Lonely Planet names Luang Prabang and Hoi An among the top 22 best places to visit in Asia

TMG – Included in Lonely Planet’s list of “22 of the best places to visit in Asia”, Luang Prabang and Hoi An are two stunning gems not to be missed in 2025.

Backed by rich history, peaceful vibes and a charming mix of natural scenery and distinctive architecture, these two destinations welcome millions of visitors annually.

Luang Prabang – Land of a Million Elephants

The ancient capital of Laos, Luang Prabang, impresses with its wonderful combination of nature, history and culture. The town’s cobblestoned roads, French-style homes, majestic pagodas and the gentle Mekong River that flows past the city, combine to create a lovely vignette of the Indochina of old.

Right in the heart of Luang Prabang lies the ancient temple of Wat Xiengthong with its brilliant mosaics, a true landmark of the city. Just steps away is Victoria Xiengthong Palace, the last residence of the Lao royal family, now a boutique resort offering guests a high-end stay showcasing the best of Luang Prabang’s tranquil and historically rich setting.

Diners at Alamea Restaurant can gaze out over the placid Mekong River while savoring must-try specialties of Luang Prabang, all in a space that once hosted meals for the Lao royal family.

Visitors to Luang Prabang can wake up early to observe the Tak Bat alms ceremony – a sacred religious rite that’s deeply ingrained into local life. As the sun sets over the Mekong, guests can cruise down the river, watching the sun cast its golden glow over the beautiful landscape while listening to stories about the ancient capital.

Hoi An – A kaleidoscope of colors

Located on the enchanting Hoai River, Hoi An is striking for its unique architecture reflecting the city’s long and storied history, from the iconic Japanese Bridge and the handsome Fukian Assembly Hall to the wonderfully preserved ancient houses such as Tan Ky and Phung Hung.

Dotted throughout the Ancient Town are refreshing green spaces, like the one found at Spice Viet Hoi An Restaurant. CNN Travel once called Hoi An a “foodie paradise” and Spice Viet Hoi An, with a piper lolot leaf as its logo, offers foodies an amazing selection of dishes that are specialties of Hoi An together with well-loved Vietnamese favorites.

Visitors love Hoi An for many reasons, including its flat, picturesque streets, which are ideal for walking and cycling. Guests staying at ÊMM Hotel Hoi An Hotel at 187 Ly Thuong Kiet can borrow a bicycle and leisurely explore Hoi An’s many hidden alleyways, stopping for a cup of coffee or perhaps an envy-inducing selfie.

The tranquil beauty of Cua Dai Beach

More than historic buildings, photogenic clay-tiled shophouses, and lantern-strewn streets, Hoi An is also home to beautiful beaches, including Cua Dai Beach. Boasting fine, white sand, the beach is ideal for an early morning stroll, yoga sessions or even catamaran sailing, harnessing the power of the wind to glide over the blue waters of Cua Dai.

In this gorgeous beachside setting, visitors can experience local cuisine by learning how to make and then enjoy traditional Hoi An dishes, such as chewy Cao Lau noodles and turmeric-tinged Quang noodles at L’Annam, a seaside restaurant inspired by Indochina.

Along Cua Dai Beach, in addition to adventure sports and local culinary delights, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional beauty of a coastal fishing village, the inspiration for Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa. And just 18km to the east, the beautiful islands of the UNESCO-designated Cu Lao Cham Biosphere Reserve are simply waiting to be explored.

For visitors into vintage travel, touring by sidecar, a popular means of transportation in the early 20^th century, is a can’t-miss activity when visiting Hoi An. On a sidecar tour, guests can learn about village life in Hoi An, like at Tra Que, where locals have been growing organic crops since the 17^th century, earning it a spot as one of the “Best Tourism Villages in the World 2024”.

A journey combining culture and nature

Luang Prabang and Hoi An, two superb Asian heritage destinations, are home to beautiful natural scenery and fascinating local culture. If planning your next trip for 2025, why not enjoy the tranquility of ancient towns, gentle beaches, and calming rivers? Stay at Victoria Xiengthong Palace, ÊMM Hotel Hoi An, and Victoria Hoi An, and let us connect you with local experiences for an even more meaningful holiday.