Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam
Vietnam, a country of breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, continues to rise on every traveler’s must-see list. From the emerald waters of Halong Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Vietnam offers a perfect mix of adventure, history, and flavor. If you’re planning your trip and wondering about the top places to visit in Vietnam, this guide is your go-to resource for 2025.
As a travel enthusiast who’s explored the country north to south, I’m sharing this updated Vietnam travel guide filled with practical tips, costs, and firsthand insights. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned backpacker, these destinations will help you uncover the best of what Vietnam has to offer.
1. Halong Bay – Cruise Through Limestone Wonder
Sail through thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is famous for its surreal beauty and peaceful vibe, making it one of the must visit places in Vietnam for tourists.
A cruise through Halong Bay is more than just sightseeing, it is an experience. Most cruises offer kayaking, swimming, cooking classes, tai chi at sunrise, and visits to caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) or floating fishing villages. You can choose between day trips or overnight cruises, with luxury and budget options available.
- Cruise cost: ~$100–200 (1-night cruise)
- Best time to visit: October to April (dry season)
- Activities: Kayaking, swimming, cave exploring, floating villages
- Local tip: Choose a cruise that includes Bai Tu Long Bay for fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.
2. Hoi An – Ancient Town & Lantern Magic
Hoi An is an impeccably preserved trading port filled with yellow buildings, cobblestone streets, and colorful lanterns which brings you into the ancient times. This town combines charm, culture, and cuisine, easily making it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for first time travelers.
Hoi An is a walking city where every corner has something delightful, a traditional house, a family-run tailor shop, or a market brimming with handmade crafts. Enjoy riverside dining, take a lantern-making class, or explore nearby rice paddies and beaches by bicycle. Hoi An is also known for its excellent cooking schools, where you can learn to make dishes like cao lau and white rose dumplings.
- Entry ticket (Old Town): ~$5 (valid for multiple sites)
- Top experiences: Tailor-made clothing, lantern workshops, bike tours, cooking classes
- Best time: February to April (cooler and less rainy)
- Don’t miss: The monthly Lantern Festival during the full moon
3. Hanoi – Street Food & History
Vietnam’s bustling capital, Hanoi, pulses with energy, motorbikes, and the scent of street food. Wander the Old Quarter, visit ancient temples, and catch a traditional water puppet show.
Hanoi perfectly balances modern life with tradition. Sip egg coffee near Hoan Kiem Lake, take a stroll across the iconic red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and get lost in the maze-like alleys filled with vendors selling everything from steaming pho to quirky souvenirs. Don’t miss the museums, including the Vietnamese Women’s Museum and Hoa Lo Prison.
- Top attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Food tip: Try pho, bun cha, and egg coffee from roadside vendors
- Budget: You can eat well for under $5/day!
- Travel tip: Stay in the Old Quarter for easy access to main sights and walkable streets
4. Sapa – Terraced Mountains & Hill Tribes
Nestled in the northern mountains, Sapa is known for its terraced rice fields and vibrant ethnic communities. It’s perfect for hiking, homestays, and escaping the city buzz.
The cool climate and panoramic views make Sapa ideal for trekking. Join a local guide from an ethnic minority community to explore the surrounding villages. Expect fog-draped valleys, buffalo-lined trails, and warm welcomes from your homestay hosts. If you’re up for a challenge, take the cable car or hike to the top of Mount Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak.
- Best season: March to May or September to November (pleasant weather and clear views)
- Popular treks: Fansipan Mountain, Cat Cat Village, Lao Chai, Ta Van
- Cost: Guided treks start around $20–30/day
- Local experience: Stay overnight with a Hồmong family for a truly immersive experience
5. Ho Chi Minh City – Energy & Urban Vibes
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a modern metropolis that mixes old and new. Visit historic landmarks, shop in vibrant markets, and enjoy the city’s exciting nightlife.
Wander through the colonial French Quarter, admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, and grab a banh mi before heading to a rooftop bar with skyline views. Explore the city’s darker history at the War Remnants Museum and venture into the Cu Chi Tunnels to understand Vietnam’s resilience during war. At night, District 1 comes alive with street food, night markets, and music.
- Must-see spots: Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum
- Budget tip: Public buses and Grab (like Uber) make getting around cheap and easy
- Food to try: Banh mi, com tam (broken rice), fresh spring rolls
6. Ninh Binh – Inland Halong Bay
Dubbed “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh offers stunning karst landscapes, lush rice paddies, and quiet boat rides through limestone caves. It’s less touristy and feels like a hidden gem.
Ride a sampan boat through Tam Coc or Trang An, where locals row with their feet through calm rivers and dramatic cliffs. Visit ancient capital Hoa Lu, climb 500 steps to Hang Mua Viewpoint for breathtaking views, and stop by Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest in Southeast Asia. Ninh Binh is peaceful, photogenic, and authentic.
- Top sites: Trang An, Tam Coc, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hang Mua Viewpoint
- Boat ride cost: ~$8–10 per person
- Best time: May or September for golden rice fields
- Getting there: 2-hour train or bus from Hanoi
7. Da Nang – Coastal City with a Modern Edge
Da Nang bridges culture and beach life. Visit the Marble Mountains, relax on My Khe Beach, or walk across the famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands.
The city is a favorite among digital nomads and families alike. Stroll the Han River promenade at night, ride the Sun Wheel for panoramic views, and taste delicious seafood at beachfront restaurants. Use Da Nang as a central base to access Hoi An, Hue, and Ba Na Hills.
- Entry fee (Ba Na Hills/Golden Bridge): ~$35
- Best time: March to September
- Tip: Don’t miss sunset at My Khe Beach and night markets for souvenirs
- Airport access: One of Vietnam’s most efficient and traveler-friendly airports
8. Hue – Imperial Capital
Once Vietnam’s royal seat, Hue still echoes with the grandeur of its emperors. Explore palaces, tombs, and pagodas along the Perfume River.
Step into history as you walk through the Imperial City, a vast complex of moats, gates, and temples. Visit the royal tombs scattered along the riverbank, each reflecting the emperor’s unique personality. Enjoy a dragon boat ride, sip lotus tea, and savor Hue’s famous spicy cuisine like bun bo Hue.
- Top sites: The Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb
- Ticket combo: ~$7 for multiple historical sites
- Best time to visit: January to March (cool and dry)
- Cultural tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the countryside and small villages nearby
9. Phong Nha – Caves & Adventure
Home to the world’s largest cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park draws adventurers with underground rivers, dramatic caves, and jungle treks.
Discover otherworldly landscapes inside Phong Nha Cave, zipline into Dark Cave, or take on multi-day expeditions through Son Doong. The surrounding town has a laid-back vibe with homestays and eco-lodges. Whether you’re into caving, kayaking, or hiking, Phong Nha satisfies your wild side.
- Must-do: Explore Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, or Son Doong (book months ahead!)
- Entry fees: Vary by cave (~$5–15 for day tours; $3,000+ for Son Doong expeditions)
- Best time: February to August
- Pro tip: Base yourself in Phong Nha town for easy access and local homestays
10. Mekong Delta – Floating Markets & River Life
Wind through canals, visit floating markets, and see how life unfolds on the water in the Mekong Delta. This region offers an authentic slice of rural Vietnam.
Hop on a wooden boat at sunrise to experience Cai Rang Floating Market, where vendors sell fresh produce and breakfast from their boats. Explore coconut candy workshops, rice paper villages, and orchard gardens. The Mekong is slow-paced and serene, a different side of Vietnam worth savoring.
- Top spots: Can Tho, Cai Rang Floating Market, Ben Tre, Vinh Long
- Tours: Day trips from HCMC or 2-day overnight options (~$30–50)
- Best time: November to March (dry season)
- Tip: Try fresh tropical fruits and coconut candy made in village workshops
FAQs: Vietnam Travel Guide for Popular Destinations
What are the best places to visit in Vietnam for first time travelers?
Hoi An, Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City offer the perfect mix of culture, food, and accessibility.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
October to April is ideal for most regions. The weather varies by region, so pack accordingly.
How much does it cost to travel Vietnam?
Budget travelers can live well on $25–40/day. Mid-range travelers can expect $50–100/day.
Is Vietnam safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Vietnam is safe, friendly, and easy to navigate. Just keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.
Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?
Most travelers need an e-visa, which is easy to apply for online. Check updated 2025 requirements before you go.
