HA NOI (VNS) — Smarter Travel, one of the largest online travel resources for independent advice for the budget-conscious traveller, has voted Hoi An as one of the 10 ideal cities for visiting in Asia.

The US site says, "A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An Ancient Town remains a trading port, just as it was from the 15th to 19th centuries as it thrived in the spice trade.

"The fact that it's so well-preserved attracts foreigners who come to see the poster child for traditional Southeast Asian ports.

"One-time merchant homes represent Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese styles and are now a mix of antique shops, eateries, and galleries."

Hoi An is ranked ninth in the list. The others include Beijing, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Siem Reap, and Taipei. — VNS