One of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia over the past few years has been Vietnam. A treasure trove of all things natural and cultural, the country is also stunning for the budget-conscious traveler. So, if you are planning a trip, here are the best places to visit in Vietnam.
If you want to visit more countries this year, Vietnam should be on your list. The country has scenic landscapes and ancient architectural sights like temples. Vietnam is perfect for the budget-conscious traveler, with a wealth of urban experiences and some of the tastiest street food options.
Vietnam is also great for digital nomads and expats. So, if you are planning to visit this beautiful cultural country, here is your guide to the best places to visit in Vietnam for a rich experience.
Places to visit in Vietnam for an amazing experience
halong bay
Ha Long Bay (also known as Halong Bay) is a beautiful destination with clear blue waters and clear skies. The place speaks of serenity, and it is made of limestone formations that make it all the more charming. The best way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site is by boat, so be sure to rent one while in the area. Halong Bay also offers night tours, allowing you to revel in its stunning beauty at night. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Vietnam and will make for an unforgettable experience (or two)!
how can I get there: Ha Long Bay can be reached by road (about four hours from Hanoi) and train (there is a station in Ha Long City). The nearest airports are Van Don Airport, Noi Bai International Airport and Cat Bi International Airport.
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Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital is a vibrant place with a mix of local culture and plenty of modern amenities, making it a great place to visit and stay. As the second largest city in the country, Hanoi also offers some unique experiences such as dining along the railway line, delicious street food, ample lakes, museums and many architectural wonders.
How to get there: Hanoi is the capital, and is easily accessible by road, air and train. International flights from various cities in India also fly to Hanoi several times during the week.
Yoshi Tunnel
Vietnam has seen its fair share of wars, and as such, the country also has some destinations that will take you back to that era. These include Cu Chi Tunnels. An extensive network of these tunnels was used during the war, extending over 250 kilometers. They allow troops to fight and communicate with Ho Chi Minh City. Once here, ask a guide to take you through narrow, unlit tunnel areas – so much so that you may have to kneel and crawl through some sections!
how can I get there: You can get here by road from Ho Chi Minh City
mekong delta
The Mekong Delta was formed where the Mekong River leads to the city. Among the best tourist attractions in Vietnam, the destination is characterized by a criss-crossing maze of waterways. Also known as “Vietnam’s Rice Bowl,” this destination is home to lush rice fields and an abundance of local life. Take a boat trip to the floating market and visit beautiful places like U Minh mangroves and Cau Mau Nature Reserve.
how can I get there: The place is accessible by road
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One of the places to visit in Vietnam is Hue. The town is a place rich in history, full of relics from the 19th century Nguyen Dynasty emperors. See marvelous archaeological sites, the magnificent Perfume River, ancient and powerful gates, tombs, pagodas and more.
how can I get there: The nearest international airport is in Da Nang, while the closest domestic airport to Hue is 30 minutes away.This place can also be reached by train and road
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, is the commercial center here. Visit its restaurants and cafes, its wildly cosmopolitan culture and its heritage attractions. The center of the city is Tongqi, known for most of the city’s tourist destinations. Visit Ho Chi Minh City’s museums, which house artifacts and artefacts from the 19th century and earlier, and experience stunning (and one of the few remaining) French colonial architecture.
how can I get there: Ho Chi Minh City is well connected by air, road and train.The international airport here is also connected to major domestic and foreign cities
my son
My Son is an important attraction in Vietnam and one of the most fascinating and captivating. The place is surrounded by mountains and covered by dense forests. The ruins of My Son date back to the 4th century, and this ancient Hindu religious center is still in use today. The temples here are made of red brick and sandstone, with Indian and Malaysian influences.
how can I get there: My Son can be reached via Hoi An or by road
Hi Ann
Hoi An is a small town with a long history. The site has beautiful (and well-preserved) merchant houses dating back to Hoi An’s trading days in the 15th century and is an important part of the country’s trade history with Japan and China. Many of these homes are open to the public where you can visit and experience those times. What’s more, many small towers and beautiful, quaint streets will take you back to the simple times.
how can I get there: Da Nang International Airport is about 30 kilometers away from Hoi An, you can also get here by road
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Sapa
If you want to spend a few days in the peaceful countryside, go to Sapa. This place borders China and has complete terraces and many slopes. The countryside and authentic life here are the charm of Sabah, which is very suitable for those who want to get away from the city. Head there for a hike and enjoy the peace. Shop for handmade jewelry, visit Gothic cathedrals, colonial ruins, and more.
how can I get there: The nearest train station is Lao Cai, and Sabah can be reached by car from most major towns
phu quoc island
Phu Quoc is popular because of its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for travelers. Located in southern Vietnam, Phu Quoc is perfect for sipping a cocktail as the sun goes down, hopping on a bike on dirt roads, and sampling delicious food and drinks at the local markets.
how can I get there: Phu Quoc is connected by air and road.You can also get here by ferry from several other destinations
Nha Trang
Another destination known for its sandy beaches is Nha Trang. Among Vietnam’s tourist attractions, the city is packed with locals and tourists alike, with plenty of places to get in the water and soak up the sun. If you’ve explored the beach, ancient temples and towers are your destination, and you should. There is also a museum dedicated to the work of Alexander Yersin that you should visit.
how can I get there: The nearest airport is Cam Rahn, and the destination can also be reached by road.The train also arrives in Nha Trang
Phong Nha-Kabang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of the most spectacular sights in Vietnam. The site is also a popular filming location, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country and home to 400 million-year-old karst mountains. There are hundreds of caves and secret rivers that will fascinate you. the best part? Tucked away here is a hidden jungle, filled with its own microclimate!
how can I get there: The nearest airport is Dong Hoi Airport, connected by domestic flights.Destinations can also be reached by road
Main image: Courtesy of Steve Douglas/Unsplash; Featured image: Courtesy of Tomáš Malík/Unsplash
This story first appeared here.
