7 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Hanoi can feel like the heart of Vietnam, offering a bustling contemporary megacity and a glimpse into the quieter aspects of preserved culture. Progress contrasts tradition, skyscrapers tower over ancient citadels. Distinctive theaters juxtapose hints of the wilderness encased within the cityscape. Hanoi is a place of dazzling beauty, where the layers of Vietnamese history unfurl periods of French and Chinese colonial style. From the Old Quarter to the markets, every corner of Hanoi endlessly evolves.

Highlights: Thang Long Citadel | Water Puppet Theatre | Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum | Hoan Kiem Lake | Old Quarter

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Best time to visit: March | April | September | October

Towering rock formations, shimmering waters, and idyllic islands create the fascinating allure of Halong Bay. Adventures abound along the waters, coastline, and inland cave networks that plunge you into snorkeling havens and heavenly beaches. Whether basking in the tropical sunlight or enjoying a kayaking adventure, Halong Bay combines tangible heritage with the indescribable beauty of North Vietnam.

Highlights: Tuan Chau Island | Squid Fishing | Sung Sot Cave | Cat Ba National Park

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Best time to visit: March | April | September | October

Hue evokes the ambiance and glamour of an imperial past, where the glories of Nguyen emperors emanate from preserved ruins along the Perfume River. With an enticing ambiance and hidden corners offering tranquil views of blooming orchids, the city embraces its history and places heritage at your fingertips. With exciting activities and paths to explore by foot, boat, or bicycle, you can easily uncover the treasures of Hue.

Highlights: Imperial City | Thien Mu Pagoda | Thanh Toan Bridge

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Best time to visit: January | February | March | April | May | June

Hoi An immerses you in history, while offering a graceful ambiance that spreads from historic architecture that reflects the broad history of trade from China to Portugal. Traditional markets, antique craftspeople, and local delicacies create Hoi An’s alluring charisma in one of the country’s oldest cities. With grand architecture, illuminating boat trips, and fantastic cycling trails, Hoi An opens to the surrounding scenery of Vietnam and connects the history of the riverbanks to the reachable charm of the beaches.

Highlights: An Bang Beach | Phung Hung House | Old Town | Fujian Assembly Hall

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Best time to visit: February | March | April | May | June | July

Whether referring to Vietnam’s largest city as Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, the fast-paced atmosphere and captivating feast for the senses is undeniable. The dizzying mixture of traditional and colonial architecture juxtaposes soaring skyscrapers and timeless alleys. The different neighborhoods across the city interact like a collage, revealing a greater picture that can lead you to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Reunification Palace, villages along the Mekong Delta or tree-lined boulevards.

Highlights: Ben Thanh Market | Independence Palace | Cu Chi Tunnel | War Remnants Museum | Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 days

Best time to visit: December | January | February | March

The Mekong Delta is the country’s most unique destination, with its landscape spreading from wetlands to rivers that connect provinces, cities, villages, and remote scenery. With a dizzying array of greenery, the water moves the world around the delta as life clings to the rhythm of the current. Boats, houses, and markets crisscross the canals and rivers in a remarkable display of commerce that touches iconic rice paddies and coconut groves. The Mekong Delta is a reward for every visitor.

Highlights: Floating Markets | Tan Chua Village | Tra Su Cajuput Forest | Tram Chim National Park

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Best time to visit: November | December | January | February

Sapa captures Northern Vietnam’s distinctive character, separating it from the rest of the country. Verdant rice terraces climb against the base of jagged mountains and deep valleys support the rich heritage of ethnic minority villages. The town acts as the base for trekking excursions into the remarkable countryside that can take you into the surreal scenery and unravel the spirited alpine charm, with views to Vietnam’s tallest peak.

Highlights: Muong Hoa Valley | Local Villages | Sapa Museum

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days

Best time to visit: March | April | September | October

Approximately 14 days is the best amount of time in which to experience a sample of Vietnam’s culture and breathtaking landscape. Two weeks will allow you to travel at a slower pace, while discovering the celebrated imperial history of Hue, the charisma of Halong Bay, and the villages climbing above the Mekong Delta.

With a rich sense of folklore, a delicate balance of flavor, and an endless connection to the landscape, Vietnam captures traditional charm and modern luxury in an experience of a lifetime, embodied in the exceptional must-see destinations. The country offers a vast variety of things to do that can immerse you in ancient heritage and natural splendor. Speak with a Vietnam travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our Traveler Care team at 1-888-265-9707.