The coastal city of Hội An, Việt Nam, is great for travelers on a budget, thanks to lower restaurant and bar charges and a drop in the value of the Vietnamese đồng. Photo Tico Travel

HỘI AN — The ancient city of Hội An has been named as number one in the Top Best-Value Destination in the World in 2024 by the Post Office, UK.

The Post Office shares the destinations set to offer holidaymakers best value in the year ahead and of the top 15 best-value hotspots, according to its Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer. The long-haul destinations top this year’s list are Việt Nam, South Africa and Kenya, which offer the lowest prices.   

A corner of Hội An ancient town street. VNA/VNS Photo

"Topping the chart for the first time is Việt Nam, where a 14.4 per cent price fall in Hội An has been achieved through a combination of lower charges in restaurants and bars and a sizeable drop in the value of the Vietnamese đồng," it reported.

"At 51.18 pound (US65.81) for the barometer basket, Hội An has leapfrogged last year’s leaders to rise from sixth to first place in the worldwide barometer and has done so because it is one of only eight destinations to combine a reduction in local prices with falling currency values."

It reports that counting the average local price of eight popular tourist items,  Hội An leads the way on three of these, beer (about $1.47), Coca-Cola (about $0.91) and sunscreen (about $4.70).

Colourful river boat rides in Hội An, named best-value destination 2024 in the Post Office UK's Holiday Cost Barometer. Photo nguoiquansat.vn

Located on the Central Coastal province of Quảng Nam, Hội An is one of Việt Nam’s most charming and atmospheric cities. The commercial hustle and bustle of the larger, more metropolitan cities in the country is almost entirely absent here.

It was once a busy international trading port and has architectural heritage dating back hundreds of years - recognised by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site.

Travellers can spend mornings on the pristine beaches, afternoons touring fascinating historical sites and evenings seeking out the tastiest corners of the night market.

Hội An is most stunning at night as lanterns, the local unique craft, is lights up in every corners. VNA/VNS Photo

This is a picturesque destination where lantern-lit streets lead to quaint shops and street eateries. It's also conveniently close to beautiful white sand beaches - some of the most beautiful in Asia, according to a writer for Forbes. 

Best of all, it’s one of the best places in the world to catch up on quality shut-eye, according to the Skyscanner 2024 UK Travel Trends Report, which checked out cities with hotels with the best sleep quality scores. 

Music and art performance is part of Hội An's night life. VNA/VNS Photo

Cape Town, last year’s leader, is now in second place after its prices increased by nearly five per cent. Costs in third-placed Mombasa, Kenya have fallen by almost seven per cent, moving it up one place since last year.

Others on the list include Tokyo (Japan), Algarve (Portugal), Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt), Sunny Beach (Bulgaria), Bali's Kuta (Indonesia), Marmaris (Turkey) and Paphos (Cyprus). VNS