10 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam - Top Vietnam Tourist Places

Vietnam, a country of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, has become one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia. Along its striking S-shaped length, visitors can experience diverse cultures and beautiful nature. Every step in this country brings unique experiences to visitors. So what are the best places to visit in Vietnam? Join Asia Encounter to explore Vietnam tourist places and things to do in Vietnam for the best journey.

Is Vietnam worth visiting?

Vietnam should unquestionably be at the top of your list of places to visit. Vietnam offers breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, and a remarkable fusion of traditional customs with contemporary advancements.

The country’s rich history, dating back thousands of years, is evident in its well-preserved ancient towns, imperial citadels, and poignant war memorials. At the same time, Vietnam’s quick modernization has produced thriving cities with outstanding amenities. Travelers will find a destination that is genuinely unique when they combine it with the amazing natural treasures of the country, such as the terraced rice fields of Sapa and the limestone karsts of Halong Bay.

Furthermore, Vietnamese food is well known throughout the world for its vibrant flavors, use of fresh ingredients, and regional uniqueness. With so many places to visit and things to do in Vietnam, it’s no wonder this Southeast Asian gem continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

Best places to visit in Vietnam

Hanoi – The capital

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, is a city that perfectly blends old and new. The streets of Hanoi are a fascinating mix of French colonial architecture, ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. Strolling through the Old Quarter, you will encounter a vibrant atmosphere where street vendors sell everything from street food to traditional handicrafts.

12 Best Things to Visit in Hanoi Vietnam

Exploring Top 20 Best Attractions in Hanoi Vietnam

The city is home to some of the most important historical and cultural sites in Vietnam, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake. The rich history, combined with the vibrant street life, makes Hanoi one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

Hanoi is also an excellent starting point for seeing neighboring sights like Tam Coc’s breathtaking scenery or Hoa Lu’s historic capital. Hanoi is a place that visitors seeking a genuine Vietnamese experience shouldn’t miss.

Halong Bay

For nature lovers, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most spectacular things to see in Vietnam. You’ll be thinking about this stunning landscape long after you leave, with limestone karsts and islands dotted across emerald waters.

An overnight cruise around Ha Long Bay is the perfect way to see the sights. You can kayak through tranquil lagoons, explore secret caves and watch the sun rise and set over the bay from the deck as you cruise through the harbor. Many cruises also include activities like cooking demonstrations, night squid fishing, and on-board tai chi sessions.

The largest island in Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island, has great hiking and climbing options for the more daring. The island is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts as it is also home to the critically endangered Cat Ba langur.

Hoi An

Visiting Hoi An seems like going back in time. Among the best places to visit in Vietnam, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a historic town that has been meticulously kept. The Old Town of Hoi An is a living museum of history and culture, distinguished by its unique fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architectural styles.

Explore charming alleys lined with century-old townhouses, many of which have been converted into charming cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Don’t miss the chance to have your dress or suit tailored to your specifications by one of Hoi An’s renowned tailors.

As night falls, Hoi An transforms into a magical wonderland with hundreds of colorful lanterns illuminating the streets. Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River to admire the town in a different and unique way.

Hoi An is a foodie’s paradise as well as a historical and architectural mecca. The town is famous for its street food and cooking courses, where visitors can learn how to make local delicacies such as banh mi and cao lau.

Hue

Hue, one of the best places to visit in Vietnam, is a historical and cultural hotspot, having previously served as the country’s capital. The Nguyen Dynasty’s Citadel, a vast complex of palaces, temples and royal tombs, is located within the city. By visiting the Citadel, you can gain insight into the lifestyle of Vietnam’s former emperors as well as the country’s rich royal past.

Aside from the Imperial City, Hue is also known for its beautiful pagodas, such as the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the stunning tombs of past emperors, like the Tomb of Tu Du, Khai Dinh, and Minh Mang.

Hue is also famous for its sophisticated yet affordable cuisine. Don’t leave without trying local specialties such as Bun Bo Hue, Banh Khoai, Banh Bot Loc or enjoying a cup of sweet soup at the traditional market.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s thriving economic hub. Among the best places to visit in Vietnam, it is a bustling metropolis with a mix of old and new French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. Some of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City include the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.

Ho Chi Minh City is also known for its dynamic nightlife, with rooftop bars, live music venues, and night markets offering plenty of entertainment options. Saigon’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants. Try local favorites like banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), com tam (broken rice), or hu tieu (noodle soup) at these iconic, bustling eateries.

Sapa

Sapa is among the best places to visit in Vietnam if you are looking for a more peaceful and picturesque location. Sapa, a city in the northern highlands of Vietnam, is famous for its beautiful terraced rice fields, majestic mountains and many ethnic minorities. The town itself is small and quaint, but the real draw is the countryside outside of town, where you can wander through the terraced fields and stop in nearby villages.

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Vietnam, and Sapa has some of the most beautiful scenery the country has to offer. Sapa is ideal for nature enthusiasts and thrill seekers, whether you choose to hike Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, or explore the Muong Hoa Valley.

Phu Quoc island

Phu Quoc Island is a tropical paradise of Vietnam with white sand beaches, clear waters, and lush rainforests. It is the ideal destination for those looking to relax and unwind. Phu Quoc is famous for its luxury resorts, making it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for a beach holiday.

While relaxation is the main draw, there are also plenty of things to do in Vietnam on Phu Quoc Island, including snorkeling, diving, and exploring the island’s national parks. The island is also known for its production of fish sauce, which is considered some of the best in the world. Phu Quoc’s combination of natural beauty and luxury accommodations makes it one of the top Vietnam tourist places for a tropical escape.

Vietnam tourist attractions – Things to do in Vietnam

Exploring historical sites throughout Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with a rich history preserved through historical sites scattered across the country. Wherever you look, you can find historical evidence, such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the ancient My Son temples, Cu Chi Tunnels, etc. Vietnam’s historical attractions provide a glimpse into the country’s long and complex past. The Imperial City of Hue, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, and the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City are just a few examples of the many historical sites you can visit across the country.

Trekking and hiking

Vietnam’s diverse terrain offers a wide range of hiking and trekking options, from leisurely strolls through rice terraces to strenuous multi-day treks in isolated mountain regions. While Sapa is the most popular hiking destination, other areas, such as Mai Chau, Pu Luong Nature Reserve or Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, offer equally spectacular experiences.

Enjoy Vietnam’s culinary delights

Vietnam is renowned for its diverse and exciting cuisine, which foodies will have plenty of opportunities to sample. The country offers a wide range of dining experiences, from high-end restaurants to street food vendors. Traditional pho, Vietnamese sandwiches, and grilled pork vermicelli are all must-try dishes. One of the joys of any holiday to Vietnam is undoubtedly the food, which is renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

Beach and island hopping

With its long coastline and numerous islands, Vietnam is a paradise for beach lovers. In addition to Phu Quoc Island, there are many other beautiful beaches to explore, such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Ninh Thuan… Whether you’re looking for a lively beach with water sports and entertainment or a quiet spot to relax, Vietnam’s beaches offer a relaxing holiday for everyone.

Don’t know where to start with your Vietnam journey. Let Asia Encounter suggest you the most attractive itineraries:

Vietnam has it all: culture, history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Each region of the country has something different to offer, making every region of this country the best places to visit in Vietnam. Consider contacting Asia Encounter as you plan your trip to explore the different destinations in Vietnam and take part in the many activities available there. With the help of our custom itinerary creation skills, we can ensure that you make the most of your time in this fascinating country by guiding you off the beaten tourist path and into the heart of Vietnam.