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From north to south, Vietnam offers a wide range of experiences, with diverse landscapes and a climate that varies by region. So, any time you visit Vietnam, you’ll find the best weather in one of the regions.
Before you plan your vacation, know a little about what you will see and the best things to do in Vietnam with this guide.
The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
If you are planning a trip and wondering where to go, take a look at these 15 must-visit places in Vietnam that offer diverse experiences, including city life, caves, islands, and sand dunes.
1. Sapa
Sapa’s experience is quiet and peaceful, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam for its mountains, rice terraces, and tribal communities. This region is 300 kilometres north of Hanoi and is most visited for its trekking trails that pass through tribal villages.
Sapa’s best things
- Take the cable car to Fansipan Peak.
- Visit the Cat Cat Village, rent traditional clothes, take pictures near the wooden houses, and watch weaving and jewellery-making.
- Relax in the traditional Red Dao herbal baths in Ta Phin Village.
- Hike the Muong Hoa Valley, filled with terraced rice fields.
2. Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital city, and the first on everybody’s list for its French colonial architecture, cafe culture, and bustling streets with the best Vietnamese food. Simply, the city offers everything from nightlife to quiet temple visits to satisfy every traveller.
The best things to do in Hanoi
- Walk around the Old Quarter to taste different foods from various vendors.
- Visit Ta Hien Beer Street for the cheapest beer and witness Hanoi’s lively nightlife.
- The city’s top landmarks include Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and the Presidential Palace.
- Watch a Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre performance.
- Visit some of Hanoi’s cafes, which are popular for egg coffee.
3. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s most popular natural landscape. There are more than 1,600 limestone islands here, and it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
You can add this activity to your Hanoi itinerary and book a day cruise from Hanoi with pick-up and drop-off service.
Activities in Ha Long Bay
- Kayak through Luon Cave.
- Swimming in the designated area.
- Climb Ti Top Island’s 400 steps to a hilltop viewpoint.
- Cruise entertainment includes karaoke, movies, or stargazing.
4. Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is located 95 km south of Hanoi. It is one of the most unique places to visit in Vietnam for its limestone mountains, rice fields, and rivers. It is often called “Ha Long Bay on land” because of its similar limestone landscapes, also less crowded than Ha Long Bay.
The best of Ninh Binh
- Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Vietnam’s first capital in the 10th century.
- Temple stops at King Dinh and King Le.
- Climb 500 steps to Mua Cave for views over rice paddies, rivers, and karst peaks.
- Boat ride on the Tam Coc River through caves and karst.
- Cycle through rice fields and local temples.
5. Da Nang
For beach time in Vietnam, visit Da Nang. My Khe Beach is the city’s popular attraction, where you can find beach stays for a very reasonable cost.
Beyond its beaches, Da Nang offers nightlife, great seafood, dinner cruises, and markets.
Things to do in Da Nang
- Cable car ride to Ba Na Hills and walk the Golden Bridge.
- Swim, sunbathe, and try water activities like kayaking, parasailing and jet skiing at My Khe Beach.
- Visit the Marble Mountains to see five limestone hills, Buddhist caves, and a hilltop pagoda.
- Watch the Dragon Bridge fire show every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm.
- Son Tra Night Market offers clothes, bags, souvenirs, and food at affordable prices.
6. Hoi An
Just a 45-minute drive from Da Nang, you have Hoi An, filled with a peaceful experience, and it is one of the most photogenic towns in Vietnam.
The Ancient Town in this region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will see colourfully painted houses, a 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge, and rivers lit by silk lanterns.
Hoi An’s best activities
- Walk the Hoi An Ancient Town and stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls, and old houses to take pictures.
- Visit My Son Sanctuary to learn about the Cham culture and Hindu influence.
- Float paper lanterns on the Thu Bon River during the Full Moon Lantern Festival
- Basket boat ride in Coconut Village.
- Get custom clothing made at one of Hoi An’s tailor shops, within 24 hours.
7. Hue
Hue was Vietnam’s imperial capital from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty. Even now, when you visit, the places mesmerise you with massive citadels, royal tombs, and riverside pagodas.
The best things about Hue
- Visit Hue Imperial Citadel, a 19th-century fortress palace.
- Royal Tombs are in the forested hills, located around a lake with pavilions and gardens.
- Thien Mu Pagoda is famous for its sacred Buddhist site, built in 1601.
- Go on a boat ride on the Perfume River through the pagoda and royal tombs.
8. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the financial capital of Vietnam. The city was formerly known as Saigon, a name many locals still use today.
If your trip is based here, choose District 1, the main area offering everything from French colonial buildings to street food and rooftop bars.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 250km underground wartime network.
- Join a city tour that includes landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Independence Palace.
- Visit Ben Thanh Market for street food, clothes, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
- For a lively nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City, Bui Vien Walking Street is the place to go for food and street performances.
9. Da Lat
Da Lat is in Vietnam’s central highlands, nestled at 1,500 metres above sea level, and the French developed this region as a hill-station resort during the colonial era. Throughout the year, the temperature ranges from 15 – 25°C.
Da Lat’s best things
- Visit Cau Dat Tea Plantation in the morning to catch the sunrise, then join the tea tasting.
- Ride the Alpine coaster at Datanla Waterfalls through the pine forest.
- Tour the Crazy House, which is a working 3-star hotel where you can also stay. It is a structure resembling a giant tree with themed rooms like Eagle and Kangaroo.
- Tour on an Easy Rider motorbike through flower farms and minority villages, and visit some of Vietnam’s waterfall viewpoints with a local guide.
- Visit the Valley of Love for exciting outdoor activities like swan boats, horseback riding, and maze escape.
10. Mui Ne
Mui Ne is a fishing village, well known for the massive sand dunes. The Red and White Sand Dunes are surrounded by coconut palms and the ocean, making the area very different from the rest of Vietnam.
Get the best from Mui Ne with these activities
- Hire a jeep to the White Sand Dunes and arrive at sunrise.
- Watch the Red Sand Dunes at sunset as they change into deep orange.
- Hike the Fairy Stream.
- Do adventurous activities like kitesurfing, sandboarding, ATV rides, and windsurfing.
- Visit Mui Ne Fishing Village to see the daily life of fishermen.
11. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is known for its long coastline, clear water, and water activities. It is a good stop if you want a mix of beaches and activities like diving, island-hopping, and mud baths.
Best things to do in Nha Trang
- Take an island-hopping tour to Hon Mun, Hon Tam, and nearby islands for snorkelling and swimming.
- Visit Hon Mun Marine Protected Area for diving and coral reefs.
- Relax at Thap Ba Mud Baths and hot springs.
- Climb 193 steps to Long Son Pagoda to see the large white Buddha.
- Visit Po Nagar Towers, an active Hindu temple site.
12. The Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is known as Vietnam’s rice bowl, as it produces most of the country’s rice. The region has floating markets and canals that can be explored by boat tours.
Experience the Mekong Delta
- Visit Cai Rang Floating Market early morning between 5 – 7 am.
- Take a small boat ride through narrow canals and village areas. Cycle through coconut farms and local villages in Vinh Long.
- Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, known for its mix of architectural styles.
- Stop at Mo Cay and Chau Thanh Districts to see coconut candy production.
13. Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, known for its Venice-like setting, white-sand beaches, clear waters, and relaxed island stays. Moreover, this is one place in Vietnam where you do not need a visa as long as you fly directly from India and do not visit mainland cities.
Visit these places in Phu Quoc
- Take the An Thoi Cable Car for the best views of the sea and islands.
- Visit Dinh Cau Night Market for seafood, street food, and souvenirs.
- Explore Phu Quoc National Park with forest trails and waterfalls.
- Tour a fish sauce and pearl factory to understand local production.
14. Con Dao Islands
Con Dao is a group of 16 islands located nearly 200 kilometres south of Ho Chi Minh City. The main island is Con Son, which has French colonial buildings, a sea turtle nesting area, and a prison that documents Vietnam’s most important periods of political history.
Things to do in Con Dao
- Visit Dam Trau Beach, one of the cleanest and least crowded beaches.
- Go trekking and snorkelling at Con Dao National Park.
- Visit Con Dao Prison to understand Vietnam’s history, where thousands of soldiers were imprisoned.
- Explore the island by bike to take in coastal views and hidden spots.
- Visit Van Son Pagoda for peaceful views over the island.
15. Phong Nha
Phong Nha is known for having the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. It is less crowded compared to other tourist places in Vietnam. It is perfect if you want nature, adventure, and something different from cities and beaches.
Do not miss these in Phong Nha
- Visit Paradise Cave, one of the longest caves in Asia, with massive rock formations.
- Take a boat ride inside Phong Nha Cave through an underground river.
- Visit the Dark Cave for kayaking, zip-lining, and mud baths.
- Walk through Nuoc Mooc Eco Trail with natural pools and forest paths.
- Explore the area on a bike or motorbike through scenic countryside roads.
- For adventure travellers, book the Son Doong expedition, which usually has a limited number of seats.
Conclusion
When you plan your Vietnam trip with the right information, you will have the best experience. It’s important to decide on the days you can spend in Vietnam, then choose where to visit.
3 – 5 days are enough for one region to cover the top attractions in that city. With a 10-14-day Vietnam itinerary, you can cover from north to south.
If you need help putting together a Vietnam itinerary, booking flights and accommodation, contact Dimaak Tours.
FAQs on the Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
1. Which are the most visited places in Vietnam?
Hanoi, Sapa, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City are the most visited destinations in Vietnam and offer beautiful sights.
2. How many days do you need to see Vietnam?
10 to 14 days is enough to cover the major places from north to south of Vietnam.
3. Which part of Vietnam has beaches?
If you are looking for a beach vacation in Vietnam, then choose Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
