabe mermaids and mermen shouldn’t miss the opportunity to spend some time exploring the marine life around the Cham Islands, just off the coast. @ The coral reefs at Cu Lao Cham. Shutterstock/Midori9813
There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites worth visiting: Hue Imperial citadel, My Son Ruin Temples, and Phong Nha Cave. @ My Son Ruin Temples. Shutterstock/Roman Babakin