10 Best Places In Vietnam To Visit

Vietnam is an incredible country to explore, with so many beautiful spots, vibrant cities and friendly people all across the country. That being said, with so many of the best places in Vietnam to visit, it can be pretty tough in whittling it down to a few key spots.

To be honest, the fact that Vietnam is a rather popular and much-loved destination comes as no surprise to pretty much anyone who’s visited. Though, if you haven’t yet, well, you’re in for a total treat!

The whole country is stunning and there are so many of the best places in Vietnam that are perfect if you want to visit some untouched areas of Asia but also some bustling cities. After all, that’s what makes Vietnam so special, that contrast between the huge cities and the pristine countryside. Better still, it’s got a few UNESCO World-Heritage sites that are well worth visiting.

With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my very favourite and best places in Vietnam to visit when you arrive. And, with all our posts, pop us a message if you want some more tips or advice.

Take a look, below, at the best places in Vietnam to visit.

1.) Ho Chi Minh City

Named after the revolutionary of the same name, Ho Chi Minh City was once known as Saigon and one of the best places in Vietnam to visit.

Truth be told if you’re arriving on an international flight, it’s likely you’ll touchdown in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh.

This huge metropolis has developed over the centuries and now stands as the most populous city in the country. Today, the city is packed full of interesting sites such as the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the Ch Chi Tunnels, Independence Palace and the Ben Thanh Market.

After all that sightseeing, head over to ‘Bun Bo Nam Bo – Ba Ba’, it’s such a tasty spot and you’ll leave stuffed.

Also, for a great place to stay, check into the Myst Dong Khoi which has a gorgeous pool right next to the Saigon River.

2.) Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is the southernmost region of Vietnam and contains the Mekong River that flows out into the East Vietnam Sea. Honestly, it’s one of the best places in Vietnam to visit if you want a more traditional experience in the country.

This region revolves around the Mekong River and is the perfect place to explore the outdoors or take a traditional long-boat ride.

Full of fertile agricultural land (not that you’ll be farming), the Mekong Delta offers an escape from the busy cities, and a chance to explore a different side of Vietnam.

3.) Nha Trang

Whilst Vietnam boasts a multitude of historical cities, it also has a wave of stunning coastal resorts lined with gorgeous beaches – Nha Trang is one such place.

I mean, there’s always an excuse for a good beach trip and Nha Trang is one of the best places in Vietnam to visit for this. Located on the east coast, this city resort is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is home to a stretch of golden beach that lasts for miles.

Come here to relax, sunbathe, walk among the palm trees or have some fun in one of the theme parks or water parks. Oh yeah, and pack a load of sunscreen – that Vietnamese sun is strong!

4.) Sapa

The landscape of Vietnam is hugely varied and the town of Sapa is a testament to that.

Whilst coastal towns lie low and are relatively flat, Sapa is situated up in the mountains of northern Vietnam and is a perfect base to explore the countryside from and hike through the Hoang Lien Son mountain chain.

Better still, it’s one of the best places in Vietnam to visit if you’ve rented (or bought) a bike during your trip as you can scoot around with ease.

5.) Hoi An

Located on the eastern coast of Vietnam, near Da Nang, Hoi An is a beautiful old city and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The historic centre of Hoi An is well-preserved and features various old buildings dating as far back as the 15^th century. If you are looking for a cultural retreat, and a look at local life, Hoi An is the perfect location.

For a tasty bite to eat, pop into Nhan’s Kitchen for some traditional Beef Pho.

6.) Hanoi

Although not the largest city in Vietnam, Hanoi is undoubtedly the most important and serves as the country’s capital. Plus, it’s totally vibrant!

Lying on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is over 1,000 years old and has been an important economic centre of Vietnam for years.

This city also contains a myriad of wonderful sites such as the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, Lenin Park, the Temple of the Jade Mountain and the Vietnam Museum of Revolution.

It’s one of the best places in Vietnam to visit at the start or end of your trip, mainly because of the large airport nearby.

If you heading to some of the street food markets, make sure to gorge on; Bun Cha (pork noodles), spicy Pho (soup) and Cha Ca (fish with noodles).

Just arrive hungry at the markets as you’ll be stuffed when you leave!

7.) Ha Long Bay

This location is possibly the most iconic in the whole of Vietnam and is one of the most photogenic places in the world.

Situated in the northern coastal region of the country near Hanoi (and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ha Long Bay is one of the best places in Vietnam to visit.

Within this natural bay, you will find a series of rugged limestone rocky outcrops that rise from the water and are topped with luscious greenery.

The turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and a myriad of traditional sailing boats create a fairytale scene that is like no other.

Now, you can get to Ha Long Bay in about three hours (by car) from Hanoi and it’s pretty easy to organise transfers once you arrive.

That being said, if you fancy an adventure, you can also take the bus that leaves from the centre of Hanoi.

8.) Dalat

To understand Vietnam, it is important to explore its past, and Dalat offers a glimpse of French colonial times. Oh, and see some of the unique houses, too!

Set in the beautiful landscape of the South Vietnam highlands, Dalat is a true retreat and allows travellers to escape from the heat and knock it down a gear.

This beautiful town has a plethora of colonial architecture and is a stark contrast to the bigger cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

9.) My Son

This is one of Southeast Asia’s most important archaeological sites and is a must-visit place whilst in Vietnam.

This region of central Vietnam once served as a centre of religion and is dotted with various Hindu temples built by the Champa Kings.

These fascinating ancient shrines were erected as early as the 4th century and are simply amazing to see in their remarkable condition.

It really is one of the best places in Vietnam to visit, especially if you love historical sites.

10.) Hue

Way back when Hue was once a major city during the Nguyen Dynasty and is located on the banks of the Perfume River.

Due to the city’s extensive history, it is one of the best places in Vietnam to visit and explore the long history of this area of the world. Today, the city has a population of 354,000 and holds on to much if its heritage and culture.

Once you’re here, make sure to explore the Imperial City, see the Thien Mu Pagoda and see the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh King. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to pop by and see Thái Hòa Palace. It’s gorgeous.