A corner of Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi

The awards reveal where travellers ventured in 2020, while travel was open, as well as where they dreamed of going while the COVID-19 pandemic kept them stuck at home.

“The charming Vietnamese capital has aged well, preserving the Old Quarter, monuments and colonial architecture, while making room for modern developments alongside,” wrote the world's largest travel platform.

It added that Hanoi may have changed its names several times, including Thang Long, or "ascending dragon," but the capital city hasn't forgotten its past, as sites such as President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison attest.

Lakes, parks, shady boulevards and more than 600 temples and pagodas add to the appeal of this city, which is easily explored by taxi.

Destinations which came before Hanoi in the rankings included Bali (Indonesia), London (the UK), Dubai (the United Arab Emirates), Rome (Italy) and Paris (France).

In addition, the ancient city of Hoi An in central Quang Nam province occupied the 11th spot.

“This city on the central Vietnamese coast is a well-preserved example of the important Southeast Asian trading port it was from the 15th-19th centuries. Already a common stop for backpackers, it is becoming better known to tourists,” Tripadvisor noted.

On the 14th day of each lunar month, the town trades its electric lights for traditional colored lanterns. Sights include the Chua Cau (Japanese Bridge) and the Quan Cong Temple, it continued, advising that “Let the town’s expert tailors make you some bespoke clothing”.

The other categories of the awards are Trending and Emerging destinations around the world. And at a time when travellers are enjoying the great outdoors more than ever, 2021 brings with it a new category - National Parks, according to Tripadvisor./. VNA

Quan Thanh Temple- a sacred Taoist temple within Hanoi capital

Fragrant incense smoke fulfills the air at the ancient temple helping visitors to find inner peaceful in their minds.

Exploring Hai Ba Trung Temple in Hanoi’s outskirt

Hai Ba Trung Temple is a place of cultural and spiritual activities of the local people.