Top 8 must-see destinations in Vietnam
Planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering what to visit? Know that this country has a historical, cultural and natural heritage that makes the destination attractive to all travelers. Discover our selection of must-see places in Vietnam, from North to South, not to be missed during your stay in this fabulous country !
1. Hanoi
As the country’s capital, this thousand-year-old city is rich in culture and heritage. Hanoi seduces with its old quarter of 36 corporations, its monuments and colonial architecture as well as its lively markets with street food. A bustling city that has kept its authentic soul, Hanoi offers each traveler a unique experience.
Don’t miss: the old quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the Museum of Ethnography, Tran Quoc Pagoda…
2. Halong Bay
Located in Quang Ninh province, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dotted with thousands of sugar loaves, this bay offers a breathtaking landscape. A trip to the bay is a combination of spectacular scenery, tasting delicious food, exploring mysterious caves, visiting floating fishing villages and kayaking around the bay. It is a top destination for tourists.
3. Ninh Binh
About 100 kilometers south of Hanoi is Ninh Binh, which is called “the land of Ha Long Bay”. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to unique landscapes of huge karst cliffs nestled between rice fields. Come here, a variety of activities awaits you: rowing boat ride, bicycle tour, pagoda visit…
Don’t miss: Tam Coc, Trang An, Bai Dinh pagoda, Bich Dong pagoda, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the stone cathedral of Phat Diem, Van Long nature reserve…
4. Sa Pa
Perched at an altitude of 1,650 meters, Sa Pa is surrounded by towering mountains, rice terraces and ethnic minority groups. You can not only admire the spectacular rice fields but also discover the local cuisine, customs and lifestyles of the hill tribes. It is also an ideal place for those who love adventure and trekking. With the year-round cool climate and picturesque landscapes, Sa Pa is a popular destination for Vietnamese and foreign tourists.
Don’t miss: Ta Van, Lao Chai, Ta Phin villages, Fansipan mountain, O Quy Ho pass, Ham Rong mountain
5. Hue
A Unesco heritage site, Hue captivates visitors with its heritage as a former imperial capital of Vietnam. A must-see on a trip to Vietnam, the city has architectural works and romantic natural landscapes. It is also a gastronomic capital where you can taste the imperial delicacies.
Not to be missed: the Imperial Citadel, the mausoleum of King Tu Duc, the mausoleum of King Minh Mang, Dong Ba market, Thien Mu pagoda…
6. Hoi An
A 3-hour drive from Hue is Hoi An, one of the most charming small towns in Vietnam. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has a splendid architecture that remains unchanged and continues to defy time. You will find everything you like here: history, culture, gastronomy, countryside, beach and shopping. Without a doubt a destination not to be missed in Vietnam.
On the program: the Japanese covered bridge, the Chinese temples, the old houses, the market…
7. Sai Gon
Sai Gon, or Ho Chi Minh City, the economic capital of Vietnam, is a popular choice for visitors. The chaos of the scooters, the small streets, the gourmet cuisine make this city a place like no other. Moreover, it still preserves impressive vestiges of the colonial era, elegant and fascinating architectures.
Don’t miss: the War Remnants Museum, the Central Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Cho Lon district, the Ben Thanh market, and outside the city, the Cu Chi tunnels, the Cao Dai temple…
8. Mekong Delta
At the southern end of the country is the Mekong Delta which includes 12 provinces and the city of Can Tho. It is a vast and fertile lowland crossed by the nine arms of a river that flows into the East Vietnamese Sea. A trip to this region allows you to discover traditional floating markets, rice fields, fruit orchards and green villages.
Not to be missed: Cai Rang floating market, orchards in Can Tho, Cai Be or Ben Tre, Tra Su bird sanctuary…
So what are you waiting for to visit Vietnam ?