Best Places to Visit in Vietnam: 8 Must-Sees for 2025
From the chaotic symphony of motorbikes in Hanoi to the lantern-lit magic of Hoi An and the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is a country that captivates every sense. It’s a land of staggering natural beauty, profound history, and a culinary scene that will change your life. But for a first-time visitor, planning a trip can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
This is not just another list. This is your definitive guide to the best places to visit in Vietnam, crafted from real-world, on-the-ground experiences. We’ll journey from the historic North to the vibrant South, uncovering not just where to go, but the essential tips that will make your trip unforgettable.
Table of Contents
I. Northern Vietnam: History & Dramatic Landscapes
1. Hanoi: The Timeless Soul
Hanoi is a city of intimate charms, a beautiful collision of French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and a pulsating street-food culture. It’s perfect for a 2-3 day immersion. Wander the chaotic streets of the Old Quarter, sip egg coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, and feel the city’s living history. The architecture here creates a vibe entirely different from what you might find during a whirlwind 48 hours in Paris , with a uniquely Vietnamese twist.
Top Experiences in Hanoi:
The Old Quarter: Get lost (intentionally) in the 36 streets, each historically dedicated to a specific craft.Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: The heart of the city, perfect for a sunset stroll and to see the legendary “Turtle Tower.”Egg Coffee at Giang Cafe: Don’t leave without trying this decadent, creamy local specialty at its birthplace.Long Bien Bridge: For the best photos, head to Serein Cafe . Go to the 4th-floor terrace for that iconic shot of the bridge with the train line.Train Street: Experience the thrill of a train rumbling just inches away from the cafes lining the tracks. Check the schedule, grab a beer, and wait for the show.
2. Ha Long Bay: The Emerald Jewel
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay’s seascape of thousands of limestone karsts and islets is nothing short of breathtaking. The best way to experience it is with an overnight cruise, allowing you to wake up amidst the quiet grandeur of the bay. You can kayak through hidden lagoons, explore magnificent caves, and simply soak in the otherworldly scenery.
II. Central Vietnam: Ancient Towns & Coastal Beauty
3. Hoi An: The Lantern-Lit Dream
enchanting places you’d find in Portugal .
Top Experiences in Hoi An:
Wander the Ancient Town: Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge, historic merchant houses, and vibrant street markets.Lantern Boat Ride: Take a small boat on the river at night, release a candlelit lantern, and make a wish.Eat “White Rose” Dumplings: A delicate local specialty you must try.Cycle Through Rice Paddies: Rent a bicycle and explore the serene countryside just outside the town.
4. Da Nang: The Modern Beach Hub
Da Nang is the modern counterpart to Hoi An’s ancient charm. It boasts long, beautiful beaches like My Khe Beach, stylish restaurants, and the famous Golden Bridge held up by two giant stone hands at Ba Na Hills. It’s a perfect base for exploring the region, offering a mix of beach relaxation and impressive attractions.
III. Southern Vietnam: Urban Buzz & Tropical Escapes
5. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The Electric Heartbeat
Top Experiences in HCMC:
War Remnants Museum: A sobering and essential visit to understand Vietnam’s recent history.Cu Chi Tunnels: A day trip to crawl through the immense network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War.Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office: Marvel at the stunning French colonial architecture in the heart of the city.Ben Thanh Market: A bustling hub for food, souvenirs, and a true sensory overload.Try “Pho 2000”: The pho restaurant famously visited by President Bill Clinton.
6. The Mekong Delta: The River of Life
Take a day trip or an overnight tour from HCMC to the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is a lush, watery world of floating markets, coconut groves, and fruit orchards. Paddle a sampan boat down narrow, palm-fringed canals to get an intimate glimpse into the rural life that has sustained the nation for centuries.
7. Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam’s Paradise Getaway
If you’re looking for a true island escape, Phu Quoc is your answer. It’s the only destination in Vietnam with a visa exemption for most nationalities, making it incredibly accessible. Here you’ll find pristine white-sand beaches, the world’s longest oversea cable car, incredible seafood, and stunning sunsets. It’s the perfect place to unwind at the end of your trip.
Top Experiences in Phu Quoc:
Starfish Beach (Sao Beach): Relax on the powdery white sand and spot starfish in the clear water.Ride the Cable Car to Hon Thom (Pineapple Island): Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the archipelago.Explore the Night Market: Feast on fresh grilled seafood and local snacks.Visit Sunset Town & the Kiss Bridge: A wonderfully photogenic, Italian-inspired town perfect for watching the day end.8. Da Lat: The Mountain Romance
a fairytale village in the Swiss Alps than Southeast Asia.
IV. Essential Vietnam Travel Tips You Absolutely Must Know
Visa: For most nationalities, an E-visa is required. Apply online in advance. Upon arrival, you often need to present your printed E-visa approval letter and photos at a specific counter to receive your physical visa stamp *before* proceeding to immigration.Money: Vietnam is largely a cash economy.
Currency Exchange: The airport exchange rates are usually poor. Change a very small amount for immediate needs, then head to a gold shop (like Ha Tam Jewelry in HCMC) for much better rates.ATMs: ATMs are widely available, but check the fees. BIDV bank often has lower fees for foreign cards.Quick Conversion Trick: To get a rough estimate in USD, take the Vietnamese Dong price, remove the last three zeros, and divide by 24 (e.g., 240,000 VND becomes 240, then roughly $10 USD).
Transportation:
Use the Grab App: Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia. It’s cheap, reliable, and you see the price upfront, which eliminates haggling and scams. Download and set it up before you go.
Scams & Safety: ⚠ Warning: Be extremely vigilant when paying with cash due to the large denominations. A common scam is for a vendor to take a 500,000 VND note for a 50,000 VND item and give change for the smaller bill. Always count your change carefully! Be wary of street fruit vendors who might give you bad fruit after you’ve tasted a good sample.
Packing: Pack light, breathable clothing. The principles can be surprisingly similar to packing for other Asian destinations with distinct seasons; figuring out what to wear in Japan , for example, shares the same focus on layers and comfortable shoes. For temple visits, bring a scarf or light jacket to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.