Frommer’s Travel Guides, one of the best-selling travel guides in the U.S., has named Hanoi as one of the 12 most attractive destinations for 2010.

The popular travel guide described the thousand-year-old city as a thriving metropolis with a French colonial soul and gave Hanoi the third place in its top list after Tunisia and Denmark’s Copenhagen.

Hanoi was also named Asia’s “Most Asian City” by Ron Emmons, co-author of the travel guide book “Frommer’s Southeast Asia” released earlier this year, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The book considered Hanoi “a cultural center littered with pagodas, temples, and historic monuments,” adding that the city offers plenty for the traveler who seek an authentic yet eclectic Asian experience.

The eating scene in the city is colorful, according to the book, with excellent meals available at both street-side stalls and fine eateries.

The list of must-see destinations for next year also includes Santiago de Cuba (Cuba), Abu Dhabi (the United Arab Emirates), Hawaii (the U.S.), Salta Province (Argentina), Isles of Scilly (the U.K.), Mexico City (Mexico), Melbourne (Australia), Florida (the U.S.) and Kerala (India).

France’s capital, Paris, was voted the top destination for 2010.

Founded by Arthur Frommer, one of America’s foremost travel authorities, the Frommer’s travel guide series publishes 340 travel guides reaching more than seven million travelers each year, covering every major destination in the world.