There are many reasons to visit the country Vietnam. History, scenery, cuisine, coffee, incredibly friendly people, the list goes on. It’s a place that captured our hearts when we visited and look forward to a time when we will return once again. Today we’ll travel from the North to the South and everywhere in between (in no particular ranking) to explore the Top 20 Places to Visit in Vietnam.
Going to Vietnam the first time was life-changing for sure; maybe because it was all so new and different to my life before and the world I grew up in. The food, culture, landscape and smell; they’re all inseparable. It just seemed like another planet; a delicious one that sort of sucked me in and never let go.
-Anthony Bourdain
We’ll said Tony, we couldn’t agree more 😂
-The Bros
20. Sapa
Tucked away in the mountains of northwest Vietnam, Sapa is a popular trekking base. With a higher altitude than the rest of the country, it overlooks the terraced rice fields of the Muong Hoa Valley. Sapa perfectly combines culture and natural beauty in one place. Backed with breathtaking views and a variety of nature, Sapa comes highly recommended by most travelers. It can even be seen on a day or weekend trip from the capital. It definitely gets much colder in the mountains, so pack accordingly.
19. Ha Giang Pass
The Ha Giang Loop is a motorbike trip in Ha Giang Province of northern Vietnam. This 4-5 day motorbike trip through the rolling mountains is quite possibly one of the most extremely adventurous things to do in the country. Dangerous sketchy roads and incredible views get your adrenaline pumping. For some backpackers, it’s a write of passage to complete the tour and will certainly be a highlight of your trip if you brave the journey.
The Ha Giang Loop is becoming increasingly popular in the Vietnam motorbike tour scene. You’ll find plenty of tour companies ready to guide you along so you don’t have to wing it on your own. Prepare for every kind of weather and incredible stories and memories, you will never forget.
18. Cao Bằng
Bordering China on the north and east sides, seasoned travelers are claiming this mountainous region is the most beautiful place in all of Vietnam. While the city is not the highlight, it gives you easy access to the surrounding lakes, minority villages, karst peaks, caves, and the unbelievable Ban Gioc Waterfall.
Sparsely populated, saying Cao Bang is picturesque is an understatement. Getting off the grid and losing service is no problem here. Far off the beaten track, tourism is not very popular, and you can enjoy the peace and nature easily.
17. Cát Bà Island
Known as the cheaper option to Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island National Park is the largest of the 367 islands of the Cat Ba Archipelago. Due to its unique access to Halong Bay, Cat Ba can be argued as one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. The fishing community at Cat Ba town has been around for centuries so there is plenty of history there too.
Enjoy the beaches, go snorkeling, visit the floating village or simply just relax and take in the scenery, this charming island will keep you busy. Not to mention, UNESCO recognizes it as a World Biosphere Reserve.
16. Hạ Long Bay
I don’t know what we can say about Ha Long Bay that hasn’t already been said before. So we’ll keep this one short and sweet to keep it moving. Named among the world’s new seven wonders of nature, this is truly a bucket list experience.
The bay is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and its natural beauty makes it Vietnam’s number one tourist site. You won’t be the only person there but you gotta see it to believe it.
15. Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture. Here you’ll find influences from Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French cultures. Completely different from Saigon, Hanoi has a population of over 8 million and this city is buzzing day or night.
The happy and peaceful city is highlighted by its bustling Old Quarter. With incredible food and an abundance of things to see and do Hanoi is usually on every Vietnam itinerary.
🌎 BROS TIP: The Vietnamese enjoy a good party and are no strangers to appreciating a fresh cold beer. When we say fresh we mean it. Bia hoi is a type of draught beer popular in Northern Vietnam and it literally translates to “fresh beer.” The beer is brewed daily and quickly matures before each bar gets a fresh keg delivered every day. Did we mention it’s insanely cheap too? For less than 25 cents a glass, this brew is really light and refreshing. Pull up a plastic stool and enjoy a bia hoi while in Hanoi! Mot, Hai, Ba, YO!
14. Ninh Binh
Know as Halong Bay on land, Ninh Binh has a fascinating landscape. With boat tours and karst hikes, it’s easy to take in the scenic terrain of this city south of Hanoi. It can even be accessed easily from Hanoi on a day trip. Nature is in abundance here and you’ll be in for a treat if you visit this hidden gem.
Rent a bike or a scooter and just get lost in the beautiful surroundings of Ninh Binh. Taking a boat tour through Tam Coc is one of the most popular things to experience. Due to their unique rowing style, a sampan (wooden boat) ride along the river is one of a kind. There will be plenty of photo opportunities no matter what you do.
13. Phong Nha
Phong Nha is located in the center of the country and is the perfect place to Experience the Unique Countryside of Vietnam. Once a struggling small town, today it’s a growing international tourist destination with plenty of adventure. This is all thanks in part to one incredible discovery, the Phong Nha Caves. The largest karst caverns in the world, are hidden in the lush jungles and mountains. Feeling adventurous, you can even camp and explore them on a multi-day excursion.
A highlight of the region includes Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a protected area in north-central Vietnam. Phong Nha is still in the early stages of development and is ready for the tourism boom. Now is the time to get there and beat the masses. The caves are unreal, the locals are friendly, and you’ll feel like you’ve got the wilderness all to yourself.
12. Huế
Unlike the rapid urbanization and cultural assimilation that happening around Vietnam, Hue prides itself on staying true to its roots. Temples, royal palaces, and the Imperial City (a walled enclosure within the citadel) highlight the rich cultural heritage of this former capital.
Sadly, Hue was really affected by the Vietnam war, in terms of losing lives as well as the amount of physical destruction. This city is resilient leaving it with its own feel, unlike any other part of the country. Set overlooking the vast Perfume River, if you are interested in the cultural history of Vietnam Hue is a can’t-miss.
11. Da Nang
Halfway between Hanoi in the north, Saigon in the south, and located on the west coast Da Nang is the tourist capital. Additionally, the fifth-largest city in Central Vietnam. Hotels are everywhere, this place caters to the masses. Though it has a population of over a million people, it can still give you a small-town vibe. With neither the ambiance of Hanoi nor the hustle and bustle of Saigon, Da Nang is uniquely its own.
It’s really modern and can certainly be a stand-out for digital nomads looking to settle in the country. There are tourist attractions everywhere you look in Da Nang. Visiting the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, the Dragon Bridge, Lady Buddha, My Khe Beach, or the Golden Bridge. There is no shortage of things to see or do in Da Nang.
10. Hội An
One most photogenic towns in Vietnam, Hoi An is on most travelers’ radar. Found on the central coast, it’s most know known for its well-preserved Ancient Town. The old port used to be an important Southeast Asian trading route between the 15th – 19th centuries.
It’s charming, has awesome food, and a laid-back atmosphere. You can even get bespoke clothing tailor-made to your liking for extremely cheap. They’ve even got a beach. It’s easy to see why travelers flock to this hotspot. Tourist heaven or hell? Well, that’s up to you to decide.
🌎 BROS TIP: Everyone knows about Pho, but have you ever heard of Cao lầu? (Pictured above) It’s a must-try and the staple dish of Hoi An. It typically consists of pork and greens on a bed of rice noodles made from rice. The noodles are soaked in lye water, giving them a distinct characteristic texture and color that sets the dish apart from other Vietnamese noodle dishes.
9. Qui Nhon
Quy Nhon is reasonably untouched by mass tourism. This place is not even close to being on the beaten trail. If you are looking for an adventure where you may just be the only foreigner in the city this may be it. Since it is yet to be discovered, it has a very different feel to places like Hoi An and Nha Trang.
Quy Nhon beach is definitely the highlight of the city. The snorkeling is pretty solid and there are even ancient ruins to check out. A sleepy coastal city with raw beauty that is still undisturbed by mass tourism, referred to as the Maldives of Vietnam. Yeah, it’s worth checking out.
8. Ninh Van Bay
Ninh Van Bay is an hour north of Nha Trang. Home to high-end resorts and spas, the best option to stay in is Vietnam Backpacker’s Ninhvana Resort. This quiet getaway makes for a perfect escape – whether you’re looking for a non-stop party or endless pampering this place is made for relaxing.
You won’t find crowds here due to its remote location which makes it a bit more difficult to get to. The bay is surrounded by impressive rock formations and a golden sand beach with towering mountains in the backdrop, all the scenery just adds to its magic.
7. Nha Trang
Nha Trang has been steadily growing every year. Well known for its beaches and scuba diving this coastal city has developed into a busy destination for international tourists, backpackers, and even wealthy travelers. It’s become a popular spot on the southeast Asia circuit and is already very favored by Russian and Vietnamese tourists.
Nha Trang Bay can even be considered among the world’s most beautiful bays. Visit Vin Pearl amusement park, check out the waterfall or even go sailing. This place will cater to every type of tourist.
6. Phan Rang
Phan Rang small tranquil city located between Nha Trang and Mui Ne. The center for Cham culture, the heritage of the Cham temples has been perfectly preserved to this day. Although Phan Rang is not a tourist destination, it is worth checking out because there are quite a few things to do.
Visit Po Klong Garai temple, Ba Moi vineyard, or Bau Truc pottery village, (one of the oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia) and sample the local cuisine. Phan Rang chicken & rice, Banh Canh Cha Ca (fish cake noodles) and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake) are staple dishes. If that isn’t enough to sell you, the weather is spectacular and locals call Phan Rang the kingdom of the sun.
5. Đà Lạt
Đà Lạt is the capital of the Lâm Đồng Province in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands. It’s a smaller city centered around a lake and golf course. Dalat is surrounded by hills, pine forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Little Paris AKA The City of A Thousand Flowers AKA City of Eternal Spring has a really comfortable year-round temperature to enjoy.
There are a few nice hikes within the city limits including Lang Biang and Samson Mountain. To get your adrenaline pumping, you’ve got to try Canyoning. Abseiling down a huge waterfall while water pours down onto you is certainly an exhilarating experience. Cap your visit by grabbing a drink and getting lost in the Hang Nga Crazy House for a really unique experience.
4. Mũi Né
Mũi Né is the mecca for water sports in Vietnam. A beach resort town situated along the Southeast Vietnamese coast, it’s a popular weekend getaway from Ho Chi Minh City.
Steady wind conditions make it ground zero and the ultimate destination for kiteboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, and other aquatic sports. Checking out the sand dunes, fairy stream, and fishing village round out some of the other popular things to do in this tourist haven.
3. Hồ Chí Minh City – Saigon
It’s hard to describe this city in just a few words but, exciting, chaotic, moving, and bustling is a good place to start. It blends a little bit of ancient and a little bit of European all in the heart of Vietnam. It is vibrant and charming, giving you all the modern conveniences of a metropolis and no lack of attractions to enjoy.
Exploring the largest city in Vietnam is a whole adventure on its own. Sociable locals, a booming nightlife with some of the best and cheapest street food in the world, what’s not to love? Not just the traffic moves fast here, but this city has a lot of personalities and if you spend a little time here you’ll find the Saigonese are some of the nicest people in the world.
🌎 BROS TIP: Tao Dan Park is a green oasis in the middle of the city. Strolling through the park will give you a unique glimpse into the lives of locals. Here you’ll find some local bird owners who come to the park to socialize and show off their prized birds. Take in the scene of something you’ve never seen before while enjoying the tranquility of the city chaos. Can’t forget a cup of freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee.
2. Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta or the Nine Dragons is a region in southern Vietnam consisting of a vast maze of rivers, swamps, and islands. Home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas, and villages surrounded by rice paddies.
There’s plenty of exploring to be done by boat which is the main means of getting around. Tours of the region often start in the nearby Ho Chi Minh City and the area can also be accessed via Can Tho, a lively town in the heart of the delta.
1. Phú Quốc
Officially added to the country in the 1960s after being occupied by the French and Cambodia, Phú Quốc is a Vietnamese island in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for its white-sand beaches and resorts, Phú Quốc makes for a perfect place to cruise on a motorbike along its palm-lined southwest coast.
More than half of the island is part of Phú Quốc National Park, which features mountains, a dense tropical jungle, hiking trails, and wildlife. Visit the night market, take the cable car, and eat some seafood, living that beach life is the thing to do in Phú Quốc.
Discover The Highlights of Vietnam!
There you have it, the Top 20 Places to Visit in Vietnam (in no particular order)! Vietnam has it all. From unique culture, friendly locals, tasty signature food, and an abundance of places to see and things to do.
Vietnam is inexpensive and easy to get around with a cheap and easy bus system popular with locals and travelers alike. Vietnam is so welcoming, and if you travel to this beautiful country with an open mind, the people, the food, and the beauty will stand out and speak for themselves.
What did we miss? Anything to add to the list?! Have you been to Vietnam?!
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