Travel and Leisure has announced its annual 2018 list of the world’s best cities and Vietnam’s Hoi An is on it.

Hoi An in Quang Nam province has been ranked eighth among the 15 most thrilling destinations in the world, released by the Travel and Leisure, a US travel magazine based in New York City.

The survey is based on the responses of Travel and Leisure readers about architecture, distinctive restaurants, a rich array of cultural offerings, a intriguing shops, a teeming street life, a friendly population, etc.

In 2018, Mexico reigns supreme. For the second year in a row, San Miguel de Allende, a colonial oasis in the country’s central highlands, takes the first place. Meanwhile, Oaxaca has climbed to the second place, and Mexico City is making a welcome return to the top 15.

Earlier, Hoi An has been named among list top 16 of the most relaxing places in the the world. It's no surprise the UNESCO-protected ancient town of Hoi An in Vietnam's central coast is a mecca for tourists, according to CNN, a US Cable News Network.

“When the sun is out on the riverside, it's hard to find anywhere more serene in this wonderful country. The cafés that line the water all serve bia hoi, a fresh, light local beer that's brewed daily. Sitting in the shade, glass in hand, watching the world go by, is every bit as relaxing as an afternoon on the town's long stretch of sand,” CNN wrote.

In 2017, Hoi An received 3.2 million tourists, a year-on-year increase of 21.66%, according to Quang Nam province's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The 3.22 million visitors included 1.78 million foreigners and 1.44 million domestic visitors. As many as 2.38 million tourists visited Hoi An Ancient Town, up 28.16% and 400,000 ones went to Cu Lao Cham Island.

Hanoitimes