Hoan Kiem lake in autumn (Photo: Xuan Chinh)

CNN suggests that visitors stroll around the city's Old Quarter, famous for historical streets specializing in a particular trade like jewelry, fabrics and flowers and where visitors can try signature dishes including cha ca (fried catfish with turmeric and dill) or banh tom (fried shrimp cake).

CNN also suggested visitors drop by Dong Ngac, around 10 kilometers northeast of Hanoi and dubbed it a "village of scholars."It's one of a few villages in Hanoi to retain its cultural features and historical architectural style despite rapid urbanization.

The CNN list also included Mexico, Madrid, Egypt, Cape Town, Hawaii, Polynesian island country Samoa, Greenville in the U.S., U.S.-Canada Atlantic cruises, Bavaria in Germany, Buenos Aires in Argentina, and Azores Island in Portugal.