HomeAsiaSoutheast AsiaVietnam 15 Places to Visit in Vietnam + Things To Do for First-Timers By Marcos Detourista. Updated on January 2, 2019. Where to go in Vietnam? Achieve your travel goals with this list of beautiful destinations, things to do, best places to visit, Vietnam tourist spots, attractions & more. Vietnam is most known for its turbulent wartime history, delicious food, and Ha Long Bay. Before arriving in the country and traveling around its countrysides, little did I know that it is also home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Southeast Asia, and charming heritage sites that are worth a peek. Vietnam’s tourist spots are broadly spread out in its northern, central, and southern regions. The country isn’t overwhelmingly massive, but unless you’re traveling long-term or plan to stick to just one or two regions, you will have to pick destinations to skip or prioritize. To make it easy for you to decide on where to go, here’s a list of my favorite places to visit in Vietnam: Vietnam travel essentials: (click below to view prices online) Where to stayTours + discountsVietnam fares Vietnam WIFI/SIM Card See also: Places to Visit in Vietnam | Ho Chi Minh Itinerary | Things to do in Hanoi | Indochina Travel Guide. 1. Hoi An If you love visiting historic places, this heritage city in Central Vietnam is a must-visit. Hoi An is a riverside town with an old-world charm. It’s filled with vintage buildings influenced by Vietnamese, French, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles. Delicious local food is also a major attraction here. The city’s magical atmosphere comes alive under the romantic sunset light and at night when the houses, temples, and shops are lit up. Location: Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. How to go: The most popular gateway to Hoi An is Da Nang in Central Vietnam. nearest major city. There are a lot of convenient transport options between the two cities. Travel time is only around 45 minutes. Hoi An Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts My Son & Hoi An Private Day Tour from Da Nang Hoi An Private City Transfers for Da Nang, Hue & Ba Na Hills My Son Temples day tour from Hoi An Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam Hoi An colorful lanterns Colorful lanterns and local craftsman, in Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quang Trieu) Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quang Trieu) in Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam, Vietnam Thu Bon River, Hoi An Thu Bon River at night, in Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam See more: Hoi An travel tips 15 Places To Visit in Hoi An To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my Instagram feed. Use Instagram’s save feature for quick access to your travel/feed goals. Follow me on Instagram 2. Hanoi There seems to be something interesting to discover at every street corner in historic Hanoi, especially in the old quarter of the city. It’s one of the best cities in Southeast Asia to explore on foot. Hanoi also has scenic lakes that are best viewed from rooftop restaurants or bars, while enjoying traditional Vietnamese coffee or a chilled bottle of Saigon beer. Location: Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, northern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Hanoi along with Ho Chi Minh is one of the major international gateways in Vietnam, so getting by air is very easy. Hanoi-Noi Bai International Airport found 45 minutes away from the city center serves frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Beijing. As well as major cities in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East and more. Major airlines include AirAsia, Jetstar, VietJet, Vietnam Airlines. From the Philippines, Manila-Hanoi flights are served by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. Flight duration is around 2.5 hours. Hanoi Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Private Noi Bai Airport Transfers (HAN) for Hanoi City or Halong Bay Hanoi Private Car Charter Private City Transfers for Hanoi City and Surrounding Areas Hanoi Train Street, Vietnam Train Street in Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam Bia Saigon with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake Bia Saigon (beer) with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake, in Hanoi, Vietnam Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam Hanoi Old Quarter Sidestreet food stalls Local food stalls, in Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam See more: Hanoi travel tips 12 Places To Visit in Hanoi 3. Ho Chi Minh Bustling Ho Chi Minh, on its own, may pale as a travel destination compared to other cities in Southeast Asia, but it is a necessary transport hub if you plan to explore Southern Vietnam. In case you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh, the city center offers interesting cultural sights, urban experiences, Vietnamese food+coffee & cheap shopping, in addition to scenic day trips to the Mekong Delta. Location: Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Ho Chi Minh’s International Airport is the busiest airport in Vietnam. Found 45 minutes away from the city center, this airport serves frequent flights from Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Beijing, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Melbourne & Sydney. As well as major cities in New Zealand, Europe, Middle East and more. Major airlines include AirAsia, Jetstar, VietJet & Vietnam Airlines. From the Philippines, Manila-Hanoi flights are served by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Vietnam Airlines. Flight duration is around 2.5 hours. Ho Chi Minh Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Full Day Mekong Delta Excursion from Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh City-Mekong Delta River Cruise Shared City Transfers between Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh via Limousine Nguyen Hue Walking Street Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Vietnam Shrimp noodles at the The Lunch Lady, Ho Chi Minh Shrimp noodles at The Lunch Lady, in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Vietnam Notre Dame Basilica, Ho Chi Minh City Notre Dame Basilica in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam Central Post Office Interiors, Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office Interiors in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam See more: Ho Chi Minh travel tips 14 Places To Visit in Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh Itinerary + Travel Guide 4. Mui Ne Location: Phan Thiet, Bình Thuận Province, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. Mui Ne Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Shared City Transfers between Da Lat and Mui Ne via Shuttle Bus Mui Ne Private Jeep Tour Da Lat to Mui Ne, Nha Trang or HCMC Car Transfer Fairy Springs (Fairy Stream), Vietnam Fairy Springs (Fairy Stream) in Mui Ne, Vietnam Mui Ne White Sand Dunes, Vietnam White Sand Dunes in Mui Ne, Vietnam Mui Ne Fishing Village, Vietnam Mui Ne Fishing Village in Mui Ne, Vietnam See more: Mui Ne travel tips 5 Places To Visit in Mui Ne 5. Da Lat Location: Lâm Đồng Province, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. Da Lat Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Da Lat Countryside Day Tour Shared City Transfers between Da Lat and Mui Ne via Shuttle Bus Da Lat Waterfalls Day Tour Pongour Waterfall, Da Lat Pongour Waterfall in Da Lat, Vietnam Truc Lam Pagoda (Truc Lam Zen Monastery), Da Lat Truc Lam Pagoda (Truc Lam Zen Monastery) in Da Lat, Vietnam Da Lat Coffee Farm Da Lat Coffee Farm, Vietnam Xuan Huong Lake, Da Lat Xuan Huong Lake in Da Lat, Vietnam See more: Da Lat travel tips 17 Places To Visit in Da Lat 6. Da Nang Da Nang is one of the biggest surprises on my first visit to Central Vietnam. It’s a major tourist hub with its own set of attractions and convenient direct domestic and international flight connections. Da Nang is a great place to visit for travelers who aren’t ready to leave their urban comfort zones. This clean, modern, and laid-back city is bordered by a long white sand beach that is lined with top-notch resorts. The riverside area of the city center feels more like a huge outdoor theme park with well-maintained promenades, iconic bridges lit up at night, and the Sun Wheel (giant Ferris Wheel). Location: Hải Châu District, Da Nang, central Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. How to go: After Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang’s airport is the next most well-connected international airport in Vietnam. Da Nang International Airport (DAD) serves direct flights from Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul-Incheon, Shanghai-Pudong, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo-Narita. As well as flights from major domestic destinations including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Buon Ma Thuot, Hai Phong, Pleiku, Vinh, Can Tho, Da Lat & Nha Trang. Major airlines include AirAsia, Jetstar, China Eastern, Silk Air, Vietjet & Vietnam Airlines. Travel time by flight to Da Nang is around 1.5 hours from Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh. Da Nang Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour Cham Islands Day Tour from Da Nang Da Nang Airport (DAD) Private Transfers for Da Nang, Ba Na Hills & more Old French-colonial Building along Da Nang Riverside Old French-colonial Building along the riverside in Da Nang, Vietnam Tam Thai Pagoda and Sitting Buddha statue Framed view of the Tam Thai Pagoda and Sitting Buddha statue from the entrance gate, in Marble Mountains, Da Nang, Vietnam Carp Statue and Dragon Bridge at night Carp Statue and Dragon Bridge lit up at night in Da Nang, Vietnam Hai Van Pass Hai Van Pass beach view aboard the Da Nang-Hue train in Vietnam See more: Da Nang travel tips 12 Places To Visit in Da Nang 7. Hue Hue is central Vietnam was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and the national capital from 1802-1945. It is home to a massive royal citadel called the Forbidden Purple City, which admittedly sounds more interesting than the actual war-ravaged site. For travelers who love visiting heritage sites, a more tempting incentive to visit Hue are exquisite imperial tombs scattered around the outskirts of the city. Location: Thua Thien Hue Province, central Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Hue, in Central Vietnam, is located two hours north of Danang. The best way to get there is by train, which offers scenic coastal views along the Hai Van Pass. If you want to fly directly, Hue-Phu Bai Airport (HUI) serves flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Lat & Nha Trang. Airlines include Vietjet, Jetstar & Vietnam Airlines. Travel time to Hue-Phu Bai Airport takes around 1 hour from Hanoi and 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh. Hue Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Hue Private Day Tour from Da Nang Hue heritage sites join-in tour Phong Nha Cave Exploration from Hue Lang Minh Mang (tomb), in Hue, Vietnam Lang Minh Mang (tomb), in Hue, Vietnam Hue Imperial City – Cua Ngo Mon (gate) Cua Ngo Mon (gate), the main tourist entrance at the south side of the Imperial City, in Hue, Vietnam Thien Mu Pagoda Vietnamese tourists in traditional outfit at Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Vietnam Marcos at The Flag Tower Marcos at The Flag Tower in Hue, Vietnam See more: Hue travel tips 14 Places To Visit in Hue 8. Phong Nha If this is your first time to know about Phong Nha, join the club! Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park located in Central Vietnam might not be popular as other places featured on this list, but it has something special to offer that is unrivaled not only Vietnam, but all of Southeast Asia, and maybe even the World — it’s massive and insanely beautiful caves. Location: Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Phong Nga, in Central Vietnam, is 4–5 hours north of Hue by land or 7 hours north of Da Nang. If you are coming from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, consider a flight or train to Dong Hoi. Then, continue the 45-minute land trip to Phong Nha by shuttle. Flights are operated by Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, and VietjetAir. Flight duration to Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) is around 1 hour from Hanoi (HAN), and 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh (SGN). Phong Nha Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts 2D1N Hue and Phong Nha Cave Private Tour from Da Nang Phong Nha Cave Exploration from Hue Phong Nha Sunset Cruise Experience in Quang Binh Paradise Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Paradise Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh, Vietnam Paradise Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Paradise Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh, Vietnam Son River, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Sunset at Son River in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh, Vietnam Phong Nha Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Phong Nha Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh, Vietnam See more: Phong Nha travel tips 5 Places To Visit in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park 9. Ninh Binh Touted as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is filled with steep karst mountains soaring amidst tranquil rice paddies, meandering rivers, and dotted with temples and ancient settlements. The best way to explore the area is on a scenic boat ride that passes through the mountainscape or by following the riverside path by bicycle. Ninh Binh is two hours away from Hanoi in Northern Vietnam. Ninh Binh is around 2 hours south of Hanoi by land. You can go on the bus from Giap Bat (Southern) Bus Terminal or a train on the Reunification Express. To get around Ninh Binh, you can either join an organized tour or go on a do-it-yourself (DIY) tour by bicycle/motorcycle. Location: Ninh Bình Province, northern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. Ninh Binh Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Private City Transfers for Hanoi City and Surrounding Areas Hanoi-Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh Private Day Tour Mua Cave and Trang An Tour from Hanoi Hua Lu Ancient Citadel, Ninh Binh Dinh Tien Hoang Temple at Hua Lu Ancient Citadel, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam Trang An, Ninh Binh Trang An in Ninh Binh, Vietnam Phat Diem Cathedral near Ninh Binh Phat Diem Cathedral near Ninh Binh , Vietnam Bicycle along Tam Coc River in Ninh Binh Bicycle along Tam Coc River in Ninh Binh, Vietnam See more: Ninh Binh travel tips 11 Places To Visit in Ninh Binh 10. Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay sunrise, in Quang Ninh, Vietnam Cruise boats and blue sky, in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, Vietnam Tourist on a kayak, in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, Vietnam Skylight inside Sung Sot Cave, Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, Vietnam No doubt Ha Long Bay is beautiful. With over 1,600 towering karst islands and islets, it’s a natural wonder worth a peek. However, if you’ve been to Krabi (Thailand) or El Nido (Philippines), do not expect too much with the quality of the water. The area that surrounds the bay is simply not as pristine, even under the bluest of skies. If you’re already traveling in Hanoi & Northern Vietnam, consider a trip to nearby Ha Long bay. Location: Quảng Ninh Province, nothern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Ha Long City is the main jump-off point to the islands surrounding Ha Long Bay. The land journey from Hanoi takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. There are many shuttle/bus companies operating this route with pick-up directly from your hotel. You can easily book one at your hotel or by shopping around the travel agencies in Hanoi Old Quarter. To get around the bay, you have many options including sightseeing day trips to multi-day overnight cruises. Ha Long Bay Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discounts 11. Ban Gioc Waterfall & Cao Bang If you’ve read my other best places to visit lists, you may already know about my fascination for beautiful waterfalls. Cao Bang in Northern Vietnam is home to Ban Gioc Waterfall, the most majestic in Vietnam. Half of this massive cascade sits on the Chinese border and is called Delian Waterfall on the other side. Location: Cao Bằng Province, northern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. How to go: Total travel time from Hanoi to Ban Gioc is around 8 to 11 hours. If you want convenient transfers, consider booking an organized tour. If you want to go on your own, local buses to Cao Bang depart from My Dinh Bus Terminal in Hanoi. Travel time is 7.5–8 hours. From Cao Bang, minibus and shuttles go all the way to Ban Gioc Waterfall. Travel time is 2.5–3 hours. Cao Bang Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Marcos with the strong water flow of the minor cascade Marcos with the strong water flow of the minor cascade, in Ban Gioc, Cao Bang, Vietnam, on September 2015 Foot trail crossing the rice paddies near the waterfall Foot trail crossing the rice paddies near the waterfall, in Ban Gioc, Cao Bang, Vietnam, on September 2015 Ban Gioc Waterfall Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang, Vietnam Cao Bang scenic highway view Scenic highway view in Cao Bang, Vietnam 12. Sa Pa & North Vietnam Sa Pa, Vietnam Location: Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. Sa Pa Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discounts Top discounts Private City Transfers for Hanoi City and Surrounding Areas Asia 4G LTE WIFI Hotspot (Manila Airport Pick Up) Shared Limousine Transfer from Hanoi to Sapa 13. Nha Trang Nha Trang, Vietnam Location: Khanh Hoa Province, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. Nha Trang Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discounts Top discounts Da Lat to Mui Ne, Nha Trang or HCMC Car Transfer Shared City Transfers between Da Lat and Nha Trang via Limousine Private Da Lat Airport Transfers (DLI) for Da Lat City, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Tuyen Lam Lake 14. Phu Quoc Phu Quoc, Vietnam Location: Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. Phu Quoc Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discounts 15. Con Dao Islands Con Dao Islands, Vietnam. Photo by vanlaphoang1945 via Flickr Location: Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Province, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps. Con Dao Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discounts Beyond Vietnam Cambodia Location: Indochina, Southeast Asia (mainland). Save on Google Maps. Cambodia Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Angkor Wat & Little Circuit Guided Join-In Tour Banteay Srei & Angkor Grand Circuit Guided Join-In Tour Siem Reap Private Car Charter See more: Cambodia travel tips 9 Places To Visit in Phnom Penh 7 Places To Visit in Sihanoukville & Koh Rong Islands 9 Places To Visit in Siem Reap Siem Reap Itinerary + Travel Guide Thailand Location: Indochina, Southeast Asia (mainland). Save on Google Maps. Thailand Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket Bangkok Chao Phraya Princess Cruise Pattaya-Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Ticket See more: Thailand travel tips 20 Places To Visit in Thailand 9 Places To Visit in Chiang Mai 12 Places To Visit in Krabi Bangkok Itinerary + Travel Guide Laos Location: Indochina, Southeast Asia (mainland). Save on Google Maps. Laos Travel Essentials Tours + discounts Top discounts Vientiane – Vang Vieng Shuttle – Shared City Transfers Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang Shuttle – Shared City Transfers Pak Ou Cave & Kuang Si Waterfall Day Tour from Luang Prabang See more: Laos travel tips 11 Places To Visit in Luang Prabang 7 Places To Visit in Pakse & Champasak 10 Places To Visit in Vientiane 5 Places To Visit in Laos Hong Kong Location: Southeast China, East Asia. Save on Google Maps. Hong Kong Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Hong Kong Disneyland Admission Ticket Ocean Park Hong Kong Admission Ticket Peak Tram + Sky Terrace Skip-the-line Combo Ticket See more: Hong Kong travel tips 14 Places To Visit in Macau Hong Kong Itinerary Hong Kong Itinerary + Travel Guide 19 Places To Visit in Hong Kong What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Vietnam that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts! Places to visit in Vietnam Vietnam tourist spots, things to do in Vietnam, where to go in Vietnam & more. 1. Hoi An 2. Hanoi 3. Ho Chi Minh 4. Mui Ne 5. Da Lat 6. Da Nang 7. Hue 8. Phong Nha 9. Ninh Binh 10. Ha Long Bay 11. Ban Gioc Waterfall & Cao Bang 12. Sa Pa & North Vietnam 13. Nha Trang 14. Phu Quoc 15. Con Dao Islands Cambodia Thailand Hong Kong Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank. Book your way to Vietnam How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam? Click below to compare flight, ferry & buses fares posted on these booking sites: BookAway Where to Stay in Vietnam Click below & search recommended Vietnam hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings. Agoda Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons. Vietnam Essentials & Top Discounts Vietnam Mobile Data SIM card/Pocket WIFI Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location: See all discounts Popular discounts and tours booked by other travelers: Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Day Tour Full Day Mekong Delta Excursion from Ho Chi Minh Private Noi Bai Airport Transfers (HAN) for Hanoi City or Halong Bay My Son & Hoi An Private Day Tour from Da Nang Cham Islands Day Tour from Da Nang Hue Private Day Tour from Da Nang Da Nang Private Car Charter Da Nang Airport (DAD) Private Transfers for Da Nang, Ba Na Hills & more Ho Chi Minh City-Mekong Delta River Cruise Da Lat Waterfalls Day Tour Click below to see more on: Klook Don’t Stop Here Click below for more travel inspiration: 12 Places To Visit in Hanoi 14 Places To Visit in Ho Chi Minh Ho Chi Minh Itinerary + Travel Guide 16 Beautiful Countries in Asia 12 Places To Visit in Da Nang 15 Places To Visit in Hoi An 11 Places To Visit in Ninh Binh Don’t leave yet. There’s more! 7 Places to Visit in Kota Kinabalu + Things To Do for…11 Places to Visit in Luang Prabang + Things To Do for…9 Places to Visit in Chiang Mai + Things To Do for…14 Places to Visit in North India + Things To Do for… Discover more blogs and travel tips in: Ho Chi MinhHanoiVietnamDa NangHoi AnNinh BinhHuePhong NhaHalong BayCao BangDa LatMui Ne Southeast AsiaAsia See all places Find more posts about:FeaturedBest TravelBest PlacesBest Things To Do Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Comments Manuel Sia says October 16, 2015 at 10:48 pm Thanks for sharing your travel to Vietnam. Been to Saigon in 2011 and been wanting to go to Hanoi. Never knew about the other worth visiting places until you shared your wonderful pictures. Is it hard to tour Halong Bay? Would it be just fine skipping Halong Bay when I go to Hanoi? Reply Marcos Detourist says October 16, 2015 at 11:23 pm My pleasure Manuel :) There are still more potentially worthy places to visit in Vietnam. I want to go back as well, particularly, for Sa Pa and Da Lat. I booked an overnight boat cruise in Ha Long Bay for $80. I had a very bad experience with both the booking and tour agency. Touring Ha Long Bay is easy since you just have to turn up at the travel agencies in Hanoi or Ha Long City at least a day before (or book online). It’s finding a decent tour agency / boat operator that is the tricky part. If the weather is too cloudy or rainy, I would skip Ha Long Bay. I enjoyed Ninh Binh and Phong Nha a lot more than Ha Long Bay. Reply Raquel says October 13, 2017 at 7:32 pm Amazing Vietnam!!!! Reply Jhon roach says December 26, 2017 at 9:31 pm What an amazing and informative blog marcos.One should definitely go through the blog if he/she is travelling to vietnam.This country has a blend of chinese as well as french culture so anyone can feel the presence of both the cultures. Reply Huong Bui says April 24, 2020 at 10:15 am I’m Vietnamese and living in Hanoi but I haven’t had opportunity to visit of all these places. Now I got more motivation to visit more places in the Southern of Vietnam, especially Mui Ne Beach! About the last place Can Dao Island, actually its name is Con Dao, not Can Dao. Anyway, thank you for sharing the destinations to visit. Reply Nadia Llera says October 23, 2022 at 5:53 pm Thank You Marcos, i have been following you in IG and i love all your post. I am an Ilongga also from Bacolod city but now reside in the US for 35 years. I am planning to visit southeast asia this december 2022 but only have 3 days to spend in Vietnam, so which one is the best to visit? Thank You! Reply Marcos Detourista says October 26, 2022 at 5:00 pm Hi Nadia, visit Hanoi to enjoy the food and historical sites then enjoy a day trip to Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay Reply
Manuel Sia says October 16, 2015 at 10:48 pm Thanks for sharing your travel to Vietnam. Been to Saigon in 2011 and been wanting to go to Hanoi. Never knew about the other worth visiting places until you shared your wonderful pictures. Is it hard to tour Halong Bay? Would it be just fine skipping Halong Bay when I go to Hanoi? Reply
Marcos Detourist says October 16, 2015 at 11:23 pm My pleasure Manuel :) There are still more potentially worthy places to visit in Vietnam. I want to go back as well, particularly, for Sa Pa and Da Lat. I booked an overnight boat cruise in Ha Long Bay for $80. I had a very bad experience with both the booking and tour agency. Touring Ha Long Bay is easy since you just have to turn up at the travel agencies in Hanoi or Ha Long City at least a day before (or book online). It’s finding a decent tour agency / boat operator that is the tricky part. If the weather is too cloudy or rainy, I would skip Ha Long Bay. I enjoyed Ninh Binh and Phong Nha a lot more than Ha Long Bay. Reply
Jhon roach says December 26, 2017 at 9:31 pm What an amazing and informative blog marcos.One should definitely go through the blog if he/she is travelling to vietnam.This country has a blend of chinese as well as french culture so anyone can feel the presence of both the cultures. Reply
Huong Bui says April 24, 2020 at 10:15 am I’m Vietnamese and living in Hanoi but I haven’t had opportunity to visit of all these places. Now I got more motivation to visit more places in the Southern of Vietnam, especially Mui Ne Beach! About the last place Can Dao Island, actually its name is Con Dao, not Can Dao. Anyway, thank you for sharing the destinations to visit. Reply
Nadia Llera says October 23, 2022 at 5:53 pm Thank You Marcos, i have been following you in IG and i love all your post. I am an Ilongga also from Bacolod city but now reside in the US for 35 years. I am planning to visit southeast asia this december 2022 but only have 3 days to spend in Vietnam, so which one is the best to visit? Thank You! Reply
Marcos Detourista says October 26, 2022 at 5:00 pm Hi Nadia, visit Hanoi to enjoy the food and historical sites then enjoy a day trip to Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay Reply