Hoi An Ancient Town has been named by the global travel platform GuruWalk among the Top 100 best cities in the world to explore on foot in 2026 – a notable recognition that reflects the enduring appeal of this heritage destination on the global tourism map.
According to GuruWalk, Hoi An stands out for preserving over 2,000 traditional houses dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries, forming a remarkably intact riverside setting – a rare “medina by the river” that has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Silk lanterns, Taoist temples, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, combined with its signature atmospheric charm, create what is often described as a “dimensional painting,” where time seems to have slowed since the Tran Dynasty.
It is precisely these values that make walking the most authentic way to experience Hoi An. There is no need to rush or cover long distances. Simply strolling through narrow streets, slipping into quiet alleys, or pausing by an old house or a riverside café allows visitors to sense the subtle rhythm of the place – where architecture, culture, and daily life blend naturally. As sunset falls and lanterns begin to glow, the town softens into a space that feels both intimate and deeply evocative.
Photo: Trần Đức Tài
The pedestrian zone – where visitors can fully embrace the rhythm of a living heritage – is also key to this experience. To preserve the town’s character and enhance visitor comfort, Hoi An designates specific hours for pedestrian and non-motorized traffic. In the Ancient Town, this applies from 09:00 to 21:30 in summer and 09:00 to 21:00 in winter; along Phan Chau Trinh Street, from 17:30 to 21:30 in summer and 17:30 to 21:00 in winter. During these hours, the pace of life gently slows, inviting visitors to wander past the signature yellow walls, capture quiet moments, sample street food, step into charming cafés, or simply enjoy the calm, reflective atmosphere of a heritage town.
GuruWalk connects travelers with local guides through flexible walking tours, where each journey is shaped by stories and local perspectives, offering a more personal and immersive way to experience a destination. The “Best 100 Walking Cities 2026” list is based on hundreds of thousands of real traveler reviews worldwide, highlighting destinations where walking is not only convenient but also deeply rewarding.
Alongside Hoi An, the presence of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in the ranking further paints a broader picture of Vietnam’s urban destinations – each with its own rhythm, yet all inviting to be discovered through slow, meaningful steps.
In Hoi An, a journey is not measured by distance, but by what lingers after each step. As the pace slows, space opens up – enough to notice the smallest details: a quiet corner, a glowing lantern, a fleeting stillness. And from there, the experience becomes more than exploration; it becomes a gentle return to balance, and to the original rhythm of life that continues to exist, quietly and naturally, within the ancient town.
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
