Hoi An is not only beautiful, but also "lives", "breathes" and tells stories with its own rhythm.
This is the result of careful evaluation from millions of international readers who have set foot in large and small cities around the world , where every step is a deep feeling of culture, cuisine and urban soul.
From the riverbank to the world stage
With a score of 91.00, Hoi An surpassed a series of famous cities such as: Florence (Italy), Istanbul (Türkiye), Ubud (Indonesia) or Kyoto (Japan).
This is not only a recognition of its tangible beauty, but also a testament to the enduring vitality of an ancient city over 400 years old, once a bustling international trading port, now a place where the emotions of all generations of tourists converge.
Hoi An is captivating because of its “fusion of local and foreign cultures,” as commented by Travel + Leisure. The ancient town, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the moss-covered wooden houses with tiled roofs, the sparkling lanterns every full moon night… all create a unique aesthetic, reminiscent of an Eastern Venice but full of Vietnamese charm.
Life experience - the "key" to the ranking
Unlike rankings that are purely based on reputation or facilities, Travel + Leisure emphasizes life experiences, something that Hoi An always has a lot of and does very well.
From quiet cafes in small alleys, bustling night markets by the river, traditional tailor shops to romantic bars along the Hoai River... Hoi An is not only beautiful, but also "lives", "breathes" and tells stories with its own rhythm.
The friendliness of the people, the slow and poetic nature, and the sustainable tourism ecosystem help Hoi An score points in the eyes of global visitors, especially in the context of mass tourism being criticized for eroding local cultural and environmental values.
There are 7 Asian destinations in the list of 10 most beautiful cities in the world in 2025
Asia takes over the global stage
This year's list of the Top 25 most beautiful cities in the world in 2025 shows Asia's breakthrough: 7/10 of the first positions belong to cities in the region, including: Chiang Mai (Thailand, 2nd place), Tokyo (Japan, 3rd place), Bangkok (Thailand, 4th place), Jaipur (India, 5th place) and Hoi An (Vietnam, 6th place), Kyoto (Japan, 8th place), Ubud, Bali (Indonesia, 9th place).
This shows a shift in global tourism perception: from flashy Western cities to cities with cultural depth and high experiential value, where tourists can "live slowly", connect with nature and people.
Although not as noisy or massive as Tokyo or Bangkok, Hoi An stands out with a distinct strength: the charming peace of the ancient city, where every brick and every window frame is a part of a vivid memory, cared for and preserved like a work of art with a soul.
A distinct identity among the regional “giants”
In Southeast Asia, if Chiang Mai stands out with its Northern Thai mountain culture, street art and bustling night markets, Hoi An has a quieter, more ancient, aesthetic and Asian character.
If Chiang Mai is like a vibrant "folk song", then Hoi An is a "low symphony", full of soul and depth.
Compared to Bangkok, Thailand's huge, bustling but easily overcrowded consumer and entertainment hub, Hoi An is the perfect place to "slow down", to stroll in the lantern lights and sounds of time.
On one side is a multi-layered urban area, on the other side is an ancient village nestled by the river, different but complementary to each other in the Southeast Asian tourism picture.
Hoi An and Ubud (Indonesia) both represent the healing and identity tourism model, but Ubud is more famous for its wellness segment (therapy, yoga, high-end spa), while Hoi An leans towards cultural experiences, traditional crafts, cuisine and walking among living heritage.
Meanwhile, if Siem Reap is the "gateway to the Angkor kingdom", then Hoi An is a living heritage, not the ruins of the past but an ancient town that still operates and does business with a daily rhythm of life.
Topping the list of Top 25 most beautiful cities in the world 2025, San Miguel de Allende (Mexico) scored 93.33 points.
From heritage to future
Hoi An is not just a destination of the past. In recent years, the city has also become a model in promoting green tourism, community tourism and heritage education.
Hoi An is gradually bringing ancient values into contemporary life, not only to attract tourists but also to inspire the way people live and behave with nature and heritage.
Hoi An's high ranking in the list of Top 25 most beautiful cities in the world in 2025 is the result of persistent efforts, not chasing after popularization, but remaining loyal to the spirit of "slow but sure", "beautiful but real". Here, time seems to slow down, but the value spreads further and further.
Topping the list of Top 25 most beautiful cities in the world in 2025 , San Miguel de Allende (Mexico) scored 93.33 points. This is the city that readers love the most for many years thanks to its rich arts and culture, affordable prices and friendly lifestyle.
Dubbed the “art capital of Mexico,” San Miguel is a haven for writers, painters, and photographers with museums, literary festivals, colonial architecture, and exquisite restaurants.
Travel + Leisure readers have loved San Miguel for years for its rich arts and culture, affordable prices, and friendly lifestyle.
10 most beautiful cities in the world 2025:
1. San Miguel de Allende (Mexico); 93.33 points
2. Chiang Mai (Thailand); 91.94
3. Tokyo (Japan); 91.39
4. Bangkok (Thailand); 91.34
5. Jaipur (India); 91.33
6. Hoi An (Vietnam); 91.00
7. Mexico City (Mexico); 90.86
8. Kyoto (Japan); 90.61
9. Ubud, Bali (Indonesia); 90.48
10. Cusco (Peru); 90.33
Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/hoi-an-dung-thu-6-trong-top-25-thanh-pho-dep-nhat-the-gioi-nam-2025-20250711141204099.htm
![[Photo] Gia Lai provincial leaders offer flowers at Uncle Ho's Monument with the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2025/7/9/196438801da24b3cb6158d0501984818)
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