Beautiful but Underrated Cities to Visit Before They Become Tourist Hotspots

City Twenty-Nine: The Secluded Splendor of Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An may shimmer faintly on travel radar, but its depth still goes largely overlooked. This lantern-lit town along Vietnam’s central coast blends Chinese, Japanese, and French colonial heritage into one of Southeast Asia’s most atmospheric destinations. Its old town—closed to motorbikes—is a dream to wander, full of tailor shops, tea houses, and ancient bridges. At dusk, candles float down the Thu Bon River in a hush of soft light. Just outside, you’ll find rice paddies, pristine beaches, and culinary classes that draw from generations of Central Vietnamese tradition. Go before it becomes more postcard than place.