Best Places to visit in Vietnam (2025)

Vietnam is full of surprises. One moment, you’re sailing past limestone cliffs in the north. Next, you’re dodging scooters in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Then you find yourself sipping coffee in a quiet town lit with lanterns.

It’s a mix of chaos and calm. Old temples and neon lights. Street food stalls and peaceful rice fields. And somehow, it all fits. If you love nature, history, food, or just exploring new places, Vietnam has it all. But here’s the thing, you’ll need to plan it right.

The country is long and skinny. That means the weather changes from top to bottom. It might be sunny in Hanoi but raining in Hue. Additionally, Vietnam hosts numerous festivals. Some are fun to join. Others make travel tricky. Knowing what’s happening helps.

This guide breaks it down. Best places. Best times. Tips that make travel easier. With a little prep, your trip can go from good to unforgettable.

Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

1. Hanoi

(Img Source: Travel and Leisure Asia)

Hanoi, the venerable capital, stands as an indispensable starting point for any exploration of Vietnam's profound culture and history. Its recognition as 'Asia's Leading City Break Destination' in 2022 by the World Travel Awards underscores its appeal as a vibrant urban center deeply rooted in tradition.

2. Ha Long Bay

(Img Source: IUGS-Geoheritage.org)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay captivates with its ethereal beauty, where thousands of spectacular limestone karsts majestically emerge from emerald waters. While Ha Long Bay is visually stunning, the emphasis on activities like snorkeling, diving, and kayaking, coupled with the recommendation for extended cruises, suggests that the true value of Ha Long Bay lies in active engagement and a prolonged, more intimate immersion in its natural environment.

3. Sapa

(Img Source: Remote Lands)

Sapa, often referred to as the 'town of clouds,' is globally recognized for its breathtaking terraced rice fields. For the adventurous, paragliding over the expansive rice fields, particularly during the annual festival at Mu Cang Chai in September, presents a truly bucket-list worthy experience.

4. Ninh Binh

(Img Source: Tripadvisor)

Located approximately two hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a captivating destination frequently dubbed 'Halong Bay on land' due to its dramatic limestone karsts, interspersed with serene rice fields, water-lily ponds, and meandering waterways. For nature enthusiasts, Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's largest nature reserve, offers extensive opportunities for ecological exploration.

5. Hoi An

(Img Source: Bliss Hoi An)

Hoi An is a remarkably photogenic riverside town, celebrated for its exceptionally well-preserved historical sites and a unique architectural fusion that reflects centuries of influence from Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants. A significant historical excursion from Hoi An is the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site featuring ancient Cham temples nestled in a valley.

6. Hue

(Img Source: VinWonders)

Hue, the former imperial capital, stands as a top destination for delving into Vietnam's royal past, especially vibrant during the Hue Festival. The city is also home to several poignant imperial tombs, including those of emperors Tu Duc, Minh Mang, and Khai Dinh.

7. Da Nang

(Img Source: Lonely Planet)

Da Nang is recognized as one of Vietnam's most progressive and rapidly developing cities, serving as a convenient gateway to the central region's diverse attractions. Travelers can delve into the rich history of the Cham people at the superb Cham Museum of Sculpture, which houses the world's largest collection of Cham artifacts. Da Nang is also a host city for major events like the International Fireworks Festival, adding to its vibrant appeal.

8. Nha Trang

(Img Source: KAYAK)

Situated on Vietnam's southern coast, Nha Trang is a popular beach resort city, famous for its long stretches of sand like Nha Trang Beach and Long Beach, ideal for sunbathing, enjoying local seafood, and surfing.

9. Da Lat

(Img Source: Klook Travel)

The region is also a hub for Vietnam's renowned coffee culture, with tours available at sustainable farms and roasteries like K'Ho Coffee. A scenic train ride to Trai Mat allows visitors to enjoy the countryside en route to the spectacular, mosaic-covered Linh Phuoc Pagoda. Da Lat's defining characteristic is its cooler climate and French colonial architecture, setting it apart from Vietnam's predominantly tropical regions.

10. Phong Nha-Ke Bang

(Img Source: Klook Travel)

The village of Phong Nha serves as the gateway to the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site characterized by its rugged limestone mountains and an astonishing network of over 300 gigantic caves, including Hang Sơn Đoòng, recognized as the world's largest.

11. Ho Chi Minh City

(Img Source: Authentik Travel)

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling southern metropolis that entices with its vibrant urban energy, cool culture, and captivating streets. The city is described as a "bustling metropolis" with "vibrant urban energy," yet it also contains significant historical landmarks from its colonial past and poignant sites like the War Museum.

12. Mekong Delta

(Img Source: Asian Trails)

The Mekong Delta's defining features, on-the-water villages, boat trips, and floating markets, emphasize that the region offers a unique, authentic immersion into a traditional, water-dependent way of life.

13. Phu Quoc Island

(Img Source: WanderOn)

Affectionately known as "Pearl Island," Phu Quoc boasts gleaming white sand beaches, with Long Beach stretching for 20 kilometers offering ideal conditions for water sports and unobstructed sunset views. Beyond the coast, the island's interior features a mountain range with opportunities for exploring waterfalls, rock pools, and caves within its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

14. Con Dao Islands

(Img Source: Audley Travel)

For historical context, the Con Dao Museum provides a comprehensive overview of the island's poignant past, particularly its infamous former prison, which operated under both French and American rule.

15. Cu Chi Tunnels

(Img Source: Wendy Wu Tours)

Located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 55 kilometers northwest, the Cu Chi Tunnels represent an extensive underground military network that played a vital role in Vietnam's resistance wars, stretching over 250 kilometers. While widened slightly for tourists, the tunnels remain narrow (1-1.2 meters in height, 0.6-0.8 meters in width) and can be hot and humid, providing a genuine sense of the wartime conditions.

Vietnam's Regional Climate Overview

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Major Vietnamese Public Holidays & Travel Impact

Key Takeaways

Vietnam has a way of winning hearts. One minute, you’re walking the peaceful streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and the next, you’re cruising through the surreal beauty of Ha Long Bay. Head south and you’ll find yourself soaking up the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City or exploring ancient temples in Hue. Every corner of the country feels like a different story waiting to be told.

But here's the thing—Vietnam doesn’t have just one climate. It's a long, narrow country with mountains, beaches, and everything in between. So, while it’s always a good time to visit somewhere in Vietnam, the “perfect time” really depends on where you’re headed and what you want to do. North, Central, and South Vietnam all dance to their own seasonal rhythms. Understanding that can help you avoid the rainy days and catch the best of each region.

Now, before you pack your bags, here’s something you don’t want to overlook: staying connected and staying covered.

If you're traveling from India (or pretty much anywhere else), getting an International SIM card or eSIM for Vietnam is a game-changer. No more hunting for Wi-Fi or switching SIMs at the airport. Just land, switch on your phone, and you’re good to go—calls, maps, bookings, all sorted.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget travel insurance. 

So here’s the plan: pick your places, match them with the right season, and sort your SIM and insurance before takeoff. Do that, and Vietnam won’t just be another trip it’ll be a story you’ll never stop telling.