17 best places to visit in vietnam

17 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Written by Jess Lee Updated Aug 30, 2023

Vietnam is an astonishing mix of natural highlights and cultural diversity.

The scenery ranges from jagged peaks seen from winding mountain passes down to verdant paddy fields painted every shade of green in the palette, while Vietnam's long history and multicultural population (with over 50 ethnic minority groups) make a trip here rich in heritage.

Outdoor lovers can get their teeth into the countryside within the numerous national parks, where hiking, biking, and kayaking are popular things to do, but Vietnam's most famous natural tourist attraction, the spectacular karst seascape of Halong Bay, is one natural sight that even the more slothful can experience up close on a cruise.

While the rural areas brim with lush panoramas, the big cities buzz with contemporary life and provide ample opportunities to get stuck into Vietnam's tasty culinary highlights.

This fascinating country is full of surprises and is one of Southeast Asia's most underrated destinations. Plan your sightseeing with our list of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

1. Halong Bay

2. ho chi minh city, 4. phong nha-ke bang national park, 7. sapa countryside, 9. nha trang, 10. cu chi tunnels, 11. ba be national park, 12. mekong delta, 13. cat ba island, 14. ha giang, 15. phu quoc island, 16. con dao islands, frequently asked questions, when is the best time to visit vietnam.

The karst seascape of Halong Bay is one of the best places to visit in the world for spellbinding sea views and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thousands of limestone islands sit within this bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, eroded into jagged pinnacles by wind and water action over millennia.

With the bay's scenery best seen by boat, this is prime cruising territory. Opt for at least an overnight tour to see Halong Bay's iconic views as a day trip doesn't do it justice.

There are plenty of caves in the bay that can be entered including the Hang Sung Sot, with three mammoth caverns, and the Hang Dao Go, with superbly weird stalagmites and stalactites. For most people though, the highlight is simply cruising amid the karsts and soaking up the changing scenery of pinnacles as you pass by.

There are plenty of different cruise tours to choose from. Check the different itineraries offered before booking as many travelers have left Halong Bay underwhelmed by their cruise.

Author's Tip: If possible, book a tour that takes in neighboring Lan Ha Bay as well as Halong Bay. The karst scenery is just as dramatic here but fewer cruise trips visit. And check if your cruise offers included activities such as guided kayaking (which allows you to experience an up-close view of the scenery).

For big city fans, no visit to Vietnam is really complete without a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, the buzzing commercial hub of the country.

The streets are an insane clog of motorbikes and cars, the restaurant and café scene is incredibly cosmopolitan, and the shopping is the best in the country.

At its center is Dong Khoi, a relatively small and easily navigable central district, which holds most of the city's sights.

Here, you'll find the HCMC Museum, with a brilliant collection of artifacts that weaves together the story of the city, and the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 19th century.

Check out the old district of Da Kao nearby for some of the best surviving examples of the city's French colonial architecture and also to visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda with its dazzling array of Buddhist and Taoist religious iconography.

Afterwards, the History Museum is a must-do for history fans with stacks of relics on display from various archaeological sites.

For many visitors, the two big-hitter tourist attractions not to miss are just a little out of the center, along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. The Reunification Palace, then known as Independence Palace, was the residence for South Vietnam's president. It's chiefly famous as the spot where North Vietnam's tanks stopped on 30 April 1975, officially ending the war. It's a completely fascinating place to visit complete with 1960s furnishings still in situ.

Nearby is the War Remnants Museum, which although very obviously biased, paints a disturbing picture of the brutality of war and the many atrocities committed by US Forces during their Vietnam campaign.

One of Vietnam's most historic towns, Hue is packed to the brim with relics from the reign of the 19th-century Nguyen emperors.

Sitting along the banks of the gorgeous Perfume River, the Imperial Enclosure is a huge site set within walls that sprawl for 2.5 kilometers.

While touring the grounds check out the gorgeous Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace with its finely lacquered interior detailing, the Dien Tho Residence where the Queen Mothers would live, and the Halls of Mandarins with its preserved ceiling murals.

A dazzling number of historic sites lie outside the Imperial Enclosure walls as well.

One of the nicest ways of visiting a collection of outlying sites is by taking a riverboat cruise on the Perfume River. A day cruise can take you to visit several royal tombs along with some pagodas.

If you're short on time, the best tomb to visit is the Tomb of Tu Doc and the most important pagoda in the area is the Thien Mu Pagoda, with its tower that soars for 21 meters high.

One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for caving, World Heritage-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a dramatic karst mountain formation honeycombed with huge caverns, which are home to superb stalactite and stalagmite displays.

It's best known for its caving activities , which range from multi-day hiking and caving tours for the more adventurous, to simpler half-day trips to caves with easy access provided by boat trips and modern boardwalks, but the national park also offers mountain biking and trekking activities.

The most popular destinations within the park are the Paradise Cave , which extends for a staggering 31 kilometers below ground, and the Phong Nha Cave, where the interior is accessed by boat. Half-day tours can be easily arranged once you're in the area.

The national park's most renowned caverns though are Son Doong Cave (the world's largest cave) , and the Tu Lan Cave with its cavern river system. Access to these, and to certain other caves in the park are restricted to organized tours (ranging from one-day to multi-day expeditions) which are all run by Phong Nha's expert adventure tour company Oxalis . It's well worth booking in advance to secure your spot.

To make the most of your time here, time your visit for outside the rainy season, which runs from October to December, when many of the national park's caves are closed to the public.

You can access Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park from Son Trach (also known as Phong Nha village).

Surrounded by lush jungle-covered mountains, My Son is a ruined Cham era temple city that dates from the 4th century.

This old Hindu religious center was still very much in use during the 7th to 10th centuries and only fell into complete decline and abandonment during the 13th century.

There are around 20 temple structures still standing here, all built of brick or sandstone blocks and showing interesting influences from various Asian empires, including Indian and Malay.

Note that the temples of Group B are the oldest, while Group A once contained the site's most important monument but was destroyed deliberately by US forces during the Vietnam War.

A good museum on-site houses plenty of information on the Cham.

Access to My Son is from Hoi An.

Beautiful Hoi An is the most atmospheric city in Vietnam, with bags of surviving historic architecture.

The old town quarter is a joy to explore, packed to the brim with well-preserved merchant houses that hark back to Hoi An's trading center heyday of the 15th century, when the town was a major meeting point for Japanese and Chinese merchants who flocked here for the local silks.

Plenty of the old merchant houses have been opened to the public, so you can get a taste of these times. The best is 17th-century Tan Ky House, with fascinating architectural and decorative elements.

Hoi An's major symbol is the delightful Japanese Bridge at the western end of Tran Phu Street, while nearby, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation is the old town's most highly decorated temple.

There are numerous small pagodas and museums dotted about town, but Hoi An's true charm is found in simply rambling the old town streets admiring the well-preserved facades.

The verdant rice field countryside surrounding Sapa, bordered by the jagged peaks of the Hoang Lien Mountains (often still known by their French colonial era name of the Tonkinese Alps), are home to Vietnam's most beautiful rural vistas.

The deep valleys here are home to a diverse mix of the country's ethnic minorities, including the Hmong, Giay, and Red Dzao people, while the rippling hills are terraced with rice fields and overlooked by the country's tallest peak, Fansipan Mountain.

This is the top trekking destination in Vietnam with oodles of options to trek or day hike between tiny villages and experience the staggering mountain views.

Sapa itself is the main base here - an old hill station and now a bustling and forever growing tourist center that is a stark contrast to the sumptuous tranquil countryside right on its doorstep.

Author's Tip: Keen trekkers looking for more of northern Vietnam's lush mountain vistas may want to skip the busy Sapa scene completely and nudge further 95 kilometers northwest to Bac Ha , where the terraced hill views on hikes between hill villages are just as beautiful. Bac Ha's Sunday market is also a very popular day trip from Sapa.

Vietnam's capital is the frenetic heartbeat of the nation and a place that befuddles travelers as much as it charms them.

The motorbike frenzy, pollution, and constant clamor of street vendors can get too much for some travelers, but if you want to dive into Vietnamese city life, Hanoi is the place to do it.

The old town quarter has plenty of dilapidated charm on offer, while history fans should make a beeline here simply to see the bundle of excellent museums.

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Vietnam Fine Art Museum are both brilliant introductions to the diverse artistry of the country, while the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important tribute to the founder of modern Vietnam.

Author's Tip: It's well worth adding extra time into your itinerary to use Hanoi as a base for exploring the many sights within day tripping distance. In particular, the Tay Phuong and Thay Pagodas (30 kilometers west from the central city), Co Loa Citadel (24 kilometers northeast), and the Huong Pagoda (also known as the Perfume Pagoda; 60 kilometers southwest).

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hanoi

For sandy fun in Vietnam, Nha Trang is king. The well-maintained beach trundles for six kilometers along the shoreline of central Nha Trang city and during summer is jam-packed with local families on vacation, as well as foreign visitors.

There is excellent swimming here with designated swimming areas and manicured lounging areas that make this a great option for relaxing days soaking up the sun and sand.

If you do get bored of sunbathing, the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers are just to the north across the Xom Bong Bridge and have been used as a place of worship here since at least the 7th century (with some historians saying the site itself has been a place of active worship since much earlier).

There is also an excellent museum dedicated to the work of Alexandre Yersin who discovered the cause of the bubonic plague and founded Nha Trang's Pasteur Institute (which still carries out vaccination programs in Vietnam today).

An absolutely fascinating experience for all travelers, not just those interested in Vietnam's modern military history, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive tunnel network that during the war, stretched for more than 250 kilometers, allowing VC troops to operate and communicate in the area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City.

Two short sections of the network can be visited with a guide who'll take you down into the narrow unlit confines, which definitely are not for claustrophobia sufferers.

You will literally be crawling on your hands and knees and some points. You can access the tunnels at either Ben Dinh village (the more popular choice) or Ben Duoc village.

Tranquil Ba Be National Park is absolutely stunning with the three interlinked Ba Be Lakes at its heart, rimmed by jagged karst peaks and thickly forested slopes.

Most visitors come here to take peaceful boat trips or kayak on the lake and explore the caves full of stalactites and stalagmites in the vicinity, but for the more active, there's also excellent hiking and trekking in the hills here between ethnic minority villages.

This is one of the most peaceful spots in Vietnam, and travelers who spend the night here sleep in traditional stilt-house homestay accommodation along the lakeshore, allowing an experience of simple rural life.

The far south of Vietnam is where the mighty Mekong River finally finds its way to the sea in a maze of waterways that crisscross the floodplain.

Incredibly lush, with paddy field vistas and mangroves, and full of local life, with chaotic floating markets to explore by boat, the delta is one of the most interesting regions for travelers to discover.

Can Tho is the most popular town to use as a base, as it's close to the floating markets of Phong Dien and Cai Rang, while boat trips from Ca Mau allow you to explore the U Minh Mangrove Forest and Cau Mau Nature Reserve.

This area of Vietnam is one of the best to visit for keen bird watchers and nature lovers , as it is home to both Tra Su Bird Sanctuary Forest and Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary.

One of Vietnam's major centers for activities and adventure travel attractions, Cat Ba Island sits on the western edge of Halong Bay.

This is the best place to visit if you want to organize cruises and kayaking trips in Lan Ha Bay, which lies off Cat Ba's southern coast. Lan Ha Bay is a less visited seascape of karst islets and outcrops that makes for a quieter alternative to Halong Bay.

Off the water, much of Cat Ba's dense jungle interior is part of Cat Ba National Park, where hikers can spot plentiful birdlife, as well as animals such as macaques.

For many visitors, though, Cat Ba is all about climbing opportunities. Climbing excursions here utilize both the island's limestone cliffs and Lan Ha Bay's outcrops, providing experiences to suit both complete climbing beginners and experienced climbers.

The emerald-green karst mountain landscapes along Ha Giang's mountain passes make this far-north province prime territory for scenic road-tripping by either motorbike or car.

In particular, the twisty Quan Ba Pass between Ha Giang town and Tam Son provides panoramic vistas of the karst plateau and its jagged limestone outcrops, while the zigzagging Mai Pi Leng Pass between Dong Van and Meo Vac offers dizzying views of the lush mountain scenery and narrow valleys below.

Time your visit to coincide with one of the area's market days, when traders from the surrounding mountain villages pile into town. Dong Van's Sunday market is one of the best.

Sitting 45 kilometers off the southern coast of the country, in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a densely forested island, speckled by sweeps of white-sand beach that attract plenty of sunseekers during the winter dry season.

Dry season (November to May) is also when the island's underwater and on-the-water tourism attractions spring into action, with plenty of dive sites in the waters just offshore, as well as opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and boat trips.

Many of the main boat excursions head to the An Thoi Islands, just to the south of Phu Quoc, which is home to the best snorkeling in the area.

Off the water, the Phu Quoc cable-car provides bird's-eye views for eight kilometers, soaring over the seascape and islands, all the way from Phu Quoc to the island of Hon Thom in the An Thoi Islands.

Phu Quac is accessed by plane or regular ferries from the mainland towns of Rach Gia and Ha Tien. As Ha Tien lies very close to the southern border crossing with Cambodia, the island is a popular first (or last) stop-off in Vietnam for overland travelers.

This remote island group lies around 160 kilometers offshore in the South China Sea and is renowned among divers as one of the best places to visit in the country, both for the variety of sea life and for the coral reefs.

Much of the Con Dao Islands, and the surrounding water, is a protected wilderness area, with the island shores home to nesting turtles, and dense forest still covering the island interiors.

The main island, and prime base for visitors with all the accommodation and things to do, is Con Son Island, which has sweeps of sand strung out across its coast that attract beachgoers looking for a relaxed sun-soaked getaway, as well as divers.

Even if you're here mostly for the beach, make sure to explore the historic sites of Con Son Town (the island's only settlement) including Phu Hai Prison, Bao Tang Con Dao Museum, and the prison known as the Tiger Cages, which document the dark history of this isolated island group.

Con Son's remote position led to the island being used to incarcerate political prisoners during the era Vietnam was occupied by French colonial forces, and later by both the South Vietnamese government and the occupying American forces.

Preserved sites including Phu Hai Prison and the prison cages used by the US forces, known as the Tiger Cages, along with Con Son Town's Bao Tang Con Dao Museum, do an excellent job of documenting this history for visitors.

Access to Con Son Island is either by flight from Ho Chi Minh City or by ferry from the coastal city of Vung Tau.

Once a sleepy coastal fishing town, Mui Né has developed into a beautiful beach resort town and a prime destination for windsurfing, sailing, and kitesurfing.

Compared to other beach destinations in Vietnam , however, Mui Né remains relatively unknown - and this means pristine beaches and a quiet retreat for most of the year.

One of Mui Né's most unique attractions is the natural Red Sand Dunes just outside town, where visitors can practice sand-sledding or rent dune buggies for a more adrenaline-charged experience.

Tucked away between nearby fishing villages and towering orange limestone formations, there's the fairy stream, a slow-moving warm stream that almost feels like a walkway because it's so shallow - follow it to the end to reach a waterfall.

For those wishing to explore beyond the coastline, there are also the ruins of the Po Shanu Cham Towers - remnants of the Cham Empire that dominated the area many centuries ago.

Vietnam experiences strong monsoon seasons, where heavy rains hit the cities and the countryside, often causing floods and mudslides. If you're planning to travel around, the best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season, which lasts from December to February – but there are some exceptions.

The south of Vietnam – where Ho Chi Minh city is located – experiences a more tropical climate, with high temperatures and high humidity year-round. Visiting these areas in the cooler months means less humidity and temperatures in the high 20s rather than the high 30s and 40s, which makes it more comfortable to walk around.

In the north, however, many areas experience an actual winter. Hanoi sees temperatures in the mid- to high teens in December and January – and in the mountains of Sapa in the north, you'll even get to see some snow during these months.

If you're visiting Danang for some beach time or to travel through the ancient town of Hoi An, it's best to arrive between February and May, when water and air temperature are in the 20s – perfect beach weather for enjoying the sand or a dip in the water. The rainy season, and especially the months of September and October, see very heavy rains and often very strong wind storms on the coast, so it's better to stay away from Danang during this time.

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17 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

A long, narrow country squeezed in between the South China Sea and the Laos and Cambodia borders, Vietnam is a land of striking landscapes that range from the lush rice terraces and forested mountains in the north to the picturesque valleys of the Central Highlands and the fertile delta and beautiful beaches of the south.

Vietnam has seen its fair share of struggles. Ruled for almost a thousand years by various Chinese dynasties until 938 AD, Vietnam became a French protectorate in the 19th century. After independence, there was the Vietnam War.

Today, Vietnam is a proud country and you can see why. Not just for fiercely defending its own independence, but for its incredible landscapes and history.

The first words on everyone’s lips when speaking of Vietnam are undoubtedly Halong Bay, a beautiful set of karst islands and formations off the northern coast. Hanoi is the bustling, motorbike filled capital. Plan your trip to this beautiful Southeast Asia travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

17. Da Nang

Nestled on the central coast of Vietnam, Da Nang is an energetic coastal city with a historic French colonial port.

It is known primarily for its fantastic beaches, including the famous My Khe Beach , which Tripadvisor has named as one of the best beaches in Asia.

However, it is also a popular starting point for exploration of the Bà Nà hills , which lie on the city’s western reaches. From there, the spectacular Hải Vân Pass showcases incredible views of Da Nang Bay. Moreover it conveys the Marble Mountains , five imperious limestone outcrops crowned with ornate pagodas and yield caves containing lavish Buddhist shrines.

Da Nang boasts impressive landmarks like the iconic Dragon Bridge , world-class golf courses, and a modern skyline dotted with luxury resorts and upscale shopping centres.

The city is also home to many cultural experiences, including the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture and Da Nang Fine Arts Museum.

16. Ha Giang Loop

If you pride yourself on being an adventurous traveler, then you should embrace the Ha Giang Loop with open arms.

Located in the remote and breathtaking Ha Giang province , tourists can embark on a thrilling motorbike journey through some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. This scenic loop takes you on a winding road that cuts through majestic mountains, lush valleys and terraced rice fields.

The journey provides an immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the authentic culture of the ethnic minority communities that call this region home.

Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional villages , where locals showcase their rich heritage, colorful attire, and warm hospitality.

The loop offers stunning viewpoints such as Ma Pi Leng Pass , with its jaw-dropping vistas of the Nho Que River snaking through the mountains. You can also visit attractions like Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Geopark, and the fairy-tale-like Lung Cu Flag Tower.

Typically, this journey takes three to four days to complete. Its rugged beauty and remote nature are perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

15. Bai Tu Long Bay

If you can’t get to or don’t fancy visiting Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is an excellent alternative. Situated in the northeastern part of Vietnam, it has all the pristine beauty and untouched landscapes of its more illustrious neighbor, only with greater tranquillity and fewer crowds.

The picturesque bay is characterized by its emerald waters, towering limestone islands , and lush vegetation. Cruising through it provides fabulous opportunities for kayaking , swimming and visiting remote fishing villages.

The bay is also home to a diverse ecosystem accommodating rare wildlife, colourful coral reefs and hidden caves waiting for you to discover them.

A tour of the area allows for a more intimate connection with nature and a chance to experience the serenity of the surroundings. Whilst there, be sure to visit the incredible Thien Canh Son Cave . One of 59 discovered caves in the area, it will wow you with its unique stalactite formations.

14. Tam Coc

Tam Coc, often called ‘ Halong Bay on land ‘, is an enchanting destination in the Ninh Binh province.

Forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tràng An scenic landscape site, it is renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts that dramatically rise out of emerald green rice fields. Tam Coc presents visitors with a stunning natural landscape that will forever leave an impression on their heart.

The main attraction in Tam Coc is a scenic boat ride along the Ngo Dong River , where local rowers skilfully navigate through a series of caves and limestone formations. As you glide along the tranquil waterways, you’ll be mesmerized by the picturesque scenery and the harmonious blend of nature and verdant rice paddies.

Tam Coc is also home to ancient temples and pagodas, such as Bich Dong Pagoda , which is perched atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

If you are into cycling, you can also explore the area in more detail on two wheels.

There are several places in Vietnam where you can go for some beach R&R, but few can compare to the sheer beauty of Mũi Né.

A stunning beach resort town along the southeast coastline, it boasts a long stretch of golden palm-tree-lined sand, perfect for walking and sunbathing. During the dry season, with steady wind conditions, the area becomes a fantastic destination for sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

The highlight of Mui Né is undoubtedly its captivating sand dunes . The iconic White Sand Dunes and Red Sand Dunes offer a surreal landscape that resembles a desert oasis. On our last visit, we explored the dunes on an ATV ride and sand boarded down the slopes. Both were a lot of fun!

Beyond the beaches and dunes, Mui Né offers opportunities to explore nearby fishing villages , taste delicious seafood, and indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments. Close by, The Fairy Stream, with its gently flowing water and unique rock formations, is a popular spot for a refreshing dip on a stiflingly hot day.

Year-round cool weather and idyllic scenery of misty valleys, lush pine trees and colorful flowers are some of the reasons that Dalat was once used by Vietnamese emperors and French colonials as a summer retreat. Today, this charming town in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam is a popular destination for honeymooners, weekend getaways and for those looking for relief from the heat.

A walkable city, Dalat is a beautiful scene of French colonial architecture and villas set amid picturesque landscapes. The city is well known for its royal palaces that were owned by the last emperor of Vietnam. These lovely palaces are open for tours as is the Hang Nga Guesthouse, the city’s most bizarre attraction. Informally called the “Crazy House,” this structure is a fantastical construction with caves, spider webs and shapes of animals and mushrooms.

Dalat’s lively market is a great place to find fruits, flowers and vegetables grown in the local area as well as handicrafts and silk embroidered items.

Outside the city are scenic lakes, flower gardens, plantations and mountains offering pretty waterfalls and trails for hiking and mountain biking. A must-do is the Valley of Love, an incredibly beautiful valley with pine forests and lakes where tourists can enjoy pedal-boating and canyoning.

Located on the central coast of Vietnam near the Duy Phú village is the important archaeological site known as My Son. One of Southeast Asia’s most notable heritage sites, My Son was once a significant center of religious Hindu ceremonies where the kings of the Champa Kingdom built numerous temples devoted to the worship of the god, Shiva, between the 4th and 14th centuries.

Believed to have once contained more than 70 temples that were constructed with brick and decorative carvings and sculptures bearing scenes of animals, priests, gods, mythical battles and inscriptions of Sanskrit and Champa, My Son today features a complex of ruins in varying states of disarray and repair, all arranged in several groups.

Within the site is a museum where visitors can check out exhibits and artifacts to better understand and appreciate the ruins. Near the entrance of My Son are a few cafes, food vendors and a shop selling souvenirs. At certain times of the day, visitors can watch live Champa dance performances. Additionally, the site is surrounded by jungle, hills and a lake where visitors can enjoy hiking and kayaking.

My Son is often reached by organized tour groups from Hoi An. However, visitors can also arrive at My Son by motorbike rentals.

10. Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is a scenic island in the Gulf of Thailand. While it officially forms part of Vietnam, it is actually closer geographically to Cambodia . Today, it’s characterized by dense tropical jungle, soft sandy beaches, and undulating hills. But the island has a fascinating history, having served first as a French missionary base and then as a French colonial wartime prison – a gloomy reformatory that you can visit today.

History aside, the island is most tempting for its alluring tropical nature . Days in Phu Quoc are spent sunbathing on sandy beaches, scootering around fishing villages, visiting pearl and pepper farms, and, if you’re up for it, trekking to waterfalls.

An island that’s famous for its seafood, don’t miss an opportunity to try out Phu Quoc’s famous fish sauce (nuoc mam) – you can even visit one of the fish sauce factories while you’re here!

9. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Tucked away in the Quang Binh Province in Vietnam’s Central Coast region, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the most picturesque parts of the country. With a steadfast reputation as a filming location for 2017 Kong: Skull Island, and with a nearby international airport, the national park is more popular than ever before.

Opened to the public in 2010, the appeal of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the escape from the city. Here, you’ll live life in the slow lane as you cycle through Kong jungles at your own pace.

Home to 400 million-year-old karst mountains, there are hundreds of caves and secretive rivers to explore. The Son Doong Cave is a must visit. Home to its very own hidden jungle, microclimate, and Underground River, it’s one of the largest caves on Earth .

Due to its location near the Laos border, access to the park is strictly controlled, and visitors can expect to find a strong military presence here. This is mainly due to its war history – the park has some of the world’s highest numbers of undetonated bombs, which is why visitors can only visit this place with a licensed tour guide.

8. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon , is the biggest city in all of Vietnam. It’s also the old capital of the Republic of Vietnam. When Saigon fell to the north in 1975, it was renamed to HCMC, yet its former name is still used today, particularly when describing the beating heart of the city.

Hoi Chi Minh has a bit of everything – temples, museums, parks, and tourist shopping. Whatever your interests, you’ll find something to do here. Head to the top of the Saigon Skydeck for an astonishing 360-degree view of the city – especially impressive at night when the lights twinkle on below.

History buffs should not miss the chance to explore the mysterious network of the Cu Chi tunnels , the headquarters for many military operations during the Vietnam War.

The five stories of Reunification Palace – also known as the Independence Palace – is also a fascinating place to go. It’s a famous spot in Vietnam’s history as it captures the time when Saigon fell as a tank broke through the gates of the palace. A replica of this same tank can be seen on the grass outside the palace.

If you’re curious to learn more about the war, you’ll enjoy a visit to the War Remnants Museum or the Museum of Vietnamese History.

7. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta, nicknamed the ‘Rice Bowl of Vietnam,’ is a lush network of waterways in Vietnam known for its excellent nutrient-rich soils and diverse ecosystems – the banks are a veritable patchwork of fruit, vegetables, rice plantations and cattle farms that provide sustenance for more than a third of the country.

This impressive stretch of river frontage is the most biodiverse in the world if you don’t count the Amazon. Taking up much of the south of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is an extraordinary place filled with lily pad waterways, rice paddies, mangroves, and enchanting wildlife.

With plenty of bus connections and motorbikes, tourists can explore the Mekong Delta and its towns like Tra Vinh , which is considered one of the prettiest villages of the delta. A boat trip down the tranquil tributaries and mangroves of the Mekong is an unforgettable experience.

Paddled by a local in a wooden canoe, you’ll be able to witness everyday life on the river, passing farmlands, fruit orchards, monkey bridges, water buffalo, and floating markets . The best time to visit the Mekong is during the dry season between December and May when there’s less chance of flooding.

6. Nha Trang

If it’s beaching you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Nha Trang is the most famous seaside resort in Vietnam, with a laidback atmosphere and exceptional scuba diving. While it’s certainly not on the same scale as many of Asia’s other beautiful beaches , Nha Trang offers warm water and some picturesque offshore islets.

The promenade that encircles the beachfront is always a hive of activity, filled with parks and sculptures that make a stroll here interesting. As with most beach resorts, most of the activity gets going when the sun goes down, and Nha Trang is no different. You’ll find a host of vibey bars and restaurants near the beachfront.

There’s much more to Nha Trang than sunbathing and strolls, though. Go for a soak in the Thap Ba Mud Bath or take a ride on the longest cross-sea cable car in the world. The sacred Po Nagar Cham towers, dating back to the 7th to 12th centuries, offer a taste of the city’s history – they’re an active religious site for Cham, Chinese, and Buddhists even today.

Tracing the border with China, Sapa is a captivating remote town in the Hoang Lien Son mountains of northern Vietnam. Its elevation 1,500 meters above sea level is nothing to scoff at when you’re trekking the terraced hills and slopes around this high-altitude mountain town. While there’s plenty of natural beauty to tempt you to this far-reached corner of the country, much of Sapa’s appeal lies in its raw and authentic culture.

Days are spent trekking through rice paddies , rural villages untouched by tourism, and the clouds of Fansipan – Vietnam’s highest peak.

Scenery aside, the highlight is hands down the opportunity to chat with these fascinating people along the way – local kids will tag along and try to sell you some of their handmade jewelry or simply try to improve their English by speaking to you.

In the town of Sapa itself, there are attractive French colonial sites worth visiting such as the Gothic church, the town square and city hall. Sapa is a major market town where the various ethnic tribes in the area often gather to sell their handicrafts, which make excellent souvenirs. At the Sapa Culture Museum, visitors can learn all about the history and cultures of these ethnic groups.

Hue – formerly known as the Panduranga of Cham Kingdom – was once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Located in the central region, Hue had a huge role to play in the Vietnam War. Captured by the Viet Cong for a total of 24 days, thousands of people were killed here if they were thought to be sympathizers of the south.

Today, the city is split in two by the Perfume River. The old city with its ancient ruined citadel lies to the north and the modern-day city to the south. The Demilitarized Zone, which marks the official former border, is one of the most popular day trips from Hue while the Thien Mu Pagoda is the city’s official symbol.

Of the city’s monuments , the Citadel is the most famous. Once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, the Citadel is a sprawling complex of grand palaces, ornate temples, walls and gates. Prime attractions within the Citadel are the Forbidden Purple City, Thai Hoa Palace, and the Ngo Mon Gate. Another important landmark on the river is the city’s official symbol, the Thien Mu Pagoda.

A stroll along the promenade is also recommended, through the statue-abundant parks and onwards by scooter or boat cruise to the Tombs of the Emperors on the outskirts of the city. Dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, the Tomb of Tu Doc, with its striking Buddhist architecture is the cherry on top.

Laidback and charismatic with a charm all of its own, Hoi An is the highlight of any Vietnam itinerary. Located south of Da Nang within cycling distance of some excellent warm-water beaches along the central coast, this atmospheric old town is a feast of color, where bright and cheerful lanterns adorn each and every building.

The narrow, winding lanes of the old town are lined with beautiful historic buildings, Chinese temples and wooden-fronted shops with excellent opportunities for retail therapy. The bustling night market and lantern-lit streets are also great places for shopping and people-watching.

At the same time, you can also take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River or join a cooking class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. Wrangle a tempting spa deal, and get a dress or tailored suit handmade for you at one of the town’s many illustrious tailors.

Don’t leave without a visit to the gorgeous Japanese Covered Bridge and the glaze-roofed Chinese merchant houses that date back hundreds of years and house a quarter of the town’s population. There’s plenty to fill your afternoons in Hoi An.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is truly chaotic, but that’s all part of its charm. An interesting mix of French and Sino-Vietnamese influences, it’s one of the most rapidly growing cities in Southeast Asia.

Those visiting this energetic capital should be prepared. It’s a hive of activity at the best of times, utter chaos at the worst – a city where crossing the road could be taking your life into your own hands with cars, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks vying for right of way in a city without road rules.

One of the best places to experience the madness of Hanoi is at Legend’s Corner . The well-located Legend Beer restaurant is the ideal spot to sit with a drink and watch the rush hour insanity just before sunset. You’ll see pedestrians, dogs, cars, tuk-tuks, and scooters all entwined in traffic, yet somehow there are very few accidents.

Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets filled with charming colonial architecture, street vendors, and bustling markets. The best way to explore it is on foot or by cyclo (cycle rickshaw). This will enable you to soak up its atmosphere and discover hidden gems like the ancient Temple of Literature or the vibrant Dong Xuan Market.

See also: Where to Stay in Hanoi

For a change of pace, go for a stroll around the freshwater Hoàn Kiếm Lake in the Old Quarter or soak up more Vietnamese history with a visit to the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum , the final resting place of the Revolutionary leader and Vietnamese President, is a must-see.

1. Ha Long Bay

Located about 130 km (80 miles) east of Hanoi in northern Vietnam, Halong Bay is celebrated for its gorgeous emerald-hue waters, thousands of spectacular limestone karsts, astonishing waterside caves, and beautiful tree-topped islands.

It’s a popular location for adventure – scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing can all be enjoyed in and around Cat Ba National Park . For those who wish to simply relax and enjoy the views, there are numerous Halong Bay cruises to choose from, from basic to top-level luxury.

The thousands of islands scattered about the bay are a real mixture, ranging from isolated landmasses home to free-roaming monkeys and antelope to bigger inhabited islands with some fantastic beaches . Boat cruises are the best way to experience the natural wonder of Ha Long Bay.

With hundreds of boats ranging from traditional Chinese junks to luxury cruisers, boat tours can vary from day trips to multiple-night journeys . These tours often provide meals, nightlife activities and excursion stops where islands, caves and lagoons can be explored. Most boat cruises are arranged either from Hanoi or from ports such as Haiphong, Halong City and Cai Rong.

As with most holidays on the water, Halong Bay is easily affected by the weather. Plan your trip between March and June to get the most out of your visit. June to September is the off-season, so you can usually get some great deals – just be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast as monsoons can really put a dampener on your trip.

Map of Places to Visit in Vietnam

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Reader interactions.

September 15, 2019 at 1:19 am

I hereby compose a key-word list of outstanding places in Vietnam. Hope it’s helpful for you guys searching.

1. Islands: Côn Đảo ; Phú Quốc ; Lý Sơn, Cam Ranh, Bình Ba, Bình Hưng, Điệp Sơn ,Đảo Yến Hòn Nội, ,Cù lao Chàm , Đảo Nam Du, Hòn ông đảo cá voi, Cát bà.

2. Best beaches on islands Bãi Nhát ( Côn Đảo ), Bãi Suối Nóng ( Côn Đảo ), Hòn Cao ( Côn Đảo ), Bãi Sao ( Phú Quốc ), Bãi Khem ( Phú Quốc ), Bãi ông Lăng ( Phu Quoc ) , Nam Du ( Phu Quoc ), Dao Be ( Ly son ) , Bai Kinh ( Binh Hung), Bai Nom ( Binh Ba ),

3. Coastal Cities : Ha Long, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Quy Nhon, Vung Tau.

4. Best beaches on coastal cities: Doc Let, Dai Lanh, My Khe, Nha Trang, Ky Co, Bãi Binh Tien, Bãi Cà ná, Bãi bắc beach da nang, quy nhon beach.

5. Best Bays Ha Long Bay, Lang Co bay, Nha Trang bay, Ninh Van bay, Van Phong bay, Cam Ranh bay.

6. Highland cities/town offer great mountain views, trekking activities : Sapa, Da Lat, Ha Giang, Cao bang.

7. Ancient cities/towns : Hoi An, Dong Van, Hue

8. Caves: Phong Nha, Thien duong, Son Doong, Hang En, Hang Sung Sot, Hang Va, He thong hang dong Tu Lan, Tam Coc bich dong

9. Rivers Mekong delta, Sông Ngô Đồng, Tràng An, Sông đáy chùa hương, Sông Son, Sông Nho Quế, Sông Chày.

10. Waterfall Thác Bản Giốc, Thác Voi, Thác Pongour

11. Lakes Hồ Ba bể, Hồ Xuân Hương, Hồ Tuyền Lâm, Hồ Tơ Nưng, Hồ Lắk, Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, Hồ Thác Bà, Phá Tam Giang.

12. Lagoons Pha Tam Giang, Đầm Vân Long.

13. National Parks Phong Nha ke bang, Nam Cát Tiên, Bạch Mã, Cúc Phương, Ba Vì, Ba Bể, Tràm Chim Tam Nông, núi chúa.

14. Terraces rice field Mù Căng Chải, Hoàng Su Phì, Tú Lệ , Sapa, Y Tý, Bát Xát, Pù Luông.

Enjoy your traveling trip!

May 1, 2019 at 2:46 am

I like Vietnam. I really do. I love their culture and traditions. Just recently I went on a trip to Vietnam and I absolutely loved it. The people there were so nice and lovely. The wildlife, vegetation and sacred places were amazing too. But I have to say, the most beautiful place that I went to in Vietnam is Ha Long Bay. The scene was incredibly stunning! I also stayed in Sapa. It has astonishing views. Especially when you look at it from a distance. It has fog surrounding the buildings, has tall mountains in the background and has brightly coloured buildings. It’s breathtakingly beautiful!

March 3, 2019 at 1:49 am

I am a Vietnamese and according to my experience, there are two places you should visit when you are in Vietnam: Cat Ba Island in the Northeast Vietnam and Phu Quoc Island in the Southeast Vietnam.

March 29, 2018 at 9:26 pm

The market in Can Cau is fabulous.

November 21, 2017 at 10:29 pm

I think these places are amazing to visit but I have a question, how is Vietnam in general? Is it a safe country to visit ??

November 8, 2017 at 8:19 am

I recommend Pu Luong nature reserve, not very far from Hanoi.

September 19, 2017 at 4:52 pm

I really liked Da Nang.

November 23, 2016 at 4:13 am

Great list. I have just spent two months in Vietnam and did most of the places except My Son and Sapa. Will come back for that. Love this country!

July 21, 2015 at 2:04 pm

There are lots of day trip activities from Hoi An– snorkeling or diving at the Cham Islands, early morning cycling trips to the countryside, visiting the My Son archeological ruins. Hoi An also has terrific food, and is a great place to wander around and explore.

June 2, 2015 at 6:46 am

There are at-least 30 incredible places to visit in Vietnam, your list is correct those are about the top places but there are alot more amazing places in Vietnam and no one should stop at just 10

November 7, 2014 at 4:11 am

Great places. You can also put Ninh Binh and Ha Giang.

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Team Wanderlust | 20 March 2022

17 of the best things to do in vietnam.

Discover our pick of favourite things to do in the dazzling Halong Bay, vibrant cities Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City, the rural north and beyond...

1. Light a lantern in Hoi An

Lanterns in Hoi An (Dreamstime)

Every Tết (Vietnamese New Year), Hoi An is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour and light for its Lantern Festival. The celebration lasts for seven days, with the road from Hoi An Bridge to the Hoai River Square adorned with thousands of colourful lanterns.

Over 50 workshops take part in the event, each trying to create the prettiest lantern. The colours are bright and the designs are strictly traditional.

The heart of the festivities is in the old town, between the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Cau An Hoi Bridge. It’s crowded, chaotic and festive, with spontaneous singing and food stalls at every turn. It is as much a celebration for locals as it is for visitors. 

The most breathtaking sight is thousands of lanterns floating on the river; hire a sampan  boat to get a closer look . For a small sum, you can buy a lantern and set it afloat too. 

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Hoi An for New Year: smaller lantern festivals are held every full moon.

Why Hoi An is the best city on Earth

2. visit halong bay and its equally spectacular neighbour.

Halong Bay (Dreamstime)

With 1,600 limestone towers rising from its turquoise waters, Halong Bay is rightly considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful spots. As a result, i t’s on every visitor's list – and hundreds of boats offer cruise trips every day. The bay is huge, but it can still feel crowded.

Bai Tu Long Bay,  just a few miles away, offers the same jaw-dropping scenery but sees only a fraction of the visitors. Here, you can explore uncrowded caves and tiny beaches, and feast on super-fresh succulent seafood.

Boat trips to Bai Tu Long Bay leave from the crowded dock at Halong City, just like the ones to Halong Bay . But you'll head off in the opposite direction, to where the islands are a little less taller and a little more spread out – but, according to locals, are just like what those in Halong Bay used to be like.

Find out how to see Halong Bay without the crowds

3. hike through cat ba island.

Ngu Lam Peak, the end point of a popular Cat Ba hiking trail (Shutterstock)

You can't go wrong with a visit to Cat Ba Island. The views are spectacular, and the nearby Lan Ha Bay is a brilliant Halong alternative - another breathtakingly beautiful bay, without the tourist masses.

It's USP? The hiking, says Wanderlust 's Rosie Fitzgerald . Enjoy trekking through the pristine rainforest that makes up the vast national park. The Lookout Tower Trail is a popular and fairly easy hike. Walk upwards for around an hour, until you come out at a rusted shelter, from where you can appreciate just how untouched Cat Ba really is.

If you want more, venture up a little further to reach the stunning Ngu Lam Peak. It's worth the effort to look out over the jagged, green mountains that blur out into the distance.

For more of a challenge, book a guide and embark on the Cang Viet Hai Trail – an 18km, undulating trail that requires a good fitness level. Prepare to climb steep, slippery paths and scramble over thick knots of tree routes that block the path.

More amazing things to do on Cat Ba Island

4. cruise the mekong delta.

The Mekong River's famous floating markets (Shutterstock)

After travelling over 4,000km from the Tibetan Himalaya, the Mekong hits Vietnam and slows down to a more languid pace. With islands, rice paddies, stilted villages and a way of life that hasn’t changed for centuries, it’s as if the river wants to take it easy and soak up the view.

Hitch a ride with a cargo boat and you can do exactly that. Simply find a shady spot to hitch your hammock and gaze at faraway riverbanks as your boat, weighed down with fruit and rice sacks, ploughs the treacly brown flow.

Or, take one of the many commercial cruises that ply parts of the river. The cruise from Cai Be to Can Tho is a great way to experience a night on the river. As you travel southwards along the Mang Thit River linking the Tien Giang and Bassac systems, the channel becomes so narrow that you can peer into the riverbank’s rickety stilted houses.

The best routes for your Mekong cruise

5. drop into the world’s largest cave in phong nha national park.

Hang Son Doong Cave (Shutterstock)

Quang Binh province is a wild region of barely penetrable jungle in Vietnam’s skinny middle, close to the border with Laos. The area is riddled with hundreds of deep caves, including one of the largest in the world – Hang Son Doong. It contains a cavern so tall that a skyscraper could fit inside it.

The small town of Phong Nha is the epicentre for the area’s caving adventures, its eponymous cave another UNESCO-listed wonder well worth exploring. Here, you can hire both the guides and the gear you’ll need to descend into the caves.

If going underground doesn’t appeal, the area is also famous for trekking. The surrounding jungle is peppered with stunning waterfalls and an active (and noisy) population of monkeys and flying foxes.

6. Visit the coffee-making heartland, Buon Ma Thuot

The World Coffee Museum in Buon Ma Thuot (Shutterstock)

Buon Ma Thuot is the regional capital of the central highlands of Vietnam, a gorgeous area of thundering waterfalls and the traditional villages of the local Ede people. Look out for stilted structures reached by a ladder and marked by carved breasts. In this fiercely matriarchal area, they can only be used by the women of the house.

Buon Ma Thuot is also the heart of Vietnam’s thriving coffee industry. The Trung Nguyen coffee company is the big player here, and there’s not a corner of paddy field or industrial zone in the area that doesn’t bear their logo. 

In the city itself, there are plenty of coffee-related attractions.  Visitors can learn about the country's and the world's coffee industries in the World Coffee Museum year-round. In March 2023, the city's various coffee venues will be offering freebies to celebrate the local produce, during the biennial Coffee Festival. 

You'll probably come across 'weasel' coffee during your visit, also known as kopi luwak or civet coffee, which aficionados claim is the best in the world. While many believe its unique taste is excellent, it's worth knowing that recent investigations have found unethical animal welfare practices  on coffee farms across the region.

Top tip: "If you can’t visit the coffee heartland, be sure to taste a Vietnamese egg coffee while you’re in Hanoi," says Wanderlust 's executive director Jackie Scully. "I loved the Note coffee house right by the main lake in the capital. Covered in uplifting post-its from travellers from across the world, it was more than just a caffeine boost."

7. Search for Vietnam’s best pho in Hanoi

Vietnamese pho (Dreamstime)

Pho is a Vietnamese staple – a quick, tasty meal made from four simple ingredients: clear stock, boiled beef, rice noodles and herbs or green onions. In Vietnam, you’ll find it served on street corners and in upscale restaurants, as well as in every family home.

Hanoi has gained a reputation as the pho capital of Vietnam. Every restaurant here boasts a secret recipe. Take your time searching for the best – that's part of the fun! But if you want our advice? Head to Lo Duc in the French Quarter and sit yourself down at Pho Thin.

This unassuming pho house, with wooden benches and laminated tables, does things a little differently – such as stir-frying the beef in garlic before adding it to the soup. Local foodies insist it gives the pho an unusual smokiness, one you won't found in other restaurants. Pho Thin is always packed, but once you're inside, you'll know it was worth the wait. 

8. Understand Vietnam’s bloody past in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Museum, located in the Gia Long Palace (Shutterstock)

More than 60% of Vietnam’s population was born after the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. But that doesn’t mean its war-torn history is ignored. As a nation, Vietnam has moved on, but the sacrifices made by both sides of the conflict are still remembered all over the country, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum has many informative exhibitions, and explains the country's bloody past through photographs, artefacts and memorabilia. It's sensitively done, without glossing over the atrocities, and (rather ironically) is housed in the Gia Long Palace, where Ngo Dinh Diem spent his final hours in power before his assassination in 1963.

The War Remnants Museum is a more grisly – but equally essential – reminder of local atrocities. From eerie bomb remnants and first-person accounts by war veterans to a bloodied guillotine and photographs of horrific napalm burns, this is a chilling reminder of life not-too-long ago.

9. Go to church, Vietnamese-style

Worshippers inside Cao Dai temple (Shutterstock)

Tây Ninh, a busy town on the Mekong Delta, is perhaps the most unlikely holy city on the planet. Here, amongst the busy streets stalls and noisy traffic sits Cao Dai Temple, the Holy See of the Cao Dai religion.

Caodaism is a Vietnamese hybrid religion founded in the 1920s. It fuses Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, occult and Islam with the ultimate aim to break free of the cycle of life and death. The sect reveres, among others: Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed and even French novelist Victor Hugo.

From a distance, the temple’s towers resemble a parochial church. But closer inspection reveals an eclectic facade with sword-brandishing gods, swastikas, a Communist red star and an Orwellian all-seeing eye.

Prayers are conducted four times a day, with the one at noon popular with day-trippers from Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam's 7 most beautiful temples

10. cycle around hue.

Cyclo drivers in Hue (Dreamstime)

Halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Hue marked the divide between the north and the south during the Vietnam War. Set upon the pretty Perfume River, it has always played an important part in Vietnamese history and is dotted with important historical sites.

It is also a great place to cycle. Set off in the cool of the morning and head three kilometres out of town to the Tiger Fighting arena. It was Vietnam’s version of the Colosseum, a place where elephants and tigers would fight to honour the strength of the monarchy. Next, head to Tu Duc Tomb before reaching Vong Canh Hill – the best spot for panoramic views of the Perfume River.

From Vong Canh Hill, it’s downhill to one of Hue's most atmospheric pagodas, Tu Hieu, which is located in a tranquil and picturesque pine forest. Swing by the tomb of Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, before heading back to town.

Upon reaching the walled fortress of the Imperial Citadel, you have two choices: take a leisurely cycle through the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam's version of the Forbidden City, or enjoy a relaxing drink next to the Perfume River.

Sound too much like hard work? You find any number of cyclo drivers nearby to do all the effort for you.

11. Find romance at Sapa’s love market

H'mong women at a market in Sapa (Dreamstime)

The market town of Sapa, in Vietnam’s mountainous north, first became popular as a French hill station in the 1930s. Set on a 1,650m-high mountain ridge, the town boasts fabulous views of the Hoang Lien Mountains and a colourful market attended by hill tribes from the surrounding countryside every Saturday.

The town has become increasingly popular with tourists, but there are still old traditions hidden in its secret corners. One of those is the Love Market, where Dao (and H’mong) men and women come from miles around to sing songs of love to each other. It was originally held at the end of trading at the Saturday markets, but over-zealous visitors taking intrusive photos has driven the tradition underground.

The Love Market still exists, but now it takes place in secret locations in the dead of night, well away from the gaze of visitors. But if your interest is genuine and you can find a local willing to trust you, the romance can still be found.

12. Sail past the Tam Coc rice fields

The Ngo Dong River and rice fields in Ninh Binh (Shutterstock)

In 2014, the  Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex in the northern Vietnam's Ninh Binh province was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No wonder to anyone who has seen it with their own eyes: dramatic limestone karsts and sweeping, deep green valleys, often with boats floating along the Red River Delta.

The village of Tam Cốc-Bích Động (often referred to simple as 'Tam Coc') falls under this complex, and its famous rice paddies enjoy the same UNESCO-listed status.  Undoubtedly, the best way to experience them to take a slow, languorous boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, admiring the otherworldly view as you go.

Getting to Tam Coc is easier than ever. Admittedly, the area has become more popular with visitors in recent years - for good reason. Buses and trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh take about three hours, while organised day tours and two-day trips are available, if you'd prefer to take the pressure off planning your excursion.

However you get there, you'll want to spend at least a day here, if not longer, advises Wanderlust 's Jackie Scully. "Head to  Hang Múa while you're in the Ninh Binh province and you'll be rewarded for climbing the 486 stone steps with an amazing viewpoint. Go early to avoid the heat."

13. Spot rare primates in Cat Tien National Park

Primates hanging out in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam (Shutterstock)

Cat Tien National Park in southern Vietnam is a wildlife lover's dream: a 720 sq km biosphere reserve, comprised of botanical gardens and lowland forest, offering an abundance of rare creatures and birdlife, all kept safe and sheltered in a number of sanctuaries and rescue centres.

Golden-cheeked gibbons, silvered langurs and native pygmy lorsies are among the rare primates to be spotted in Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre.  Cat Tien Bear Sanctuary homes tens of sun bears.

Asian elephants and clouded leopards are also among the rare sightings wildlife watchers have recorded in Cat Tien.  Birders will have their hands full, too, with Asian barred owlet, blue-rumped and bar-bellied pittas, and orange-necked partridge sightings - just to name a few - very possible. 

Some of the park's animal residents come alive when the sky goes dark, so if you're hoping for a unique wildlife encounter in Vietnam, consider staying the night in one of Cat Tien's homestays or hotel accommodation, and embark on a nighttime drive. 

An added bonus? Those on a day trip will be zipping back to Ho Chi Minh City by then, which is approximately three hours and 30 minutes away by car, so you'll have more of the park to yourself.

14. Marvel at Ban Gioc Waterfall

The magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall (Shutterstock)

Ban Gioc is the name of not one, but two colliding waterfalls  along the  Quay Son River - an iconic way to mark the  Vietnam-China border, in the  Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang on Vietnam's side, and Daxin County, Guangxi on China's.

Here, you'll be taking in one of South-East Asia's most breathtaking natural sights. Its sheer size (70m tall, and 208m wide) is marvel-worthy in itself, but the way the falls cascade down its rocky, limestone face is most eyecatching. If you're up for a climb, it is possible to trek up to the 'falls high points, as long as you're equipped with the appropriate walking gear.

Once you've soaked up the immense views, there's plenty to see and do in the Cao Bang region, which sits high up in the mountainous north-east of the country. Caves to explore, local homestays to experience, and more majestic waterfalls beckon.

15. Admire the Golden Hands Bridge in Da Nang

The Golden Hands Bridge in the Ba Na Hills, Da Nang (Shutterstock)

Have you ever seen a bridge quite like this one? The Golden Bridge (or Golden Hands Bridge, or Giant Hands Bridge) in the Da Nang province is one of a kind.

Pedestrians can stroll across the 150m-long pathway, high above the gorgeous greenery of the seemingly-endless Ba Na Hills, and feel like they're being held in the sky by two humongous, God-like stone hands. As it happens, the stone hands are not held up by God himself, but by a sturdy st eel frame and fibreglass.

The reality-warping structure was created to attract more visitors to the Da Nang region, and surely no-one can refute its social media success. There are well over 124,000 images of the bridge on the #GoldenBridge hashtag alone.

If you went to Vietnam and you didn't post a picture of the Golden Hands Bridge on your Instagram page, did your trip even happen at all?!

16. Embrace tranquility on Phu Quoc Island

A peaceful beach on Phu Quoc Island (Shutterstock)

Off the coast of Cambodia lies the idyllic Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc: a haven for travellers hoping to get away from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam's cities.

There's no shortage of things to see and do on Phu Quoc. Wildlife lovers can head to Vinpearl Safari Care and Conservation Park, to meet, elephants, white Bengal tigers, macaques and silver langurs, among others. Head out into nature, with a hike through the dense forests of Phu Quoc National Park, and admiring the gentle trickle of Suoi Tranh Waterfall.

Once you're all walked out, ride in the incredibly long cable car to Hon Thom Nature Park, or sit back and relax on the pristine white sands of Sao Beach, Ong Lang or remote Khem Beach. Surrounded by palm trees and forest, you'll feel like you're sitting on the edge of paradise.

17. Live with the locals in Mai Chau

A local in the Mai Chau Valley village of Lac (Shutterstock)

Go beyond the tourist trail to the rural north-western province of Hòa Bình. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Mai Chau Valley, enclosed in mountains and skirted by rice fields. A 'hidden gem', if we ever saw one.

To get a small sense of everyday life in this part of the country, stay with a local, White Tai family in a homestay. Your best bet is one of two villages: Lac or Poom Coong. Whichever you choose, you'll be waking up to the site of rice paddies and the unbelievably-green Vietnamese countryside each morning. The Vietnamese Tourist Board highly recommends choosing your homestay near Hieu, for its idyllic scenery.

Once you're settled, it's time to appreciate the White Tai community's way of life. Cycle through Mai Chau on a rented bike, or pop to the markets to purchase exquisitely-bright, locally-woven textiles. If you can take your eyes off your village's natural wonders, a day trip to the glistening, under-appreciated Hoa Binh Lake makes for an excellent trek.

Keep reading about Vietnam and beyond:

Alternative places to visit in vietnam, le vietnam tours to book now 10 of the best things to do in thailand, the best things to do in cambodia, related articles, looking for inspiration.

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29 Unique & Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam (+ Tips from a Local)

When planning a trip to Vietnam, the top question comes up – Where are the best places to visit in Vietnam? 

Whether it’s your first time visiting Vietnam or a return trip, it’s a tough question since Vietnam is a long S-shaped country. There are many factors involved on where to visit in Vietnam such as the amount of time in the country, personal preferences on things to do, weather, travel budget , and much more. 

Even though we’ve lived long-term in Vietnam for over 4 years and had a chance to explore a lot of Vietnam cities from North to South, there are too many epic and pretty places to see in this country. 

Without further ado, here are the 29 unique and beautiful places to visit in Vietnam . These are our favorite Vietnam destinations to visit from North, Central , to South Vietnam . We’re ranging from the popular, must-visit touristy cities to the off-the-beaten locations , pretty islands , hiking spots , and more. We’re also sharing fun things and bucket list activities to do in each of the cities and other helpful travel tips.

This post is a work in progress as we’ll continue to add more places when we travel around the country. 

Let’s bring out the wanderlust and get you excited for your future trip to Vietnam. 

To help you navigate this post more efficiently, click on the following links to jump to certain sections of Vietnam’s best places to visit. 

Map of Where to Go in Vietnam

Must visit places in vietnam.

• Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam

Unique Places to Visit in Vietnam

Before reading on where to go in Vietnam, check out Vietnam travel posts to help with your planning:

• How to Travel Around Vietnam
• Must Have Vietnam Travel Apps
• Souvenirs to Buy in Vietnam
• Why Visit Vietnam
• What to Pack for Vietnam

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Click on the map to see a larger view of the top places to visit in Vietnam. Credit: Map data: Google

A trip to Vietnam would not be complete without visiting the capital city, Hanoi ( Hà Nội in Vietnamese). It’s a fantastic starting point for any Vietnam itinerary as an introduction to the country. 

Most visitors stay in the Old Quarter area . It’s a bustling area to wander through the small shops for souvenirs and shopping. You’ll notice that each street specializes in something such as toys, silk, bamboo, etc. You can also wander around to try street food and hang out at the cafes . Just be careful when you’re crossing the street as the cars and motorbikes will not stop for you. 

Stop by the iconic spots such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh, the main proponent of Communism, is embalmed, and Ho Kiem Lake in the center of the city. Other cultural places to visit include Tran Quoc Pagoda, The Temple of Literature, and One Pillar Pagoda. One of the coolest experiences is to see a train pass by when relaxing at a cafe along Train Street. 

From here, you can visit other areas of Northern Vietnam by train or overnight bus.

Hanoi is an important place to visit when visiting Vietnam. Photo credit: Diana Bulavko via Scopio Photos

2. Halong Bay

Halong Bay ( Hạ Long Bay ) is a famous place to visit in North Vietnam. Located in Quang Ninh Province, it’s recognized as one of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Visitors take a day trip, overnight, or a multi-day (2-3 days) cruise on a junker and travel through the limestone karst of the bay. 

While a day trip along Halong Bay is doable, it’s recommended to spend at least one night on the boat . It’s what we did! You don’t want to feel rushed with this amazing bucket list experience.

As the junker sails around Halong Bay (our cruise went around Bai Tu Long area) sit on a lawn chair on the deck of the junker and watch hundreds of limestone karst of different sizes pass by. It’s a peaceful experience and a much-needed rest as you’ve traveled through Vietnam already. 

Since we participated in a 2 day/1 night tour, there is a kayak/swimming opportunity in the afternoon. While it’s only an hour, it’s a fun way to get some exercise after sitting on the junker. Also could do a short hike through the Thien Canh Son Cave. On the second day, you’ll sit in a sampan and pass through the Vung Vieng fishing village, fishing farm, and pearl farm. 

Taking a cruise isn’t cheap, especially if taking a luxury cruise . Expect to pay around $200 USD per person for a 2-day excursion. Yet it’s worth the splurge as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, the fresh seafood caught daily is delicious. 

If you have the time and want to experience a less touristy area of Halong Bay , head to Cat Ba Island. 

Halong Bay is a top destination to visit in Vietnam. Photo credit: SimonDannhauer via Depositphotos.com

Hue is the ideal city to visit in Vietnam if you’re a history buff . While we only had one day to spend in Hue, it’s an opportunity to explore the UNESCO-recognized Imperial City and wander through the various palaces and pagodas. You’ll need a few hours up to half a day to explore a lot of the Imperial City. Thien Mu Pagoda and Khai Dinh Tomb are two additional places to not miss in Hue.  

A unique place to visit is the Thuy Tien Lake Abandoned Water Park . While it’s technically not allowed to enter, you can pay a small fee to the guard to enter. You’ll get some incredible (maybe eerie?) photos here.

Hue has some incredible street food. Don’t miss trying steamed rice cakes ( bánh bèo ) and beef noodle soup ( bún bò Huế ) as they originated from this area. 

We can’t wait to return for a longer trip to Hue and explore other areas of the Thua Thien Hue Province. 

Hue is the perfect city to visit to learn about Vietnam’s history. Photo credit: efired via Depositphotos.com

Danang ( Đà Nẵng ) is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam for a blend of coastal beach life and city life . It’s considered the fifth largest city in Vietnam, so you’ll have tons of things to do here. 

Hanging out on the My Khe beach is a good place to relax. A more adventurous activity is walking up the stairs to reach the Marble Mountains in southern Danang. There are also lots of pagodas and good street food to try. 

If you’re a fan of theme parks , add the Sun World Ba Na Hills to the list so you can see the iconic Golden Bridge of two giant hands holding up the walkway. Check out our experience visiting Ba Na Hills here. 

Another recommended theme park is Sun World Danang Wonders which is a mini Disney World Epcot with the theme of international countries. You’ll see the giant Ferris wheel when you’re in the center of the city. There are also more thrill rides here versus at Ba Na Hills. Read our Sun World Danang Wonders travel guide here. 

Danang is a central hub to visit other areas in Central Vietnam such as Hue and Hoi An. One of the coolest things to do is to ride a motorbike along the Hai Van Pass . It’s a bucket list adventure to ride through the windy roads from Danang or Hoi An to Hue. If you can’t drive a motorbike, it’s not a problem as you can join a motorbike tour or car tour to experience this.

Check out our 3 days in Danang itinerary for ideas on what to do. 

Danang is a top city to visit during your Vietnam travels. Photo credit: richie0703 via Depositphotos.com

Located in Quang Nam Province and near Danang, Hoi An ( Hội An) is a swoonworthy and beautiful destination to visit in Vietnam. The picturesque yellow buildings, colorful lanterns, and cobblestone roads attract many visitors. We can see why it received the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition due to its preservation of the Ancient Town, a former port area. 

Walking through the Ancient Town is the highlight of visiting Hoi An . Due to Hoi An’s former trading area, there are lots of influences in the building facades from Chinese, Japanese, and European countries. If you love architecture, then this is a place to visit!

Also, cars and motorbikes are not allowed in Ancient Town, so you won’t get disturbed when browsing boutique shops with handicrafts and souvenirs. The only thing to watch out for is the cyclos (part bicycle-part carriage) passing by on the narrow roads. 

Hoi An is the place to get tailored clothes and shoes done . Whether you need a business suit, dress, shirts, or shoes done to your style, spend a few days here to get customized clothes. 

At night, the streets illuminate with multi-colored silk lanterns around the walking area . You’ll get the popular night shot of the lanterns here. You can ride a boat along the Thu Bon River and release a candle lantern in the waters for good luck. (Although, we would advise that since it litters the riverside.)

There are also a few night markets that sell touristy souvenirs such as dresses, Hawaiian shirts, hats. Since the same printed materials are used, your family can be stylish and have a matching set. 

If you’re short on time, you can visit Hoi An as a day trip from Danang. It’s a short 30-40 minute car ride away. 

Hoi An Ancient Town is a popular spot to visit in Vietnam. Photo credit: efired via Depositphotos.com

6. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City ( Hồ Chí Minh and referred to as Saigon and HCMC) is the vibrant, super busy city in South Vietnam that never sleeps. With a population of 9 million people, it’s a BIG city. Many tourists tend to overlook Ho Chi Minh City in their itineraries, yet, there are so many fun touristy attractions and nighttime activities to experience.

If HCMC is your first visit to Southeast Asia, you’ll experience memorable “firsts” – crossing the street with oncoming vehicles coming towards you, seeing motorbikes and cars navigating the roads without traffic lights, sharing the sidewalks with motorbikes, and much more. It’s a bit chaotic yet we love it which is why we’ve stayed in HCMC for over 3 years!

Ho Chi Minh has some of the prettiest buildings with French-influenced architecture . Check out the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral (still in restoration), Opera House, Tan Dan Church (a pink church), and City Hall (the building behind Uncle Ho Statue on Nguyen Hue Walking Street.) 

Other iconic landmarks include the Independence Palace, War Remnant Museum, Cafe Apartment, Saigon Skydeck , and Landmark 81, the tallest building in HCMC with 81 floors.  

Foodies will love the food options in HCMC . You can get any type of Vietnamese cuisine and street food at local restaurants or sidewalk kiosks. They’re plentiful and available at any time of the day, even at 3:00am if you have the munchies. If you miss eating Western food or international cuisines, HCMC has delicious options to try. Check out our food posts with recommendations: Burgers , Desserts , Pizzas , Japanese food , and Vegetarian/Vegan Options . 

Depending on how much time you have here, check out our recommendations on how to spend one day , 3 days , and 5+ days in HCMC . 

Related: What to do in HCMC during the rainy season 

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

Ben Tre ( Bến Tre ) is one of the best day trips to take from Ho Chi Minh City . Located along the Mekong Delta, this capital city of Ben Tre Province is known for growing the most delicious coconuts in the country . 

If you see signs for dừa xiêm anywhere, these are the small, young coconut with the sweetest coconut water. You must try them, especially on a hot, humid day. 

Many tourists head to Ben Tre for a day tour as it’s the closest city to Ho Chi Minh City to explore the Mekong Delta. 

A typical one day Mekong Delta tour consists of visiting a coconut candy factory (definitely buy the coconut candy as souvenirs), tasting fresh honey and honey tea from a local honey farm, riding a sampan along the Mekong River, catching snakeheads, freshwater fish, in the muddy waters for lunch, learning about the Coconut Monk, listen to traditional music, and much more. 

It’s touristy, yet it’s a fun introduction to the Mekong Delta and to see endless coconut trees in the area.

Ben Tre is a special place to visit to experience life along the Mekong Delta.

Beautiful Places in Vietnam

Sapa ( Sa Pa ) is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam! It’s the perfect destination if you want a mix of breathtaking landscapes, relaxing, and trekking through the ethnic villages . 

Located in Lao Cai Province, many locals and tourists flock to Sapa from Hanoi to witness the golden rice terraces and harvest during the late August/September time frame. Yet, it’s still a gorgeous place to visit and see the green rice terraces during the other months of the year. 

Hiking Sapa is one of the highlights of the area. Adventure travels will love to spend at least 2-3 days trekking through the rice fields, pass through ethnic villages, and enjoy the scenery. We recommend exploring Lao Chai and Ta Van Valley , although Cat Cat Village is also a popular trail to visit. 

You get the chance to stay overnight at homestays , meet and interact with the owners and family of the homestays, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with them. It’s a meaningful experience to interact with the locals. 

Read our blog on trekking tips for Sapa so you can be fully prepared. 

An ambitious and challenging hike to conquer is Fansipan Mountain . It’s the highest peak in Vietnam at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). Allocate 1-2 days to reach Fansipan’s summit (or take the cable car up).  Check out our experience on how to hike Fansipan in 1 day here.

Otherwise, plenty of breathtaking ecolodges overlook the rice terraces and is perfect for relaxing for a few days. 

Read our post on how to spend 3 days in Sapa , including restaurant picks and where to stay.

Sapa’s mountains and rice terraces are gorgeous to see in person.

9. Ninh Binh 

Ninh Binh ( Ninh Bình ) is a popular place to visit in Vietnam. It’s referred to as “ Halong Bay on land ” due to the beautiful limestone karsts in the Trang An Grottoes area and the jaw-dropping rice fields and landscapes. You may also recognize Ninh Binh as one of the main filming locations for the Hollywood movie, “ Kong .”

The top things to do in Ninh Binh include riding a sampan along the Trang An area and watching the landscape pass by and wandering through the numerous temples such as the photogenic Hang Mua temple and Bich Dong Pagoda. This area is also perfect to spend the day cycling through the rice fields and seeing a calmer lifestyle.  

We visited Ninh Binh Province on our first trip to Vietnam. Although it was a quick day trip from Hanoi, we would love to return to spend a few more days here. 

Ninh Binh is a memorable destination to visit in Vietnam since it’s so pretty here. Photo credit: Jessica May via Scopio Photos

10. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Want to visit the “Adventure Capital of Asia”? Head to Phong Nha, home of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and located in Quang Binh Province. It’s a beautiful area with the Son River flowing through the town and the tall limestone mountains in the backdrop. 

The must-thing to do in Phong Nha is to wander through caves and see stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over many years. There are over 500 caves to explore in the national park ! The most popular ones are Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave which are more accessible. 

The adventure travelers will love going on multi-day caving and trekking tours to explore hidden caves . Oxalis Adventure and Jungle Boss are two companies that offer tours. 

We personally loved going on Oxalis’s Hang En Cave 2-day trek and staying overnight in the world’s third-largest cave. It’s a memorable experience trekking through the jungle and scrambling through the dark cave areas. 

A bucket list trek is hiking to Son Doong , the world’s largest cave to see the natural ecosystem and unique views. You’ll need to save up some money since this trek is $3,000 USD per person. 

Other fun adventures that do not include caves are hiking through the Botanic Garden to see a waterfall, taking a motorbike or bicycle to see the rural areas of Bong Lai Valley , and kayaking. 

Otherwise, you’re more than welcome to relax on a hammock next to the river and lounge around for the day.

Read this Phong Nha itinerary on how to spend 2-4 days here. 

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is a gorgeous place to visit during your Vietnam trip.

Dalat ( Đà Lạt ) is such a refreshing area to add to your Vietnam itinerary . It’s one of our favorite places in Vietnam to spend a weekend. Due to the location in the Central Highlands mountain range, it’s much cooler than the rest of South Vietnam. You will need to bring a jacket and wear long pants. The chances of rain are also higher here. 

Dalat is known for its fresh produce and fruits . You can visit a farm to pick fresh fruits or head to the main Night Market area to buy the produce. We’ve visited a few times and there are a few staple items of artichokes, strawberries, and avocados. As a heads up, do not touch the produce unless you plan to buy them. Otherwise, the seller will yell at you.

The main Dalat City has tons of things to do such as visit Botanical Gardens, go coffee shop hopping, see some French-inspired architectural buildings, and visit the whimsical Crazy House. If you need snacks to bring back home, stop by Langfarm which has tea, dried fruits, candies made with fruit juice, and more. 

Some day trips from Dalat include visiting the pretty waterfalls , such as Pongour, Elephant, Dantala, Tam Tham , and Prenn, and hiking to the peak of Langbiang at 2,167 Meters (7,109 feet). When you leave the main area, you can see how pretty and green the entire area is. 

Read how to spend 3 days in Dalat here.  

Dalat is one of the coolest places to visit in Vietnam to see agriculture and nature.

12. Bao Loc

Most tourists haven’t heard of Bao Loc ( Bảo Lộc or B’Lao ), yet it’s a fun place to visit if you’re a tea lover . Located in Lam Dong Province of the Central Highlands, it’s a good stopping point either before or after visiting the neighboring Dalat City. 

Bao Loc’s green mountains are covered in luscious tea plantations. It’s gorgeous to see in person. The popular store selling tea is Tam Chau where you can try tea and also buy some as souvenirs. The store sells oolong, green, jasmine, and artichoke tea in loose-leaf or tea bags. 

The local tourist attraction is visiting the towering Dambri Waterfall at the Dambri Tourist Area. It also has a neighboring Dasara Waterfall. This is a family-friendly place as there is a swimming pool, Ferris Wheel, and children’s rides available. You can spend the entire day here in this tourist area. 

Another fun place to visit is the Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda to see the sunrise. Since you’re up on the mountain, you can see the sun peek through the clouds. 

Check out the must-do things to do in Bao Loc here. 

Dambri Waterfall is a fantastic spot to see a beautiful waterfall in Bao Loc, Vietnam.

13. Con Dao Islands

Con Dao Islands ( Côn Đảo ) is our little secret of a dreamy destination to visit in Vietnam . Con Dao is made up of an archipelago of 16 islands, while Con Son Island is the largest and habitable one. 

Con Son has some of the cleanest beaches that we’ve seen in Vietnam . We can’t stop raving about the white sand, turquoise water, and trash-free beaches. The must-visit beaches include Nhat Beach or Dam Trau Beach and see the airplanes fly by. 

Some of the other best things to do in Con Dao Islands include visiting the Con Dao prisons and seeing the tiger cages in person, exploring the Con Dao National Park, snorkeling at nearby islands, and relaxing. We can’t stress enough how you must swim in the turquoise waters since it’s the bluest water that we’ve seen in the country!

While there are small, local guesthouses to stay at, splurge at the Six Senses and enjoy the isolated area and private beaches. 

Con Dao Islands is a beautiful spot to visit in Vietnam as the beaches and waters are clean!

14. Ly Son Island

Love eating garlic? Head to Ly Son Island ( Đảo Lý Sơn ) in Quang Ngai Province. This is a small, unique island to visit in Vietnam as it’s well-known for growing the small pearl-shaped garlic and shallots . Since the island is an inactive volcano, the nutrients from the lava and sand provide a gentle flavor to the garlic. 

There are only a handful of noteworthy attractions to visit on Ly Son Island, such as hiking Gieng Tien and seeing a natural arch at To Vo Gate. If you want to hang out at the beach, take a boat ride to the neighboring island, An Binh. The waves are not as rough here yet the waters are so clean and blue!

You have to try the fresh seafood here . It’s one of the memorable places that we’ve eaten for fresh seafood. Choose your seafood and shellfish and have it cooked any way you’d like. Also, don’t forget to eat any dishes with garlic! 

Ly Son doesn’t have a tourism boom yet and it’s a bit challenging to get here. It’s worth the effort to get here to enjoy the untapped area and quietness of this island. 

Read our Ly Son Island travel guide here. 

15. quy nhon.

Quy Nhon ( Quy Nhơn or Qui Nhơn) is one of the most underrated cities to visit in Vietnam . It’s a small, coastal town in Binh Dinh Province with plenty of attractions to keep you busy for a few days. 

Head to the beaches and go snorkeling at Ky Co Beach and visit the historical Cham Towers . The Cham Towers incorporate the Hindu culture from the Cham people and are scattered around Vietnam. The architecture is similar to what you see at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia . Plus, visiting Eo Gio to see some of the bluest waters in Vietnam is another must-see attraction. 

The tourism infrastructure is still in its infancy so you can enjoy the relaxed vibe here. Plus, there aren’t too many resorts in Quy Nhon yet!

It is hot here, so get up early to join the locals and exercise on the beach or swim in the ocean. The afternoon is best to relax in the air-conditioning cafes and coffee shops.

Check out the top things to do in Quy Nhon here. 

Eo Gio is one of the beautiful and unique spots to check out in Quy Nhon.

16. Bidoup Nui Ba National Park

Bidoup Nui Ba National Park ( Vườn quốc gia Bidoup Núi Bà) is not on a typical itinerary, yet it’s a memorable spot to go on a multi-day trek through the forest . Located in the Lam Dong Province, you can combine this visit with Dalat as they’re nearby. 

On your 2 day/1 night trekking tour of Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, you get the chance to travel along the two highest peaks along Langbiang mountain range. The summit is at 2,287 meters (7,503 feet). 

It’s quite an adventure to hike up the mountain as the plant foliage isn’t maintained and is super tall. Plus, there are some steep areas so be careful when hiking. You’ll also need to watch out for leeches as they’ll crawl up the hiking shoes and legs. 

Once you reach the campsite, the tents will be set up and then you can relax and enjoy the BBQ dinner. 

Read our intense trekking experience at Bidoup Nui Ba National Park here. 

17. nha trang.

Nha Trang, located in Khanh Hoa Province, is a quick getaway from Ho Chi Minh City for some sunshine and beach life . 

Lounging on the beaches is a must-do when visiting Nha Trang. Nha Trang Beach is the most visited and crowded since it’s easy to access from most guesthouses and resorts. Plus, it stretches over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). 

Nha Trang is famous for the mud baths and mineral spas so you must try one when you’re here. We loved visiting I-Resort and getting pampered for half a day. The mud bath is relaxing and feels silky smooth. 

Other day trips from Nha Trang City that you can take are visiting VinWonders Nha Trang theme park (also referred to as Vinpearl Nha Trang) or lounge at Hon Tam Island and do water sports. 

Check out what to do in Nha Trang in 3 days here. 

Related: taking the overnight train from ho chi minh city to nha trang  .

Nha Trang has good weather to spend on the beach and outdoors.

Mui Ne ( Mũi Né ) is a small coastal area in the Phan Thiet City of Binh Thuan Province. We say that it’s the younger sister of Nha Trang since there are lots of beaches, sand, and plenty of relaxation opportunities here. We’ve been here with friends and family and love spending a few days in this area. 

The famous attractions in Mui Ne are the sand dunes . There are the red and white sand dunes and you can either visit them by motorbike or on a Jeep Tour for a sunrise or sunset view. You can rent a metal sheet to slide down the dunes. We recommend the Jeep Tour since you can also stop by the fishing village and walk through a small stream (Fairy Stream). 

Kitesurfing is the main outdoor water sport here. You can take lessons and practice your kitesurfing skills. 

Check out other fun things to do in Mui Ne here. 

If you have an extra day, consider taking a motorbike or a taxi to visit the longest reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia at Ta Cu Mountain . This place is located an hour away from Mui Ne. You can either take the cable car or hike the mountain. Check out how to hike Ta Cu Mountain here. 

19. Cat Tien National Park

If you’re itching for some nature, head to Cat Tien National Park ( Vườn Quốc Gia Cát Tiên) in the Dong Nai Province. This national park is a decent size at over 70,000 hectares. 

It’s recommended to spend a few days here to enjoy the wildlife on the night safari or sunrise trek to see wild gibbons, nature walks through the forest, and visit ethnic villages. You can also take a boat ride along the Dong Nai River and may see monkeys along the river. All tours are organized through the National Park, so ask your accommodation to help arrange a spot. 

The entire area is quiet and it isn’t crowded with tourists, so you can have the park to yourself!

Check out the other things to do in Cat Tien National Park here. 

Cat Tien National Park is an ideal place to visit in Vietnam for outdoor adventures and nature walks.

20. Ma Da – Tri An 

Ma Da – Tri An ( Mã Đà -Trị An) is not on a typical Vietnam itinerary as this attraction is catered to local Vietnamese tourists. Located in Dong Nai Province, this place is perfect for those who want to spend the day outdoors. 

Wandering through the Ma Da Forest is the main highlight since it’s so quiet and beautiful here. You can either run, walk, or cycle through the red clay-colored dirt path. Heads up, the dirt does stain light-colored clothes and shoes. 

Afterward, go stand up paddleboarding (SUP) in the manmade Tri An Lake and cool off from your earlier walk. 

You’ll need to join a local tour group as the infrastructure for foreign tourism is not developed yet. This would be a fun day trip from Ho Chi Minh City if you’re staying in the area long-term and can meet new people. 

Check out our Ma Da Tri An visitor guide here. 

21. an giang .

An Giang Province is an undiscovered area along the Mekong Delta . This area is at the Cambodia-Vietnam border so you can use it as a border crossing (if permitted). Otherwise, this area doesn’t receive many foreign tourists as it’s far from Ho Chi Minh City (it’ll take 5+ hours by bus one-way). 

The two main cities are – Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. Most of the attractions are nearby the Chau Doc area. 

The top things to do in An Giang Province is to visit the Tra Su Cajuput Forest and take a sampan through the mangrove forest and visit Cam Mountain tourist attraction. There is also a floating market, an area to explore the Cham Village since many of the ethnic Cham people live here, and Masjid Jamiul Azhar Mosque. 

This is one area that we would love to return and explore further. 

Read our An Giang visitor guide on how to spend 1 day here. 

Tra Su Cajuput Forest is a gorgeous place to visit in An Giang!

22. Binh Phuoc

Binh Phuoc Province ( Bình Phước ) is an untapped area of Vietnam that most people haven’t heard about. This area borders Cambodia and is north of Ho Chi Minh City. 

It’s known for growing the best cashews around the country . These cashews are plump and large and often have roasted skin outside which is edible. You’ll see cashew trees everywhere even on the side of the road. It’s cool to see the colorful cashew fruit and nut growing from the bottom of the fruit. 

Tip : Do not eat the raw nut from the fruit as there is a toxic oil called urushiol and you’ll get intense rashes and blisters. 

If you’re in the area, consider hiking up Ba Ra Mountain (White Virgin Mountain) as it’s the third highest peak in South Vietnam at 736 meters (2,415 feet). (The second highest is Chua Chan Mountain in Dong Nai Province.) Currently, the hike isn’t open to the public and you’ll need to make arrangements in advance to visit the summit. The hike is a steep walkway up the mountain to reach the pagoda. You’ll feel the burn in your legs! 

Check out our Ba Ra Mountain hiking guide here. 

23. cu chi  tunnels.

Technically, Cu Chi is part of Ho Chi Minh City, but on the northern side. Located over 2 hours away from the city center and in the countryside, it’s a popular and unique place to visit in Vietnam to see the underground network of tunnels at Cu Chi Tunnels. 

During the Vietnam War, the Vietnamese soldiers (Viet Cong) lived underground in over 250 kilometers (155miles) of tunnels and used the tunnels for shelter, medical aids, and moving equipment around.

There are two tunnels – Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh, to visit depending on your preference. While you can’t visit the entire tunnel, about 121 kilometers (75 miles) have been preserved for tourists. We’ve visited the Ben Duoc as it contains portions of the original tunnels that the soldiers used. 

Cu Chi Tunnels is a popular day trip from Ho Chi Minh City and a recommended spot to experience the underground tunnels.

24. Tay Ninh

Does Tay Ninh Province deserve to be on this list? Yes, it does! 

If you have an extra day in Ho Chi Minh City and love hiking, take a trip to Tay Ninh. It’s located in the countryside and is home to Ba Den Mountain (Black Virgin Mountain), the highest peak in South Vietnam at 986 meters (3,235 feet). You’ll need up to a half-day to hike this mountain since it’s a strenuous hike up giant boulders. Prepare yourself with lots of water since it is HOT and humid on the trail. Another option is to take the cable car to the peak .

Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the Sun World Ba Den theme park with the colorful flower gardens and topiaries and take a photo with the triangle-shaped summit sign. 

Read more about this Ba Den Mountain day hike here. 

Tay Ninh also has the famous Cao Dao Temple , and you can see the Caodaism religion and the people worshipping. Inside the temple is a must-visit to see the colorful architecture and dragon sculptures. 

25. Vung Tau

Vung Tau ( Vũng Tàu ) is the capital of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and is a coastal beach town. It’s only two hours away from Ho Chi Minh City which makes it a fantastic spot for a day trip or a weekend trip. 

The area is popular for eating fresh seafood and relaxing on the beaches. To be honest, the beaches are not the cleanest as garbage is in the sand. Yet, you can rent a hammock and relax for an afternoon. 

Vung Tau is surprisingly hilly as there are two mountains – Big Mountain and Small Mountain. Big Mountain has some incredible hiking which we recommend that you do if you know a local. Check out our Big Mountain hiking experience here . Small Mountain has a mini Christ of Jesus statue that you can see. 

Other awesome hikes to do in the area are Dinh Mountain and Minh Dam. Both of these hiking locations require transportation as they aren’t in Vung Tau city center. Check out our Dinh Mountain hiking guide or Minh Dam hiking guide here. 

Vung Tau is known for the beaches, coastline, and also has some amazing views!

26. Can Gio

If you have extra days in Ho Chi Minh City and want to visit a place with monkeys running around everywhere , head to Can Gio Mangrove Forest (also referred to as “Monkey Island.”) Can Gio ( Cần Giờ ) is one of the southern districts in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Spending a day in Can Gio is a fun day trip from HCMC. Explore the mangrove area, see hundreds of monkeys in the forest, and wander through a former base used during the Vietnam War in the forest area. 

Tip: Beware of any belongings such as sunglasses and hats sticking out from your purse or backpack. The monkeys will snatch anything within reach immediately and you won’t see your belongings ever again. 

After visiting this place, head to the coast to eat grilled seafood and shellfish on the black sand beach. 

Read our Can Gio Island travel guide here. 

27. tan lap floating village.

One of the unique attractions to visit in South Vietnam is Tan Lap Floating Village ( Làng Nổi Tân Lập ). It’s an eco-tourism site in Long An Province, one of the areas along the Mekong Delta. This place is surrounded by the cajuput forest and mangroves, so it’s a quiet and peaceful area to explore.

Spend the day walking along the paths through the cajuput forest and taking photos, ride a sampan boat for 30-minutes through the Melaleuca Forest, and check out the views from the Observatory Deck. During your visit, you may see gorgeous lotus flowers blooming in the waters. 

This is a nice getaway from Ho Chi Minh City and is recommended to visit if you have extra time. 

Check out our Tan Lap Floating Village visitor guide here. 

Tan Lap Floating Village is a unique spot to visit in Vietnam and walk through the Melaleuca Forest.

28. Can Tho 

Can Tho ( Cần Thơ ) is another favorite destination to visit in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta area. It’s the fourth-largest city in Vietnam yet the vibe is more relaxed and calm compared to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Can Tho is known for growing much of the rice along the Mekong Delta . Rice production contributes to about half of the country’s production. 

The main attraction is visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market early in the morning. You ride a sampan boat to the market and get the chance to see large boats overflowing with seasonal fruits (pineapples and watermelons) and vegetables (pumpkin). The seller must sell everything before heading back home. 

The main city area is walkable as there are many temples and pagodas to wander through. The evening has a night market that sells clothes and street food. Try the grilled Vietnamese rice paper ( bánh tráng nướng ) as it’s so delicious here. 

Check out our Can Tho travel guide for more details on what to do here. 

29. phu quoc island.

Want to get away from the craziness of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi? Head to Phu Quoc Island ( Phú Quốc) ! Located south of the country and close to Cambodia, it’s a popular weekend destination to relax on the beach or hang out at a 5-star resort. Since the island has an international airport, there are plenty of visitors who visit this island for the much-needed sunshine. 

Since you’re on one of the best islands in Vietnam , there are plenty of things to do here. Choose from many of the beaches to relax on (we recommend Sao Beach), take a day trip snorkeling on the smaller islands, visit a pepper farm, learn how fish sauce is made, visit the night market, and more. Luckily, the island is large enough and spread out so it never feels too busy with tourists. 

A memorable meal to try is bún kèn , a hot noodle soup with ground fish, lemongrass, and papaya salad.   

Read how to spend 2 days on Phu Quoc Island here.  

Sao Beach is a recommended spot on Phu Quoc Island to relax.

Final Thoughts

How many of these 29 best places in Vietnam are now on your bucket list? 

Whether you’re into culture, architecture, history, landscape, or food, there is a place for you to visit in this country. We hope you get a chance to visit many of these amazing cities on a future trip to Vietnam. Even if it’s your second or fifth return trip to Vietnam, you’re bound to discover something new when revisiting sites. 

We’ll continue to explore Vietnam and will update this post on the cool places to visit!

Like this post? Save it to your Vietnam Pinterest board.

Featured photo credit & pin photo credit: HCThanh via Depositphotos.com

I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

Hiking Minh Dam Mountain – An Easy Day Hike Near Vung Tau, Vietnam

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Gosh – this makes me realise that I need longer than the week I’d planned for my trip to Vietnam. Thanks for opening my eyes to so many wonderful destinations and experiences.

You’re welcome Megan!! I hope you get to visit Vietnam in the future. One week in Vietnam barely scratches the surfaces so two weeks would be better. Feel free to reach out at any time if you have any questions about the places you visit.

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22 Best Things to Do in Vietnam In 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: January 1, 2024

Visiting Vietnam is unlike many other destinations, mixing a fascinating blend of adventure, history, and scenic beauty that is unmatched. If you want a fascinating adventure in Southeast Asia with a blend of past and present, Vietnam is the place for you! There are so many things to do in Vietnam; you could easily spend two months exploring its countryside. We spent 30 days in Vietnam, and even that was barely enough time to see everything this diverse nation offers. 

Table of Contents

Top things to do in Vietnam

Be it the mesmerizing views of Sapa and Ha Long, the fascinating history of the DMZ and Cu Chi Tunnels, or the busier hubs of Hanoi, Vietnam will “WOW” the adventurous spirit in you. Here are our favorite things to do in Vietnam.

We worked our way from Southern Vietnam to the North, starting f rom the border of Cambodia. Vietnam has some amazing sites to see. From beautiful natural wonders to fantastic shopping, mountain adventures, and chill-out beach life, Vietnam has something to offer for everyone.

The list of things to do in Vietnam is endless, and you could visit Vietnam again and again. But this guide will help you plan the must-see attractions and top places to visit in Vietnam.

1. Visit Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a wonder of nature in the South China Sea, where thousands of islands jut out of the turquoise water, creating a never-ending horizon of mountains.

Taking a boat tour of Vietnam is like entering a mythical world of emerald waters and towering karst formations dot the horizon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, is a top highlight for any Vietnam itinerary. You can book your 2-day cruise here.

You can kayak through hidden lagoons, explore magnificent caves like Sung Sot or Thien Cung, or even find a secluded cove for a swim. Halong Bay is one of the top things to do in Vietnam, and it was our most memorable experience. We explored the labyrinth on a small teak cabin cruiser, where we had our private bunk and were treated to a feast. 

Sleeping in the bay surrounded by these sleeping giants while looking into the clear night sky is a unique experience Read: Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay – How to Choose Your Vietnam Cruise?

2. Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island in Vietnam is a slice of paradise that’s perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of adventure and relaxation to their Vietnam trip. Tucked away in the Gulf of Tonkin, just a stone’s throw from the famous Halong Bay, this laid-back island is all about striking scenery with its cool jungles, awesome limestone cliffs, and dreamy beaches.

Cruises often include a visit to one of the caves on Cat Ba Island during our Halong Bay cruise. There are four interesting caves on the island. Hospital Cave served as a hospital for wounded soldiers and a bomb shelter for the Vietnamese. Trung Trang Cave is the largest cave on the island, and Hoa Cuong Cave is known for its beautiful stalactites.

If you’re into snorkeling, the clear waters around the island are a treat. For those who love a good trek, the trails through Cat Ba National Park are a must-try – you never know what wildlife you might spot! And hey, if chilling on the beach is more your thing, Cat Ba’s got you covered. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to hop over to the gorgeous Lan Ha Bay for some fun on the water.

3. Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay is an alternative to Halong Bay for travelers who love to discover the road less traveled. Nestled just off the beaten path of its famous neighbor, Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long offers a more laid-back, authentic experience. Read more: Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay – How to Choose Your Cruise?

It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds while cruising on a traditional junk boat, surrounded by serene emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts. You can explore hidden caves, visit fishing villages, and even find secret beaches to have all to yourself.

The vibe here is all about taking it easy and savoring the moment. Whether you’re kayaking in the bay’s calm waters or just chilling on the deck of your boat, Bai Tu Long Bay is the ultimate place to relax and soak in some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes. Check out prices and availability here.

A journey through the jaw-dropping mountain scenery of Sapa took our breath away in more ways than one! Trekking through the high rice terraces near a mountain town near the Chinese border feels like you are walking through a postcard. 

We stayed with the hill tribes, visiting ethnic minority villages of the Hmong, Red Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho Peoples. We trekked for three days through the vast rice terraces of this rugged land. The beauty is overwhelming as every corner I turn leaves me more amazed. 

Giant terraces filled with water glistened in the sun for as far as we could see.  Water buffalo graze in the fields, and villagers dressed in traditional handmade clothing greeted us as we walked along the path.

The villagers live by the old ways here. They harness water from the mountain to use as irrigation, they hand weave their own material, and they grow their own rice. They are a people truly at one with the land. Book this highly rated two day trek to a Homestay.

5. Rice Fields of Tam Coc

The enchanting Rice Fields of Tam Coc is a hidden gem in Vietnam’s picturesque Ninh Binh province. Often referred to as the ‘Halong Bay on Land’, Tam Coc is a dreamy landscape of lush green rice fields surrounded by towering limestone karsts, best explored by a leisurely boat ride along the Ngo Dong River.

As you glide through the water, you’ll be captivated by the tranquil beauty of the rice paddies, with local farmers tending to their fields and the majestic hills providing a stunning backdrop. Each season brings a different hue to the fields, from emerald green in the spring to golden yellow during harvest time.

Tam Coc isn’t just about the scenery; it’s a place to connect with the peaceful rhythm of rural Vietnamese life. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the natural beauty here is simply photogenic. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone seeking a serene escape, the Rice Fields of Tam Coc promise an experience that’s both soothing and visually spectacular, making it a top pick for your Vietnam itinerary.

Hanoi is hectic and overwhelming; even crossing the street can be an adventure. We sat on a second-floor terrace watching people take their lives in their hands as they crossed the road a busy intersection like a game of Frogger. It was a lot of hours of amusement.

In Hanoi, you also see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum honoring Ho Chi Minh, the founder of modern Vietnam. Other things not to miss in Hanoi are the Magical Water Puppet Show, continuing a thousand-year-old tradition, the temple of literature, and you must sample Vietnamese food on a food tour of Hanoi. This highly rated Street Food Tour takes you on a walk through the old quarter of Hanoi with a local guide. Sample street food and local favorites. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

We explored Hanoi’s sights, eating French baguettes and sipping lattes on Hoan Klem Lake. This is a great place to escape the hectic pace of the city. Hanoi has a rich French colonial past; to see it, you must explore Hanoi’s old quarter.

A great option is to combine a Street food and Water Puppet Show Combo – Sample delicious Vietnamese, learn about Hanoi’s unique food culture, enjoy the night view of Hoan Kiem Lake and finish off with the water puppet show. Easy cancellation on tours with 24 hours’ notice. Read More: The 29 Best Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

7. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon ) is a bustle with markets, food stalls, and nightclubs. This is where our Vietnam adventure began, and it was an eye-opener of a first stop. A city of 7 million people, Ho Chi Minh City, is the heart of Vietnamese nightlife, with Karaoke bars, nightclubs, and many places offering cheap beer and cocktails.

Trishaw drivers won’t take no for an answer as they follow you down the street looking to make their fare. Where shopping is the main priority and dodging touts is a full-time job.

The city has French colonial buildings mixed between neon lights and skyscrapers. The most popular tourist attractions are probably the Reunification Palace, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Binh and Tay Market. See more things to do in Ho Chi Min City here.

Search for Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

8. War Remnants Museum

No one can forget the Vietnam War, and there are many tributes and places to visit in Vietnam that pay respect to the country’s war history. In Ho Chi Minh City, The War Remnants Museum is an emotional look at the effects of war. A stand-out display was one that honored photographers and correspondents who lost their lives covering the war.

Other attractions to see in Ho Chi Minh City are the Reunification Palace, which is the site where the Vietnam War symbolically came to an end. We walked by the American Embassy, known for the infamous rooftop helicopter evacuations after the fall of Saigon, and we checked out the thriving waterfront with luxury hotels, nightclubs, and the bustling Mekong River.

Paying tribute to its French colonial past, the city is also home to a cathedral named after Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Check out all the things to do at The Best of Ho Chi Minh City

9. The Cu Chi Tunnels

The fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels are an amazing day trip from Ho Chi Minh where you can experience what the Viet Cong soldiers and fighters went through living life underground during the war. You can book this highly rated tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City.

Agent Orange, napalm, and constant bombing wiped out the jungle during the Vietnam War, but it is now lush and green and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam. Watch our Video inside the Cu Chi Tunnels

Our guide showed us how the Vietnamese would escape in the jungle and camouflage the entrances with termite hills. We learned that they fought in sandals made from automobile tires to avoid jungle rot. And we learned how they wore checkered scarves to announce that they were fighting for the North and how farmers snuck food to soldiers.

It was then into the claustrophobic original tunnel to crawl for 100m in darkness to get a sense of just how uncomfortable the conditions were. Read more at The Cu Chi Tunnels of Vietnam

10. Cruise the Mekong Delta

The Mekong River is a massive river spanning 4500km of diverse wildlife and incredible views, starting in China and flowing through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam before ending at the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam. One of the best things to do in Vietnam is to book a tour of the Mekong Delta to see its floating markets,

Along the way, you will find floating markets selling local produce and everything from fruit and vegetables to conical hats and fake clothing, unlike the markets in Ho Chi Minh City.

At small factories, we learned how to make coconut candy and rice paper, being offered a taste to entice us into buying a souvenir. It is all a little contrived at times as they try very hard to make you purchase something, but the scenery is incredible, and watching local life unfold is fascinating.

Book a full-day  Mekong Delta Tour , including a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Free cancelation for a full refund within 24 hours of activity.

Ho Chi Min City Tour companies offer great package deals fighting for tourist dollars to all destinations. Life remains unchanged in the Cu Chi Tunnels as farmers still bring their produce to the floating market and people still wash their clothes by hand on its banks. 

11. Beautiful Beaches of Mui Ne

Our first beach stop in Vietnam was Mui Ne, and it was our favorite. A spectacular beachfront where kite surfers ride the waves in its windy bay, and the sunsets here are some of the most spectacular you will ever see. The high winds whip and swirl the clouds throughout the day, and when dusk sets in, the setting sun illuminates the sky with deep reds and bright yellows.

Mui Ne may have beautiful beaches, but the highlight of the visit was going to the sand dunes. A short jeep ride takes you out to the town’s main attraction of giant rolling hills of sand surrounded by green fields looking as though a bit of the Sahara has been dropped into South East Asia. We walked to the top in the scorching heat and took a thrilling magic carpet ride down its sandy banks.

Tour operators can take you out for some sandboarding and hiking on the massive dunes.

12. Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island is closer to Cambodia than Vietnam, but it is a part of the Vietnamese territory. When we were in Vietnam, it was a little off the beaten path and reserved for backpackers, but it has gained in status thanks to its gorgeous beaches, crystal clear waters, and fantastic nightlife. There are plenty of things to do in Phu Quoc. It now has high end resorts offering jet skiing, scuba diving, fishing, and personal boat hire are all great options.

It has acquired a bit of a legendary status with backpackers in Vietnam due to its stunning beaches, clear seas, and great bars.

Image by by photographer Réhahn. See his full photostory of Vietnam here.

Hoi An has a thousand-year history luring visitors to its ancient buildings along the Thu Bon River. The river has been attracting traders from the South China Sea for centuries. This ancient town is a blend of Asian and colonial architecture with sidewalk cafés and cobblestone streets.

If you happen to be in Hoi An during the Vietnamese New Year (Tet Festival), you will witness thousands of lanterns lining the roads.

It is truly a photographer’s dream with photo opportunities of the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Lantern Festival, and the contrast between Chinese tube houses and French colonial buildings.

Tailor-made Clothes in Hoi An

Hoi An is a favorite of many travelers to Vietnam to have some tailor-made clothes whipped up in a matter of hours! Choosing a shop can be difficult and we were standing in the rainy street confused when a lady approached us and said to follow her. Reluctantly, we followed her through winding streets and alleyways when we finally came to her shop in the market.

We proceeded to pick out patterns and styles while an army of women took our measurements and aided us in choosing materials and colors from walls of fabric. We spent way too much money and got caught up in the frenzy of buying, knocking off several days of our budget on 25 kilos of clothes that we sent home to Canada.

Word of caution: Take your time, and don’t get talked into anything. Know what you want to be made and ask for it to be double-stitched. We were very happy with our purchases and are glad we had clothes made in Vietnam.

14. Mud Bath in Nha Trang

The next beach stop took us to Nha Trang. It’s a far busier beach town with high-rise buildings, giant resorts, nightclubs, and fine dining.  This long stretch of beach is well-developed and touts are everywhere selling jewelry, hats, t-shirts, and of course cheap photocopied books.

We took a day to visit the Thap Ba Hot Springs where we took a dip in the mud baths to bask in its cool medicinal mud.  There’s a therapeutic mineral waterfall, hydrotherapy, and a swimming pool. All of my travel-weary bones and muscles are treated to a relaxing day of pampering and nurturing, preparing me for the days to come. The mud baths are an affordable day at the spa and a very unique experience.

15. Dragon’s Bridge of Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam’s vibrant coastal city, is an absolute must-visit for anyone hitting up Vietnam. It’s an awesome blend of modern vibes and traditional charm set against a backdrop of stunning beaches and rolling mountains. What’s not to love? Whether you’re into surfing the waves at My Khe Beach, exploring the Marble Mountains, or just enjoying the laid-back beachside atmosphere, Da Nang has something for everyone. And let’s not forget the city’s iconic Dragon Bridge – it breathes fire and water, which is as cool as it sounds!

Dragon Bridge is the longest bridge in Vietnam, spanning 666 meters across the Han River. Seeing it at night is a must as it lights up and the dragon spits fire and water during festivals and on weekends.

Foodies, you’re in for a treat here, too. The local cuisine is out of this world, with street food stalls and upscale restaurants serving up some of the best flavors in Vietnam. Plus, Da Nang’s central location makes it the perfect base for day trips to Hoi An or the imperial city of Hue.

16. Golden Bridge

Located an hour and a half from the city, the Golden Bridge is one of Vietnam’s newest and most jaw-dropping attractions in the Da Nang region. Architect Vu Viet Hong created it to “ invoke the sensation of walking along a thread stretching through the hands of God. ”

This attraction is part of the Sun World Ba Na Hills Amusement Park. It was created strictly to lure tourists to the area, and it worked! It wasn’t yet created when we were in Vietnam, but we had to include it because it is not to be missed! Standing 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, it extends over the edge of a cliff. The Ba Na Hills used to be a hill station for French colonialists

17. Imperial City of Hue

Hue is located in Central Vietnam and is a treasure trove of history and culture, making it a must-visit for anyone touring Vietnam. This ancient city, once the imperial capital, is home to the stunning Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s like stepping back in time.

Walking through the sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, and museums, you’ll get a real sense of Vietnam’s royal past. Here, you’ll find the tombs of the Ancient emperors. The Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Vietnam’s answer to China’s Forbidden City. The walled fortress was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

But there’s more to Hue than just its historical sites. The city is also famous for its unique Vietnamese cuisine, offering dishes you won’t find anywhere else in the country – think rich, flavorful broths and delicately crafted bites.

Plus, the serene Perfume River adds a picturesque charm to the city, perfect for a leisurely boat ride or evening stroll along its banks. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to explore a less-traveled path, Hue has something special to offer.

18. DMZ Tour

The DMZ in Central Vietnam was the dividing line between North and South Vietnam, and it is here that you can tour many war relics. Hue was also where we booked a full-day tour to explore the DMZ zone.

If you are a history buff, this is a fascinating tour. We stopped at the former headquarters of the US Marines, Dong Ha, and famous battlegrounds like Hamburger Hill. (there was a movie made about this battle.)

We also visited another set of tunnels that were much bigger than the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Vinh Moc Tunnels were a strategic point for the Vietnamese to hide from American bombers.

19. Caves of Phong Nha

If you have time to plan and some deep pockets, the caves of Phong Nha are a must. Hang Son Doong is the world’s largest cave, and there is a long waiting list to see it! Located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site can be visited on a day trip or an expedition of up to 5 days.

Discovered in 2009 in the Quang Binh province, this massive cave boasts sections up to 200 meters high and 150 meters wide, complete with its own weather system and unique ecosystem. The journey to Son Doong Cave is a multi-day trek, usually spanning 4 to 5 days, and involves hiking, camping, river crossings, and navigating the rugged terrain of the national park.

There are other caves in Phong Naha besides Son Doong so if you don’t have the money or time to spare, you can also check out Hang En Cave, Tu Lan Cave System, Hang Tien Cave, Hang Va Cave, and Nuoc Nut Cave.

All tours are conducted by licensed tour operators with experienced guides to ensure safety and minimal environmental impact. The tours often involve local porters and guides, providing economic benefits to the community and promoting sustainable tourism.

20. Ngo Dong River

The Ngo Dong River in Vietnam is a serene escape that’s perfect for travelers looking to soak up some unique Vietnamese scenery. Picture this: you’re gently rowing down a calm, winding river flanked by lush, green rice fields and towering limestone cliffs. It’s like stepping into a postcard!

Located in the scenic Tam Coc region, a ride along the Ngo Dong River is all about embracing the peaceful vibes and breathtaking views. It’s where you’ll get those awesome photos of local life, with farmers working in the fields and fishers casting their nets. And don’t forget about the incredible limestone caves you’ll pass through – it’s like nature’s own cathedral.

Whether you’re a solo explorer or with your family, a trip down the Ngo Dong River is a must-do. It’s not just a boat ride; it’s an experience that lets you connect with the tranquil beauty of Vietnam in a way that’s both relaxing and unforgettable. So, when you’re planning your Vietnam adventure, make sure to add the Ngo Dong River to your itinerary – it’s a highlight that’s not to be missed!

21. the Central Highlands

The Central Highlands’ cool climate, especially in towns like Da Lat, known for its French colonial architecture, flower gardens, and pine-covered hills, offers a refreshing retreat from Vietnam’s tropical heat. Da Lat is particularly famous for its adventure sports like canyoning, mountain biking, and hiking.

The Central Highlands of Vietnam a region of serene beauty known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and ethnic minority villages. This part of Vietnam provides a stark contrast to the country’s bustling cities.

Here there are opportunities for trekking and exploring the numerous national parks like Yok Don and Bidoup Nui Ba.

The region is also a haven for coffee lovers, as it’s the heart of Vietnam’s coffee-growing industry. You can visit plantations in Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital of Vietnam, and enjoy freshly brewed local varieties.

Cultural experiences abound in the Central Highlands. Visitors can immerse themselves in the unique traditions of the local ethnic groups, such as the Ede and M’nong, by visiting their villages, experiencing their traditional gong music, and learning about their way of life.

The region’s markets, especially in towns like Kon Tum and Pleiku, are vibrant and colorful, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the highlanders.

22. Indulge in Vietnamese Cuisine

Did you know that Vietnamese culture is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia? This impressive feat has given the Vietnamese people plenty of time to master their art of cooking. Today, the best Vietnamese cuisine is in restaurants around the world.

One thing you’ll find that you will eat constantly is Pho, their rice noodle soup that is beyond delicious. But there are plenty of dishes to try with influences from its French Colonial times and ancient traditions. From Vietnamese egg coffee to Banh mi, a French stuffed baguette and staple rice noodles, the cuisine of Vietnam is as diverse as its regions. Local food changes as you travel from northern Vietnam to the south, and it’s easy to dig into traditional cuisine at street stalls and small cafes.

And these are the best things to do in Vietnam. Have you been? What do you suggest for the top Vietnam attractions?

Plan Your Next Trip to Vietnam With these Resources

The 29 Best Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

32 Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Breathtaking Pictures of Vietnam
• Places to Visit in Southern Vietnam

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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23 thoughts on “22 Best Things to Do in Vietnam In 2024”

Great info, Honeymoon destinations is great outstanding experience for couples where they are thought, life planning, regarding budget, important sharing info between with them. On the other hand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Dubai, Switzerland are more remarkable places for honeymoon. Thanks for exciting information.

A very helpful article, the perfect travel destination for a 30-day trip in Vietnam. Thank you.

Yeah I think I’m gonna have to pass on the Cu Chi tunnels… lol… or at least the claustrophobic parts. Just watching the videos of people going through them makes me all uncomfortable.

Thanks for sharing such an amazing & informative blog which will surely be a big help to those travelling to the vietnam. There are many amazing places to visit and out of many the beach resorts in the southern part of the country is very popular among the tourists.There one can find many beautiful beach resorts which provides top class hospitality & great food.

All the sites in Vietnam are amazing,especially cu chi tunnels.I am happy to say because this is in my bucket list.This article is very useful for me ,thanks.

Awesome article, i would love to visit CU CHI TUNNELS and feel how it was for soldiers during the war Do we have to pay for firing?

Awesome list! Exactly why Vietnam is my favourite country!

Hello, Looks like a great trip you had! We are planning to go to Vietnam in the end of February and then 3 weeks ahead. Can I ask what time a year you went? We are curious to know if Sapa is worth visiting that time a year? Thank & best regards, Helle from Copenhagen, DK

Enjoying food is also one of the memorable experiences when traveling to Vietnam. If you have the opportunity to come here, do not forget to eat pho, beef vermicelli, bread, pancakes.

For those who does not know. Sinh Cafe is not a popular company, it’s a popular brand. Many small agent buy the name of this brand to make business. They are not all of 1 company!

Discovering Halong Bay by a cruise trip is an amazing experience. The boat I stayed ( La Pinta cruise) was so clean and modern. The boat dropped by Viet Hai fishing village then we did bicycle tour around. Such an interesting activity.

Hi Dave And Deb thanks for writing the informative blog.One should definitely go through the blog for a brief knowledge before travelling to vietnam.The southern part of the vietnam is my favorite part as it has many beautiful beaches and beach resorts are located in phan theit and mui ne.

thanks for the post. My last trip to VN was 10 days covering major tourist attractions in major cities. This coming trip like you said you can spend 2 mos in vn exploring the countryside is what I plan on. Any thoughts on which village and what factors to consider going to these hidden gems. thx for the reply

Hello, I’m Vietnamese, Thank you for visit my country. I see you have fun in Vietnam. I live in Hanoi, I went to Sapa, Hoi An, Hue like you. I hope I can go Nha Trang someday. I’m a travel bloger, too. This is my blog: https://hotieugiang.com/ , when you come back to Vietnam, I’m so proud of giving you good informations.

I love the Northwest and Northeast Vietnam. The landscapes are so stunning. Besides, I am also impressed Halong Bay. I had a night on the cruise, and It is the special time for me. Hope to visit again.

Thanks for your experience.

Hi Dave and Deb, I am about to book my tickets to Vietnam for 13 days but as you said, not enough. As I followed your tips when I made the Everest Base Camp and was most happy with your tips, I ask you: -How long is the minimum to see some top sites I’m Vietnam from top to bottom ? -Is it better start in Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi? -I feel claustrophobic in tunnels. Is any thing else to do on the tour to the Co Chi Tunnels rather then enter in it? -Is the Hop on Hop off buses too prone to be assaulted? Sorry for so many questions but I am going on my own and I want to make sure not to incur in unnecessary risk. Thanks a lot. Have wonderful time in Bhutan! Jacy

Vietnam is so beautiful, I had a trip to discover a district – Hoang Su Phi in the Northeast Vietnam. It is so stunning. I met the local people, they are ethnic minority in Hoang Su Phi and enjoyed very delicious meal with them. That is my memorable moment.

The best time to visit Vietnam is the end of each year, although Vietnam is beautiful around year. Another point is Nothern Vietnam is one of the best places for adventure tour.

Thanks for your useful article.

Hi Anhhh, thanks! we did love our time in Vietnam. Halong bay is one of the most beautiful sights on the planet and we look forward to going back one day.

We are heading to Vietnam tonight – via overnight bus from Kunming China. First stop – Sapa – we booked a tour with a local all femal H’mong company and are very excited for it! Will have to look into the hop on hop off bus ticket – sounds like a great deal!

So admiring. Sound like your trip covered most of the famous places in Vietnam. Did you guys have good time there? I want to have the same trip as well. Halong bay is my favorite destination. I love sleeping in the cruise with thousands of limestone covering outside. unique experience. Mui Ne is wonderful too. A magnificent place. Nowhere else that you can see such an amazing beauty.

The ATM’s are easy to use and you can find them in all large cities. The hop on hop off busses are easy to find in all towns. Happy Tour and Sinh Cafe are the popular ones. Just take out the maximum amount of money from the ATm’s about 2 Million Dong, it will last you and it is a lot of bills to carry around at once. Definitely go to Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Stay in a homestay in Sapa for a more authentic experience. Ha Long is beautiful. Sinh Cafe and Happy Tours offer a lot of tours you can pick and choose from them, going to the Cu Chi tunnels is a must, the At Thu Wheels motorbike tour in Hue is great too. Have a great trip. Dave and Deb

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12 best places to visit in Vietnam on your next trip

Enjoy hanoi and halong bay — then step beyond the tourist trail to find more magic in the highlands, islands, history and culture of this captivating nation.

W ith 99 million souls and a coastline that wrinkles 2,000 miles along the country from north to south, there are plenty of people to meet and a lot to see, do and eat in Vietnam. I first visited in 2004 and have returned many times since. It’s easy to follow the tourist trail of historic Hanoi, ethereal Halong Bay, shopping emporium Hoi An and buzzy Ho Chi Minh City, but push a little further and you’ll be rewarded with some dazzling and memorable experiences.

Mine have been when I’ve gone the extra mile, quite literally: a magical three-day cruise to the outer battlements of Halong Bay; a thrilling motorbike trip through the sugarloaf peaks and beyond in remote mountainous Ha Giang; meeting the last wild elephant catcher in Yok Don National Park. Taking in the elaborate mausoleums and sites of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty deepened my understanding; sighting the endemic, critically endangered Cat Ba langur on Cat Ba island was exciting; and I loved exploring the history, food and pristine beaches of Con Dao island. And of course the irresistible, fragrant food, delicious coffee, craft cocktails and beer will lead you everywhere.

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If you only have . . .

One week Hanoi, a boat trip to Halong Bay and the rice fields of the Mai Chau Valley

Two weeks After Hanoi, Halong Bay and Mai Chau, hop on trains and domestic flights to visit imperial Hue, the DMZ, the ruins of My Son, gorgeous Hoi An and energetic Ho Chi Minh City

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Three weeks Take in Ha Giang in the far north, Dalat in the Central Highlands or the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a beach break, and a boat trip along the Mekong Delta or a couple of days on remote Con Dao island

A tight budget Balance domestic flights with long-distance train journeys and Vietnam’s excellent network of hop-on hop-off “open tickets” on air-conditioned minibuses

Hanoi is noisy, traffic-choked and beautiful all at once. The thousand-year-old city of lakes, founded on a bend of the Red River, is full of history, charm, museums, shops, markets and wonderful street food. Don’t miss the Old Quarter, the heart of the city, where you’ll find lots of food, hotels and temples cheek-by-jowl with shops. Learn how to dodge the motorbikes while on a street-food tour or exploring the ochre-hued French colonial villas, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the “Hanoi Hilton” prison museum of Hoa Lo and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

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The Sofitel Legend Metropole is where Graham Greene stayed in 1951 while working for Paris Match . It’s the city’s top address and is elegant throughout

Exodus’ 14-day Vietnam Adventure takes in two full days in Hanoi with a comprehensive city tour

2. Ha Giang

Ha Giang is Vietnam ’s northernmost region, pushing up against the border with China. It’s an otherworldly landscape of sugarloaf peaks, mountain passes and rice paddies carved into impossibly steep mountains. Find villages of Red Dzao, Flower Hmong and other local minorities, markets, eco-stays and a window into a rural world of timeless traditions such as weaving. Don’t miss the palace of the Hmong king who raked in revenue from opium farming. En route, stop at the dazzling rice paddy region of Mu Cang Chai.

Panhou Retreat, up in the mountains, is a peaceful nature resort with bungalows dotted amid the trees, a spa, and hot springs

Inside Asia’s 11-day Vietnam’s Northern Soul is an in-depth exploration of the region taking in trekking, rice paddies, tea terraces, markets and visits to remote villages

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3. Pu Luong and Mai Chau

Not too far from Hanoi are these idyllic retreats found amid neon-green rice paddies. At Pu Luong nature reserve, with its homestays and eco-retreats, trek past the paddies and orchards of the Muong people and cruise down a river on a traditional bamboo raft in a landscape woven with traditional water wheels. This area is home to rare Asian black bear, Owston’s palm civet and endangered Delacour’s langur. North is the exceptionally beautiful Mai Chau Valley, a serene landscape carved in rice paddies. Stay at the lovely Avana Retreat, built by local Hmong, White Thai and Black Thai people.

Avana Retreat is built and staffed by local people. Its beautiful thatched rooms blend with the rippling contours of rice paddies

G Adventures’ 11-day Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay and trekking Pu Luong tour is one of few that takes in trekking in Pu Luong, an overnight stay, and a barbecue lunch made by local chefs

4. Bai Tu Long Bay, Halong Bay

Boats — from junks to elegant luxury vessels — cruise through the waters of Unesco-protected Halong Bay, which is studded with thousands of craggy limestone outcrops. It’s an ethereal landscape and with each turn of weather can bring dense fog or crisp blue skies. It won’t matter — it’s all enchanting. To make the most of it, head out on a boat for at least two nights to cruise to the outer “fortress” of towers — Bai Tu Long Bay. It’s more magical and it escapes the crowds of one-day and one-night boats.

Bhaya’s Au Co Cruise sails to the outer reaches of the silent bay with wonderful close-up views, smart bedrooms and delicious, artfully presented cuisine

Audley’s 19-day Classic Vietnam tour includes two nights on the Paradise Sails boat exploring the limestone stacks and coves of the outer limits of the bay

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5. Hue and the DMZ

Hue was the cultural and political power base of the Nguyen emperors, Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty. They built a citadel, gilded in bronze, enamel and lacquer, with gates for themselves, elephants and their minions, based on the Forbidden City of Beijing. They lived in extravagant regal splendour surrounded by concubines and eunuchs. And they fashioned their last resting places, all gothic-meets-Confucius and geomantic in design, landscaped with streams, statues and elaborate graves that trace the serpentine route of Hue’s Perfume River. This city is often overlooked in favour of Hoi An as a central Vietnam stop, but don’t miss it. The thousand-plus dishes of the imperial household are still eaten, too. From here, explore the Demilitarized Zone marking the border established in 1954 between the communist north and the US-backed south.

Pilgrimage Village Boutique and Spa is an exquisite address just outside the historic centre of Hue. Think garden rooms, leafy plots, a spa and a perfect oblong pool

Original Travel’s 12-day An intro to Vietnam, North to South includes an in-depth tour of Hue’s imperial past as well as other significant buildings

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6. Danang and China beach

China beach, an 18-mile curve of golden sand along the sea, was made famous by thousands of American GIs who would sunbathe here for R&R during the Vietnam War. Today, it’s more fabulous, with some top hotel retreats, such as the Four Seasons and, hidden amid the forest of monkeys on a small peninsula, the outstanding InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula designed by Asia-based architect Bill Bensley. But there’s more — the incomparable Museum of Cham Sculpture with its beautiful carved sandstone works, the nearby Unesco-protected ruins of My Son, the spiritual capital of the Cham, an Indianised culture, and Danang’s fire-breathing Dragon Bridge.

Architect Bill Bensley has weaved his magic on the glamorous InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula. Come for the cute funicular, the pool villas and the restaurant

Explore’s 14-day Inside Vietnam is one of few tours taking in the Cham museum, the My Son ruins and an optional visit to My Lai, site of a wartime massacre

• Five of the best backpacking routes in southeast Asia

Yes, it’s touristy, but that’s because it’s gorgeous. The ancient port of Hoi An is filled with Chinese temples, large merchant houses, and hundreds of tailors and craft shops. One-storey ochre-coloured homes line the small lantern-lit streets along the Unesco-protected town’s Thu Bon river. Come for the atmosphere, tailor-made clothes, and the delicious street food including some tantalising local dishes. Nearby An Bang beach provides downtime, too.

The Four Seasons Nam Hai is a sublime beachfront property. Large, gorgeous villas dot the peaceful gardens, where pools and coconut palms facing the sea

Wendy Wu’s 12-day Vietnam at a Glance ensures time spent immersed in Hoi An, meeting artisans and visiting a farming village — plus plenty left for tailoring

8. Ninh Van Bay

Ninh Van Bay is a divine little hideaway close to the major seaside resort of Nha Trang. Escape from the city to this peninsula, just north, for some serious beach time. An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay is dreamy with a boho vibe, while Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is on a sublime stretch of sand with villas tucked away between and behind huge boulders. It’s just you, the beach, the restaurant and your butler at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. The waterfalls and forests of the peninsula can be explored too.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is a barefoot getaway with villas and their private pools perched on huge biscuit-coloured boulders facing the sea. It’s boho, supremely beautiful and comes with butler service

Scott Dunn’s 11-night luxury Limitless Vietnam indulges with four nights at Ninh Van Bay and organised activities

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Dalat is a quirky place. A former French hill station up in the pine-scented highlands with a central lake, it’s ringed by attractive early 20th-century homes and villas (some hotels, some museums), markets, flower gardens and waterfalls. There’s even a golf course. Today, the city is filled with bars and cute cafés and is a great base from which to explore a load of kooky spots including the Crazy House homestay, cactus and coffee playground Kombi Land and a dragon statue made from thousands of glass bottles. Don’t miss checking out the French-built railway station, a Wes Anderson shoo-in.

Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa is a cute little hilltop hotel fashioned from an ochre-hued villa

Intrepid Travel’s 15-day Premium Vietnam in Depth offers plenty of time to explore Dalat, its quirky sites and coffee culture

10. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh is a heady city of nine million people and eight million motorbikes. It has brilliant street food, is draped in a fantastic array of fairy lights and is fuelled by a growing craft beer, spirit and cocktail scene and a thrilling, infectious energy. What two decades ago was a fairly low-rise city has now been dwarfed by an army of high rises. Don’t miss exploring the city on the back of a motorbike, visiting the top sites, and taking a trip out to the Viet Cong tunnels at Cu Chi and the fantastically decorated Cao Dai cathedral at Tay Ninh. Sampling the food and coffee goes without saying.

The Park Hyatt Saigon isn’t the best-looking from the outside. Step inside, though, and it’s a dazzler. Its restaurants and bars are top city addresses and the lovely pool is a boon on humid days. It’s right in the heart of the city, too, just behind the opera house.

Riviera Travel’s 16-day Vietnam and Cambodia tour three night-stay in Ho Chi Minh City ensures plenty of time to take in the sites and the food and explore the tunnels at Cu Chi

11. Mekong Delta

The liquid fingers of the Mekong River slink through southern Vietnam into the sea. Here you’ll find a mostly rural way of life with floating markets, temples and churches, and market farms harvesting coconut, bananas, mangos and veg. It’s not so much specific sites but a dip into the region’s culture — a mix of Cham, Khmer and Vietnamese, war history (Xeo Quyt’s Viet Cong forest bunkers are fascinating), wetlands and birds, and delicious food.

The prettily illuminated, French-inspired Victoria Can Tho faces the waterfront in lush grounds on the edge of Can Tho city. You can tour the waterways and floating markets of the delta using its own boats.

On Wendy Wu’s ten-day Magnificent Mekong cruise on the eco-friendly Victoria Mekong you’ll visit floating markets and local temples, meet artisans and explore wetlands

12. Con Dao archipelago

Con Dao was once a prison island run by the French and then the Americans. Today, this remote island off the south coast of Vietnam is a nature paradise, internationally recognised (by Ramsar) wetland area and home to the most important location for nesting sea turtles in Vietnam. Hike, snorkel, dive, sunbathe on the beautiful beaches, visit the turtle sites, and watch the squid boats at work. Visit its museum and sites, too: the cemetery of Vietnamese martyrs’ graves features seats built for their ghosts. You’ll want to stay at the fabulous Six Senses Con Dao.

The remote, secluded hideaway of Six Senses Con Dao is a luxury treat. The contemporary, glassy villas with private pools are right on the sugar-soft island sands; excellent food, the spa, and snorkelling are on tap.

Black Tomato’s 14-day Ultimate Vietnam: A luxury holiday from top to tail features fabulous beach time at the end of your trip at the exquisite Six Senses Con Dao

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• Best things to do in Vietnam • Best hotels in Vietnam

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Vietnam tips: a first-timer's guide

Aug 12, 2019 • 6 min read

Halong Bay is a World Heritage Sight and a highlight for many visitors to Vietnam © ©César Asensio / 500px

There's a lot to love about travelling in Vietnam , which stretches from the soaring mountains and fascinating ethnic groups of the north to the endless rice paddies and vibrant waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south, with more than 3000km of glorious coastline in between.

Throw in a good transport infrastructure of buses, trains and flights and an abundance of cheap but excellent street food and it's no surprise Vietnam graces countless bucket lists. But, like any country, it has its challenges, and some visitors come home with tales of scams, hectic roads and pushy vendors. Following these top tips will help you avoid the major pitfalls, and ensure you come away from your first visit to Vietnam with happy memories, as well as your souvenir conical hat.

Vietnam 's long exposure to foreigners means that many local residents aren’t as overtly curious about visitors as some of their counterparts in Cambodia , Myanmar and Laos . Also, because most Vietnamese are not confident with spoken English despite learning it in school, people tend to ignore lost-looking foreigners unless you actually ask for help. But be assured that the Vietnamese really are friendly people. If you ask someone a question with a smile and in slow, clear English, you’ll almost certainly have it answered and the smile returned. Simple phrases such as  xin chào ('hello', pronounced 'seen chow') and cám ơn ('thank you', pronounced 'kaam uhn') go a long way.

Get connected

While most hotels , cafes and restaurants have wi-fi, you can easily buy a SIM card and get connected to the internet for as little as US$3. Vietnamese street names are notoriously long (most are named after people), so digital maps trump paper ones for many travellers. You’ll also find having a local phone number handy for meeting up with tour guides and making last-minute bookings on the road. SIM cards are widely sold in corner shops and are easy to top up. Once you have a card, the process to register for internet can be tricky, so ask the shopkeeper or your hotel to do it for you. Lonely Planet's Guides app covers Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City .

Know your dong from your dollar

The Vietnamese dong is the currency of Vietnam and comes in denominations ranging from 200 to 500,000 (about US$22 at the time of writing). While it’s thrilling to become a Vietnamese millionaire, dealing with that many zeros can become frustrating, especially since some of the currency is very similar in colour. For example, the 10,000d note and the 200,000d note are both tan while the 20,000d and 500,000d notes are both blue. It’s very easy to hand over the wrong bill to a taxi driver while in a rush. Spend a minute in your room before going out to sort your bills to avoid overpaying. Even if you do end up overpaying a small amount for certain things, take it in stride. In the grand scheme of things, it’ll likely not be worth the aggravation.

While international credit and debit cards are accepted at most larger hotels, restaurants and travel agencies (sometimes with an added fee), cash is still king in Vietnam for day-to-day transactions. ATMs are widely available, and currency can be exchanged at banks (and some gold shops, although this practice is frowned upon by the government).

Note that the official system of separate prices for Vietnamese and foreigners – which applied to everything from train tickets to entrance fees – is a thing of the past.

Be wary of taxi scams

For many, motorcycle taxis are the best way see the thronging streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, scams can happen, and your best protection is a decent knowledge of where you are going and points along the way. Always agree on a price beforehand and be prepared to be quoted a higher price than the locals. For regular taxis, stick to the two major companies of Mai Linh and Vinasun (both have apps). Smaller, independent taxis are known for fast meters and aggressive drivers. If you’re in one of the larger cities, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Grab are good, offering both car and motorcycle taxis. Sometimes the driver will call to confirm, so having a Vietnamese-speaking friend nearby will come in handy.

Know your transport options

Overnight buses are a good way to cover long distances and save on accommodation costs. However, the layback seats don’t offer much legroom, so tallish passengers (anyone over 1.6m) will find it impossible to stretch out fully. While the top bunk offers slightly more privacy, they can be right at the height of street lights. Sleep masks, ear plugs and noise-cancelling headphones (especially if the bus is playing music or movies) are recommended.

That said, sometimes you can pay a few more dollars and fly – the more convenient but less sustainable option . Vietnam has several budget airlines, which offer cheap fares but are notorious for being late and strictly enforcing carry-on limits. The national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has better service and comparable pricing if booked in advance.

More comfortable than buses and cheaper than flights, train travel is another option for getting around Vietnam. A railway line spans the length of the country, following the coastline from HCMC all the way to Hanoi and beyond. It's a must for rail enthusiasts, with the ride considered amongst the most amazing train journeys in the world .

Be aware of your surroundings

Violent crime is extremely rare in Vietnam, and firearms are heavily regulated. But snatch-and-grabs and, to a lesser extent, pickpocketing, do happen. It pays to be vigilant. Use your phone and other electronics sparingly when outside (even while sitting at a sidewalk cafe or on the back of a motorbike). Leave your passport at the hotel; there’s rarely a reason to have the original on you.

Also, while Vietnam has some of the cheapest beer in the world, be careful about overdoing it. Inebriated tourists wandering back to their hotel in the morning hours when there is little traffic around can be seen as easy targets. If you come home late at night, go with a friend and splurge the extra dollar or two on an automobile taxi instead of a motorcycle taxi.

Be safe on the roads

Traffic in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can seem terrifying at first glance. Just walking across the street during rush hour can feel like an impossible task! But there is method to the madness and, like a school of fish, the traffic will inevitably glide around you as long as you keep moving at a slow and steady pace. If unsure, do as the locals do and raise one hand high to be seen above the sea of helmets.

If you’re looking to drive a motorbike yourself, it’s best to save it for one of the quieter destinations like Hoi An , Dalat or Phu Quoc . Always wear a helmet, and be aware of the exhaust pipe, which has caused many a leg burn. As motorbikes tend to drive closely to each other, keep your feet pointed inwards and think of wearing closed shoes which offer extra protection for your feet.

For more tips on planning a trip to Vietnam, including what to wear and what to book in advance, see our planning tips .

This article was originally published in July 2012 and most recently updated in August 2019.

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12 Best Places To Visit In Vietnam For The Trip Of Your Life

Vietnam is a treasure trove of all things nature and culture. so, if you're planning to visit, here are the best places to visit in vietnam..

By: Anushka Goel Published: Jan 12, 2023 01:00 PM IST

One of the most sought-after Southeast Asian travel destinations over the last couple of years has been Vietnam. The country is a treasure trove of all things nature and culture, and is amazing for the budget traveller, too. So, if you’re planning on travelling, here are the best places to visit in Vietnam.

If you’re looking to visit more countries this year, Vietnam should be on your bucket list. The country is complete with scenic landscapes and ancient architectural sights such as temples. Great for budget travellers, Vietnam has ample city experiences and some of the most delectable street food options.

Vietnam is also great for digital nomads and expats, as INR 1 equals VND 280, roughly. So, in case you’re planning to visit this beautiful, cultural nation, here’s your guide to the best places to visit in Vietnam for an enriching experience.

Places to visit in Vietnam for an amazing experience

Ha long bay.

Ha Long Bay (also spelled as Halong Bay) is a beautiful destination that boasts of azure waters and clear skies . The place speaks of tranquility, and it consists of limestone formations which make it all the more mesmerising. The best way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site is through boats, so be sure to hire one when in the area. Ha Long Bay also offers overnight tours to get enchanted in its mesmerising beauty through the night. It is truly among the best places to visit in Vietnam, and will make for a memorable experience (or two)!

How to reach: Ha Long Bay can be reached via road (about four hours from Hanoi) and train (a station is in Ha Long City). The closest airports are Van Don Airport, Noi Bai International Airport and Cat Bi International Airport.

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The Vietnamese capital is a place vibrant with local culture blended with ample modern amenities, making it a great place to visit and stay at. The second largest city in the country, Hanoi also offers some unique experiences such as dining along a railway track, delectable street food, ample lakes, museums and many architectural marvels.

How to reach: Hanoi, being the capital, is well-connected via roads, air and train. International flights from various cities in India also ply to Hanoi multiple times in a week.

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Cu chi tunnel.

Vietnam has seen its fair share of war, and thus, the country also has some destinations that take you back to the era. Among them is the Cu Chi Tunnels . The extensive network of these tunnels was used during the war, and the stretch for over 250 kilometres. They allowed troops to operate and communicate with Ho Chi Minh City. When here, get a guide who will take you through the narrow, unlit areas of the tunnel – so much so that you might have to go down on your knees and crawl through some sections!

How to reach: You can reach here via road from Ho Chi Minh City

Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta is formed where the Mekong River finds its wat to the city. Among the best places to visit in Vietnam, the destination is characterised by the crisscross maze that the waterways form. Also known as the ‘ Rice Bowl of Vietnam ‘, the destination is complete with lush paddy fields and a robust local life. Visit the floating markets via boat and see places such as the U Minh Mangrove Forest and Cau Mau Nature Reserve, among other beautiful places here.

How to reach: The place is accessible via road

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Among the places to visit in Vietnam us Hue. The town is a historic location, filled with relics from 19th century Nguyen emperors. Witness marvellous archaeological sites, the magnificent Perfume River, old but mighty gates, tombs, pagodas and a lot more on your visit here.

How to reach: The closest international airport is in Da Nang, while the domestic airport closest to Hue is 30 minutes away. The place is also reachable via train and road

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Ho chi minh city.

The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the commercial centre here. Visit for its restaurants and cafes, insane cosmopolitan culture and its heritage spots, too. At the centre of the city is Dong Khoi, known for most of the city’s touristy destinations. Visit Ho Chi Minh City’s museums that house relics and artefacts from the 19th century and before, plus experience the stunning (and few surviving) examples of the French colonial architecture here.

How to reach: Ho Chi Minh City is well-connected via air, road and train. The international airport here also connects the country to major cities abroad

My Son is an important site in Vietnam and is one of the most stunning and charming places to visit. The place is surrounded by mountains covered in a dense cover of forests. The ruins in My Son date back to the 4th Century, and this old Hindu religious centre is still much in use till date. The temples located here are made or red bricks and sandstone and have influences from India and Malaysia.

How to reach: My Son is accessible via Hoi An, and can be reached via road

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Hoi An is a town complete with lots of history. The place has beautiful (and well-preserved) merchant houses, going back to Hoi An’s trading era in the 15the century, is an important part of the country’s trade history with Japan and China . A lot of these houses are open to the public, where you can visit and experience those times. What’s more, the many small pagodas and beautiful, quaint streets to transport you back to the simple times.

How to reach: Da Nang International Airport is about 30 kilometres from Hoi An, and you can also reach here by road

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If you want to spend a couple of days in the quiet countryside, head to Sapa. The place shares its border with China, and is complete with terraced hills and many slopes. The rural villages and raw, authentic life here is what is attractive about Sapa, which makes it great for those wanting to stay away from the cities. Head there for treks and some calm. Purchase handmade jewellery and head to the gothic church, colonial sites and more.

How to reach: The nearest train station is in Lao Cai, and Sapa is reachable by car from most major towns

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What makes Phu Quoc popular is its clear blue waters and white sand beaches, making it a popular destination for travellers. Located in the south of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is great for sipping on cocktails as the sun goes down, grabbing a bike to trail the dirt roads, and fun local markets with delectable cuisine and beverages.

How to reach: Phu Quoc is connected via air and roads. You can also board a ferry till here from several other destinations

Yet another destination known for its sandy beaches is Nha Trang. Among the places to visit in Vietnam, this city is packed with locals as well as visitors, and has ample spots for you to hit the water as well as soak up the sun. And in case you’re done exploring the beaches, the destination has old temples and towers that you should head to and explore. There’s also a museum here, dedicated to the work of Alexandre Yersin, that you should visit.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Cam Rahn, and the destination is also reachable via road. Trains also reach Nha Trang

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Phong nha-ke bang national park.

One of the most magnificent places to visit in Vietnam is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The place, which is also a popular filming location, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in the country, and is home to the 400-million-year old karst mountains. There are hundreds of caves and secret rivers here that will enchant you. The best part? There’s a hidden jungle, filled with its own microclimate, tucked away here!

How to reach: The nearest airport is Dong Hoi, which is connected via domestic flights. The destination is also reachable via road

Hero Image: Courtesy of Steve Douglas/Unsplash; Featured Image: Courtesy of Tomáš Malík/Unsplash

Related:  Vietnam Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit, Where To Eat And All Other Details

• Explore Vietnam
• places to visit in vietnam
• travel to vietnam

Anushka Goel

Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument. Read Less

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Best Places to Travel Solo | Money

Traveling exposes us to new places, cultures and people. For many, it’s one of the great joys of life. If you’re an independent spirit looking for safe places to travel by yourself, our guide can be an excellent place to start your research.

Keep reading to learn about our top picks for the best places to travel alone and how to make the most of your trip.

Our Top Picks for Best Places to Travel Solo

• Barcelona, Spain: Best for first-time solo travelers
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Best for solo backpacking
• Montreal, Canada: Best for solo female travelers
• Chicago, Illinois: Best for going on solo travel tours
• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Best budget solo travel destination

Best Places to Travel Solo Reviews

Best for first-time solo travelers: barcelona, spain.

• Offers many travel experiences in a single city
• Easy to get around town without a car
• Year-round good weather means you can visit in any season
• More expensive than other options on our list
• Can get very busy during popular travel times

Why we chose it : Barcelona is a beautiful and historic European city with something for everyone to enjoy. It boasts stunning gothic architecture, sandy beaches, a bustling nightlife and prices that will help you stretch your budget.

Spain is considerably affordable compared to other European countries, and Barcelona is its crown jewel. The city has roots tracing back to the end of the 1st century BCE and beautiful architecture throughout its winding streets, such as Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and his world-famous unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia.

If you tire of exploring Barcelona’s impressive history, gorgeous Barceloneta Beach is just a few minutes away from the city center. And at night, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options, from rooftop bars and clubs to concert venues and flamenco shows.

Barcelona is excellent for first-time solo travelers because its compact layout, wide sidewalks and excellent public transportation makes getting around town without a car a breeze. U.S. travelers can also visit for up to 90 days without a visa . However, Barcelona is more expensive than other options on our list and can be very busy during popular travel times.

Best for solo backpacking: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Very affordable accommodations, food and attractions
• Is easy to navigate, with a developed transportation system
• Has a vibrant expat community
• U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit Vietnam

Why we chose it : Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and affordable city that offers a wide range of attractions for solo travelers, from inexpensive food and accommodations to an abundance of cultural and historical sites.

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City has become something of a bucket-list item for many backpackers. Its vibrant culture, friendly people and amazing food attract millions of tourists annually. And it’s also one of Vietnam’s safest cities .

Try some of the mouth-watering street food available in pretty much every corner of the city (especially Districts 1, 3 and 5), do some shopping at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral or book a tour of the Mekong Delta to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Getting around is also pretty easy, with many transportation options, from the new metro to buses, taxis and motorbikes. However, one thing to keep in mind is that U.S. citizens need to apply for a Visa before they can be granted entry into Vietnam.

Best for solo female travelers: Montreal, Canada

• Very safe and walkable city
• Visitors can stay for up to six months without a Visa
• Toronto is only five hours away by direct train
• Not a great option for budget travelers
• The winter weather can be harsh

Why we chose it : Montreal is one of the safest cities in Canada, and it is only a short flight away for travelers from the U.S. The city has a vibrant art scene, a diverse population and plenty of old-world charm with its mix of classic and modern architecture.

Traveling solo as a woman might cause your loved ones some anxiety. But Montreal is a great place for women to travel alone. The city is safe and offers much to do, from beautiful architecture, such as Notre-Dame Basilica, to artisanal shopping in Old Montreal. And while the population is predominantly French-speaking, many residents also speak English, so you should have no problem communicating.

Visitors from the United States can stay in Montreal for up to six months without a visa. It’s also a good point of departure for exploring the rest of Canada. Trains depart for Toronto several times a day, and the trip is about five hours.

Accommodations in Montreal can be more expensive than in other international destinations, but enrolling in the best hotel rewards programs may help.

Best for going on solo travel tours: Chicago, Illinois

• You can find many different types of guided tours
• Has an excellent public transportation system
• One of the best culinary destinations in the U.S.
• Weather can be unpleasant if you visit at the wrong time

Why we chose it : Chicago is home to some of the best travel tours in the country. From river cruises to walking food and drink excursions, you’ll have no problem filling your time in the Windy City.

Chicago is one of the best places to travel in the U.S. It’s home to a wide variety of guided tours, covering everything from the city’s mob history to its architecture and natural landmarks. And if you love Chicago dogs or deep-dish pizza, you can take a walking food tour to enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants in a single day.

Chicago is also home to inspiring architecture, such as Willis Tower and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. The city is a more affordable place to visit than other U.S. cities of its size, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. And if you visit in summer, you’ll have perfect weather for relaxing on the beaches of Lake Michigan, located in the heart of the city.

Depending on what you’re looking for, visiting the city between May and October could be your best bet, as winters can be very cold, with average temperatures ranging between 22 F and 37 F.

Best budget solo travel destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia

• A highly affordable travel destination
• Easy entrance requirements for U.S. citizens
• Classic European architecture and dining options
• Plenty of green spaces to lounge and relax
• Doesn't have a strong nightlife culture
• Crowds can be overwhelming during peak travel seasons

Why we chose it : Slovenia is one of the most affordable European countries, and Ljubljana is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations. It’s home to classic European cobblestone streets and its stunning architecture and exhibits can keep you busy for weeks without breaking your budget.

Ljubljana is an affordable European destination with beautiful green spaces and incredible architecture, including the Ljubljana Castle and the Robba Fountain. It’s also highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly, as car traffic is banned in the city center.

Hotels are cheaper here than in more popular destinations such as France or Italy, which is a big reason why Ljubljana is one of the best international places to travel . There are also many great affordable restaurants and open-air cafes.

U.S. citizens can remain in Slovenia for up to 90 days without a visa, making it easy to extend their stay with the money they save.

However, Ljubljana is not known for its nightlife, as many bars close earlier than elsewhere in Europe. Plus, it has become more popular in recent years, and crowds are abundant during peak seasons, especially the summer.

Other places to travel solo we considered

We compiled our list of the best places to travel alone by evaluating global destinations based on safety, affordability, cultural and historical sites and convenience, among other factors.

Although the following destinations didn’t make it into our top list, they’re still worth considering as you plan your travels.

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Close to beautiful natural landmarks
• It's possible to see the Northern Lights when conditions allow
• Home to many museums and several Michelin-starred restaurants
• More expensive than other popular travel destinations
• The region's weather can be bleak
• Long periods of darkness and sunlight can interfere with your sleep schedule

Reykjavik is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with stunning mountains and beaches everywhere you look. However, it’s an expensive destination and experiences prolonged periods of darkness and sunlight that may be difficult to adjust to.

• Some of the best food in South America
• Miles of beautiful coastline to explore
• Friendly locals - many of whom speak at least some English
• Travelers can suffer from altitude sickness in some popular attractions
• The city is sprawling, which can increase travel times and make traffic worse

Lima is a beautiful South American destination with picturesque beaches and affordable accommodations. It’s also a foodie’s dream, with a wide variety of tasty local and international restaurants available at budget-friendly prices.

Just remember that traffic congestions are common and can make it hard to get around. Additionally, some travelers may experience altitude sickness in high-altitude locations like Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Knoxville, Tennessee

• Has beautiful outdoor settings
• Minimal traffic
• Moderate prices for accommodations
• There isn't as much to do in Knoxville as in other travel destinations
• Public transportation options are limited

Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee, but it maintains a small-town feel. It’s home to beautiful attractions, such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the World’s Fair Park, and has enough cultural exhibits and museums to keep you busy.

Nevertheless, there isn’t quite as much to do here as in other cities, and public transportation is comparatively limited.

Places to Travel Solo Guide

Traveling alone can be intimidating, but a little preparation can go a long way. This guide covers some of the best travel tips to help you plan your next solo trip.

Why travel solo?

As with everything, there are pros and cons to traveling alone.

Some of the benefits of solo travel include:

• The ability to plan trips according to your schedule
• Paying less for dining and experiences
• Stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know yourself better
• Having more time to reflect and relax in peace

Of course, to enjoy your solo vacation to the fullest, practice general safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, do some proper research before visiting new places and consider hiring a guide if you’re doing outdoor activities in remote locations.

How to travel alone

Traveling alone can be a wonderful experience. But it often requires more planning and initiative than group trips. The following tips for traveling alone should help you make the most of your next solo trip.

Research your travel destination extensively

The more research you do before visiting a destination, the more prepared you will be to enjoy it. Pay close attention to the following:

• Climate : Be aware of the weather conditions at your destination to avoid potential hazards, pack the right gear and plan appropriate activities.
• Top attractions : Plan your itinerary by mapping out the attractions you want to visit and checking their distance from your accommodations. This will help you create a realistic schedule and determine if you need to book transportation for any day trips.
• Cost : Consider the average cost of accommodations, meals and attractions to create a realistic budget.
• Public transportation : This is an important consideration, as visiting a destination with insufficient or unreliable public transportation translates into additional expenses.
• Language barrier : Consider downloading translation apps or learning basic phrases in your destination’s native language if English isn’t widely spoken there.
• Food : If you have any dietary restrictions, check the availability of suitable food options at your destination and plan your meals.

Stay connected with your friends and family

When traveling alone, keep your loved ones informed of where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing. That way, your family can call for help if they don’t hear back from you in a reasonable timeframe.

Depending on your destination, you may consider purchasing an international SIM card or an international phone plan with your existing carrier to text and call your people back home.

Finally, you can register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department. STEP is a free service that allows you to receive automatic safety and travel updates from the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting. It also makes it easier for friends and family to reach you in an emergency.

Consider travel insurance

If you’ve spent quite a bit of money on non-refundable travel expenses and it hasn’t been that long since you made your initial trip deposit, consider travel insurance to safeguard your investment. A travel insurance policy can help you recoup a portion of pre-paid travel expenses if you cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Travel medical insurance could also be worthwhile if you’re going on an extended trip, as it would cover some of your medical expenses in an emergency, including medical evacuation and repatriation. And some plans even include additional services like language support, which could be helpful if English isn’t widely spoken where you’re visiting.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, check out our guide to the best travel insurance companies .

Try new things

Now that we’ve covered some of the most important things to do before leaving for a solo trip, let’s explore how to get as much enjoyment out of your travels as possible while you’re there. The best advice we can give you is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

If you genuinely want to experience everything other cultures have to offer, you can’t spend your days doing the same things you do at home. So take a chance and live as the locals do. You’ll be happy you did.

Interact with the locals

The best way to forget you’re traveling alone is to befriend the locals. Your new friends can keep you company, guide you to the best places in town (the ones that aren’t in any tourist guides) and help to make your trip more enjoyable overall.

Meeting locals is much easier to do now than before the Internet. A wide variety of online resources can connect you to local events and groups where you can meet people. Some of the best options for this include:

• Facebook expat groups for the destination you’re visiting
• The subreddit for your destination (such as r/Paris and r/Chicago)

Some professional and religious groups may have international meetups as well. This can be a fantastic way to meet locals with whom you already have something in common.

Take plenty of pictures (with you in them)

Last but not least, make sure you take plenty of pictures to share with your people back home. Landmarks can be great, but you should also be in some of the photos. Most people will happily snap pictures of you if you ask nicely.

What to do when traveling alone

Traveling alone can be one of the best experiences of your life or a challenge that quickly loses its appeal. To give yourself the best chance of having an ideal trip, remember the following strategies during your travels:

• Be flexible : Flexibility is a must for solo travelers. You’ll have more fun if you take advantage of chance encounters and throw away your schedule when necessary.
• Take group tours and classes : Just because you arrive at your destination alone doesn’t mean you must spend every minute there alone. Group tours and classes will help you meet people and give you a chance to socialize when you’re feeling lonely.
• Stay in places that encourage talking : If you’re concerned about feeling lonely, consider staying at a hostel or bed and breakfast. Shared accommodations like these are more affordable than the best hotels and can be a great way to meet people.
• Gather first-hand advice : You can use Reddit and other resources to read about the experiences other solo travelers have had at your destination. These firsthand accounts can alert you to problems you may not have considered otherwise and new opportunities for fun.
• Sign up for free rewards programs : Airlines , hotel chains and third-party booking sites often have reward programs that help you save money if you’re a frequent traveler. You may also want to look into the best airline credit cards and best travel credit cards if you plan on traveling alone regularly.
• Prioritize your safety : Traveling alone can make you a target, so prioritizing safety is important. Be proactive about telling others where you’ll be and take yourself out of situations you feel unsure about to enjoy your trip without incident.

Staying safe is a critical consideration for solo travelers. One way to do that is by avoiding reckless behavior, such as drinking excessively and venturing alone into places locals deem unsafe.

Take the time to thoroughly research your destination, share your travel plans with friends and family and prepare an emergency plan.

Finally, consider travel insurance. If something does happen while you’re traveling alone, it will provide financial support so you can go to the hospital without worrying about breaking your budget.

You could save up enough money to make the cost of travel insurance negligible by signing up for one of the best airline rewards programs .

Places to Travel Solo FAQ

What are the safest places to travel alone, is solo female travel safe, how old do you have to be to travel alone, how we chose the best places to travel solo.

We evaluated the best places to travel solo based on the following criteria:

• Cost of accommodations, experiences and meals
• Crime rates
• Reviews and guides from experienced solo travelers
• Natural and cultural attractions
• Strictness of entry criteria

Summary of Money’s Best Places to Travel Solo

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