Best Places To Visit In Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, which was known as Saigon until 1976, is home to about 10% of Vietnam’s population. It’s constantly busy and beautifully chaotic, with a thriving culinary culture and street food scene. It’s also brimming with history, from intricate pagodas and French colonial architecture to the poignant War Remnants Museum.

Need to know: About an hour’s drive outside the city you’ll find the Cu Chi Tunnels, which played a vital role in the Vietnam War (called the American War here). Touring them is one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

Located just up the coast from Danang, Hue offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s Imperial past. It was the heart of the Nguyen Dynasty: the country’s final royal dynasty, which ended in 1945. Although large parts of the city were destroyed during the wars of the 20th century, remnants of its illustrious past are everywhere.

Need to know: We highly recommend a sunset cruise on the Perfume River, as well as a boat trip to Thien Mu Temple to see its iconic seven-story pagoda.

Visiting Hanoi, the country’s spellbinding capital, is a chance to experience the very best of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. There are markets, museums, live performances and art galleries – but also singular spots like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison. We can organise street food tours led by local experts on foot, by Vespa or on a vintage motorcycle. 

Need to know: Hanoi is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam all year round, but the weather is cooler and drier from November to April.

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute must-see in northern Vietnam. Part of the gorgeous Cat Ba Archipelago, it’s known for its stunning limestone islets, rock formations, emerald waters, caves and coves. Spend a couple of days on a luxury junk (traditional sailing vessel) to explore all the hidden corners of this legendary bay.

Need to know: Cat Ba Island is not to be missed, with a national park inhabited by rare golden-headed langurs and many other majestic animals.

The Mekong River flows all the way from the Tibetan Plateau to southern Vietnam, where it feeds the bountiful farms and rice paddies of the Mekong Delta. It’s well worth spending several days here aboard a sumptuous ship like the Aqua Mekong, which offers plenty of exciting excursions plus unparalleled onboard comforts.

Need to know: You can easily combine Vietnam and Cambodia in the same trip by opting for a cross-border cruise between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap.

If you want to escape to somewhere a bit more serene, consider the quiet beaches surrounding Nha Trang. The city itself is bursting with busy resorts, but nearby you’ll find tranquil stretches of sand and bucolic countryside. Wellness seekers will enjoy hot springs and mud baths, while intrepid adventurers can go scuba diving in the South China Sea.

Need to know: Stay in a waterfront villa at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh just south of Nha Trang, or at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay to the north.

The lofty town of Sapa is a hiker’s paradise, surrounded by the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains and panoramic views of terraced rice fields. Located close to the Chinese border, it attracts many travellers hoping to climb Fansipan (the highest peak in Indochina). There’s also plenty of local culture to learn about, including that of the H’mong and Red Dao minority groups.

Need to know: It takes several hours to summit Fansipan on foot, but for a more leisurely experience you can take a scenic cable car journey to the top.

Boasting an eclectic mix of cultural influences, Hoi An is a truly enchanting town on Vietnam’s central coast. Much of the old quarter is pedestrian-only, and the streets are illuminated by colourful lanterns at night. Add to that hundreds of historic houses, temples and pagodas, and there’s no way Hoi An could fail to capture your imagination.

Need to know: To experience one of the world’s best luxury railway journeys, travel from Hoi An (via Danang) to coastal Quy Nhon on the opulent Vietage Train.

If swaying palms and fresh seafood sounds like your style, Phu Quoc should be at the top of your list. Located in the Gulf of Thailand off the country’s southwestern coast, it’s the largest island in Vietnam. Here you’ll find white sand beaches, lush forests and various culinary specialties, including blue crab, sea urchin, native mushrooms and fish cakes.

Need to know: Phu Quoc has several excellent hotels; stay at La Veranda for classic elegance or The Shells Resort for minimalist luxury and a world-class spa.

Located a few hours inland from Nha Trang, Dalat is nicknamed ‘the City of Eternal Spring’ thanks to its pleasant weather and verdant surroundings. It also stands out for its distinctive French influence – including colonial villas and pastry shops – which creates an interesting contrast with the authentic culture of the Vietnamese highlands.

Need to know: The best time to visit Vietnam’s central region is generally January through August, but Dalat is at its best during the dry season from December to March.