15 Places to Visit in Vietnam + Things To Do for First-Timers

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

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

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

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

4. Mui Ne

Location: Phan Thiet, Bình Thuận Province, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Mui Ne Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares

5. Da Lat

Location: Lâm Đồng Province, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Da Lat Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares

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

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

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

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

10. Ha Long Bay

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

12. Sa Pa & North Vietnam

Location: Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Sa Pa Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

13. Nha Trang

Location: Khanh Hoa Province, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Nha Trang Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

14. Phu Quoc

Location: Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Phu Quoc Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

15. Con Dao Islands

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

Thailand

Location: Indochina, Southeast Asia (mainland). Save on Google Maps.

Thailand Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares

Laos

Location: Indochina, Southeast Asia (mainland). Save on Google Maps.

Laos Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Hong Kong

Location: Southeast China, East Asia. Save on Google Maps.

Hong Kong Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares

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.

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:

BookAway12go.asia

Where to Stay in Vietnam

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

Click below to see more on:

Klook

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration: