Hoi An and Da Nang, the best hidden germs in the world
DNO - Travel + Leisure has released its list of the world’s top hidden-gem destinations- affordable spots offering rich experiences, including Hoi An and Da Nang.
According to the ranking, Hoi An scored 92.96 points to secure the first position globally, followed by Da Nang, forming a leading destination pair and reflecting the appeal of a highly connected tourism space.
The list was compiled from a study of 23 destinations worldwide, based on criteria such as travel costs, density of experiences, and weather conditions. Among these factors, experience density accounted for the largest weighting.
According to Travel + Leisure, Hoi An is not only a well-preserved ancient town but also a “living heritage" where the past remains vividly present in everyday life. Visitors are welcomed by lantern-lit streets, time-worn rooftops, and architectural landmarks that reflect the Eastern - Western cultural fusion.
From the heritage core, the travel experience naturally expands to surrounding spaces where sea, rivers, and local life intertwine. Rather than feeling fragmented, these elements form a seamless flow in which each stop adds a new layer to the overall journey.
The list also highlights culturally distinctive destinations across Europe and North Africa, including Brugge (Belgium), Essaouira and Chefchaouen (Morocco), Calabria (Italy), Paros (Greece), Cambridge (United Kingdom), Belgrade (Serbia) or Cascais (Portugal).