IVietnam is a country offering a blend of rich history, vibrant beaches, temples, and amazing landscapes. This beautiful country has everything that a tourist wants, from ancient temples to beaches and bustling cities. Vietnam is truly a gem for travellers.
When it comes to having a vacation in Vietnam, you must understand that there are many places to visit in Vietnam. It is easy to get confused about where to go and how to plan your trip. That is why we have created an extensive guide to the best places to visit in Vietnam.
In this guide, we will tell you about the places that are worth your time and other related information. Moreover, while talking about the cool places to visit in Vietnam, we will also discuss the Vietnam trip cost and how much money you should keep handy. Therefore, the Vietnam travel guide will help you plan the trip with ease.
15 Top Places To Visit in Vietnam
The places in this list are as per the tourist interactions and the reviews we gathered from the tourists. We think you must explore these places in order to get the most out of your Vietnam trip.
1. Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. This beautiful city is a blend of old world and modern development. The town is famous for its old architecture and rich culture, having influences of Chinese, French, and Asian cultures. Tourists can explore several locations in Hanoi.
- Old Quarter: You can visit and explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Here you will find colonial architecture, shops, and street food. Old Quarter is a maze of 36 small streets named after the goods that were sold earlier here, for example, Hang Bac and Hang Gai.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: This charming lake is in the heart of the city. The lake has Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island. You can go to the temple connected by a small bridge. Also, you can have a calm and relaxing walk along with the lake.
- Temple of Literature: This temple is dedicated to Confucius and having great architecture. Temple of Literature is also Vietnam’s first university and a proof to the country’s brilliant education system.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a resting place for the Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh. The place is for paying respect to the revolutionary who led Vietnam to independence. Visitors can visit the Museum, the President Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda here.
2. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and a city that never sleeps. Here are several places that are worth your visit.
- Ben Thanh Market: A bustling market where you can buy everything from souvenirs to local delicacies. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and try Vietnamese street food.
- War Remnants Museum: A sobering reminder of the Vietnam War, with exhibits that tell the story from the Vietnamese perspective. The museum features photographs, artifacts, and military equipment from the war.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: An extensive network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels and learn about the guerrilla warfare tactics used by the Viet Cong.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A beautiful example of French colonial architecture. The cathedral, built in the late 19th century, is a prominent landmark in the city.
3. Ha Long Bay
You will be amazed to know that Ha Long Bay is a Unesco World Heritage Site. This place is famous for its emerald waters and limestone islands with thick rainforests.
- Cruise Tours: You can take a cruise tour to explore the bay. The tour will be having activities like Kayaking and Cave exploring. If you want more fun then taking an overnight tour is the best option, you will see the bay sunset and sunrise.
- Sung Sot Cave: Sung Sot Cave is one of the largest and mesmerizing caves here. The cave has stalactites and stalagmites and visitors get the chance to see the two main chambers of the cave.
- Ti Top Island: Get a chance to witness the panoramic views of the bay the the top of Ti Top Island. You can also relax at the peaceful beach of this island.
4. Hoi An
Another Unesco heritage site of Vietnam, Hoi An is a cute, beautiful, and ancient town. These are the sites not to miss while in Hoi An.
- Japanese Covered Bridge: This bridge was built in the 16th century having a small temple. The place is a perfect spot for taking pictures.
- Hoi An Night Market: On your hunt for lanterns, souvenirs, and street food, you can visit this vibrant market. Here you will see the local culture of Vietnam along with the Vietnamese delicacies.
- An Bang Beach: If you are looking to enjoy the beach vibes, then this is the perfect place for you, it is very near to the town center and can be reached quite easily.
5. Hue
Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the reign of the Nguyen Dynasty. This place is famous for its historic monuments and architecture. When in hue, go to these places.
- Imperial City: It is a walled fortress and palace where the Nguyen emperors resides. This is another Unesco World Heritage site having palaces, temples, and gardens.
- Thien Mu Pagoda: It is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. Thien Mu Pagoda is located on the banks of the Perfume River. This place has a high religious value, and tourists can have good views of the river.
- Tombs of the Emperors: These tombs are having unique designs and were built for the Nguyen Emperors. The surroundings of these Tombs have beautiful architecture and gardens.
6. Da Nang
It is a coastal city of Vietnam and famous for its sandy beaches and a long history as a French colonial port. Here are some places that can be visited while in Da Nang.
- My Khe Beach: This is a popular beach known for its white sand and clear water. The beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Marble Mountains: A cluster of five marble and limestone hills, each representing one of the five elements. The mountains are home to caves, temples, and pagodas, and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Dragon Bridge: A bridge shaped like a dragon that breathes fire and water on weekends. The bridge is a popular attraction and a symbol of the city.
7. Sa Pa
This beautiful hill station town in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains is a must-visit place. Sa Pa is well known for terraced rice fields and ethnic minority communities of Vietnam.
- Fansipan Mountain: This is the highest peak in Indochina. It is accessible by a cable car ride. Fansipan Mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding area. This place is also a popular destination for hikers.
- Cat Cat Village: Cat Cat Village is a traditional Hmong village. Here you can learn about the local culture and way of life. From here you can purchase the handicraft work as it is famous for this.
- Muong Hoa Valley: This place is famous for its beautiful terraced rice fields. The valley is a great place for trekking and offers beautiful views of the countryside.
8. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a coastal city known for its beaches, diving sites, and offshore islands. Here are some places you can visit in Nha Trang.
- Vinpearl Land: It is an amusement park which is located on an island. You can go there by a cable car. The park features rides, a water park, and an aquarium.
- Po Nagar Cham Towers: They are ancient Hindu temples built by the Cham civilization. These towers are an important religious site and offer beautiful views of the city and the sea.
- Hon Mun Island: For water adventure lovers, this is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The island is known for its clear water and diverse marine life.
9. Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, known for its white-sand beaches and resorts.
- Sao Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, known for its soft white sand. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sea.
- Phu Quoc National Park: A protected area with diverse flora and fauna, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. The park is home to many rare and endangered species.
- Vinpearl Safari: Vietnam’s largest wildlife conservation park. The park features a variety of animals and offers safari tours.
10. Mekong Delta
This place, called the Mekong Delta, is a vast network of rivers, swamps, and islands in southern Vietnam.
- Floating Markets: You can visit the Cai Rang or Phong Dien floating markets to see how locals trade goods on the water. The markets are a great place to experience the local culture and buy fresh produce.
- Tra Su Cajuput Forest: It is a beautiful forest with diverse bird species. You can best explore it by boat. The forest is a great place for bird watching and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Vinh Trang Pagoda: A beautiful Buddhist temple with a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architecture. The pagoda is an important religious site and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
11. Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is another cool place to visit in Vietnam that offers stunning landscapes. This place is often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land.”
- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: a UNESCO World Heritage site that has limestone karst mountains and valleys. The complex is an excellent boat tour site and has beautiful views of the place.
- Tam Coc: A collection of limestone caves and rice paddies, which is best seen by boat. Beautiful landscapes characterize the region, and it is a tourist destination.
- Bai Dinh Pagoda: The biggest system of Buddhist temples in Vietnam. The pagoda is a significant religious place and a good place to view the surrounding environment.
12. Da Lat
Da Lat is a city in the Central Highlands and is one of the cool places to visit in Vietnam. It is known for its cool climate and French colonial architecture.
- Xuan Huong Lake: A lovely lake in the heart of the town and a good place to take a stroll or to ride a boat. The lake is a favorite picnic site, and it has beautiful scenery in its surroundings.
- Crazy House: A non-traditional construction, which is the creation of a Vietnamese architect, Dang Viet Nga. The house is a tourist attraction site and also a unique experience.
- Datanla Waterfall: A famous waterfall that includes such activities as canyoning and a roller coaster ride. The falls are a wonderful sight to have some relaxation and enjoy the beauty of nature.
13. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous because of its cave systems and karst.
- Son Doong Cave: It is the largest cave in the world, and it can only be visited on guided tours. The cave has an ecosystem of its own, having a river, jungle, and unique rock formations.
- Paradise Cave: It is one of the most beautiful caves in the park and is characterized by beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The cave extends to 31 kilometers, although only the first kilometer is accessible to tourists.
- Phong Nha Cave: It is a cave accessible by boat, which is renowned because of the underground river. The cave has spectacular rock formations, and it is a tourist attraction.
14. Mui Ne
Mui Ne is a coastal town known for its sand dunes and water sports.
- White Sand Dunes: A desert-like terrain where one can sandboard and ride an ATV. The dunes provide breathtaking scenery of the surroundings and are a favorite place to take photographs.
- Red Sand Dunes: These smaller dunes are equally beautiful as the white ones, especially during sunset. The dunes are an excellent place to rest and feel the beauty of nature.
- Fairy Stream: A stream that runs through a red and white sand canyon. The stream makes a good walking place, and the views are beautiful.
15. Con Dao Islands
The Con Dao Islands are an archipelago known for their pristine beaches and marine life.
- Con Son Island: The biggest island, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and historical places. The island is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the place.
- Turtle Island: A place where sea turtles come to lay eggs, and you can see the hatching of the baby turtles. The island is a famous eco-tourism destination, and it provides a distinct experience.
- Con Dao National Park: A national park with a variety of marine life that is ideal for diving and snorkeling. The park boasts a variety of rare and endangered species, and it has beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Vietnam Trip Cost
When you are planning a visit to Vietnam, the cost of the trip is something you should know. Trip cost will consist of Flights, Food, Transportation, Accommodation, and Activities. The following is a breakdown.
- Flights: The cost of round trip flight will be between $180-$360. This highly depends on the season and early booking.
- Hotels: In case you are budgeting on hotels or hostels, they will be $6–$18 per night. Mid-range hotels will cost you $24-$60 per night, and in case you visit the luxury sections of the hotels then it will cost you around $84 per night.
- Food: The food is very cheap in Vietnam. The price of Street Food will be approximately $1.20–$3.60. Mid-range restaurants will charge you $6–$12 per meal, and the high-end restaurants will charge you around $24.
- Transportation: In case you want to travel by local transport, such as buses and taxis, they are low-priced. There is also the option of renting a bike, which will cost you $3.60-6 per day.
- Activities: You will have to spend around $6-$24 on activities such as guided tours, cruises in Ha Long Bay, and trekking.
Read More: Get Visa Requirements For Vietnam
Final Remarks
Vietnam is a nation with a wide variety of activities, including the crowded streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the peaceful scenery of Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Vietnam has something to offer to a history lover, a nature lover, or a beach lover. Book your flight to this wonderful country and visit the numerous wonders of it.
