The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Vietnam. So if you are in Vietnam, I recommend visiting the following:
- Phu Quoc Island, Kiên Giang, Vietnam
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh, Vietnam
- Bach Ma National Park, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
- Halong Bay, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam
- Ba Be National Park, Bắc Kạn, Vietnam
- Ha Giang, Ha Giang, Vietnam
- Sapa Countryside, Hoang Lien Son, Vietnam
- Van Long Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- The Marble Mountains, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
- Hoi An Old Town, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
- Mui Ne, Bình Thuận, Vietnam
- My Son, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
- Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
- Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Ponagar Tower, Khánh Hòa, Vietnam
- Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Con Dao Islands, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Vietnam
- Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai, Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City, Đông Nam Bộ, Vietnam
- Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
The Best Places in Mekong River Delta Region
1. Phu Quoc Island, Kiên Giang
Phu Quoc is located in the extreme southwest of Vietnam, in the province of Kien Giang, about xx kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. Although it has suffered from tourism development in recent years, Phu Quoc remains one of Vietnam’s most spectacular beach destinations such as Sao Beach, Long Beach, Thom Beach (Bai Thom), Vong Beach (Bai Vong) and others. Phu Quoc Island has 21 smaller islands around it. The most beautiful islands are located in the An Thoi archipelago, south of Phu Quoc, and can be visited with an organised boat trip. The best diving in Phu Quoc is in the An Thoi Archipelago. Many of the boat trips to the islands also include one or two snorkelling stops.
The Best Places in Vietnam North Central Coast Region
2. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh
Located in Central Vietnam, specifically in Quang Binh Province and 50 kilometres from Dong Hoi, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the top favourite tourist destinations for nature and cave lovers. In 2003, UNESCO declared Phong Nha-Ke Bang a World Heritage Site for its many caves and grottoes. It is estimated that this National Park has more than 300 caves, of which only 20 have been explored. That is why every year several teams of speleologists are attracted to this park to study its incredible and unknown underground ecosystems. Undoubtedly, visiting this park is synonymous with a unique adventure.
3. Bach Ma National Park, Thua Thien Hue
It’s a very rugged and very wet place, suitable only for the most experienced adventurers. In fact, the mountain that gives the park its name is the wettest place in Vietnam, in a country that is already very rainy. The average annual rainfall is 7,977 mm. Being so rainy and rugged, it is difficult to see any animals other than the beautiful insects. It is also believed to be an area of saolas and giant muntíacos, although they are not easy to find as they shun contact with humans. This is a very special park for experienced travellers looking for something very different.
The Best Places in Vietnam Northeast Region
4. Halong Bay, Quảng Ninh
The bay covers about 1,500 km2 . On its territory there are countless caves, rocks and cliffs. The most popular among tourists are three objects in the bay: An acoustic grotto where you can enjoy unusual sounds in windy weather. A grotto of stone pillars, inside which there is a freshwater spring. Kuang Han Grotto, which is about 1,300 m long. Halong Bay is a place where you can enjoy many beautiful sights and learn the secrets and mysteries of the past. According to ancient legend, in the place where the bay now stands, once lived a great dragon. One day, leaving traces of its powerful legs and tail on the ground, the monster went into the sea. The hollows finally filled with water. On the surface there was only that land where the dragon did not tread. It has survived to the present day. Now these islands are the main decoration of the bay.
5. Ba Be National Park, Bắc Kạn
In north-eastern Vietnam, we have to mention the Ba Bể National Park. In this case, we are talking about a 100 km2 park located in Đông Bắc, in the province of Bắc Kạn. The most important thing to see in the park is Ba Bể Lake, the largest lake in Vietnam at 6.5 km². There are also several other interconnected lakes in the area. It is a very photogenic place with lots of caves and lush vegetation. It is not very touristy, but it is well known and can be visited without too much difficulty. As for its fauna, pangolins and macaques stand out. It is an area inhabited by the Tay people, which makes it very interesting from an anthropological point of view.
6. Ha Giang, Ha Giang
Ha Giang province is described by many as the most authentic province in the country, Vietnam at its purest. The Ha Giang Loop is a 350 km circular route that most people travel by motorbike. On this route you will see some of the most breathtaking scenery not only in Vietnam but in all of Southeast Asia. Rice fields, ethnic minorities, buffaloes, rivers, waterfalls, traditional houses, all this and much more awaits you in Ha Giang. Like many other places, Ha Giang has some seasons that are better than others. The dry season is the time when most tourists come to visit the northern lands of Vietnam.
The Best Places in Vietnam Northwest Region
7. Sapa Countryside, Hoang Lien Son
It is a mountainous region with landscapes marked by rice paddies, rural life, nature and breathtaking picturesque views. It is a favourite destination for lovers of mountains, ancient cultures, trekking and ecotourism. Located at an altitude of 1,600 metres, this area is rich in natural ecosystems and mixed ethnicities. In fact, there are five main ethnic groups in Sapa: Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay and Xa Pho. Sapa is an enchanting place with a magical atmosphere, highlighting stunning scenery to behold and a powerful culture attracted by the tribes that inhabit the area.
The Best Places in Red River Delta Region
8. Van Long Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh
Van Long is a beautiful nature reserve with an area of 3,400 hectares, spread over 7 communes in Gia Ven district, one of the provinces of Ninh Binh. All around you can see huge concrete dams several kilometres long. When you arrive at this beautiful place you will feel immersed in a legendary atmosphere surrounded by colourful mountains and abundant and exotic vegetation of more than 400 species. The fauna is not left behind, 12 species of special scientific value can be observed, such as the Asiatic black bear, the stump-tailed maraco, the royal cobra and the oriental rat snake. In Van Long, speleology (cave study and exploration) enthusiasts and adventure-seeking tourists have 32 fabulous caves at their disposal, such as Ca Grotto, Bong Grotto, Rua Grotto and Chanh Grotto.
The Best Places in Vietnam South Central Coast Region
9. The Marble Mountains, Đà Nẵng
One of the most visited places in central Vietnam is just a few kilometres from Da Nang: right in the middle of the flat terrain are five cliffs covered with trees and bushes. The Marble Mountains got their name from the fact that marble was once mined in this area, and even before that they were islands in the middle of the sea. Today, in these mountains, you can visit a number of interesting objects, for example, natural caves of Buddhist shrines and pagodas in the interior, as well as observation platforms from the height of which you can admire the panoramas of the city. Currently, only one of the mountains is equipped for tourism: the highest, Thuishon. Walking trails are laid, steps are made, places to relax are equipped and entire rooms with decorative lighting are arranged in the caves.
10. Hoi An Old Town, Quảng Nam
Hoi An’s old town, on the banks of the Thu Bon River, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting in all of Southeast Asia for having withstood history without too much intervention and retained its original character from the 16th and 17th centuries when it enjoyed its commercial splendour. Cars are not allowed to enter, so welcome to the calm. I’m sure you won’t miss them. It is an ideal neighbourhood for walking or cycling, you don’t need any means of locomotion. The Old Quarter of Hoi An is free to enter, but if you want to enter the tourist attractions inside, such as the communal houses, merchants’ houses and pagodas, there is an entrance fee. The entrance fee is 120,000 VND, which is about 5€, and allows you to enter 5 different attractions within 24 hours.
11. Mui Ne, Bình Thuận
Mui Ne is a small fishing village with a long beach, which has become a popular destination for tourists, especially Russians, who come here to enjoy the beach. Mui Ne is one of the best destinations in the country and in Southeast Asia for kitesurfing and windsurfing, so expect wind on its beaches. On the other hand, the red sand dunes are one of Phan Thiet’s most unique natural formations, where you can take great snapshots and enjoy a variety of activities. Located three kilometres north of Mui Ne, it features reddish-brown sand with gentle slopes reminiscent of a miniature Middle Eastern desert.
12. My Son, Quảng Nam
This is the place where countless secrets of the past are hidden. Throughout its existence, it has been exposed to dangers. Only a few buildings have survived to the present day. Tourists can see their location at the entrance. Only one temple has been restored. All the rest are piles of bricks and other building materials, densely covered with grass. It seems to many that all these sights of Vietnam are outwardly similar. However, upon closer examination, it turns out that this is not the case. Each building played a role: some were used for rituals, some offered sacrifices, and others contained countless treasures. Almost every building in Mai Son has a tower. Its height was believed to indicate the king’s strength and greatness.
13. Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa
Travellers who spend a few days in Nha Trang are people who are looking for the perfect balance between the tranquillity of the beaches with a touch of leisure. If you’re wondering what to see in Nha Trang beyond the beaches, 20 kilometres north of the city of Nha Trang is Ba Ho, a town whose main tourist attraction is its beautiful waterfalls. If you are a traveller with an interest in the country’s past and want to know what to see in Nha Trang to discover its cultural side, a visit to the Po Nagar Cham Towers is a must. Long Son Pagoda, also known as Chua Long Son, is a Buddhist pagoda located on Thai Nguyen Street in the city of Nha Trang.
14. Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay
Cát Bà Island is located southeast of Ha-Long Bay and is the largest of the 1969 islands and islets that make up the archipelago. A large part of the island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 2014 for its vegetation and fauna, with some species in danger of extinction, simply spectacular. There are many excursions you can do on this fantastic island, whether it is trekking along the island or even going up to the Cao Vong viewpoint. Another excursion is to visit the lesser known, but also very impressive Lan Ha Bay. You can also visit the caves such as the multi-storey Hospital, which was used as a military base, shelter and hospital during the Vietnam War.
15. Ponagar Tower, Khánh Hòa
Outwardly, they look quite modern buildings, but in fact their history began more than 1000 years ago. The height of the building is almost 30m. It was intended for the worship of the Queen Mother called Po-Nagar. At the entrance of the tower you can see a sculpture of Shiva on a bull. Inside is a twenty metre statue of the goddess Po Nagar. Those who plan to visit this complex should take care of their clothes beforehand. You can go there barefoot only, without headgear, with your shoulders and knees closed. If necessary, you can wear hooded sweatshirts near the entrance.
The Best Places in Vietnam Southeast Region
16. Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a true reflection of the resistance and tenacity of the Vietnamese people during the years of the Vietnam War against the American army and how they were key to their historic victory. They are a network of hundreds of kilometres of galleries, levels and rooms that served as a hideout for the Vietcong guerrillas in their fight against the American army. From this network of tunnels, the guerrillas launched their attacks and hid from the enemy. The first thing you notice about these tunnels when you visit them is how narrow and small they are. The visit to the tunnels consists of a short informative talk in one of the rehabilitated bunkers where you can see typical objects, weapons of the war and common traps used by the Vietcong guerrillas. Of course you will also be able to enter some of the tunnels that have been rehabilitated for them.
17. Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi
Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as its name suggests, is one of the oldest parts of the city, and has been so for over 1,000 years. Many of Hanoi’s main attractions are in or near the Old Quarter, including Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Opera House, National Museum of Vietnamese History, Fancy Square, a former Governor General’s Mansion of French Indochina, One Pillar Pagoda, Bach Ma Temple, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and Dong Xuan, Hanoi’s largest market. The Old Quarter is a shopper’s delight and houses artistic products from all over the country, made up of many top artists and craftsmen. The most popular items that make fine souvenirs include lacquer ware, silk products, embroidered fabrics and bags, conical hats, coffee beans and paintings.
18. Con Dao Islands, Ba Ria – Vung Tau
Con Dao is made up of 16 islands and islets southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. The main and largest island of the Con Dao archipelago is called Con Son and is the only inhabited island. The Con Dao islands are a remote place, rarely visited by tourists. They are exclusive islands, the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural surroundings. Here you can enjoy activities such as hiking, diving to see the reefs, relaxing and unwinding. The beaches of Con Son have a coral reef that is worth visiting. We recommend snorkelling or scuba diving for its underwater richness. The waters of Con Son are calm and turquoise. The beach is undoubtedly one of its main attractions. Con Son Island has high granite hills and several hiking trails. It is a very worthwhile place if you are a nature lover.
19. Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai
The Cát Tien National Park covers some 74,319 hectares, and has been preserved in its original natural soil, through an ecological system of great diversity, since it has a large number of valuable species, many listed in the red book due to their danger of extinction. Its marvellous landscapes, likewise, surprise all tourists. One of the particular characteristics of the Cát Tien National Park is that it is a tropical rainforest, which makes it of great value and interest to nature and wildlife lovers. Moreover, the value of the Cát Tien National Park is increased by the fact that there are ecological excursions available. Among them is one to the plant garden, where there is valuable wood of different types, and at night you can see many wild animals, including porcupines, wild boar and deer.
20. Ho Chi Minh City, Đông Nam Bộ
Ho Chi Minh City is located in the eastern part of the Mekong Delta, so it is not surprising that tourists and locals alike love this place. Here, in this area, is the island of Phu Quoc. Travelling along the river will provide the most positive impressions for a long time. After that, you can rent junk and swim among the islands, of which there are many. Each of them is interesting in itself. For example, you can visit a factory that produces coconut sweets. At the beginning of the journey along the delta, you can take a walk along the shores, where you will find the houseboats of local residents.
21. Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh
The southern part of the country, little developed by tourists, is remarkable for its incredible nature. There are many interesting places worth seeing with your own eyes. Ho Chi Minh City tours in this region are inexpensive and excellent for beginners. The Mekong Delta, located in the southern part of the country, is a truly exotic place. It attracts tourists like a magnet. It takes 1 to 3 days to see the sights of Vietnam located here.
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