The magical Hoi An, the City of Lanterns in Vietnam, was recognized as the best sustainable travel destination in February 2026, a combination of UNESCO heritage and eco-innovations. Ancient streets with lanterns, boats on Thu Bon River, and silk workshops attract eco-friendly tourists who want low-impact luxury. The town is the first to adopt green riding through e-bikes, electric shuttles, and car-free areas,s which reduce emissions and conserve 800-year-old buildings. Hotels without plastic,c such as Silk Sense River Resort, are at the forefront of the zero-waste movement, and community bike rentals and organic farm visits in Tra Que Village support the initiative. The cold weather (22-28°C) in February coincides with full moon lanterns as well as with the Tet holiday crowds. The Hoi An model is a 5M yearly tourist to mangroves to artisan ratio model, which is ranked among the top 7 destinations per global traveler votes in Asia.
Sustainable Travel Initiatives
Sustainable travel initiatives feature e-scooters, rowboat cruises, and complimentary hotel bicycles, reducing carbon footprints across heritage zones.
Lantern City Eco-Attractions
Lantern City eco-attractions include plastic-free riverside dining, upcycled trash art installations, and regenerative rice paddy bike tours.
