12 Best Places to Go in Vietnam & Why

Vietnam is seriously one of my favorite countries, and it can be overwhelming at first to plan a great Vietnam itinerary (<– get my itinerary here!). That’s why I’ve compiled the best places to go in Vietnam as someone who traveled there solo for an entire month! So if you’re wondering where to visit in Vietnam for the first time or if you’ve been here and want to explore deeper, then read on. I cover all the best things to do in Vietnam in this post, too.

The country absolutely has so much to offer, from the mountains to the verdant rice terraces to bustling cities, and also the countryside. It’s one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia and in the world to visit, which is a big reason why Vietnam tourism has been growing so quickly in recent years.

Hanoi is top of mind as it’s the capital of Vietnam and is full of bustling streets. But not far away, you’ll find hidden gems like Ninh Binh, which is a great escape to the countryside. The beaches of Phu Quoc are pristine and a trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing Ho Chi Minh City.

This post covers the best places to visit in Vietnam, categorized by region. It also has my best tips on how to navigate this incredible country for a smooth journey.

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Do You Need a Visa to Enter Vietnam?

Yes, most countries including the USA, Australia, and many others require a visa to enter Vietnam. And no, you cannot get it on arrival. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.

I am a travel blogger, and I made the mistake of assuming I could get a visa when I arrived. The night before my flight, I double-checked and realized I could not. I panicked, did not want to fall for a scam to expedite my visa, and ended up delaying my trip. It was an absolute nightmare.

Do not make the same mistake I did. Get your Vietnam visa at least ten days in advance. I recommend using this easy visa check and application tool to see if your country requires a visa and to apply safely online. It is quick, reliable, and will save you a lot of stress before your trip.

How long to spend in Vietnam?

Ideally, you should spend 3-4 weeks to see all that Vietnam has to offer. There are so many places spread out from North to South. Otherwise, pick a region and stay for a couple of days there.

Here’s how long I’d recommend spending in each region of Vietnam:

1. Northern Vietnam (7-8 days)
2. Central Vietnam (6-7 days)
3. Southern Vietnam (5-6 days)

Read my full itinerary on how to spend 3 perfect weeks in Vietnam.

Vietnam Travel Insurance

I never travel without insurance—it’s just not worth the risk! For my Vietnam trip, I used SafetyWing and loved how flexible and affordable it was. It’s designed with digital nomads and long-term travelers in mind, but even for shorter trips, it works.

You can buy it while already abroad (which saved me once!), and it covers unexpected things like medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and even lost luggage.

Vietnam is safe overall, but things can still go wrong—like that time my motorbike slipped in the rain (I was fine, thankfully!). It just gives you peace of mind knowing you’re covered, especially in places where healthcare may work differently than at home.

You can easily manage your plan online, pause it, or extend it if you decide to stay longer (which… you might, because Vietnam is that good). I always recommend having travel insurance—it’s such a small price to pay for feeling protected.

Best Places to Go in Northern Vietnam

1. Hanoi

⭐ Why go: The foodie scene and the famous train street!
✈️ How to get there: Fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), and it’s an easy 30-40 minute taxi ride to the city center.
🏨 Where to stay: Sunline Hotel was an affordable place to stay in a central location near the Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hanoi is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam, and it’s no wonder why. The city is bustling, the food is incredible, and the cafes are a hidden escape from the hustle.

The highlight for me was the famous train street! After all, it’s a bucket list experience and one of the reasons I wanted to visit Vietnam! Getting onto the street can be challenging, so be sure to read up on my top tips for visiting the Hanoi train street.

There are endless things to do in Hanoi. I’d recommend 4 days in Hanoi, including day trips to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay. So 2 days exploring Hanoi itself.

In those 2 days, stroll through the Old Quarter and don’t miss the coffee shop scene with specialties like coconut iced coffee and salted iced lattes (my fav!). You have to visit the Instagrammable cafe, The Note Cafe, where you can stick notes on the wall. Also, there’s a really cool Water Puppet Show near to the Hoan Kiem Lake, which apparently is a must-see when coming to Vietnam. Another highlight for me was the street food tour in Hanoi.

2. Ha Long Bay / Cat Ba Island

Photo by Ashim D’Silva

⭐ Why go: Stunning limestone islands for a peaceful escape!
🚢 How to get there: From Hanoi, take a bus to Hai Phong (about 2.5 hours), then catch a ferry to Cat Ba Island. Many tours, like this one, will take you from Hanoi so you don’t have to deal with the logistics!
Best Cruise Option: Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site in northeastern Vietnam, known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests. It’s one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural landmarks.

That means there will be crowds. After a lot of research and hearing from others, I found out that Ha Long Bay was too touristy. That it kind of ruined the experience if you did it the wrong way.

Now, let me tell you the wrong way to experience this beautiful place in Vietnam. That would be to go as a day trip and to go on the Ha Long Bay route.

Instead, I’d recommend doing an overnight cruise that goes to Cat Ba Bay and ventures into Lan Ha Bay. Cat Ba Bay looks exactly the same as Ha Long Bay, but without the crowds! And staying overnight makes it not so rushed.

3. Ninh Binh

⭐ Why go: A hidden gem with breathtaking landscapes, rice paddies, and ancient temples!
🚌 How to get there: I recommend going by a shared mini-bus which you can pre-book here. You can also take a 2.5 hour train from Hanoi.
🏨 Where to stay: A cool bungalow at Tam Coc Lion Kings Hotel.

Ninh Binh was one of my favorite places in all of Vietnam. If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I LOVE hidden gems. Ninh Binh is one of them! And many people just do a day trip here, which is doable, but if you really want to experience this place properly, I’d recommend staying at least one night. I stayed in the coolest place for only $30 a night. The hotel has bikes which you can use for free to explore the surrounding areas.

If you’re looking for the most unique places to visit in Vietnam, climb to the top of Mua Caves for an amazing view. There is a dragon wrapped across the top of this mountain. The hike is 500 steps and is best visited at sunset. Other unique things to do in Ninh Binh include a boat tour through Trang An and a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda.

4. Quảng Phú Cầu

Photo by Ama Journey

⭐ Why go: Endless photo opportunities of the Incense fields
🚌 How to get there: From Hanoi, take a bus or taxi to Quảng Phú Cầu (around 1.5-2 hours). It can be confusing where to be dropped off so in all reality it’s best to take a tour like this one.
🎟️ Best Tour Option: Instagram Tour – Incense Village & Hat Making Village

Quảng Phú Cầu is a small village in Vietnam known for its centuries-old incense-making craft. It’s located only 35 km from Hanoi, taking around an hour to arrive here. It has become a must-visit, especially for photographers and Instagrammers.

Here, you’ll find bundles of bright red incense sticks, often spread out in the sun to dry. I’d recommend visiting on a tour, as it can be tricky to find the right places to go if you just get dropped off by a cab. This way, you can also be guided and meet the local artisans to learn about the traditional incense techniques.

5. Sapa

Photo by D Tan

⭐ Why go: Nature lovers + rice terraces!
🚌 How to get there: From Hanoi, take a 5-6 hour sleeper bus or an overnight train to Lao Cai, followed by a 1-hour bus or taxi ride to Sapa town. Alternatively, private car services are available for a more direct route. You can always book a guided tour like this one where they take care of all the transport and activities for you!
🏨 Where to stay: Viettrekking Hotel has insanely beautiful views & an infinity pool with views.

Sapa is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam, especially if you are into nature. The town is surrounded by stunning terraced rice fields and misty mountains. It’s still relatively considered a hidden gem.

Trekking through the beautiful green landscapes and visiting local hill tribes like the Hmong and Red Dao are unforgettable experiences.

The highlight is hiking through the Muong Hoa Valley, where the views are absolutely breathtaking. It’s a bucket-list destination for anyone wanting to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty. Make sure to prepare for the weather, as it can change quickly in the mountains!

Sapa is the perfect place to spend 3-4 days. I’d recommend 2 days of trekking and visiting ethnic villages, then another day relaxing in town, where you can explore the local markets and try traditional dishes like thang co (horse meat soup) or grilled skewers.

Don’t miss a visit to one of the local cafes like Sapa Sky View Restaurant & Bar, where you can sip tea while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding rice terraces. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a visit to the top of Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina!

6. Ha Giang Loop

⭐ Why go: Jaw-dropping mountain views, thrilling motorbike rides, and an authentic experience.
🚌 How to get there: From Hanoi, take a sleeper bus or limousine bus to Ha Giang city (about 6-7 hours). Once there, rent a motorbike to start the famous Ha Giang Loop. If you’re unfamiliar with motorbike riding, I’d highly consider booking a guided tour as the roads can be dangerous to drive on your own.
🎟️ Best Tour to Book: From Hanoi: 3-Day Motorbike Ha Giang Loop with Easy Rider

The Ha Giang Loop is one of the most incredible places to go in Vietnam, and it’s untouched by tourists. This thrilling motorbike route takes you through rugged mountains, deep valleys, and breathtaking rice terraces. The Loop is an escape into nature, away from all the tourist crowds.

You’ll pass through the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass, often considered one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Vietnam. Riding through its winding roads overlooking the Nho Que River is unbelievable.

I’d recommend booking a 3-4 day tour with an Easy Rider to fully enjoy the Loop. Just remember, the journey is just as important as the destinations.

Along the way, you’ll pass through local villages where you can experience authentic Vietnamese culture, meet ethnic groups like the Hmong and Tay, and stay in cozy homestays.

Don’t forget to try the local specialty, “thang den” (sweet sticky rice balls), and soak in the stunning views at every stop.

For a real challenge, consider trekking up one of the many trails along the route to get even better vantage points!

Just note, this experience may not be for everyone. You’ll be on the back of a motorbike for hours, so keep this in mind. You can also take a jeep tour, but it’s best on a motorbike so you can see the scenic views along the way.

Another top tip is to ensure the weather is good for your visit. You don’t want to be stuck with foggy skies, as you will sadly not see any of the views. So check ahead before booking to avoid disappointment. The weather in this area widely differs from the other parts of Vietnam.

Best Places to Go in Central Vietnam

7. Hoi An

⭐ Why go: Colorful city with an amazing Lantern Festival
✈️ How to get there: The closest airport is Da Nang Airport. From there, you can hire a private driver for only $15 or take a shared limousine to Hoi An for only $6.
🏨 Where to stay: You can stay just outside the Ancient Old Town in the most gorgeous hotel for only $30 a night. They even have a pool. Or, stay right in the middle of the city at this homestay with the sweetest owner.

Hoi An is the most colorful and photogenic place in Vietnam. The city is known as “The City of Lanterns.” It’s most famous for its lantern festival. Every day, you will have the chance to take a boat ride and release a lantern into the water, making a wish. Thousands of lanterns and lights fill the city.

The colorful facades around every corner of the Ancient Town make Hoi An super instagrammable. In fact, I’d highly recommend getting a photoshoot here. I did with Flytographer and LOVED how they turned out (Save $25 on your next photoshoot with them).

Other things not to miss in Hoi An are a fun lantern-making class and stopping in Reaching Out Teahouse for tea in an aesthetic cafe. My favorite meal was also at White Rose Restaurant!

If you want some relaxation, don’t miss An Bang beach!

Where to Stay in Hoi An

I spent a couple of weeks in Hoi An and loved it! While there, I stayed in 3 different hotels, and all were amazing. While in Hoi An, be sure to explore the countryside too! It will give you a whole different perspective of the city. That’s because initially, Hoi An can feel overwhelming.

Below are the prettiest hotels EVER! And for under $30 a night. I really couldn’t believe the prices here.

• Alsahar Hoi An Boutique Villa: A gorgeous boutique-style hotel with a pool and stylish rooms. It felt like a hidden gem, and I couldn’t believe it was under $30 a night! (left photo above)
• The Mansion: Another countryside homestay that was so peaceful, yet still just a short ride into town when I wanted to explore. You can easily take a Grab (like Uber) to get to the city center or use the hotel’s free bikes. (right photo above)

And if you prefer to be right in the middle of the action, I also stayed at Rockmouse Centre River Villa Hoi An. The room was simple, but the owner was incredibly kind, breakfast was delicious (and free!), and it was literally steps from the Lantern Festival — you can’t beat that location.

8. Da Nang

⭐ Why go: Beach lovers and relaxed vibes
✈️ How to get there: fly into the Da Nang airport, and the town is only 10 minutes away.
🏨 Where to stay: Pullman Danang Beach Resort is the perfect spot, especially as it’s close to the beach.

Da Nang is a lively beach town that is a must for your Vietnam travels. The My Khe Beach is the perfect place to relax, especially if you’re a beach lover.

I found some of the best cafes and places to eat during my time in Da Nang. My favorite restaraunt for crispy pancakes was Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang. And my favorite coffee shop to work and relax in was Nối Café. It has a very eclectic interior and outdoor spaces, too. My favorite coffee is a salted iced latte!

If you’re looking for interesting things to do, don’t miss the Fire Breathing Dragon show, which happens on weekends only. The bridge closes down for about an hour while the dragon spits out fire and water!

9. Hue

⭐ Why go: This super underrated city in Vietnam has the most beautiful tombs and palaces to discover.
✈️ How to get there: Fly directly into Phu Bai International Airport (about 1.5 hours from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City), or take a train or bus from nearby cities like Da Nang (about 2-3 hours).
🏨 Where to stay: For only $25 a night, stay in the cutest hotel with Moroccan vibes. It’s called Pisces Hotel.

Hue is one of the most underrated places in Vietnam. I actually was surprised by how much I liked it. I didn’t see much information on it during my time researching my trip to Vietnam.

The top thing to do here is to visit the Imperial Palace. I had no idea it would take hours to visit this place, so definitely plan a day to see this place. It’s actually so impressive, and I loved wandering around here all day long.

Other fun things to do in Hue include a visit to the royal tombs. They are really stunning! Don’t miss hidden gems like An Dinh Palace too. You can read more about what I did in Hue in my full blog post. My favorite place to eat was Nook Eatery – it was a great break from Vietnamese food.

The coolest place I visited in Vietnam was definitely the Abandoned Dragon Water Park! It is an abandoned amusement park featuring a giant dragon in the middle of water. The inside is super creepy with rubbish, and some say it’s even unsafe to visit. It is believed to be bad luck and is slated to be abolished, so visit while you can!

Where to Stay in Hue

I stayed in the cutest hotel for only $25 a night. It gave so many Moroccan vibes. The location was perfect for walking to restaurants and attractions. It had a swimming pool in its beautiful courtyard. But be warned that it books up fast!

Best Places to Go in Southern Vietnam

10. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

⭐ Why go: One of Vietnam’s most bustling cities!
✈️ How to get there: Fly directly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport. From there, it’s a quick 20-30 minute taxi ride to the city center.
🏨 Where to stay: For luxury, stay at the Park Hyatt Saigon, located right in the city center. If you’re on a budget, The Homestay TITO is great and located next to the pink church.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s most bustling city! You will find so many interesting things to do here, and it’s one of the best cities in Vietnam.

My favorite place in Ho Chi Minh City was the iconic pink church known as the Tan Dinh Church. I couldn’t stop gazing at this beautiful church. And there’s a nice cafe with a view of the church at Cong Caphe.

Other must-do activities in Ho Chi Minh City include cafe hopping at the Cafe Apartments, sending a postcard at the Saigon Post Office, and visiting the nearby book street – a cute street full of book shops.

You can try one of Vietnam’s famous bahn mìs at Bánh Mì Huynh Ho.

Plus, don’t miss watching the sunset at Bitexco Financial Tower – Saigon Skydeck for views of the city.

11. Mekong River Delta

⭐ Why go: Experience rural Vietnam up close
🚌 How to get there: The closest airport to the Mekong River Delta is Can Tho International Airport (VCA). Alternatively, you can come from Ho Chi Minh City by taking a shared limousine or private car (2-3 hours). You can also join an organized tour which will take you there & tour you around too.
🏨 Where to stay: I stayed in Can Tho at Mid Night for only $15 a night. The room was large with a river view from the window. Mekong River Delta was a motorbike and boat ride away.

The Mekong Delta is a bucket-list experience in Vietnam. You will have the chance to see how the locals really live. This famous floating market consists of 100s of boats trading food and produce straight from boats.

I’d advise you to make your way here and spend the night instead of taking a day trip. The reason is, you have to be at the market EARLY, around 8 am, to see it in action. You should also take a private tour for the most authentic experience. Otherwise, make sure to take a small group tour, as I’ve seen them pack huge boats of tourists here.

I had such a special tour when I went with a private guide. She took me to some secret spots, including the land market right above the floating market. We also enjoyed breakfast soup on the boat, and it was super cool to learn how to make noodles at a local factory.

12. Phu Quoc Island

Photo by Vivu Vietnam

⭐ Why go: Beach lovers & Foodies
✈️ How to get there: Fly into Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), with direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major cities. It’s a short taxi ride to most beach resorts and attractions.
🏨 Where to stay: For luxury, consider Fusion Resort or JW Marriott Phu Quoc. For budget-friendly options, try La Veranda Resort or Mango Bay Resort for a more eco-friendly stay.

Phu Quoc Island is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam, especially if you want to get a glimpse of Vietnam’s pristine beaches. Come here for the laid-back vibe and the delicious food.

The island is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches like Sao Beach and Long Beach. Here you’ll escape the bustle of mainland cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

There’s so much to explore, including the island’s national park, waterfalls, and boat trips to nearby islets.

If you’re a foodie, you can visit Phu Quoc’s famous night markets, where fresh seafood is a must-try.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Phu Quoc Prison Museum while you’re there!

10 Best Things to Do in Vietnam

If you want to start a bucket list for the best things to do in Vietnam, these were my highlights!

1. Visit the Hanoi Train Street. One of the coolest experiences in Hanoi is watching the train roar past the narrow street lined with cafes. If you want to explore easily, you can book a guided walking tour here — it includes a food tour too!
2. Go to the Abandoned Water Park in Hue. Go here before it gets demolished! Read more about it in my blog post on Hue.
3. Stay in a beautiful $30 a night hotel like this one in Hue or Hoi An
4. See the Fire-breathing dragon in Da Nang. This dragon shoots out fire and water in the evenings along a famous dragon bridge.
5. Hike up to Mua Caves in Ninh Binh. The views here were really worth the 500 steps.
6. See the Trang An Caves in Ninh Binh: Taking a boat ride through the Trang An caves is magical. You can book tickets in advance via this website to avoid the lines.
7. Get tailor-made clothes in Hoi An: Hoi An is famous for affordable, custom tailoring. I recommend booking a consultation with NY Central Tailor ahead of time for a smooth experience.
8. Release a lantern in Hoi An: Releasing a lantern on the river is a must-do. You can reserve a spot or lantern package easily through GetYourGuide.
9. Admire the pink church in Saigon: Tân Định Catholic Church is stunning and a perfect photo stop.
10. Visit the Mekong River Delta: The Mekong River Delta is best experienced on a boat tour. I booked a day trip through this trusted company with local guides and a Vietnamese breakfast included.

You may also like these posts!
📅 3 Week Vietnam Itinerary
🇻🇳 Hanoi 4 Day Itinerary|
🚂 Hanoi Train Street
☕ Best Hanoi Coffee Shops
☕ Best Hoi An Coffee Shops
💰 How Much to Budget for a Vietnam Trip
🏞️ The best things to do in Ninh Binh
🏮 The Best Things to Do in Hoi An
🚤 Guide to the Mekong River Delta
🏨 Where to Stay in Hoi An
💖 Solo Travel Guide to Vietnam