Hoi An and Phu Quoc were both listed among the world’s top destinations in a 2022 readers’ poll: Hoi An placed 20th in the list of best cities with a score of 88.92, while Phu Quoc was 14th among islands with 90.25 points. These rankings reflect reader opinions on factors such as attractions, food and hospitality rather than a formal inspection report.
What the listing is and why it matters
The 2022 rankings come from a large readers’ survey run as part of an annual "World's Best Awards" program by a major travel publication. Respondents scored cities and islands on several categories; for cities those included attractions, cultural life, cuisine, friendliness and shopping, while island scores weighed activities, natural scenery, beaches, dining and local welcome.
Being included in these lists signals strong public interest rather than an official certification. The positions for Hoi An (20th, 88.92 points) and Phu Quoc (14th, 90.25 points) indicate notable support from readers, and many travelers use these lists as one of several data points when planning trips.
Key highlights: what stands out about Hoi An and Phu Quoc
Hoi An is best known for its historic urban core and layered architectural influences. Once an international trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries where merchants from Japan, China and Europe met, the town’s buildings reflect that mix of styles. Visitors often point to the old quarter’s streets and traditional houses as a primary draw.
The town is also widely recognised for its food scene and handicrafts. Local specialties frequently mentioned by visitors include dishes such as cao lầu and mì Quảng, and the area has a long reputation for silk production and bespoke tailoring — many travelers note the availability of custom clothing made to order in short timeframes.
- Historic architecture from multiple trading cultures
- Street-food specialities and local noodle dishes
- Silk and tailoring services
Phu Quoc’s profile is more coastal and natural. The island is known for sandy beaches, coral reefs and stretches of protected forest; reader responses highlighted its shoreline and seafood as strong points. The island is also locally associated with traditional products such as fish sauce and pepper.
One infrastructure item often cited in coverage of the island is a long cable car route that links parts of the island group; that installation has been recorded in world records listings for its non-stop multi-leg span. Many travelers list beach time, snorkeling and sampling fresh seafood among their top activities on Phu Quoc.
- White sand beaches and coral reefs
- Local agricultural and marine products (pepper, fish sauce)
- Long-distance offshore cable car
Practical tips for visiting
Plan according to what you want to do: Hoi An is compact and most sightseeing is in the town centre, so travel arrangements that position you nearby reduce transit time. Phu Quoc is an island destination where beach or boat activities commonly shape itineraries, so allow extra time for transfers and inter-island travel when needed.
Visitors frequently recommend basic preparation to avoid common travel problems. For example, set aside time for tailoring or longer food experiences in Hoi An, and if you plan snorkelling or diving on Phu Quoc check dive-operator reputations and local weather windows.
- Book tailor appointments with realistic lead time if ordering clothes.
- Confirm boat or ferry schedules in advance when island-hopping.
- Carry local-currency cash for markets and small vendors in both places.
For more local activity ideas around Hoi An, consider a low-impact water excursion; detailed paddling routes and seasonal notes appear in our kayaking in Hoi An guide. Also, familiarise yourself with common tourist pitfalls before travel; practical advice is available in our guide on how to avoid scams in Vietnam.
Cultural context and what locals value
Hoi An’s character is shaped by centuries of international exchange. The built environment and local crafts reflect influences from Asian and European traders; many residents maintain traditional trades such as tailoring and food preparation that are now part of the visitor economy. Most visitors find the town’s heritage appeal and small-scale businesses central to the experience.
On Phu Quoc, local life is tied closely to the sea and to small-scale farming. Longstanding industries include fishing and pepper cultivation, and those products often appear in local menus and markets. Visitors report that dining on freshly prepared seafood and exploring coastal habitats are among the top ways to connect with the island’s culture.
- Hoi An: emphasis on preservation of historic houses and handicrafts
- Phu Quoc: coastal livelihoods, markets and local food production
Who will enjoy Hoi An vs Phu Quoc
Hoi An tends to attract travelers who prioritise history, food and short walking tours in a compact urban setting. People interested in traditional textiles, custom clothing or sampling regional noodle dishes often list it as a good match. The town suits those who prefer lower-speed exploration focused on food and architecture.
Phu Quoc is generally more appealing to visitors seeking beach time, marine recreation and island landscapes. It suits holidays built around swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the coast, and also attracts people curious about seafood-focused local cuisine and island-scale agriculture such as pepper farms.
- Hoi An: history and culinary exploration, easy on-foot sightseeing
- Phu Quoc: beach and marine activities, island relaxation
Comparisons and practical alternatives
Both places made the 2022 readers’ lists for different reasons: Hoi An for its historic cityscape and food culture, Phu Quoc for beaches and natural settings. Choosing between them depends on whether a trip should prioritise cultural urban experiences or beach-and-nature time.
If you have limited time, consider combining a few days in each type of destination on a longer route through the region; many travellers mix inland heritage towns with coastal islands to balance activities. For those focused solely on beaches, other regional islands may offer different scales of development or quieter shorelines.
| Aspect | Hoi An | Phu Quoc |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 readers' rank | 20 (cities) | 14 (islands) |
| Score (points) | 88.92 | 90.25 |
| Primary appeal | Historic core, food, tailoring | Beaches, reefs, island products |
| Typical activities | Walking tours, food sampling, shopping for silk | Beach time, snorkeling, seafood dining |
| Notable local products | Silk and custom clothing | Pepper, fish sauce, fresh seafood |
Frequently Asked Questions
How were Hoi An and Phu Quoc chosen for the 2022 lists?
The placements reflect the results of a large readers’ survey conducted as part of a 2022 "World's Best Awards" exercise. Respondents scored destinations on categories such as attractions, cuisine and hospitality, and the final lists are compiled from those scores.
Do the rankings mean these places are objectively the best?
No. The rankings capture reader opinion and travel preferences but do not replace formal ratings or objective inspections. They are useful as indicators of popularity and visitor sentiment rather than definitive quality assessments.
What should I prioritise when visiting Hoi An?
Most visitors prioritise the old town’s architecture, sampling regional dishes, and exploring local craft workshops. Allow time for food experiences and, if you plan to order custom clothing, for fittings and production time.
What are the main things to do on Phu Quoc?
Reportedly popular activities include spending time on the beaches, snorkelling or diving on nearby reefs, and trying island specialities at local markets and restaurants. Many travellers combine relaxation with short excursions to natural areas.
Are these destinations suitable for family travel?
Both can work for families: Hoi An’s compact layout is convenient for short walks and organised food tours, while Phu Quoc offers beaches and water-based recreation that appeal to children. As always, choose activities appropriate to the ages and interests of your group.