According to the official website of ASEAN, asean.org, voters value the locations of countries for natural beauty, cultural and historical landmarks, adventure activities, and phenomenal cuisines.

The ASEAN website noted that UNESCO World Heritage site Hoi An is a historic city that was once a popular trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries in central Vietnam.

Located in Quang Nam, Hoi An is a bustling town with a population of approximately 120,000 and is a popular tourist destination for backpackers and adventurers seeking to explore the city and the nearby array of attractions.

The city is notable for its many man-made marvels. On every 14th day of the month the city turns off its electric lights and illuminates the night with lit paper lanterns.

Another popular site in Hoi An for visitors to enjoy is the Japanese bridge which was built by Japanese merchants in 1595 as parts of efforts to connect two parts of the city across a canal. A temple was added on it in 1653 to appease a monster called Namazu who was said to cause earthquakes in the area, with the covered bridge and temple still standing today.

The website noted that Hoi An is also renowned for its four popular history museums, as well as for its delicious local cuisine. Among its specialties are a meal known as Cao Lau, a dish of rice noodles, meat, herbs, and vegetables in a broth. It is famously made with water from the Ba Le well, a historic well believed to have been built in the 10th century. Hoi An is also known as the banh mi capital of Vietnam.

“With so many things to do and try in Hoi An, it is no wonder that this quaint seaside town earned the number two spot on the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best 2023,” it shared.

Located in southeast Vietnam along the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is well known for its historic French colonial architecture. The southern metropolis is also famous for its many attractions, including the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Binh Tay Market, and the Mariamman Hindu Temple.

According to the website, the city offers much more than just urban attractions. In fact, many excursions in and around the city make it such a popular destination. In addition, the breathtaking coast of Con Dao and the dreamy island of Phu Quoc are some of the nearby places to visit.

Other destinations to make the list were Siem Reap of Cambodia, Chiang Mai of Thailand, Panay Island of The Philippines, and Lombok of Indonesia.

Source: VOV