A long, narrow, S-shaped country blessed with beautiful sceneries both land and sea, Vietnam is an attractive destination for all types of travellers. Vietnam, with over a thousand year of history, has become an astonishing mix between natural highlights and cultural diversity. Its scenery ranges from shimmering aquamarine ocean overlooked by winding mountains, to fresh paddy fields illustrated with vibrant shades of green. Whether you’re looking for the perfect getaway or an active adventure, follow our trails to these top 10 best places to visit in Vietnam, where you can experience the true authenticity of this oriental land.
Lan Ha Bay
Being one of the New 7 Wonders of the World by UNESCO, Halong Bay is undoubtedly the must in every tourists’ Vietnam itinerary. But have you ever wander around its “neighbour” – Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay is still a part of Halong Bay complex, but a bit further from Hanoi than the latter. The breath-taking bay is near Hai Phong and takes about 2 hours driving from Hanoi. Lan Ha Bay is essential not much different from the famous Halong Bay, with amazing limestones islands sitting closely in the Gulf of Tonkin. What’s better? Since most tourists flock to the main bays of Halong, Lan Ha Bay is less crowded all year round! The serene, quiet landscapes, spellbinding sea view, and diverse activities make the bay one of the best off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Ninh Binh
Another great tourist spot you should add into your Vietnam travel bucket list is Ninh Binh. This area is only around one hour-drive from Hanoi, making it an excellent day-trip getaway from the hustle-bustle of the capital city. Don’t miss your chance to explore this beautiful destination – it isn’t dubbed as “Halong Bay on land” for no reason!
The limestones karts, curved rivers and lush green rice fields create splendid scenery – perfect for that holiday shot on Instagram! Upon visiting Ninh Binh, you can join a boat tour and discover Trang An complex. If you want to observe the panoramic view of Ninh Binh and give your legs some exercise, climb the stairs leading you up to Mua Cave. Additionally, Ninh Binh provides a great opportunity to observe and immerse in rural locals’ lives through homestays.
Did you know?
Ninh Binh is one of the few selected places to shoot for the movie Kong: Skull Island. The film’s props, including aeroplanes, tribe huts, and even the locals dressing up as tribesmen are still set here. Come and take some photos with the local tribe!
Pu Luong
Are you looking for a tranquil and pure travel spot with lots of nature? You have come to the right place. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is one of those few areas in Vietnam that are virtually untouched by mass tourism. Four-hour drive from Hanoi will lead you to this gorgeous land filled with limestone peaks and lines after lines of green rice terraces.
This off-the-beaten-path getaway is ideal for those seeking some exciting trekking, climbing, cycling or simply relaxing in one of the delightful traditional accommodations. Unwind yourself in the pristine nature and get a closer look into Vietnamese’s ethnic culture with the local Thai people.
Quang Binh
Have you ever heard about Son Doong – the largest cave in the world? It is located in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. Having a vast UNESCO Heritage accredited national park famous for its numerous caves, Quang Binh is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Alongside Ninh Binh, Quang Binh also appears as one of the picturesque landscape scenes on Kong – Skull Island. It is a tad bit harder to get here without the tours, however, as this national park is in the middle region and pretty far out of the way. Nevertheless, those who make an effort to reach here will be rewarded with the most unique experiences in all of Vietnam.
Hue
If Japan has Kyoto, then Vietnam has Hue. This peaceful little city was once the capital of imperial Vietnam. Packed to the brim with historical relics from the reign of the 19th-century Nguyen emperors, Hue is Vietnam’s most historic town.
Besides taking a visit to many of its palaces, royal tombs and pagodas, you can take a riverboat cruise on the Perfume River. Hue is quite famous for its distinctive, spicy yet delicious cuisine. You can also take a food tour and taste a variety of mouth-watering tasty dishes of Hue! Don’t underestimate this little city – for there are tons of things to do and places to visit in Hue.
Hoi An
It would be a big miss not mentioning Hoi An – the most popular old town in Vietnam. Once a major harbour port of Vietnam, Hoi An has slowly shifted itself into a peaceful town. Hoi An still retains its legacy with grandiose Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples and ancient tea houses, and non-existing traffic or pollution. Although Hoi An is currently brimming with commercial sites, its historical essence and tranquil vibe remain unchanged.
Come to Hoi An and you will enjoy a myriad of wonderful experiences. Want to liven up your taste buds with delicious Hoi An food? Come to the Old Town section and have a taste of some Banh Mi Phuong, Cao Lau or Com Ga Ba Buoi. Additionally, while you’re at it, grab a cup of Nuoc Mot – a special drink found nowhere else in Vietnam. Want to see the authentic Vietnamese culture? Get yourself a ticket to Hoi An Memories Show! Alternatively, want to just unwind yourself as the world goes by? Work yourself up a little bit and travel further to the beachside! There are so many things you can do in Hoi An, so if you want to know more, read our ultimate guide to discovering Hoi An!
Muine
Do you know that Vietnam also has a “little Sahara desert” of its own? The small fishing town of Muine, Phan Thiet has such a place. Its most famous attraction is the Muine White Sand Dunes, also known as Bau Trang (White Lake), which is a large landscape with a lake amidst longs hills of white sand dunes.
Besides this must-visit place, Muine is also renowned for its beaches with white sandy coastal lines, crystal clear water and lines after lines of tropical trees. Furthermore, there are also plenty of other sites you can visit in Muine, such as Fairy Spring, Hon Rom Beach, the Fish Market, or the Cham Temple. Since Muine is a bit harder to reach, the majority of visitors to this wonderful gem is mostly locals. This makes Muine an ideal destination for those seeking to escape from the tourist crowds.
Dalat
Situated further to the South, Dalat – the capital of Lam Dong Province in Vietnam – forms a world of its own. The peaceful city is completely different from the rest of Vietnam. The weather is cool year-round instead of tropical hot. The buildings and villas are adorned with French-style architecture, the surroundings are dotted with farmlands, gardens and evergreen forests. Dalat has been a popular holiday destination for French people – there is even a mini Eiffel Tower-shaped radio tower in the centre of the city! Hence people also lovingly refer to Dalat as “Le Petit Paris”.
Dalat is a tranquil little city where you can find spectacular Buddhist pagodas and ethnic villages, plus amazing colonial buildings, villas, churches, universities and fruit farms. Within the city centre, there are landmarks such as the French Quarter, Dalat Flower Garden or the Crazy House. If you’re willing to venture a bit further, there are also several excursions to breathtaking natural landscapes, such as the Valley of Love, Elephant Falls or Pongour Falls.
Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta is another one of those places to visit in Vietnam. It is a part of the vast Mekong River system which runs all the way from China, through to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand before dividing into 9 smaller branches to the South China Sea in Vietnam. The region is characterized by its hot tropical climate, giving its 9 different areas unique landscape and a peculiar floating lifestyle of the locals.
Come to the Mekong Delta and experience the floating life of locals, sit down on a narrowboat (called “sampan”) and paddle your way through lines of palm trees, tropical houses and local markets like Cai Rang, Cai Be or Phong Dien market. You can also sample their unique cuisine, with dishes such as Fish Noodle soup, Mud Roasted Chicken or the Vietnamese pancake – Banh Xeo. Take your time discovering several Buddhist sites and learn about Vietnamese culture by immersing with locals in their daily activities!
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc island, situated roughly 40 kilometres (24.8 miles) away from the south coast of Vietnam, is an emerald island where modernity meets tranquillity. An underpopulated island archipelago quietly tucked in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc truly is a hidden paradise in the making. Its untouched nature and pristine coastline make it a premier vacation destination for wanderlusts to discover – one of the best places to visit in Vietnam!
Phu Quoc is such a wonderful vacation getaway, the kind of place where you can be stuck for weeks just chilling out on a hammock. There are, admittedly, not much to actually “do”. Rather, the island gives off a captivating laid-back and tropical vibe, making it difficult for us to bid farewell. There is an abundance of restaurants, hotels and resorts, and tons of amazing sites catering to all of your needs!
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