Hanoi rises in the ranking of "best tourist cities in the world"

Besides Hanoi, Singapore (5th) and Bangkok (39th) are the two remaining representatives of Southeast Asia in the top 100.

The top spot on this year's list belongs to the capital of the United Kingdom - London, followed by Paris and New York.

To compile the rankings, the Canada-based company analyzed more than 270 global cities with populations of more than one million to determine the top 100 based on criteria such as attractions and landmarks, airport connectivity, parks and recreation, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and GDP per capita, grouped into three pillars.

“Although not as large or bustling as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi has plenty to offer, from bustling local markets to awe-inspiring heritage sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Imperial Citadel and a vibrant nightlife that has its own appeal,” the report said.

Outdoor activities and shopping are the biggest highlights in Vietnam's capital.

Hanoi, a city of 7.5 million people, is full of traditional markets and high-end shopping. The pedestrian zones around Hoan Kiem Lake and some streets in the Old Quarter, which are open on Saturdays and Sundays, are a magnet for Hanoians and tourists on weekends.

According to the city's Department of Tourism, Hanoi welcomed 18.9 million tourists in the first nine months of 2023, up 36.5% over the same period last year.

Of which, the number of foreign tourists reached 3.2 million, four times higher than the same period last year and exceeding this year's target of 3 million.