Chaotic cities, moody mountains, golden beaches, jungle-covered ruins… Vietnam is a country of contrasts packed with amazing sights and things to do. We’ve gathered a list of the best places to visit in Vietnam – and you’ll find a bit of everything from, meeting ethnic minorities in mountain villages, to waking up to jaw-dropping landscapes on an overnight cruise.
Here’s a list of the 14 best places to visit in Vietnam, plus tips on the best things to do and Vietnam tours to join.
1. Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital is buzzing clash of communism, colonial charm, and urban chaos. Sip egg coffee in hidden cafés, wander the French Quarter’s colonial streets (and stop by the Hanoi Opera House), and join the organized mayhem of scooters in the Old Quarter. Learn about history at the Vietnam Museum of Revolution, and see the stately Presidential Palace. Then find peace at Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, and pay your respects to Uncle Ho at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before seeking out Bún Chả Hương Liên, where Obama famously ate.
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2. Sapa
Misty lush valleys, rice terraces, and little villages define the remote Sapa region, tucked high in the northern mountains of Vietnam. Here you can trek through local villages, such as Lao Chai and Ta Van, where you might meet smiley locals in traditional H’mong and Dao dress. And you must take the Fansipan cable car to “the Roof of Indochina”. Pack layers for the cooler mountain weather, and time your trip for planting or harvest season to see the rice terraces in hues of emerald or wheat.
3. Halong Bay
This UNESCO World Heritage site is like a real-life watercolor painting. Some 1,600 limestone karsts tower above the bay, and the best way to explore is aboard a traditional junk boat or overnight cruise. Float past caves, hidden lagoons, and floating fishing villages. Wake up on the water early to see the sunrise. You can also visit nearby Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay for the same views, fewer crowds.
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4. Hoi An
This mustard-yellow postcard town and former port is a mash of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. Timber-framed houses, ancient temples, and weathered colonial buildings – some 300 years old – form Hoi An’s Ancient Town. This is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam, and it lights up after dark with colorful lanterns lighting the streets and little boats that circuit the river, especially during full moon lantern festivals. Hoi An is also famous for its tailor shops and cao lau noodles, made with water from a secret well.
5. Ho Chi Minh City
Fast, loud, and buzzing with motorbikes – Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest metropolis. Dive into history at the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace. Then visit the Ben Thanh Market for a bánh mì and to bargain for souvenirs. It’s a modern city, so visit the Bitexco Tower’s Skydeck ror rooftop cocktails and skyline views, or explore French colonial architecture at the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office. From here it’s easy to day trip to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.
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6. Mekong Delta
Located in southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s rice bowl and a maze of rivers, canals, and fertile rice paddies. Hop on a longtail boat and drift through Cai Rang Floating Market, or explore little stilt villages where you can try coconut candies, and meet water buffalo.
7. Hue
Vietnam’s former imperial capital is a time capsule of history that easily makes this list of the best places to visit in Vietnam. Explore the impressive Imperial Citadel, with its ornate gates, palaces, and royal tombs spread along the Perfume River. Don’t miss the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda, or the chance to try the city’s famous spicy Bún bò Huế noodle soup.
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8. Da Nang
Da Nang is an up-and-coming city that mixes costal vibes with a youthful energy. Explore the futuristic Dragon Bridge (it breathes fire on weekends!), and explore the quirky Museum of Cham Sculpture. Nature is close by – hike the Marble Mountains caves and pagodas with panoramic views of the coast. Plus use Da Nang as a base to visit nearby Hoi An and Ba Na Hills, where the famous Golden Bridge floats in the clouds.
9. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
This Vietnamese national park is home to some of the world’s largest caves, including Son Doong and Phong Nha Cave. Trek jungle trails, float on the underground rivers, and spot rare wildlife as you explore. Another hidden gem is Paradise Cave, with its glittering stalactites. You have to book cave tours long in advance to secure permits and guides.
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10. Mui Ne
If you prefer to experience nature while lying down on a beach, Mui Ne will be more your speed. This is southern Vietnam’s desert oasis with sun, sand, and some seriously impressive sand dunes. Don’t miss Fairy Stream, where you can take a relaxed walk along a shallow creek alongside colorful cliffs. And visit Mui Ne Fishing Village at sunrise to see fresh seafood straight off the boats.
11. Nha Trang
For a beach destination with more going on, try Nha Trang. This coastal resort city offers gorgeous beaches with crystal clear water and golden sands. Add a buzzing nightlife scene and plenty of street food and seafood at the Dam Market for a winning combo. Plus, there’s easy access to islands and remote peninsulas. You can snorkel or dive around Hon Mun Island, hop a boat to the laid-back Hon Tam, or take the cable car to Hon Tre for waterparks and sea views.
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12. My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is Vietnam’s answer to Angkor Wat. Close to Hoi An in Quảng Nam region, the site’s red-brick Hindu temples were built between the 4th and 13th centuries by the Champa Kingdom. Time and war have left many marks, but the moss-covered towers and crumbling carvings offer up a mysterious atmosphere. Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures.
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13. Mai Chau or Pu Luong
In northern Vietnam, close to Hanoi, Mai Chau and Pu Luong are two destinations with rice fields, rural villages and a slower pace of living. Mai Chau is known for its homestays and Thai ethnic minority culture. While Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers treks, bamboo water wheels, and more beautiful landscapes and valley views. \
14. Yok Don National Park
Yok Don is Vietnam’s largest national park, a wild stretch of dry deciduous forest and untamed forest where elephants roam free. It’s the first place in Vietnam to offer ethical elephant tours. Here you can venture on guided treks to observe the gentle giants roaming free. Yok Don is set in the heart of Dak Lak Province, which is famous for its coffee. Pop into nearby Buon Ma Thuot for a strong daily brew.
Which part of Vietnam is most beautiful?
Northern Vietnam is often considered the most beautiful as it has more varied, dramatic landscapes. In the north you can explore Sapa’s rice terraces, ride Ha Giang’s mountain passes, visit buzzing Hanoi, and float around Halong Bay’s limestone islands.
What is the number 1 tourist spot in Vietnam?
Halong Bay is arguably Vietnam’s top tourist spot. This famous UNESCO World Heritage site is recognised as one of the top seven natural wonders of the world and is a must-stop destination for most travelers to Vietnam. Since it is so popular, you can explore the bays either side of Halong to see the same landscape with less people.
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That’s our list of the best places to visit in Vietnam. Someone else we should add? Leave us a comment…