Hoi An gives visitors true taste of local culture

Canadian publication The Travel has listed 10 locations for travelers who enjoy local warmth and unique cultures and the only representative from Vietnam is Hoi An, about 30 km south of Da Nang.

"If you go to Hoi An, you can experience good people, lovely sand beaches, and a unique old town that still shows many of the traditional buildings and ways of doing things from before," the magazine said of the town that was designated a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999.

Hoi An culture is influenced by French and Chinese elements, and one can learn about it through its artisan crafts, such as pottery and reed mats, which are still made in the traditional way, or by trying local food.

International travelers also left comments praising the destination as "a wonderful city full of colors, nice people and relaxing." Visitors are particularly awed by Hoi An's brilliant lanterns at night.

Some other destinations also on the list are Medellín (Colombia), Matera (Italy), Oaxaca (Mexico), and Monte Verde (Brazil).