Vietnam is a country of stunning contrasts, offering everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
Here’s a curated list of 50 must-visit locations to inspire your next adventure:
Northern Vietnam
- Hanoi: A vibrant capital with a rich history.Opens in a new windowwww.tripadvisor.com Hanoi, Vietnam
- Halong Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage site of limestone karsts.Opens in a new windowwww.lonelyplanet.com Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Sapa: Hilly region with diverse ethnic minorities and stunning scenery.Opens in a new windowm.youtube.com Sapa, Vietnam
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong.Opens in a new windowvietnam.travel Phong NhaKe Bang National Park, Vietnam
- Ninh Binh: Known as the “Halong Bay on land” with rice paddies and caves.Opens in a new windowgretastravels.com Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Bac Ha Market: Colorful market showcasing Hmong and Dao cultures.Opens in a new windowtheterribletourguide.com Bac Ha Market, Vietnam
- Mai Chau: Idyllic valley with stilt houses and terraced rice fields.Opens in a new windowvinpearl.com Mai Chau, Vietnam
- Ba Be National Park: Pristine lake surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.Opens in a new windowwww.babenationalpark.com.vn Ba Be National Park, Vietnam
- Cat Ba Island: Limestone cliffs, beaches, and opportunities for trekking.Opens in a new windowwww.lonelyplanet.com Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
- Lan Ha Bay: Less crowded alternative to Halong Bay with hidden lagoons.Opens in a new windowambassadorcruise.com Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
Central Vietnam
- Hoi An: A charming ancient town with lantern-lit streets.Opens in a new windowwww.nothingfamiliar.com Hoi An, Vietnam
- Da Nang: A modern coastal city with beautiful beaches and mountains.Opens in a new windowwww.britannica.com Da Nang, Vietnam
- Hue: Former imperial capital with stunning palaces and pagodas.Opens in a new windowwww.tripadvisor.com Hue, Vietnam
- My Son Sanctuary: UNESCO World Heritage site of Cham ruins.Opens in a new windowwhc.unesco.org My Son Sanctuary, Vietnam
- Ba Na Hills: Hill station with cable car, amusement park, and French architecture.Opens in a new windowwww.tripadvisor.com Ba Na Hills, Vietnam
- Hoi An Ancient Town: Explore the historic center and enjoy tailor-made clothing.Opens in a new windowvietnam.travel Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
- Lang Co Beach: Idyllic beach with crystal-clear waters.Opens in a new windowlocalvietnam.com Lang Co Beach, Vietnam
- Marble Mountains: Limestone mountains with caves and pagodas.Opens in a new windowvietnam.travel Marble Mountains, Vietnam
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Underground network used during the Vietnam War.Opens in a new windowwww.amusingplanet.com Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam
- Hai Van Pass: Scenic mountain pass with stunning coastal views.Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
Southern Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City: A bustling metropolis with a vibrant nightlife.Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Mekong Delta: Explore floating markets and rice paddies by boat.Opens in a new windowvietnam.travel Mekong Delta, Vietnam
- Phu Quoc Island: Paradise island with white-sand beaches and coral reefs.Opens in a new windowwww.youtube.com Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
- Nha Trang: Beach resort town with diving, snorkeling, and island hopping.Opens in a new windowvietnam.travel Nha Trang, Vietnam
- Mui Ne: Popular windsurfing and kitesurfing destination.Opens in a new windowwww.intrepidtravel.com Mui Ne, Vietnam
- Dalat: Hill station with French colonial architecture and flower gardens.Opens in a new windowvinpearl.com Dalat, Vietnam
- Ca Mau: Explore the southernmost tip of Vietnam and mangrove forests.Opens in a new windowen.m.wikipedia.org Ca Mau, Vietnam
- Vung Tau: Beach town with amusement parks and seafood.Opens in a new windowvietnam.travel Vung Tau, Vietnam
- Ben Tre: Experience rural life in the Mekong Delta.Opens in a new windowwww.tripadvisor.com Ben Tre, Vietnam
- Can Tho: Largest city in the Mekong Delta with bustling markets.Opens in a new windowen.wikipedia.org Can Tho, Vietnam
Other Notable Locations
- Con Dao Islands: Pristine beaches and rich history.
- Cat Tien National Park: Diverse wildlife and jungle trekking.
- Dien Bien Phu: Historic site of the French defeat in the Vietnam War.
- Sa Dec: Hometown of Marguerite Duras’ lover in “The Lover.”
- Quy Nhon: Underrated coastal city with beautiful beaches.
- Bach Ma National Park: Lush rainforest and waterfalls.
- Ha Giang Loop: Challenging motorcycle route through stunning mountain scenery.
- Cao Bang: Bordering China with limestone mountains and waterfalls.
- Lao Cai: Gateway to Sapa and the Hoang Lien Son Mountains.
- Son La: Hilly province with ethnic minority villages.
Additional Considerations
- Homestay experiences: Immerse yourself in local culture.
- Food tours: Discover the diverse Vietnamese cuisine.
- Cycling tours: Explore the countryside at your own pace.
- Cooking classes: Learn to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes.
- Festivals: Experience the vibrant local culture.
- Volunteer opportunities: Give back to the community.
- Off-the-beaten-path destinations: Discover hidden gems.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of Vietnam.
- Relaxation and wellness: Enjoy spa treatments and yoga.
- Respectful travel: Be mindful of local customs and traditions.