As one of the most alluring travel destinations in Asia, Vietnam boasts a large amount of gorgeous architecture, beautiful natural landscapes, dynamic metropolises, relaxing beaches, conspicuous islands, and dizzying street food. Not only is it a paradise for backpackers, but the fascinating place offers rich cultural diversity to every explorer. It seems so hard for you to decide what are your first travel choices. Here we select the 10 best places to visit in Vietnam. Add them to your bucket list and start your unforgettable Vietnam trip!
1. Ha Long Bay — Top Natural Wonder with Over 2000 Islands
Referring to the best places to visit in Vietnam, Ha Long Bay tops many tourists’ lists. About 150 km (93 mi) from Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, Ha Long Bay features over 2000 islands, strange caves, shimmering seas, and various karst limestone landscapes. Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, this wonder is totally worth a deep journey. Taking a cruise to explore it and enjoy the sunset on the serene bay is an essential thing. Spend another day braving strange caves, climbing peaks, swimming, going kayaking, and wandering along the beaches. Although a little touristy in peak season, the ‘other-worldly’ sight will surely not disappoint you.
Highlights: Ha Long Bay cruise, enjoy a gorgeous sunset on the sea, climb karst limestone peaks, swim and kayak in the sea
Best time to visit: Late spring (March and April) and early autumn (October)
Recommended Itinerary: 7 Days Classic North Vietnam Tour with Halong Bay Cruise
2. Ho Chi Minh City — Vietnam’s Largest City with Vibrant Life
As the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit stop on your trip. You may be more familiar with its former name, Saigon. Known as the ‘little Paris of the East’, the city delight you with the combination of Vietnamese and French-style sights. The War Remnants Museum is a must-visit stop if you want to learn more about the famous war. Besides rich culture and historical experience, just go shopping, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and indulge yourself in this charming city. Surprises are hidden on every street corner. Surely take a boat trip to appreciate amazing night views and adventure Cu Chi tunnels.
Highlights: French-style architecture, War Remnants Museum, shopping, dynamic nightlife, street food tour, enjoy gorgeous night views by boat, brave Cu Chi tunnels
Best time to visit: Better to go between January and March as the weather is mild and it rains little. Try not to go from May to October, the rainy and typhoon season.
3. Hoi An — Ancient Town Combined Vietnam, Chinese and Japanese Cultures
Another top place to visit is Hoi An, one of the most historical and atmospheric travel destinations in this country. Once an important trade center, the ancient city had witnessed bustling business with Chinese, Japanese, and even Europeans in the 17th century. No wonder today you can see those incredible heritages, which include magnificent Chinese guildhalls, traditional Japanese-style houses, Buddhist temples, and some ancestral temples. The 2000-year ancient town preserves pristine multicultural neighborhoods, very suitable for you to glance at locals’ lives, go shopping at special boutiques, taste yummy food in delightful restaurants, and purchase some interesting souvenirs.
Highlights: Traditional Chinese guildhalls, Japanese Merchant houses, various boutiques, tailor-made cloth shops, bars, and delightful restaurants
Best time to visit: Cool weather makes January and April the best visit time, but may be a little crowded and busier. It is less touristy from August to December when it rains more.
4. Phu Quoc — the Lost Paradise in Vietnam
If you want to escape from bustling city life and find a perfect resort to spend your holiday in, you cannot miss Phu Quoc. This Vietnam’s largest island boasts being fringed with white-sand beaches, and the tropical waters entice beach lovers overseas all year round. In addition to sun-soaked beaches, ever-green forests and natural parks also offer you a pleasant trekking experience. Don’t forget to taste Phu Quoc fish sauce made from anchovies, which has a tender, sweet and light flavor. If you want to try more exciting entertainment, then a large amusement park Vinpearl Land and the 7899.9 m (4.9 mi) world’s longest sea-crossing cable car can fulfill your dream.
Highlights: White-sand beaches, taste Phu Quoc fish sauce, nature parks, world’s longest sea-crossing cable car
Best time to visit: All seasons. It keeps an average temperature of around 27℃ (81℉), suitable to travel throughout the year.
Recommended Itinerary: 14 Days Vietnam Honeymoon Tour with Phu Quoc Island
5. Hanoi — The Heart of Vietnam, Influenced by French Colonialism
Welcome to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, a destination that cannot be skipped on your Vietnam travel list. In this ancient metropolis, you can easily experience the mixed culture of the East and West. The bustling Old Quarter – 36 Streets could be your first stop to catch the historical moment. Stroll along narrow and busy streets to join ordinary Vietnamese lives, enjoy the city’s growing art scene, sip a cup of egg coffee on a street corner and have a fancy meal for reasonable prices. Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, Uncle Ho’s mausoleum, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology are recommended if you want to learn more about the country’s modern history and ethnic culture.
You May Like Top 9 Vietnam Temples
Highlights: Wander along streets in Old Quarter, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, Uncle Ho’s mausoleum, drink an egg coffee
Best time to visit: Going there from October to March, you can enjoy a cool trip.
6. Nha Trang — Ideal Sea Paradise for Scuba Diving
When it comes to Vietnam’s top travel destinations, you can never ever miss Nha Trang. Ringed by hills, the famous coastal city offers you more than sandy beaches, premium shoreline breeze, and a considerable seafood gala. Scuba diving will definitely arouse your passion to explore the mysterious undersea world. Strolling along an impressive promenade surrounded by parks and gardens is enjoyable. Of course, outdoor bars, stylish boutiques, and fine dining options are essential in this seaside resort city. Nha Trang is near to other travel destinations like Mui Ne, Hoi An, and Hue. You can arrange it for your one-stop itinerary.
Highlights: Sandy beaches, scuba diving, seafood feast, an impressive promenade
Best time to visit: Between January and August, the weather is pleasantly cool. Lunar New Year and the summer holiday (July and August) are peak seasons, and book hotels and flights in advance.
7. Mui Ne — Coastal Resort with 10KM Long Crescent Beach
About 200 km (124 mi) north away from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne was an unknown fishing village a few years ago. However, now it has become one of the most popular places to visit. If you want to seek serenity and enjoy leisure, come to Mui Ne. Leave your footprint on white sand beaches, stay overnight in thatched cottages, enjoy sea breeze on a bamboo chair, and listen to waves. Mui Ne is also a well-known windsurfing training destination, and extreme water sports are worth trying here, like diving, surfing, kayaking, and motor-boating. What’s more, always remember to taste fresh seafood.
Highlights: Crescent sandy beach, windsurfing, surfing, kayaking, fresh seafood
Best time to visit: From October to April, this period is a dry season to travel to Mui Ne. Pay attention that May to October is the rainy season in Mui Ne.
Recommended Itinerary: 7 Days Classic South Vietnam Tour with Beach Break
8. Sapa — Perfect Trekking Destination to See Rice Terraces
Situated in the northwest of Vietnam, Sapa is a mountainous town opposite Vietnam’s and Southeast Asia’s highest peak Fansipan. What makes Sapa so attractive is its amazing natural landscape, magnificent rice terraces, unique cultural diversity, and popular trekking routes. Wandering streets, local ethnic groups speak fluent English and French to peddle their homemade handicrafts, and you can experience Western cultures colliding with ancient Eastern cultures. In remote villages like Cat Cat Village, it will be easy for you to explore ethnic culture firsthand.
Highlights: Trekking, enjoying magnificent rice terraces, exploring the ethnic culture in Cat Cat Village, climbing Fansipan Mountain
Read more about Top 8 Vietnam Mountains
Best time to visit: March to May and September to December are the best times to enjoy the laid-back village.
Recommended Itinerary: 15 Days Vietnam In-depth Tour from South to North
9. Hue — Experience the Glorious Past of Vietnam
Located in central Vietnam, Hue is worth traveling for its ancient history and well-protected old buildings. Served as the capital city of the Nguyen Dynasty, here offers you the glorious past of feudal Vietnam at a glance. The clear Perfume River winds through the area and divides the city into two parts, the North — ancient Imperial City and the South –attractive cultural and tourism district. The Imperial City had been damaged in the war in 1968 and has not been completely restored. Today, you can still go sightseeing at magnificent palaces of emperors and queens. Tracing the glory of the old dynasty and admiring the majesty of the palace complex will undoubtedly feast your eyes.
Highlights: Sightseeing at Imperial City, Thai Hoa Palace, Tomb of Minh Mang, Thien Mu Pagoda, taste fabulous Hue cuisine
Best time to visit: It is recommended to travel between November and April when the weather is mild. It rains more after May and taking rain gear is essential.
10. Ninh Binh — Unspoiled Natural Allure & Vietnamese Limestone Scenery
Just about 100 km (62 mi) from Hanoi, Ninh Binh features its alluring natural beauty. This is the best place to visit in Vietnam to get rid of bustling urban life. The emerald green rice paddies and limestone cliffs make up a rugged and undisturbed landscape. Make sure to take a boat to indulge yourself in the natural beauty. The city houses the country’s largest pagoda, the quiet and gorgeous Bich Dong Pagoda, where you can cycle to go sightseeing. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Trang An grottoes, composed of 31 valleys and 50 caves, are also worth a visit.
Highlights: Boating to see emerald green rice paddies and limestone landscape, Bich Dong Pagoda, Trang An grottoes,
Best time to visit: All seasons, the place has a pleasant climate and is suitable to visit all year round, at least 2 days are recommended to spend.
