The incredible city that's the 'world's cheapest long haul flight' away

After claiming the coveted title as the most cost-effective long-haul destination in the annual Long Haul Holiday Report from Post Office Travel Money last year, South Africa has had to give way to a new winner, a vibrant city that has become a firm favourite among backpackers.

Tucked along Vietnam's central coast, the ancient town of Hoi An feels like a living postcard. Whether you're strolling beneath a canopy of warm lanterns or sipping Vietnamese coffee by the Thu Bon River, it's not hard to see why this UNESCO World Heritage Site has captured travellers' attention for centuries. Once a bustling port city from the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An served as a trading hub connecting merchants from Japan, China, and Europe. Today, it boasts incredibly well-preserved architecture, with yellow-washed shop houses with wooden shutters and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, which has stood for more than 400 years.

Every evening, the city is transformed as silk lanterns illuminate narrow alleys and riverside cafés. The monthly Lantern Festival, held on the full moon, is especially enchanting, as electric lights are switched off. Locals and visitors release small paper lanterns onto the river, each carrying a wish for good fortune.

Hoi An was previously the most cost-effective long-haul destination in 2023, so it will come as little surprise to seasoned jetsetters just how friendly eating and drinking out can be in this stunning Asian city. According to the 17th edition of Post Office Travel Money's Long Haul Holiday Report, Hoi An costs just £58.81.

While Hoi An's old town steals the spotlight, its surroundings offer plenty more to explore. An Bang Beach is just a short bike ride away, perfect for peaceful afternoons and seafood feasts by the water. Meanwhile, Tra Que Vegetable Village gives a glimpse into rural life, where tourists can try their hand at farming, cooking, or simply enjoy the lush greenery. Finally, a 45-minute drive brings you to My Son Sanctuary, the remnants of an ancient Cham civilisation, a stunning archaeological site set amid forested hills.

The closest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), around 18 miles north of Hoi An. From the UK, most travellers fly from London Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester. Common routes include via Doha with Qatar Airways, via Dubai with Emirates or via Singapore with Singapore Airlines. Flights usually take 14 to 17 hours in total, depending on layovers. Once you arrive in Da Nang, Hoi An is about a 45-minute drive away.

10. Santiago, Chile - £93.02
9. Phuket, Thailand - £87.82
8. Delhi, India - £85.89
7. Penang, Malaysia - £83.85

6. Colombo, Sri Lanka - £73.93
5. Tokyo, Japan - £68.61
4. Mombasa, Kenya - £68.33
3. Bali, Indonesia - £67.79
2. Cape Town, South Africa - £64.28
1. Hoi An, Vietnam - £58.81.