Vietnam Travel Guide: Top Things to See and Do in Vietnam
Discover Vietnam travel highlights, from the serene waters of Halong Bay to the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. A guide to Vietnam’s most prominent attractions.
Vietnam Tourist Destinations, Vietnam Tourist Attractions in Vietnam, Vietnam Travel Guide, Best Vietnam Destinations
As one of the most interesting countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is one nation that is more than 1,000 miles long from north to south and offers an incredible array of experiences ranging from temples and cities to beaches and mountains. Whether you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time or returning, following are the top destinations in Vietnam which you simply can’t afford to miss.
Hanoi: The Heart of Vietnam
Your adventure typically begins in the capital, Hanoi. A lively mix of the new and the old, where time-honoured traditions seamlessly integrate into contemporary living. Wander through the narrow, winding alleys of the Old Quarter, each street having a specialisation, such as silks, silver, herbs, or lanterns.
Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Make sure to sample such Vietnamese cuisine as pho, bun cha, and egg coffee, which is one of Hanoi’s signature dishes.
Why visit Hanoi?
It is Vietnam’s cultural and political hub, and the perfect introduction to the complex past and contemporary dynamism of the country.
Halong Bay: Natural Wonder of the World
A few hours outside of Hanoi lies the UNESCO-listed and one of the most recognizable natural Vietnam attractions, Halong Bay. Famous for having emerald green waters and numerous limestone islands full of rainforest cover.
The best way to experience Halong Bay is on an overnight boat trip, where you can kayak into caves, visit floating villages, and eat seafood under the stars.
Pro Tip: For fewer numbers, try Bai Tu Long Bay, which is just as pretty, but there are fewer people.
Sapa: Hiking through Rice Terraces
North Vietnam has Sapa, which gives you an altogether different experience. Set amidst the green mountains and rolling rice terracing, Sapa is a nature enthusiast and trekker’s dream destination.
Journey through H’mong and Dao villages with a guide, overnight homestay, and experience the natural beauty and traditional way of life of the hill tribes themselves. The prime time to experience this is from September to November, when the paddies become golden.
Sapa Highlights: Fansipan Mountain, the “Roof of Indoch
Cat Cat and Ta Van villages
Scenic lookouts and waterfalls
Hoi An: Vietnam’s most alluring town
The quaint old town on the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is famously renowned for historic architecture, lantern-lit evenings, and craftsman boutiques.
Go on a bike ride through the rice paddies, take a Vietnamese cooking lesson, or get a bespoke suit in under 24 hours.
They celebrate their Lantern Festival on the full moon, when the power is switched off in the town and the town is illuminated by candles floating on the Thu Bon River.
UNESCO Status:Hoi An Ancient Town is designated as UNESCOS WORLD HERITAGE.
Hue: is the Imperial City
Hue, Vietnam’s old imperial capital, is a treasure trove of history, art, and architecture.
At the core is the Imperial Citadel, which is filled with palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City. Visit the royal tombs along the Perfume River and be taken in by the Nguyen dynasty’s architectural splendor.
Don’t Miss: Pagoda Thien Mu, Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, Dragon Boat Tours along the Perfume River.
Da Nang: Beaches and beyond
A modern seaside metropolis, Da Nang offers the best combination of leisure and adventure. Relax on My Khe Beach’s pristine, sandy beach, ascend the Marble Mountains, or walk over the legendary Golden Bridge suspended by giant stone hands.
Da Nang is also an excellent base to visit the nearby attractions like Ba Na Hills or make day-trips to Hoi An.
For Foodies Enjoy Mi Quang (turmeric noodles) and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), Da Nang special dishes.
Mekong Delta :Life on the River
In Vietnam’s south, the Mekong Delta expands out in an unmistakably aquatic existence. Water infuses the green plains, which are punctuated by rivers, swamps, and floating markets.
Make a boat excursion to explore stilt villages, tropical fruit orchards, and vibrant floating markets like Cai Rang. Stop by a coconut candy factory or rice paper factory along the way.
Tip: Spend the night in homestay for an immersive, true-to-life rural experience.
Ho Chi Minh City: Economic Powerhouse
Formerly called Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city. There, colonial buildings left over from the colonial period give way to skyscrapers, and street food is among the region’s finest.
Visit historic sites including the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Next, visit markets including Ben Thanh Market to buy souvenirs, spices, and street foods.
Savour the night-time rooftop bars and the live-music cafes sprinkled throughout the districts.
Practical Travel Essentials
Best Time to Visit: North Vietnam: March–May and September–November
Central Vietnam: February–August
Southeast Asia: Nov-Apr
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars can be accepted in some tourist locations, but it is simpler to pay in VND.
Visas: The majority of nationalities can obtain an e-visa for Vietnam online. Ensure that you have a passport with at least 6 months validity.
Transport: transportation has Cheap domestic flights, buses, and trains are easily accessible and comfortable. Grab apps are suitable for city travel.
Internet: Vietnam offers fast, stable Wi-Fi in major cities. Buy a local SIM or an eSIM for international data.
Final Thoughts: Vietnam Has it All From the cultural wealth of Hanoi and Hue’s to the natural beauty of Halong Bay and Sapa, Vietnam is a land of contrasts and enchantment. With such variety, it is one that welcomes the type of traveler interested in backpacking, family, luxury, and adventure travel.
By sampling fresh spring rolls on one of the river boat trips, exploring the terraced hillside trails, or simply admiring ancient temples, Vietnam is one destination you simply can’t get enough of. With such friendly people, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery, you’ll be returning to this destination again and again.
