7 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Hanoi is a bustling contemporary megacity that also offers a glimpse of quieter, preserved culture, a region where progress contrasts tradition and skyscrapers tower over ancient citadels.

Distinctive theaters juxtapose hints of the wilderness encased within the cityscape. Hanoi is a place of dazzling beauty, where the layers of Vietnamese history unfurl periods of French and Chinese colonial style. From the Old Quarter to the markets, every corner of the city endlessly evolves.

Highlights: Thang Long Citadel • Water Puppet Theatre • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum • Hoan Kiem Lake • Old Quarter

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Towering rock formations, shimmering waters, and idyllic islands embody the best of Vietnam, captured in the allure of Ha Long Bay.

Adventures abound along the waters, coastline, and inland cave networks that plunge you into snorkeling havens and heavenly beaches.

Whether basking in the tropical sunlight or enjoying a kayaking adventure, Ha Long Bay combines tangible heritage with the indescribable beauty of North Vietnam.

Highlights: Tuan Chau Island • Squid Fishing • Sung Sot Cave • Cat Ba National Park

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Hue evokes the ambiance and glamour of an imperial past, where the glories of Nguyen emperors emanate from preserved ruins along the Perfume River.

With an enticing ambiance and hidden corners offering tranquil views of blooming orchids, the city embraces its history and places heritage at your fingertips. With exciting activities and paths to explore by foot, boat, or bicycle, you can easily uncover the treasures of Hue.

Highlights: Imperial City • Thien Mu Pagoda • Thanh Toan Bridge

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Hoi An immerses you in history, while offering a graceful ambiance that spreads from historic architecture that reflects the broad history of trade from China to Portugal. Traditional markets, craftspeople, and local delicacies create charisma in one of the country’s oldest cities.

With grand architecture, boat trips, and fantastic cycling trails, Hoi An opens to the surrounding scenery of Vietnam and connects the history of the riverbanks to the reachable charm of the beaches.

Highlights: An Bang Beach • Phung Hung House • Old Town • Fujian Assembly Hall

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Whether referring to Vietnam’s largest city as Ho Chi Minh or Saigon, the fast-paced atmosphere and captivating feast for the senses are undeniable.

The dizzying mixture of traditional and colonial architecture juxtaposes soaring skyscrapers and timeless alleys.

The different neighborhoods across the city interact like a collage, revealing a greater picture that can lead you to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Reunification Palace, villages along the Mekong Delta or tree-lined boulevards.

Highlights: Ben Thanh Market • Independence Palace • Cu Chi Tunnel • War Remnants Museum • Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

The Mekong Delta is a must-visit, with its landscape spreading from wetlands to rivers that connect provinces, cities, villages, and remote scenery.

With a dizzying array of greenery, the water moves the world around the delta as life clings to the rhythm of the current.

Boats, houses, and markets crisscross the canals and rivers in a remarkable display of commerce that touches iconic rice paddies and coconut groves. The Mekong Delta is a reward for every visitor.

Highlights: Floating Markets • Tan Chua Village • Tra Su Cajuput Forest • Tram Chim National Park

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Sapa captures northern Vietnam’s distinctive character, separating it from the rest of the country for a different perspective when sightseeing. Rice terraces climb against the base of jagged mountains and deep valleys support the rich heritage of ethnic-minority villages.

The town acts as the base for trekking excursions into the remarkable countryside that can take you into surreal scenery and unravel alpine charm, with views to Vietnam’s tallest peak.

Highlights: Muong Hoa Valley • Local Villages • Sapa Museum

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

With a rich sense of folklore, a delicate balance of flavor, and an endless connection to the landscape, Vietnam captures traditional charm and modern luxury in an experience of a lifetime, embodied in exceptional must-see destinations. The country offers a vast variety of things to do that can immerse you in ancient heritage and natural splendor.

For more information on things to do, the best time to visit, and more, you can explore our Vietnam travel guide or discover new ideas for your trip with our Vietnam tours and vacations.