Top 12 Places to Visit in Vietnam on Your Next Trip

Vietnam, with a stunning 2,000-mile coastline stretching from north to south, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. I first traveled there in 2018 and have returned many times since. While it’s tempting to stick to well-trodden places like historic Hanoi, breathtaking Halong Bay, the vibrant market town of Hoi An, and the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, venturing off the beaten path opens up a world of unforgettable adventures.

Some of my most memorable experiences came when I pushed beyond the tourist hotspots. I enjoyed a magical three-day cruise through the stunning outer reaches of Halong Bay and embarked on an exhilarating motorbike journey through the breathtaking landscapes of remote Ha Giang. I even had the unique opportunity to meet the last wild elephant catcher in Yok Don National Park. Exploring the intricate mausoleums of Vietnam’s final imperial dynasty gave me a deeper appreciation for the country’s history, and spotting the critically endangered Cat Ba langur on Cat Ba Island was a thrill. I also cherished my time on Con Dao Island, where I savored the local history, delicious food, and pristine beaches. And let’s not forget the irresistible, aromatic Vietnamese cuisine, satisfying coffee, refreshing craft cocktails, and local beers that beckon you at every turn.

If you only have . . .

• 7 days in Hanoi, you can spend 3 days in the city, enjoy 1 night in Halong Bay, and spend 1 night in Sapa to explore the beautiful rice fields.
• 11 days in Vietnam, you can visit Saigon, the Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, and Halong Bay. To experience all these incredible destinations seamlessly, consider booking the Vietnam Must See Tour.
• 14 days, you can explore the bustling city of Saigon, the historical Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Mekong Delta, including the famous Can Tho floating market. You can also visit Hoi An, the My Son Sanctuary, and the imperial city of Hue, as well as the vibrant capital of Hanoi, stunning Halong Bay, and the beautiful landscapes of Mai Chau.
• 21 days to explore Vietnam, you can experience the vibrant city of Hanoi, the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, and either the stunning landscapes of Ha Giang or the picturesque mountains of Sapa. Your journey can also include a visit to the historical city of Hue, the charming town of Hoi An, and the coastal paradise of Nha Trang. Don’t miss the serene beauty of Da Lat and Phan Thiet, before concluding your adventure in the bustling city of Saigon and the tranquil Mekong Delta.
• If you love the beach, this tour is perfect for you! In 14 days, you can explore:Cat Ba Island: Relax on beautiful beaches and discover nature in the national park.Da Nang Beach: Enjoy soft sands and vibrant beach life at My Khe Beach and visit the Marble Mountains.Nha Trang Beach: Experience water sports and enjoy fresh seafood in this lively coastal city.Phu Quoc Island: Relax on stunning beaches, snorkel in clear waters, and savor delicious seafood.Con Dao Island: Unwind on quiet, pristine beaches and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.

  With this customized tour, you’ll experience the best beach destinations Vietnam has to offer!

1, Hanoi

Hanoi is a vibrant city that captivates with its noise, bustling traffic, and stunning beauty. With a history spanning over a thousand years, this city of lakes, located along a bend in the Red River, is brimming with charm, rich history, museums, shops, markets, and incredible street food. Be sure to visit the Old Quarter, the city’s lively heart, where food stalls, hotels, and temples coexist with numerous shops. Embrace the adventure of navigating through motorbikes while sampling local delicacies on a street-food tour or discovering the city’s highlights, including the ochre-hued French colonial villas, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison museum (Hoa Lo), and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

What makes it happen?

Bring it to life. The Sofitel Legend Metropole, where Graham Greene resided in 1951 while writing for Paris Match, is the premier hotel in the city, exuding elegance in every detail.

 

2. Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay

Thousands of limestone islands rise from the emerald water of the Gulf of Tonkin. Ha Long Bay has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Spend a night on a cruise for kayaking, caves and sunrise on deck, or choose Lan Ha Bay, near Cat Ba Island, for quieter lagoons.

3. Sapa

A mountain town in the far northwest, surrounded by rice terraces and the villages of the Hmong, Dao and Tay people. Trek with a local guide, stay in a homestay and take the cable car up Fansipan, Vietnam's highest peak. The terraces are greenest in early summer and golden in September.

4. Ninh Binh

Often called "Ha Long Bay on land", Ninh Binh has rowing boats that glide through caves and rice fields between karst peaks at Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the Hang Mua viewpoint at sunset.

5. Hue

The former imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty, with its walled Imperial City, royal tombs along the Perfume River and some of Vietnam's most refined cuisine.

6. Hoi An

A UNESCO-listed trading port of yellow merchant houses, assembly halls and lantern-lit streets, with tailors, cooking classes, rice paddies and a beach a short bike ride away.

7. Da Nang

A modern beach city with the Marble Mountains, the Son Tra Peninsula and the Golden Bridge in the Ba Na Hills, and the starting point for the scenic Hai Van Pass.

8. Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam's largest and fastest city, still widely called Saigon, with French colonial landmarks, the War Remnants Museum, the Cu Chi tunnels nearby and a famous street-food scene.

9. The Mekong Delta

A world of rivers, canals, orchards and floating markets. Stay overnight in Can Tho to visit the Cai Rang floating market at dawn, or spend a night in a homestay by the water.

10. Phu Quoc and Con Dao

For beaches, Phu Quoc has long sandy shores, island hopping and sunsets, and its own airport. The Con Dao Islands are wilder and quieter, with sea turtles, forest trails and a moving history as a former prison island.

How to choose

With one week, focus on one or two regions, such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh in the north, or Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang in the center. With two weeks, travel from north to south, using domestic flights between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Match the route to the season: the center is best from about February to August, and the south is driest from about December to April.

Planning more of the trip? Read our guides to Best Places to Visit Vietnam Month by Month and The Best Places to Visit in Can Tho at Unbeatable Prices.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top places to visit in Vietnam?

The classics are Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City; going off the beaten path adds places such as Con Dao Island.

How long is Vietnam's coastline?

About 2,000 miles from north to south.

What can you see in seven days in northern Vietnam?

Three days in Hanoi, a night on Halong Bay and a night in Sapa for the rice terraces.

Is it worth going off the beaten path in Vietnam?

Yes, quieter places reveal a side of the country that the main route misses.

Which places should I visit in Vietnam with one week?

Choose one region: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh in the north, or Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang in the center.

What is the best beach destination in Vietnam?

Phu Quoc for easy beach holidays and island hopping, Con Dao for wild, quiet beaches, and Da Nang and Hoi An for beaches combined with culture.

Is Ninh Binh worth visiting?

Yes. Its boat trips through caves and rice fields between limestone peaks are among the most beautiful experiences in northern Vietnam.

How many days do I need to see Vietnam's top places?

About two weeks to travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with stops in Ha Long Bay, Hue and Hoi An.