Vietnam holds a magnetic allure for travelers, featuring enchanting mountainous regions off the beaten path, unspoiled tropical beaches stretching along its coastline, concealed islands, sanctuaries, and cities that seamlessly blend the ancient with the contemporary. Therefore, a trip to Vietnam requires a careful plan, especially in choosing suitable destinations. In the following text, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Vietnam for your convenience.
Hanoi Old Quarter
A Corner of Hanoi Old Quarter
Enveloping Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter is nestled at the very heart of the city, bearing the distinction of being its oldest district. Its historical name, the “36 Streets,” harks back to ancient thoroughfares dating to the 15th century, exuding a timeless colonial architectural theme.
Through the passage of time, the Old Quarter has undergone significant transformations, yet it manages to retain its historical allure. Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, you can still encounter these cherished relics of Hanoi’s past, each a window into a millennium of civilizations. Iconic landmarks such as Saint Joseph Cathedral, Ngoc Son Temple, and Bach Ma Temple stand as testaments to the area’s rich heritage. It always holds the first position in the list of best places to visit in Vietnam.
Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay
Nestled to the southeast of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay showcases the timeless beauty of the Halong Bay Complex, exuding an unspoiled charm. It’s akin to a masterpiece woven from the deep blue sea and the lush greenery of over 400 distinct islands.
This captivating bay area encompasses more than 7,000 hectares, with over 5,400 hectares designated as a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve – Cat Ba National Park. What’s more, the gentle waves here and tranquil waters provide an ideal environment for both relaxation and experiencing the grandeur of the sea, as well as the vibrant coral reefs found on islands like Cu Island, Monkey Island, and Sen Island. You can also explore the Dark and Bright Cave by rowing or taking a leisurely bike ride through the ancient fishing village of Viet Hai.
For the ultimate discovery of this enchanting locale, embarking on an overnight cruise is highly recommended. This trend has recently gained popularity in Vietnam, offering an unparalleled way to experience the area’s wonders.
Trang An
Trang An Complex
The enchanting Trang An complex is a natural wonderland crafted by limestone formations, adorned with caves, valleys, rivers, lakes, and meandering streams. Together, they form a picturesque landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale, covering a vast area of more than 2,000 hectares.
The optimal time to explore this exquisite eco-tourism destination is during the harvest season when the adjacent rice fields turn a brilliant shade of yellow. Here, you can submerge yourself in the refreshing, crystal-clear waters aboard small boats that gracefully glide along the stream, affording you glimpses of the underwater world, complete with swaying seaweed, and offering the perfect backdrop for capturing vibrant photos of ripe Vietnamese rice.
The adventure continues as you embark on a bamboo boat, skillfully navigated by local guides, leading you deep into the heart of the karst landscape. Here, you’ll marvel at the glittering stalactites hanging from above, creating a surreal atmosphere within the Dark and Bright caves. Additionally, the enigmatic tales of undiscovered lakes concealed within the cave’s depths will certainly intrigue those with an adventurous spirit.
Mua Cave
Mua Cave
Mua Cave stands as a prime inspiration in the Tam Coc, offering visitors an opportunity to behold the most genuine and lively panoramic vista of Ninh Binh province. At the summit of Mua Cave, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking tableau of sprawling fields, meandering rivers tinted in serene shades of blue, and majestic limestone mountains, all weaving together to create a stunning tapestry of scenery.
Distinguished from other tourist hubs in the vicinity, Mua Cave exudes a captivating and tranquil traditional charm that is truly unique. Those willing to ascend the challenging 500 steps to the mountaintop will be rewarded with a mesmerizing landscape that can enchant even the most discerning travelers, offering an unparalleled view from the peak of Mua Cave’s range.
Sapa
Terraced rice fields in Sapa
With its sprawling rice terraces cascading down the hillside, Sapa boasts one of the most captivating landscapes in the region, earning recognition for its pristine and romantic allure. As a premier destination in Vietnam, Sapa is renowned for its exceptional trekking opportunities.
Nestled amidst the rugged peaks of the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, still occasionally referred to by their colonial-era name, the Tonkinese Alps, this idyllic land promises experiences unlike any other. Here, you can explore ethnic villages and engage with local tribes, including the Mong, Dao, Tay, and Giay, who reside not in centralized communities but in hamlets scattered throughout the Sapa district’s valleys. Notable villages include Cat Cat and Ta Phin.
Embark on challenging treks along winding trails, all while immersing yourself in the melodious culture of the hill tribes. Also, conquer the majestic Fansipan range, the highest peak in Vietnam – one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Vietnam for adventure lovers.
Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge – Danang
Sun World Ba Na Hills stands as one of the best places to visit in Vietnam, conveniently located just around 23 kilometers from the heart of Da Nang District. Within this vibrant resort, you’ll find the striking Golden Bridge, a recent addition to the Ba Na Hills Resort (Da Nang), nestled in the Thien Thai Garden, which opened its doors to visitors in early June 2018.
Once you’ve ascended via the cable car to Ba Na Hills, treating your eyes to the awe-inspiring vistas, you’ll discover a haven of enjoyment suitable for both young couples and families alike. Moreover, you can immerse yourself in the charm of the French village, a picturesque slice of Europe featuring exquisitely crafted medieval French architecture around every corner.
Of particular note is the Golden Bridge, hailed by Times Magazine as a global sensation, and rightly so. It has earned its reputation as one of the most magnificent sights on Earth. For those wishing to capture the impressive giant gray hands and the panoramic beauty of the entire Ba Na tourist area, the ideal time is between April and August.
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary in Hoi An
Nestled within a lush rainforest, the remarkable My Son Sanctuary stands out as a must-visit destination while exploring Hoi An. It transports you from the bustling city life of Vietnam into a historical realm akin to a scene from a Jurassic Park adventure.
My Son served as both a political hub and a regal burial site, boasting an extensive complex comprising more than 70 structures dedicated to Hindu deities. Among them, Shiva, the most prominent, held the role of guardian over the Champa kings.
The journey from the ancient city to My Son offers a captivating glimpse into the daily life of riverside villages, and the transition into the verdant jungle surroundings of My Son feels like crossing into a different world. The site’s storied past is enthralling, with overgrown ruins meticulously preserved and thoughtfully reconstructed, providing visitors with an immersive glimpse into the grandeur of My Son in its heyday.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town
What makes Hoi An ancient town truly remarkable is its exceptional state of preservation, which has kept this charming port town frozen in time. Its narrow, age-old streets are flanked by historic residences, assembly halls, pagodas, mosques, ancient wells, and tombs, making it one of Vietnam’s most densely packed repositories of cultural treasures.
Furthermore, Hoi An continues to honor its traditions, folk festivals, cherished values, and intricate culinary arts, even after the passage of many decades. Nestled within a serene setting, this ancient town of Vietnam is surrounded by welcoming villages, each specializing in unique crafts such as carpentry, bronze work, ceramics, and more.
In addition, the people of Hoi An, steeped in tradition and having early interactions with the outside world, possess a distinct cultural identity that has been meticulously passed down through generations. This town serves as a vast ancestral home in the hearts of Hoi An’s residents, housing an extended family of diverse descendants who have coexisted harmoniously for countless centuries, making it one of the truly worth-visiting Vietnam destinations.
Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha Cave is also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam, renowned for its breathtaking karst mountain formations, characterized by vast honeycombed caverns adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.
In terms of architectural splendor, Phong Nha stands as a true gem within the annals of Phong Nha – Ke Bang’s history. It has earned the prestigious distinction of being one of the most spectacular caves globally, as acknowledged by the British Royal Association. To explore its wonders, you can easily arrange for a boat rowed by local experts in the Son Trach district, granting you access to its hidden depths.
Another captivating excursion awaits at Paradise Cave, an underground marvel stretching an incredible 31 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface. What’s even more extraordinary is the grandeur of Son Doong, confirmed in 2009 as the largest cave on our planet. With its entrance adorned by moss-covered stone steps illuminated by radiant sunlight from above, Son Doong unquestionably steals the spotlight as the pinnacle of any promotional activities centered around Phong Nha.
Top Vietnam Destinations
