Vietnam’s 10 Best Places to Visit: Islands, Cities, and Wonders Await
Explore Vietnam’s most captivating destinations, from bustling cities and ancient towns to serene bays, lush mountains, and vibrant islands.
Vietnam’s 10 Best Places to Visit
From buzzing cities and tranquil bays to mysterious caves and idyllic islands, Vietnam has something for every kind of traveler. This guide covers the 10 best places to visit in Vietnam, blending travel highlights, insider tips, and essential details to help plan your adventure for 2025 and beyond.
Table of Contents
- Phu Quoc Island
- Hanoi
- Lan Ha Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Ha Giang
- Hue
- Hoi An
- Con Dao Islands
- Da Lat
Phu Quoc Island
Best for: Beach getaways, island adventure, and laid-back luxury
Located in the southwest, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and a tropical favorite for sunseekers. With palm-fringed beaches, warm turquoise waters, and a relaxed pace, it rivals any island paradise in Southeast Asia.
- Beaches: Make time for Sao Beach and Long Beach, both known for powdery sand and clear waters.
- Nature and Wildlife: Explore Phu Quoc National Park’s hiking trails and keep an eye out for endemic wildlife.
- Culture: Wander through local night markets for delicious seafood and handmade souvenirs.
- Adventure: Snorkeling and diving excursions reveal vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Insider Tip: Visit between November and March for the best weather and calm seas.
Hanoi
Best for: City life, culture, history, and street food
Vietnam’s capital city is a heady blend of history, bustling everyday life, and culinary excitement. Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets, colonial-era buildings, and vibrant street markets.
- Historic Sites: Don’t miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and One Pillar Pagoda.
- Street Food: Sample iconic dishes like pho, bun cha, and crispy spring rolls at street-side eateries.
- Cafés and Bia Hoi: Unwind at a lakeside café or enjoy local draft beer at the famous Bia Hoi Junction on Ta Hien Street.
- Culture: Witness traditional water puppet shows or stroll around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake.
Planning Tip: Give yourself time to soak up the pace of daily life—lingering over coffee, exploring on foot, and joining the midnight chaos of the night market.
Lan Ha Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay
Best for: Scenic cruises, photography, and peaceful karst landscapes
While Halong Bay is world-famous, nearby Lan Ha Bay (to the south) and Bai Tu Long Bay (to the north) offer equally spectacular limestone karsts and coves with fewer crowds. Both bays promise magical experiences but a more tranquil vibe.
- Island Hopping: Take a traditional junk boat or kayak between limestone outcrops and deserted beaches.
- Cat Ba Island: Explore Cat Ba’s jungles and wildlife trails or relax in its lively port town.
- Co To Island: Visit in Bai Tu Long for beautiful, little-known beaches and fresh seafood.
- Water Activities: Swim, snorkel, or paddle in crystal-clear lagoons and hidden caves.
Insider Tip: Opt for a custom or small-group cruise to access hidden gems away from the main tourist routes.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Best for: Urban energy, history, and nightlife
The dynamic southern metropolis, still called Saigon by locals, pulses with non-stop energy. Ho Chi Minh City offers a fascinating mix of French colonial remnants, skyscrapers, eclectic markets, and unbeatable street food scenes.
- Historic Sites: Reflect on Vietnam’s recent past at the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.
- Architecture: Admire Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, echoes of French Indochina.
- Nightlife: Experience the vibrant nightlife in rooftop bars and try ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) at retro cafes.
- Markets: Shop for souvenirs and sample street food at Ben Thanh Market.
Planning Tip: Escape the city for a day trip to Tay Ninh’s Cao Dai Holy See or cruise the nearby Cu Chi tunnels for a glimpse into history.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Best for: Caving, trekking, and wilderness adventures
This UNESCO-listed national park is a must for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. Its claim to fame is Hang Son Doong—the world’s largest cave—but it hosts a network of hundreds more, easy to access and budget-friendly.
- Hang Son Doong: The colossal “Mountain River Cave” is accessible only via pre-arranged expeditions. Its enormity is jaw-dropping—a city block could fit inside.
- Other Caves: Explore Phong Nha, Paradise Cave, Dark Cave (with ziplining), and Hang En Cave, each with unique features.
- Nature Trails: Trek through ancient karst mountains and jungles home to rare wildlife and birds.
Insider Tip: Visits to Son Doong are extremely limited and expensive, but alternative caves offer incredible experiences for all budgets.
Ha Giang
Best for: Dramatic mountain scenery, ethnic culture, and epic road trips
In Vietnam’s far north, Ha Giang province is a paradise for travelers who crave untouched landscapes and authentic culture. The region remains off the mainstream tourist path, dotted with winding passes, rice terraces, and ethnic minority villages.
- Ha Giang Loop: Embark on an exhilarating motorbike or car journey through mountain passes like the infamous Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate and the Ma Pi Leng Pass.
- Lung Cu Flag Tower: Stand at Vietnam’s northernmost point and enjoy panoramic views.
- Markets and Villages: Discover bustling ethnic minority markets full of color and tradition, plus homestay experiences for cultural immersion.
Planning Tip: Improved roads and hospitality make Ha Giang more accessible, but book early in peak trekking or harvesting season.
Hue
Best for: Imperial history, cuisine, and tranquil riverside settings
The former imperial capital of Hue sits peacefully along the Perfume River in central Vietnam. Known for its UNESCO-listed Citadel and royal tombs, Hue is also famed for distinctive local cuisine.
- Imperial City: Wander the grand Citadel and explore centuries-old palaces, gates, and temples.
- Royal Tombs: Visit atmospheric tomb complexes along the Perfume River, such as Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
- Dining: Try signature dishes like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh khoai pancakes.
Insider Tip: Take a traditional dragon boat down the river at sunset for romantic views and a peaceful perspective on the city.
Hoi An
Best for: Old World charm, tailor shops, and lantern-lit evenings
Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site beloved for its cobbled streets, yellow-washed buildings, and riverside markets. By night, thousands of paper lanterns create a magical scene along the Thu Bon River.
- Old Quarter: Stroll through the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese temples, and weathered merchant houses.
- Tailoring: Order custom-made clothing or shoes from skilled local tailors.
- Cuisine: Sample famous Hoi An dishes, such as cao lau noodles and white rose dumplings.
- Beaches: Relax at An Bang Beach, only a short bike ride from the historic center.
Planning Tip: Visit during a full moon for the monthly lantern festival—an unforgettable sight.
Con Dao Islands
Best for: Tranquil beaches, diving, and history
The Con Dao archipelago, off Vietnam’s southern coast, is renowned for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and a poignant history as a former prison island during the colonial era.
- Beaches and Diving: Enjoy untouched sandy stretches like Dam Trau Beach and world-class diving with healthy coral ecosystems.
- History: Explore the haunting Con Dao Prison and learn about Vietnam’s struggle for independence.
- Nature: Hike through Con Dao National Park, home to endemic species and nesting sea turtles.
Insider Tip: Plan a visit between March and September for the clearest diving conditions.
Da Lat
Best for: Cool climate, adventure sports, and colonial architecture
Perched in the Central Highlands, Da Lat is unlike any other Vietnamese city. Its cooler climate, pine forests, and mountain air offer a refreshing escape from Vietnam’s sultry lowlands.
- French Villas: Admire colonial-era architecture and colorful flower gardens.
- Adventure: Go canyoning, mountain biking, or hiking to nearby waterfalls such as Datanla and Elephant Falls.
- Markets and Cafés: Savor locally grown coffee and fresh strawberries at traditional markets and lakeside cafes.
Planning Tip: Bring a jacket—mornings and evenings are surprisingly chilly year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time of year to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam’s climate varies by region. The north (Hanoi, Ha Giang) is driest from October to April. Central coast (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) is best January-August. Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc) has its best weather December-April.
Are Vietnam’s caves and national parks suitable for beginners?
Yes. While Hang Son Doong is only for experienced trekkers, many caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang (like Phong Nha and Paradise Cave) have paved walkways and guided tours accessible to all ages and fitness levels.
Is it easy to get around between these destinations?
Vietnam’s cities and major tourist spots are well connected by domestic flights, comfortable trains, and long-distance buses. Local travel is easy with taxis, rideshare apps, and in some areas, bicycle or motorbike rentals.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the length of stay. Many travelers can enter visa-free for 15 to 45 days, while others need to apply in advance or use an e-visa system.
Is Vietnamese street food safe to eat?
Vietnamese street food is famed for taste and affordability! Choose stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked food. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with popular dishes like pho or banh mi from reputable vendors.
Quick Comparison Table
| Destination | Best For | Don’t Miss |
|---|---|---|
| Phu Quoc | Beaches, Islands | Sao Beach, Night Markets |
| Hanoi | History, Culture | Old Quarter, Street Food |
| Lan Ha & Bai Tu Long Bay | Cruises, Landscape | Cat Ba Island, Kayaking |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Nightlife, History | War Museum, Ben Thanh Market |
| Phong Nha-Ke Bang | Caves, Adventure | Paradise Cave, Jungle Hikes |
| Ha Giang | Mountains, Ethnic Culture | Ma Pi Leng Pass, Markets |
| Hue | Imperial Heritage | Citadel, Royal Tombs |
| Hoi An | Old Town, Tailoring | Lantern Festival, An Bang Beach |
| Con Dao | Beaches, History | Dam Trau Beach, Con Dao Prison |
| Da Lat | Cool Climate, Adventure | French Villas, Waterfalls |
