Top 5 Places To Visit In Vietnam For A Memorable Vacation
With mountains, beaches, caves, and lush green fields, Vietnam offers an idyllic retreat. This Southeast Asian country lies between Cambodia and the South China Sea. This strategic location and its long-narrow shape have blessed Vietnam with breath-taking geography and hence, plenty of tourist spots. The ethnic culture and culinary delights further make Vietnam sightseeing a perfect package for any tourist.
Another thing that makes Vietnam’s trip worthwhile is the budget-friendliness. Compared to countries in North America and Europe, Vietnam can give you a lot in a lot less. This is one reason why many Indians often prefer Vietnam for their international yet budget-friendly getaway.
If you too have been planning a trip, we have scooped out the best places to visit in Vietnam. This way you can create a perfect itinerary based on your pocket and also ensure you don’t miss any of the famous Vietnam tourist spots. Let’s begin!
Unique places to visit in Vietnam
Vietnam is a country full of exotic experiences and hidden gems. It preserves some of the stunning natural places providing memorable backdrops for insta-worthy pictures. Let us discuss them one by one in the blog.1. Ha Long Bay – Known for limestone mountains and emerald waters
Located in north-eastern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is among the top places to visit in Vietnam. It is highlighted by towering limestone mountains nestled in crystal clear waters. There’s a part of Ha Long Bay that was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994.
The spectacular sites are not just known for their beauty but also for the activities they offer. Be it kayaking, cave exploring, trekking or cycling, you can indulge in plenty of things to do. You can also take a sea plane tour and fly over Ha Long Bay.
Must-visit Vietnam Tourist Attractions in Ha Long Bay
- Surprise Cave
- Vung Vieng floating village
- Cong Do Island
- Cat Ba Island
- Cai Bau Pagoda
- Lan Ha Bay
2. Hanoi – Known for cultural architecture
If you are looking for cultural places to visit in Vietnam, Hanoi will welcome you with an endless platter of temples, citadels, kush hills, museums, and so on. This 1000-year-old capital city of Vietnam brings a beautiful blend of modern bustle with the calmness of ancient structures.
Another interesting thing to note in Hanoi is the French and American influence on the architecture. It is also a great city to buy souvenirs for your friends and family.
Must-visit Vietnam Tourist Attractions in Hanoi
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
- Hoa Lo Prison
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son
- Temple of Literature
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Popular destinations in Vietnam
3. Ho Chi Minh City – Known for vibrant street life and historic landmarks
Situated in the South-eastern region of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest one where business and economy thrive the most. In terms of travel, the city again offers a fascinating experience since it is home to some of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam which include tunnels, museums, churches, ancient temples, parks, palaces, etc.
You can also enjoy the best nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City as it is filled with cafes and bars overlooking Saigon and beyond.
Must-visit Vietnam Tourist Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Independence Palace
- Notra Dame Cathedral
- War Remnants Museum
- Hồ Chí Minh City Museum
- Vinh Nghiem Pagoda
Places to visit in Vietnam with Family
4. Sapa – Known for the valley of magnificent rice terraces
Beyond the bustling cities and historic places to visit in Vietnam, there are little quaint towns like Sapa that caters to tourists who want to experience nature at its best. Located near Hoàng Liên Son Mountains, Sapa is home to scenic rice fields.
It also offers a range of trekking and hiking opportunities that take you through the region’s picturesque trails and acquaints you with smaller ethnic villages. You can also book a homestay in these villages and experience their culture from within.
Must-visit Vietnam Tourist Attractions in Sapa
- Muong Hoa Valley
- Sun World Fansipan
- Cat Cat Village
- Sapa Lake
- Silver Waterfall
- Ta Phin village
5. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
If you want to see the most unique places to visit in Vietnam, head to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has the world’s largest cave Son Doong Cave that goes as deep as 9 km. But that’s not the only attraction. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park also has Phong Nha (the longest underground river), and several other spectacular waterfalls, caves, and grottos.
As for the biodiversity, it does not fail to impress. The park has 98 families, 256 genera and 381 species of vertebrates. The vegetation is also rich in variety and beauty. You can book a guided tour to not just enjoy the charming spots but also indulge in adventure activities such as kayaking, cycling, ziplining, hiking, boating, and so on.
Must-visit Vietnam Tourist Attractions in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Paradise Cave
- Phong Nha Cave
- Botanical Garden
- Nuoc Mooc Ecotrail
- Gio Waterfall
- Bong Lai Valley
Best time to visit Vietnam
As Vietnam has a varying temperature in different regions, the best time to visit is different for every location. Let us this in detail.
Best Time to Visit North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)
The best time to visit is from October to April, during the dry season, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal.Best Time to Visit Eastern Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang)
The best time is from February to April when the weather is pleasant and dry.Best Time to Visit Western Vietnam (Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels)
Visit from November to February during the dry season, avoiding the hot and rainy months.Best Time to Visit South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne)
The dry season from November to April is the best time to explore the southern region, with less rainfall and comfortable temperatures.The Takeaway
Whether you are on a short trip or a long vacation, make sure you cover these exciting places to visit in Vietnam. These places are well-connected so you won’t have to worry about travelling. Just do basic research and then create the itinerary. Happy travelling!
Suggested Read: Perfect guide to planning your dream trip to THAILAND
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the best month to visit Vietnam?
A1. There is not one best month to visit Vietnam since it is a year-round destination. But if you wish to witness pleasant weather, try planning a trip in spring i.e., March to April.
Q2. What is the currency of Vietnam?
A2. The Vietnamese dong is the local currency.
Q3. How many days are enough to cover major Vietnam vacation spots?
A3. You should make a vacation of at least 10 days to explore multiple vacation spots.
Q4. What is the best time to visit Vietnam beaches?
A4. The best time to visit Vietnam beaches is either Spring (March to April) or Autumn (August to October).
Q5. Is Vietnam safe?
A5. Yes, Vietnam is quite safe just like other South East Asia. However, you do need to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Q5. What are the top UNESCO's World Heritage Sites?
A5. Halong Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town are the top UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
Q5. Why is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park famous?
A5. The park houses world's largest cave.
Deepti Shangari