15 Unmissable Places to See in Vietnam: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Vietnam is a country of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant city life. From the misty mountains of the north to the tropical beaches of the south, this Southeast Asian gem offers an incredible diversity of experiences for travelers. I recently spent three unforgettable weeks exploring Vietnam, and I’m excited to share my intel on the most beautiful destinations with you.
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15 Unmissable Places to See in Vietnam: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through the 15 most beautiful and captivating places to visit in Vietnam, organized by region. I’ll cover everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, along with insider tips on the best times to visit each destination.
places to go to in Vietnam Northern Vietnam
Hanoi: The Vibrant Capital
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a fascinating blend of old and new. The city’s rich history is evident in its ancient temples, colonial architecture, and labyrinthine Old Quarter. Yet it’s also a modern metropolis with a thriving food scene and vibrant nightlife. This is where I started our 3 week Vietnam Itinerary, and it’s a nice place to start.

Highlights:
- Get lost in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, each dedicated to a specific trade
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum to learn about Vietnam’s revolutionary leader
- Explore the serene Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university
- Take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the city
- Indulge in Hanoi’s famous street food, from pho to banh mi
Best time to visit: October to December for cool, dry weather.
Helpful tip: Traffic in Hanoi can be overwhelming. When crossing the street, walk slowly and steadily – the motorbikes will flow around you.
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Ha Long Bay: A Natural Wonder of the World
No trip to Vietnam is complete without experiencing the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its emerald waters dotted with thousands of limestone islands and islets.

Highlights:
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- Take an overnight cruise to fully immerse yourself in the bay’s beauty
- Explore hidden caves and grottos within the limestone islands
- Kayak through tranquil lagoons and visit floating fishing villages
- Wake up to a misty sunrise over the bay – a truly magical experience
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November offer the most pleasant weather and clearest skies.
Helpful tip: For a less crowded experience, Visit Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay nearby.
where to visit in vietnam
Sapa: Trekking Through Terraced Rice Fields
Nestled in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains of northwestern Vietnam, Sapa is a trekker’s paradise. The region is famous for its cascading rice terraces, mist-covered valleys, and vibrant hill tribe cultures.

Highlights:
- Trek through picturesque rice paddies and small ethnic minority villages
- Visit local markets to experience the colorful traditional costumes and handicrafts
- Stay in a homestay with a local family for an authentic cultural immersion
- Conquer Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, via cable car or challenging hike
Best time to visit: September to November for lush green rice terraces, or March to May for pleasant trekking weather.
Helpful tip: Be prepared for rapidly changing weather in Sapa. Pack layers and waterproof gear, even in the dry season.
Ninh Binh: ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’
Often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’, Ninh Binh offers a landscape of limestone karsts rising dramatically from rice paddies, rather than the sea.

Highlights:
- Take a boat trip through the stunning Trang An grottoes
- Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu with its 10th-century temples
- Climb to the top of Mua Cave for breathtaking panoramic views
- Explore Cuc Phuong National Park, home to endangered primates
Best time to visit: November to April for dry weather and lush green scenery.
Helpful tip: Stay in a homestay in the nearby village of Tam Coc for a more authentic local experience.
Vietnam Travel places
Ha Giang: unique places to visit in vietnam
For those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, Ha Giang in Vietnam’s far north offers breathtaking mountain scenery and authentic encounters with ethnic minority cultures.

Highlights:
- Drive the Ha Giang Loop, one of the most spectacular road trips in Southeast Asia
- Visit the Lung Cu Flag Tower at Vietnam’s northernmost point
- Experience the vibrant Sunday market in Dong Van
- Stay with local families in traditional stilt houses
Best time to visit: October to April for clear skies and cool temperatures.
Helpful tip: You’ll need a motorcycle license and nerves of steel to tackle the Ha Giang Loop independently. Alternatively, hire a local driver or go on a guided Ha Giang Tour
Central Vietnam Travel places
Hoi An: A Charming Ancient Town
Hoi An captured my heart with its well-preserved ancient town, a delightful mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a photographer’s dream (This was one of my favorite cities in Vietnam to visit) , especially when lit up by thousands of colorful lanterns at night.

Highlights:
- Wander through the atmospheric Old Town, filled with historic shophouses and temples
- Cross the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An
- Take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine
- Get clothes custom-made by Hoi An’s famous tailors
- Cycle through the surrounding countryside and nearby beaches
Best time to visit: February to April for the most pleasant weather. Visit during the full moon for the magical Lantern Festival.
Helpful tip: Hoi An can get very crowded, especially in the evenings. Wake up early to explore the Old Town in the peaceful morning light.
Hue: Imperial City
The former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is a treasure trove of history and culture. The city is home to the impressive Citadel, once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors.
Highlights:
- Explore the vast Imperial City within the Citadel
- Take a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River
- Visit the elaborate royal tombs scattered around the countryside
- Try Hue’s famous royal cuisine, known for its intricate presentation
Best time to visit: February to April for mild temperatures and low rainfall.
Helpful tip: Hire a bicycle to explore the countryside and imperial tombs at your own pace.
places to visit in vietnam beaches
Da Nang: Beach City with a Dragon Bridge
Da Nang is a rapidly developing coastal city, famous for its long stretches of beach, excellent seafood, and the iconic Dragon Bridge that breathes fire on weekends.

Highlights:
- Relax on My Khe Beach, known as ‘China Beach’ during the Vietnam War
- Visit the impressive Marble Mountains, home to caves, temples, and panoramic views
- See the Dragon Bridge breathe fire and water on weekend evenings
- Take a day trip to the Ba Na Hills, home to the famous Golden Bridge
Best time to visit: May to August for perfect beach weather.
Helpful tip: Don’t miss the spectacular view from the top of Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain.
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Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Cave Exploration
Home to some of the world’s largest and most spectacular caves, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts. The park’s star attraction is Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world.
Highlights:
- Take a boat tour through Phong Nha Cave, marveling at its impressive stalactites and stalagmites
- Explore Paradise Cave, known for its otherworldly rock formations
- Adventure seekers can book a multi-day expedition to Son Doong Cave
- Zip-line and swim through the Dark Cave for an adrenaline rush
Best time to visit: February to August for the best cave exploring conditions.
Helpful tip: Book cave tours and expeditions well in advance, especially for Son Doong, which has limited spots available each year.
Southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City: The Dynamic Southern Hub
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is Vietnam’s largest city and economic powerhouse. It’s a place where history and modernity collide, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s past and its rapidly developing future.
Highlights:
- Visit the War Remnants Museum for a sobering look at the Vietnam War
- Explore the beautiful French colonial architecture, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office
- Experience the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a great place for souvenirs and street food
- Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an vast underground network used during the war
- Enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife and rooftop bar scene
Best time to visit: December to April for dry, warm weather.
Helpful tip: HCMC’s traffic can be chaotic. Use the Grab app for reliable and affordable motorbike taxis or cars.
Mekong Delta: The Rice Bowl of Vietnam
The Mekong Delta is a vast maze of rivers, swamps and islands, home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas and villages surrounded by rice paddies. Life here revolves around the water, and there’s no better way to experience it than by boat.
Highlights:
- Take a boat tour to explore the famous floating markets of Cai Rang or Cai Be
- Visit a local orchard to taste tropical fruits fresh from the tree
- Navigate small canals in a traditional sampan boat
- Stay overnight in a homestay to experience local life
Best time to visit: November to February for cooler, drier weather.
Helpful tip: The early morning is the best time to visit the floating markets when they’re at their busiest and most photogenic.
Phu Quoc Island: Tropical Paradise unique places to visit in vietnam,
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, boasting pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush jungle interiors. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy trip around Vietnam.
Highlights:
- Relax on beautiful beaches like Sao Beach or Long Beach
- Take a cable car ride for panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea
- Visit a pearl farm to learn about the island’s famous pearl cultivation
- Explore the night market in Duong Dong town for seafood and souvenirs
Best time to visit: November to March for sunny, dry weather.
Helpful tip: Rent a motorbike to explore the island’s less-visited southern beaches and pepper plantations.
Mui Ne: Coastal Resort with Desert Vibes cool places to visit in vietnam
Mui Ne is a unique coastal destination known for its massive red and white sand dunes, giving parts of it an almost Sahara-like appearance. It’s also a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Highlights:
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from the spectacular red sand dunes
- Try sandboarding on the white sand dunes
- Visit the unique Fairy Stream, a shallow stream flowing through a moon-like landscape
- Learn to kitesurf or windsurf in one of Asia’s best locations for these sports
Best time to visit: November to March for optimal wind conditions and dry weather.
Helpful tip: Visit the sand dunes early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Nha Trang: Beach City and Diving Hub
Nha Trang is a popular coastal resort city, known for its beautiful beaches, offshore islands, and excellent scuba diving. It offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with a lively nightlife scene.
Highlights:
- Relax on the long stretch of Nha Trang Beach
- Take a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkeling and diving
- Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, ancient temples with stunning ocean views
- Indulge in fresh seafood at the local markets and beachside restaurants
- Enjoy the mud baths and hot springs at Thap Ba Hot Spring Center
Best time to visit: February to April for the best weather and diving conditions.
Helpful tip: For a more secluded beach experience, head to Doc Let Beach, about an hour north of Nha Trang.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam’s climate varies significantly from north to south, making it a year-round destination. However, here’s a general guide:
- North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay): October to April for cooler, drier weather.
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): February to August for the best beach weather.
- South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): December to April for dry, warm weather.
Remember that Vietnam can be busy during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), usually in late January or early February. While it’s an exciting time to experience Vietnamese culture, many businesses close and travel can be challenging.
Before diving in:
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My meticulously curated Google Maps Location Pins was born from countless hours wandering these ancient streets. I’ve mapped every must-visit spot from this guide (plus dozens of hidden gems I couldn’t squeeze into the article), pinpointing precise locations of those easy-to-miss temple entrances and local-favorite restaurants. After testing this across multiple trips, I swear by this digital companion—simply tap any pin and let Google Maps guide you seamlessly between Vietnam layers. Skip the typical first-timer frustrations and navigate like an insider, with all my hard-won research right in your pocket.
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