Vietnam offers a unique blend of contrasts, where bustling and lively cities coexist alongside serene oceans and towering limestone karsts. You’re planning to visit Vietnam during your next trip and you want to know what to do in this beautiful country ? So let’s dive into the 11 best places to visit in Vietnam:
- Ha Long Bay
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- My Son
- Phu Quoc
- Hoi An
- Hue
- Ba Be National Park
- Nha Trang
- Mekong Delta
Ha Long Bay
#1 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is one of the best places to visit in the world and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located about 130km east of Hanoi in northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay offers thousands of limestone islands on gorgeous emerald-hue waters. There are also plenty of waterside caves you can explore.
It’s one of the best things to do in Vietnam and a popular location for adventure activities – scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing.
Boat cruises are the best way to experience the natural scenery wonder of Ha Long Bay. There are many Halong Bay cruises to choose from, from basic to top-level luxury.
Hanoi
#2 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
Capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi is the place to be if you want to dive into Vietnamese city life. It’s an interesting mix of French and Sino-Vietnamese influences.
The motorbike constant flow, the pollution and constant clamor of street vendors make the city truly chaotic, but that’s all part of its charm.
One of the best places to experience the madness of Hanoi is at Legend’s Corner. The famous Legend Beer restaurant is the ideal spot to sit with a drink and watch the rush hour insanity just before sunset.
Wander the streets of the Old Quarter, and visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Vietnam Fine Art Museum.
Make sure to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an important tribute to the Revolutionary leader and founder of modern Vietnam, which is also a must-see.
Ho Chi Minh City
#3 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon, is the biggest city in all of Vietnam. It is the place you need to head to if you’re a big city fan.
Hoi Chi Minh has a bit of everything from temples, museums and parks, to tourist shopping. Most of the city sights are located in its center, in Dong Khoi district.
You’ll find the HCMC Museum and the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 19th century.
According to many people, two of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are the Reunification Palace, then known as Independence Palace, and the War Remnants Museum.
If you like history, take the chance to explore the mysterious network of the Cu Chi tunnels, the headquarters for many military operations during the Vietnam War.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
#4 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for caving.
It has gained in popularity in 2017 when it was used as filming location for the movie Kong: Skull Island.
The park offers many caves to explore. The most famous one is Hang Son Doong, one of the world’s largest cave which has its very own hidden jungle, microclimate, and Underground River.
The other most popular excursion is to the Phong Nha Caves, where the interior is accessed by boat.
Due to its location near the Laos border, access to the park is strictly controlled, and visitors can expect to find a strong military presence.
My Son
#5 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
My Son Sanctuary is a ruined Cham era temple city that dates from the 4th century. It was formerly a significant center of religious Hindu ceremonies.
The site is surrounded by jungle, hills and a lake. It is composed of eight groups of 71 standing temples constructed in fired brick with stone pillars and decorated with sandstone bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Within the site, there is a museum where visitors can check out exhibits and artifacts to better understand and appreciate the ruins.
Phu Quoc
#6 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
Phu Quoc is a densely forested island in the Gulf of Thailand. The azure waters border the white sandy beaches making it a great destination if your a sun-seeker and beach enjoyer.
The best time to enjoy the beach life is during January for guaranteed sunshine and temperatures reaching 30°C.
The main attraction is the Phu Quoc cable-car which provides a great view for eight kilometers, soaring over the seascape and islands.
Take the boat and head to the An Thoi Islands, just to the south of Phu Quoc, and enjoy the best snorkeling in the area.
The island is also famous for its seafood. Don’t miss an opportunity to try out Phu Quoc’s famous fish sauce nuoc mam!
Hoi An
#7 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
Hoi An is the most charming and atmospheric town in Vietnam and one of the best things to do in Vietnam.
Wander through the old town streets. They’re lined with beautiful historic buildings and well-preserved wooden-fronted shops which recall the days when the town was a major meeting point for Japanese and Chinese merchants here for the local silks.
Visit Chinese temples like the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation, the old town’s most highly decorated temple.
Make sure to head to the beautiful Japanese Bridge at the western end of Tran Phu Street which is a must-see in Hoi An.
Hue
#8 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
Hue, located in central Vietnam, was once the imperial capital of Vietnam and played a significant role in the Vietnam War. It is a city with a rich history and a unique blend of ancient and modern.
Hue is split by the Perfume River, with the old city lying to the north and the modern-day city to the south.
The Citadel, once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, is the city’s most famous monument and houses grand palaces, ornate temples, walls, and gates.
You can also take a stroll along the promenade, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, and explore the Tombs of the Emperors on the outskirts of the city.
Hue’s rich cultural heritage and unique cuisine make it an ideal destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture.
Ba Be National Park
#9 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
Ba Be National Park is the place to head to if you’re an adventurous traveler.
The park is composed of tall limestone mountains that reach up to 1554m and deep valleys covered with thick evergreen forests, waterfalls and lakes.
Take peaceful boat trips or kayak and explore the caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. It’s also an excellent place for hiking and trekking in the hills.
The park is a a sanctuary for hundreds of wildlife species, including monkeys, bears and the highly endangered Vietnamese salamander.
Nha Trang
#10 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
Nha Trang is a coastal city located in central Vietnam and is known for its long, sandy beaches and clear waters.
One of the most popular beaches in Nha Trang is Tran Phu Beach. It is lined with palm trees and offers stunning views of the city’s skyline.
In addition to the beaches, Nha Trang is also home to the Vinpearl Amusement Park, which offers a variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
The city is also known for its seafood, and you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes at the many restaurants and cafes along the beach.
Mekong Delta
#11 of the best places to visit in Vietnam
The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers and canals that stretches across southern Vietnam. This area is known for its lush greenery, floating markets, and traditional villages.
One of the best ways to experience the Mekong Delta is by taking a boat tour. You’ll be able to explore the narrow canals, visit local villages, and see the delta’s incredible biodiversity up close.
The Mekong Delta is a unique and unforgettable destination that should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
Final thoughts
Overall, Vietnam is a beautiful and fascinating country that is definitely worth a visit. It has something to offer for every type of traveler.
From the bustling cities to the serene countryside, there is no shortage of places to visit and things to do.
If you are a history buff, you will love exploring the ancient temples and imperial cities. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Vietnam’s stunning natural landscapes are sure to take your breath away. And if you are a foodie, the diverse and delicious cuisine will leave you wanting more.
FAQ
The best place for tourist to come in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City. Also known as Saigon, it’s a popular tourist destination that should be included in your travel to Vietnam.
South Vietnam is better. It has more consistant tropical season than the North experiencing cool and humid winters and hot dry summers. Ultimately, you’ll decide to spend your time in the north or south depending on what time of year it is.
Ho Chi Minh is a modern city with the tallest skyscraper in Vietnam, newer and broader roads, trendy shopping malls, rooftop bars, and a variety of international restaurants. Hanoi provides a more authentic view of Vietnamese life and culture.
Being part of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is an affordable country to visit, in comparison to countries in North America and Europe.
