A long, narrow country squeezed in between the South East Asian Sea and the Laos and
Cambodia borders, Vietnam is a land of striking landscapes.
Ranging 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.
Included in the mix are booming cities, colonial towns, traditional villages and otherworldly
islands.
Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Number 12.
Dalat.
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 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.
Number 11.
Tam Coc.
On paper, Tam Coc can be described as rice paddies surrounded by limestone cliffs and
rock formations.
In reality, Tam Coc is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful destination in Vietnam.
The best way to explore is by boat, and you can set off on a rowboat that takes you up
alongside the lush green paddies and between striking limestone cliffs.
You’ll even float through three tunnels that run through the mountains, which were
carved over time by the river itself.
Number 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 missionary base and
then as a French colonial prison.
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 farms, and trekking to waterfalls.
Number 9.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
Located near the Laos border, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is one of the most picturesque parts
of the country.
With a steadfast reputation as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island, and with a nearby
international airport, the national park is more popular than ever before.
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.
Number 8.
Ho Chi Minh City.
Lying along the Saigon River in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon
and served as the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Today, it is the largest city of the reunified country, offering plenty of reasons to visit.
Head to the top of the Saigon Skydeck for an astonishing 360-degree view of the city.
The Reunification 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.
Number 7.
Mekong Delta.
Colorful floating markets, fruit orchards, rice paddies, bird sanctuaries and quaint
villages are all what draw many to the Mekong Delta in southwestern Vietnam.
Nicknamed “Vietnam’s Rice Basket,” the Mekong Delta is an agricultural region made
fertile by the maze of canals and streams fed by the Mekong River.
Stretching from the Gulf of Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City, the delta region feeds more
than a third of the country from its rich plantations, rice paddies and fish farms.
Number 6.
Nha Trang.
Located on one of Asia’s most beautiful bays off the coast of South Central Vietnam,
Nha Trang is a popular seaside resort city.
Picturesque mountains, beaches and lush islands all make it a favorite destination among tourists,
Vietnamese and scuba divers.
Adorned with resorts, palm trees and a lovely promenade, Nha Trang’s beach is its main
draw.
Amusement and water parks provide fun for everyone with roller coasters and wave pools.
Number 5.
Sapa.
Located in the remote northwest of Vietnam, the mountainous town of Sapa is known for
its culturally diverse population as well as its proximity to incredible scenery.
From the town, there are many organized tours that aide tourists in mountain hikes and exploring
the nearby rice paddies and remote villages.
These tours present views of beautiful waterfalls and the opportunities to experience the food,
customs and way of life among the local tribes.
Number 4.
Hue.
Situated on the banks of the Perfume River in Central Vietnam, Hue once served as the
imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty.
Today, the vestiges of this former glorious period are reflected in the city’s architecture,
culture and cuisine.
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.
Another important landmark is the city’s official symbol, the Thien Mu Pagoda.
Number 3.
Hoi An.
Located off the coast of the South East Asian Sea, Hoi An is a beautiful, old city dating
back 2,000 years to the Champa Kingdom.
The city’s historic architecture, traditional culture and textiles make it a popular destination
in Vietnam.
At the heart of Hoi An is its atmospheric Old Town which is small enough to walk around
easily.
The narrow, winding lanes of the Old Town are lined with beautiful old architecture,
traditional wooden houses and hundreds of tailor shops selling clothing, shoes, bags
and souvenirs.
Number 2.
Hanoi.
As the booming capital city of a reunified Vietnam, Hanoi is an exhilarating blend of
eastern and western culture.
French colonialism is visible through cuisine as well as architecture, particularly in the
French Quarter in the Hoan Kiem District.
Hanoi is packed with incredible temples, and a visit to the 11th century Temple of Literature
is a must-do activity.
The side-by-side Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum are also major attractions in Hanoi, and both
are striking buildings from the exterior.
Number 1.
Halong Bay.
One of the best-known destinations in the entire country is Halong Bay.
Its reputation is well deserved, because it is truly beautiful.
Halong means descending dragons, which is indicative of the silhouette of the limestone
outcrops that poke out from the water.
Day cruises are a spectacular way to experience the beauty of this otherworldly bay and to
see as many of the islands as possible.
You can go swimming, look for caves to explore or find some of the more remote, uninhabited
islands while cruising through Halong Bay.