Three Vietnamese Cities Rank Among World's Best for Walking, According to GuruWalk

Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City have been named among the world's best cities for walking, according to a recent list compiled by British tour operator GuruWalk.

The rankings, based on booking and search data from April 2023 to April 2024, placed Hanoi at 42nd, Hoi An at 87th, and Ho Chi Minh City at 99th out of 800 cities across 120 countries.

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is known for its rich history, French colonial architecture, and lively markets, all of which are easily accessible on foot. Hoi An, a charming ancient town in central Vietnam, is famous for its colorful lanterns and unique architecture that blend Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Ho Chi Minh City, the country's largest metropolis, offers a mix of French colonial and modern architecture, as well as historical sites like the War Remnants Museum.

Why this matters: The recognition of these Vietnamese cities as top walking destinations highlights the country's growing appeal to international tourists seeking genuine cultural experiences. As Vietnam's tourism industry continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this recognition could help attract more visitors and boost the local economy.

Despite the rankings, both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have faced complaints about the lack of space for walking due to the encroachment of sidewalks by vehicles and vendors. The top three walking cities in the world, according to GuruWalk, are Rome, Budapest, and Barcelona.

Vietnam has seen strong growth in international visitors in the first quarter of 2024, with over 4.6 million foreign tourist arrivals, up 72% year-on-year and 3.2% compared to the same period in 2019. The Hanoi Tourism Festival 2024 is set to take place from April 25 to 28, while the 20th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2024 recently concluded on April 7 after four days of events.

The inclusion of Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City in GuruWalk's list of the world's best walking cities serves as evidence of Vietnam's varied and engaging urban landscapes. As the country continues to develop and promote its tourism industry, the recognition of these cities as top walking destinations is expected to attract more visitors seeking to explore Vietnam's rich culture and history on foot.

Key Takeaways

• 3 Vietnamese cities - Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City - named among world's best walking cities.
• Ranking based on booking and search data from April 2023 to April 2024.
• Recognition highlights Vietnam's growing appeal for cultural tourism, boosting local economy.
• Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City face issues with lack of space for walking due to encroachment.
• Vietnam sees strong growth in international visitors in Q1 2024, up 72% year-on-year.