From emerald rice terraces and limestone karsts to buzzing street markets and golden beaches, Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Whether you’re backpacking on a budget or enjoying a luxe escape, this Southeast Asian gem offers something for every traveler.
Here’s your ultimate guide to 10 must-see places in Vietnam, complete with insider travel tips and handy hacks to make your trip smooth and unforgettable.
1. Halong Bay – A UNESCO Jewel of Limestone Giants
Why Go:
Halong Bay is famous for its otherworldly seascape of nearly 2,000 limestone islands topped with rainforests.
It’s a dream destination for cruises, kayaking, and photography.
Top Activities:
- Take a traditional junk boat cruise (overnight options are best).
- Kayak through hidden lagoons and sea caves.
- Visit floating fishing villages like Cua Van.
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Book a 2D1N cruise instead of a day trip to catch the sunrise over the bay.
- Choose a mid-range cruise for better food, comfort, and access to quieter spots.
- Bring motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to seasickness.
2. Sapa – Rice Terraces & Hill Tribe Culture
Why Go:
Sapa is Vietnam’s trekking capital, surrounded by jaw-dropping rice terraces, lush valleys, and traditional villages inhabited by ethnic minorities like the Hmong and Red Dao.
Top Activities:
- Trek from Sapa to Lao Chai or Ta Van villages.
- Visit Bac Ha Sunday Market.
- Ride the scenic Fansipan cable car—the highest in Indochina.
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Best time to visit: September (harvest season = golden rice fields).
- Pack layers: Sapa can be chilly, even in summer.
- Hire a local Hmong guide for an authentic trek and cultural insight.
3. Hanoi – Vietnam’s Historic & Culinary Heart
Why Go:
Hanoi blends French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and chaotic charm.
It’s the perfect place to taste traditional Vietnamese street food and soak up local life.
Top Activities:
- Wander the Old Quarter’s 36 guild streets.
- Watch a water puppet show.
- Try egg coffee at Giang Café (where it was invented).
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Stay near Hoan Kiem Lake for easy access to sights.
- Use Grab (ride-hailing app) instead of haggling with taxis.
- Take a free walking tour with local university students (check platforms like Hanoi Free Local Tours).
4. Hoi An – The Lantern-Lit Ancient Town
Why Go:
Hoi An is a UNESCO-listed town known for its preserved architecture, tailor shops, and vibrant lanterns.
At night, it becomes a magical maze of color and light.
Top Activities:
- Have custom clothes made in 24 hours.
- Release a paper lantern on the river.
- Take a cooking class to learn dishes like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings.
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Visit during the full moon for the monthly Lantern Festival.
- Bargain politely at tailor shops—check reviews before choosing one.
- Rent a bicycle to explore nearby rice paddies and An Bang Beach.
5. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – The Cave Capital
Why Go:
Home to some of the world’s largest caves, including Hang Son Doong, Phong Nha is an adventurer’s paradise carved out of limestone mountains.
Top Activities:
- Explore Paradise Cave or Dark Cave.
- Take a boat tour into Phong Nha Cave.
- Go ziplining and mud bathing in Dark Cave.
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Book accommodations in Phong Nha town for easy tour access.
- Bring a waterproof bag and headlamp for cave adventures.
- Son Doong Cave requires booking a year in advance through Oxalis Tours.
6. Da Nang – Coastal Charm Meets Modern Vibes
Why Go:
Da Nang is often overlooked but it’s an ideal blend of city convenience and coastal beauty.
It’s also a hub for reaching other nearby gems.
Top Activities:
- Walk the Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands.
- Lounge on My Khe Beach.
- Visit Marble Mountains and their hidden temples.
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Rent a motorbike for day trips to Hoi An and Ba Na Hills.
- Try Mi Quang (local noodle dish) at a roadside eatery.
- Visit in March–May for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
7. Hue – Imperial Elegance Along the Perfume River
Why Go:
Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue boasts grand citadels, royal tombs, and a distinct cuisine that was once served to emperors.
Top Activities:
- Explore the Hue Imperial City (Citadel).
- Visit the tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
- Take a boat ride on the Perfume River at sunset.
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Wear comfortable shoes: the Citadel complex is massive.
- Hire a cyclo for a relaxing guided city tour.
- Sample Banh Beo and Bun Bo Hue—local delicacies found in small eateries.
8. Ninh Binh – “Halong Bay on Land”
Why Go:
With limestone cliffs rising from lush rice fields and tranquil rivers, Ninh Binh is a serene countryside escape often overlooked by tourists.
Top Activities:
- Take a boat ride through Tam Coc or Trang An caves.
- Climb to Hang Mua Peak for panoramic views.
- Explore ancient temples like Bich Dong Pagoda.
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour crowds.
- Stay in a homestay for peaceful village life.
- Rent a bike to explore scenic routes around the rice fields.
9. Mui Ne – Sand Dunes & Seafood
Why Go:
A unique coastal town famous for its red and white sand dunes, Mui Ne also boasts kite-surfing beaches and fresh seafood feasts.
Top Activities:
- Slide down sand dunes on a plastic sled.
- Visit the Fairy Stream (a shallow red-soil creek walk).
- Try seafood BBQ at beachfront eateries.
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Go at sunrise or sunset for the best dune lighting.
- Wear sandals you don’t mind getting sandy or wet.
- Bargain hard when booking jeep tours to the dunes.
10. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Vietnam’s Fast-Paced Southern Hub
Why Go:
Buzzing with energy, Saigon is a city of contrasts: French colonial buildings, modern skyscrapers, war history, and incredible street food.
Top Activities:
- Visit the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Explore Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
- Sip rooftop cocktails at Bitexco Tower Skydeck.
Travel Tips & Hacks:
- Use small bills for street shopping—vendors may not have change.
- Cross streets slowly and steadily—motorbikes will go around you!
- Join a motorbike street food tour for an unforgettable night out.
Final Travel Tips for Vietnam:
- Visa: Most travelers can apply for an eVisa online (30 days, single entry).
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – cash is king in most rural areas.
- Connectivity: Get a local SIM (Viettel or Mobifone) at the airport for cheap 4G.
- Transport: For intercity travel, consider sleeper buses or budget airlines like VietJet.
- Scams: Always double-check prices and ask to see meters when using taxis.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly in temples, and remove shoes before entering homes or sacred sites.
Ready to Explore Vietnam?
From mountain treks to tropical beaches and lantern-lit towns, Vietnam has layers of beauty waiting to be uncovered.
Whether you’re planning a weeklong escape or a month-long adventure, these 10 must-see places will show you the best of the country—beyond the guidebooks.
