Places to visit in Vietnam

Hanoi

A long, narrow nation shaped like the letter ‘S’ in Southeast Asia 

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Ha Long Bay

Limestone islands of islets in a variety of sizes and shapes and unspoiled nature

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Ho Chi Minh

Known popularly as Saigon, this vibrant city is described as the “Pearl of the Far East”

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Hoi An

South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century

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Hue

Hue is the former capital of Vietnam that sits peacefully on a plain in Thua Thien

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Da Nang

Filled with beaches, museums, nightlife and world-class infrastructure

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Sapa

Surrounded by mountains that are part of the Hoang Lien Son range

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Nha Trang

Pristine stretch of the southern coast, Nha Trang is a playground for sunseekers

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Mekong Delta

Biggest rice growing region, with bustling commercial town and sleepy rural areas

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Vietnam

  • Population: As of 2024, Vietnam has a population of approximately 100 million people, making it the 15th most populous country in the world.
  • Famous for: Vietnam is renowned for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine. Its heritage includes ancient temples, colonial architecture, war history, and bustling cities. Famous landmarks like Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, and the rice terraces of Sapa attract visitors from all over the world.
  • Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit Vietnam depends on the region:
    • North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay): March to May and September to November.
    • Central (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue): February to May.
    • South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): December to April.

Highlights of Cities/Places in Vietnam

1. Hanoi

  • Population: About 8 million.
  • Highlights: Hanoi, the capital city, is a blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and French colonial influence. The Old Quarter is known for its narrow streets, traditional markets, and French architecture.
  • Famous For: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, ancient temples, water puppet shows, and the street food culture.
  • Tourist Activities: Visiting the Temple of Literature, exploring Hoan Kiem Lake, shopping in the Old Quarter, enjoying traditional street food like Pho and Banh Mi, and visiting museums such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh.
    • Thang Long Imperial Citadel: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of history.
    • Hoan Kiem Lake: A picturesque lake with the iconic Turtle Tower.
    • Temple of Literature: A historic temple that housed the country’s first university.

2. Ha Long Bay

  • Population: N/A (Part of Quang Ninh Province).
  • Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay is famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts and isles.
  • Famous For: Scenic boat cruises through the bay, exploring caves, and overnight stays on traditional junk boats.
  • Tourist Activities: Kayaking, visiting floating fishing villages, exploring caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), and hiking on Cat Ba Island.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Sung Sot Cave: A massive limestone cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
    • Ti Top Island: Known for its sandy beach and panoramic views of the bay.

3. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

  • Population: About 9 million.
  • Highlights: Vietnam’s largest city, known for its bustling energy, skyscrapers, and mix of modern and colonial-era architecture.
  • Famous For: War Remnants Museum, French colonial buildings, and street markets.
  • Tourist Activities: Visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral, exploring Ben Thanh Market, and learning about the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Cu Chi Tunnels: An extensive network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
    • Reunification Palace: A symbol of the end of the Vietnam War when tanks broke through its gates.
    • Ben Thanh Market: A bustling market where tourists can buy souvenirs, street food, and local products.

4. Hoi An

  • Population: About 120,000.
  • Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An is famous for its well-preserved Ancient Town and vibrant lantern-lit streets.
  • Famous For: Tailor shops, riverside cafes, traditional architecture, and the full moon lantern festival.
  • Tourist Activities: Walking through the Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, taking a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, and having clothes made by local tailors.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Japanese Covered Bridge: A historic 18th-century bridge.
    • An Bang Beach: A beautiful, relaxing beach close to Hoi An.
    • Hoi An Lantern Festival: Held monthly on the full moon, the streets of Hoi An are filled with colorful lanterns.

5. Hue

  • Population: About 350,000.
  • Highlights: Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and is known for its historical significance, particularly the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Famous For: The Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and ancient pagodas.
  • Tourist Activities: Exploring the Imperial City, taking a boat trip on the Perfume River, and visiting royal tombs and pagodas.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Imperial City: A walled fortress and palace complex that was once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty.
    • Thien Mu Pagoda: A seven-story pagoda that is a symbol of Hue.
    • Tombs of the Emperors: Elaborate mausoleums of former Vietnamese emperors.

6. Da Nang

  • Population: About 1.1 million.
  • Highlights: Da Nang is a coastal city known for its beaches, mountains, and proximity to historical sites.
  • Famous For: Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, and the Dragon Bridge.
  • Tourist Activities: Beachgoing, hiking in the Marble Mountains, and visiting the Cham Museum.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Marble Mountains: A group of limestone and marble hills with caves, temples, and panoramic views.
    • My Khe Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Vietnam, known for its soft white sand.
    • Ba Na Hills: A hill station with a French village and the famous Golden Bridge held by giant hands.

7. Sapa

  • Population: About 9,000.
  • Highlights: A mountainous town known for its terraced rice fields, mist-covered mountains, and the diverse cultures of local ethnic minorities.
  • Famous For: Trekking, visiting local hill tribes, and scenic views.
  • Tourist Activities: Trekking to local villages, visiting the Sapa Market, and hiking Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Fansipan Mountain: Known as the “Roof of Indochina,” this is the highest peak in Vietnam.
    • Muong Hoa Valley: Famous for its terraced rice fields and scenic hiking trails.

8. Nha Trang

  • Population: About 500,000.
  • Highlights: A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diving opportunities.
  • Famous For: Snorkeling, scuba diving, and island-hopping.
  • Tourist Activities: Relaxing on the beach, visiting Vinpearl Amusement Park, and exploring nearby islands.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Po Nagar Cham Towers: Ancient Hindu temples that date back to the Cham civilization.
    • Vinpearl Amusement Park: A massive theme park located on an island accessible by cable car.

9. Mekong Delta

  • Population: Part of a larger region with over 17 million people.
  • Highlights: Known as the “Rice Bowl of Vietnam,” the Mekong Delta is a fertile region of rivers, swamps, and islands.
  • Famous For: Floating markets, rice paddies, and traditional villages.
  • Tourist Activities: Visiting floating markets, boat trips through the canals, and exploring local villages.
  • Tourist Attractions:
    • Cai Rang Floating Market: One of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
    • Vinh Trang Pagoda: A beautiful Buddhist pagoda in My Tho.

Major Tourist Attractions in Vietnam

  • Ha Long Bay: Famous for its limestone karsts and emerald waters.
  • Cu Chi Tunnels: A vast underground network used during the Vietnam War.
  • Imperial City of Hue: The former imperial capital with royal palaces and temples.
  • My Son Sanctuary: Ancient Hindu temples from the Champa Kingdom.
  • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Home to some of the world’s largest caves, including Son Doong.

Vietnam offers a rich variety of landscapes and experiences, from the bustling cities and cultural landmarks to natural wonders and rural tranquility. Tourists often visit Vietnam to experience its deep history, scenic beauty, and vibrant street life, all while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.