Hoi An Named Vietnam’s Most Welcoming Destination for 2026 — Third Year Running

Hoi An has done it again. The ancient riverside town has been named Vietnam’s most welcoming destination for 2026 in Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards — the third year in a row it has topped the list, cementing its reputation as the country’s friendliest place to visit.

An award built on real traveller reviews

Now in its 14th edition, Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards are based on millions of genuine guest reviews. Hospitality, customer service and the overall visitor experience sit at the heart of the rankings — so this isn’t a marketing badge, it’s a verdict from travellers themselves. For Hoi An to lead the category three years running says a lot about the warmth that greets visitors here.

The town shared the spotlight with Vietnam’s other friendly favourites, including Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, Phong Nha and Phu Quoc. Globally, Hoi An stood alongside welcoming gems like Montepulciano in Italy and Magong in Taiwan.

Why Hoi An is the most welcoming destination

Ask returning visitors and the answer is rarely a single monument. It’s the tailor who remembers your name, the cafe owner who waves you in, the lantern-lit lanes where strangers smile. That hospitality is easiest to enjoy when you can move at your own pace and meet the town on your own terms.

That’s exactly why so many guests pick up a motorbike rental in Hoi An on arrival — it turns a packed itinerary into a relaxed, roam-anywhere holiday, from the Ancient Town to An Bang Beach and the rice fields beyond.

Make the most of a friendly town

A welcoming destination rewards curiosity. With your own set of wheels you can chase quiet corners the tour buses skip, linger over a coconut coffee and ride out to a village whenever the mood strikes. Prefer something effortless? An electric scooter or bicycle from hoianit.com is perfect for gentle, eco-friendly exploring around town.

What the most welcoming destination title means for you

Awards are nice, but what does being the most welcoming destination actually feel like on the ground? In Hoi An it shows up in small things: shopkeepers who let you browse without pressure, hotel staff who remember your name, and tailors, cafés and home-cooks who treat first-timers like regulars. The recognition comes straight from real guest reviews on Booking.com, so it reflects everyday experiences rather than marketing.

For travellers, it is a reassuring signal — especially on a first trip to Vietnam. A friendly, low-stress town is easy to explore at your own pace by scooter or bicycle, and that freedom is a big part of why so many visitors end up staying longer than planned.

FAQ

Is Hoi An a good destination for first-time visitors to Vietnam?

Yes. Its compact size, friendly locals and walkable Ancient Town make Hoi An one of the easiest and most welcoming places to start a Vietnam trip.

What’s the best way to explore Hoi An and its surroundings?

Renting a motorbike, electric scooter or bicycle gives you the freedom to reach the beaches, villages and countryside at your own pace.

Is Hoi An really the most welcoming destination in Vietnam?

Yes — Hoi An has topped Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards as the most welcoming destination in the country for three years running, based on millions of real guest reviews.

Explore Hoi An your way

Ready to explore Hoi An on your own terms? Rent a motorbike, electric scooter, electric bike or bicycle at hoianit.com — free delivery to your hotel and 24/7 support!

Part of our complete guide: Motorbike Rental in Hoi An — The Complete 2026 Guide.