The Post Office Money report highlights how Hoi An isn’t just a cheap place to visit, but that it’s getting cheaper. Across a basket of ten holiday items visitors are likely to buy, Hoi An was the cheapest of the long-haul destinations looked at, and 10% cheaper than it was in 2023
A 15th century city with rows of colourful houses has been named as the best value destination for winter-sun breaks.
Hoi An in Vietnam returns to the number one spot it last held in 2023 in the Post Office Money rankings of the best long haul destinations, ideal for jetting away from our miserable shores to in the long, wintery days ahead.
The town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. The unique heritage site show influences from Vietnam and further afield, coming together to produce a unique public space.
In the evenings the lights from the yellow painted buildings and orange sun reflect off the water in a captivating way. Thanks to an Unesco decree, more than 800 buildings have been preserved, meaning the village looks much like it did several centuries ago.
“My favorite way to explore any new city is by walking and seeing what hidden treasures I can find. Because cars and motorbikes aren’t allowed to drive in the Ancient Town for the majority of the day, the area is prime for exploring on foot,” suggests blogger Travel Lush.
“Wandering aimlessly around the Ancient Town is easily one of the best things to do in Hoi An. And sure, it is very touristy, but I always love marveling at the old buildings, snapping photos of the postcard-perfect alleyways, sampling street snacks and popping into all of the little shops – you honestly never know what gems you’ll stumble upon in Hoi An’s historic center. The people-watching is pretty great too!
“Getting the chance to take in Hoi An’s magical scenery from a bicycle is one of my all-time favorite Hoi An activities. Cycling is big in Hoi An and most hotels here offer complimentary bicycles. It’s an incredible way to check out all of the city’s beautiful temples, emerald rice paddies and everyday street scenes.”
The Post Office Money report highlights how Hoi An isn’t just a cheap place to visit, but that it’s getting cheaper. Across a basket of ten holiday items visitors are likely to buy, Hoi An was the cheapest of the long-haul destinations looked at, and 10% cheaper than it was in 2023.
Visitors can bag a bottle of lager for £1.23 and a cup of coffee for slightly less.
Another big draw of the destination is how pleasant its weather is. Throughout the year the Vietnamese city enjoys temperature of around 29C on most days. However, it does have a long rainy season, from November through to January, so it may be wise to visit before, during the autumn, or from February.
While it may be cheap once you’re there, getting to Vietnam will cost you. Right now Skyscanner is listing return flights from the UK for £780.
There are plenty of other revelations in the Post Office Money report, which saw places in India and the Far East dominate the value top ten, taking seven of its places.
Last year’s leader Cape Town, in South Africa, is still a good bet for value in second place. Bali, Indonesia is in third. A three-course meal with wine costs just £35.48, the cheapest in the survey.
Mombasa, Kenya moved up to fourth place, beating Tokyo, which got more expensive. Penang, Malaysia and Phuket, Thailand are now in the top 10 after prices falls there. Lower prices in Colombo, Sri Lanka too saw it jump ahead of Delhi, India in our tables