The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
You can spend months in Vietnam and still feel like you’re just getting to know the place. However, if your time, budget, or preference is a little shorter, it’s totally possible to tick off the highlights on a whirlwind Vietnam tour. Whether traveling with friends or loved ones or embarking on a solo voyage of discovery, here are five must-visit places you’ll want to see along the way.
#1. The Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam offers perhaps the most authentic image of this historic country. The region centers around the Mekong River, allowing travelers to venture down on traditional boats while enjoying the slower pace of life around them.
#2. Hoi An
To the east lies the beautiful old city of Hoi An, officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ancient center is incredibly well preserved with buildings dating back to the 15th century, and the tranquil canals enhance its charm. The laid-back atmosphere of Hoi An starkly contrasts with the stereotypical image of a bustling Asian city.
#3. Ho Chi Minh City
In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and most populous, home to over 9.4 million residents and growing. It’s likely you may begin your Vietnam trip here after landing at the nearby airport. This metropolis is packed with interesting historical sites, best enjoyed at the high-octane pace of the locals who give the city its vibrancy.
#4. Sapa
The town of Sapa showcases the diverse landscape of Vietnam. Perched high in the mountains to the north, Sapa makes a picturesque base for spectacular hiking routes. You won’t want to miss its iconic terraced rice fields, which continue to sustain the local population.
#5. Ha Long Bay
If it’s awe-inspiring views you’re after, Ha Long Bay is perhaps one of the most photogenic places in the world. Situated on the northern coast not far from Hanoi, the bay is characterized by rugged, lush rocks that rise from turquoise waters. Whether you choose to relax on the golden sandy beaches or explore the bay by sailing, the serene beauty is captivating.
Indeed, the name Ha Long translates to the bay of the descending dragon—’Ha’ means descending, and ‘Long’ means dragon in Vietnamese! While visiting the area, you may encounter Cat Ba Island, the largest in Ha Long Bay, which offers numerous activities including beaches, mangrove forests, and coral reefs.
#6. Thap Ba Hot Springs
After an exciting adventure exploring the country, trying delicious Vietnamese dishes, and creating unforgettable memories, it’s time to kick back and relax. Thap Ba Hot Springs provides a unique mineral spring and mud bath experience that is popular among both locals and tourists. The warm spring water, enriched with minerals, is believed to revitalize both the body and mind.
#7. Po Nagar Cham Towers in Nha Trang
For a closer look at the history and architecture of Vietnam, be sure to visit the Cham Towers. These ornate structures, built over a thousand years ago, still stand today. Initially consisting of eight towers, only four have survived the test of time. The complex is dedicated to the goddess Yang Ino Po Nagar, the founder of the Cham ethnic group, and remains a site for religious rituals even today.
Interestingly, locals have been coming to these towers for centuries to meditate, giving the area a special energy. Additionally, there is an observation deck that provides a lovely panorama of the city of Nha Trang.
#8. Kao Prak Bang National Park
Known for beautiful waterfalls, Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, offers breathtaking natural sights. The Ban Gioc–Detian Falls, near Cao Bang along the border with China, is an idyllic spot surrounded by rice fields, mangroves, and lush forests. This magical place features a stunning three-tiered cascade of water that drops nearly 30 meters. Visitors can fully appreciate the falls by taking a bamboo raft ride to the base.
