Places to See in Vietnam
Vietnam was my first and last vacation living in #Asia. I spent three months visiting places in #Vietnam and am excited to use my knowledge to share the best places to see in Vietnam! The diverse natural landscapes in Vietnam combined with delicious food, affordable travel, and raw adventure make it a top destination. One day, I hope to go back to Vietnam and bring Elizabeth to my favorite spots like Phong Nha, Cat Ba, and Hoi An; but until then I’ll live vicariously through my photos and journals.
Geographically organizing this list made sense since most people choose either northern or southern Vietnam to explore, but I decided to list these in order of how much I want to go back there. I tend to prioritize beautiful landscapes over cities, enjoy cultural experiences, and food. If you’re a similar kind of traveler then grab a pen, bookmark this post and scroll on down!
One of the main problems with this country is that there are simply too many amazing things to see in Vietnam! Most people only have time for one or two weeks to travel Vietnam so I’ll add suggested itineraries for various trip lengths at the end. Click here to jump right to my Vietnam Itinerary section.
Must See Sights and Beautiful Places in Vietnam
Vietnam is full of must see sights — from the caves of Phong Nha to the rice paddies of Sapa. This post covers some of the most beautiful places in Vietnam as well as a few hidden gems.
My first trip to Vietnam was for a month and I barely scratched the surface, so I decided to go back and buy a motorcycle to spend two more months slowly driving across the country. I’ve been to almost everywhere I wanted to see in Vietnam, but I’ll also recommend a few places I didn’t make it to — I’ll be sure to note those in the descriptions.
My Favorite Places to Go in Vietnam
Phong Nha: Caves and Must See Landscapes
Officially known as Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park and sitting on the edge of the Phong Nha village. Phong Nha is far and away my favorite destination in Vietnam! Phong Nha’s Son Doong Cave was the impetus for my first trip to Vietnam, and at one point I honestly considered moving to Phong Nha and trying to start a village school. If you love stunning landscapes, friendly villagers, and good food, then Phong Nha is a MUST visit. I’ve published at least 10 posts about Phong Nha — sometimes I think about keeping it a hidden gem, but the logistics of getting to the middle of Vietnam will keep it from being overrun.
Already convinced you’re planning a trip to Phong Nha. Read my favorite things to do in Phong Nha here!
My first trip to Phong Nha was shortly after it was “put on the map” by Son Doong. I was one of the first 200 people to explore the world’s largest cave back in the summer of 2014 and found it to be almost too rural. Outside of what my tour company had booked, options were slim — I think Easy Tiger was the only hostel, and Pub With Cold Beer was hard to get to. When I went back in 2017 I was happy to see that locals had embraced the tourism provided by these caves and used the funds to build long lasting infrastructure. Nowadays you can find plenty of hostels, guest houses, and restaurants in Phong Nha.
Getting to Phong Nha can be a trek. You can take a few days to ride in on motorbike, book an overnight bus from Hanoi, or fly to Dong Hoi and coordinate a shuttle with a tour company.
Cat Ba National Park: Beautiful Karst Mountains and Kayaking
Cat Ba Island is a UNESCO world heritage site and home to a stunning national park with activities ranging from kayaking to rock climbing, swimming, boating, fishing, and so much more. Full of beautiful karst limestone mountains Cat Ba National Park has all of the beauty of Ha Long Bay without the busy tourists and wild party scene. That being said, you can still find plenty of parties at the hostels and bars in Cat Ba town.
I was invited to Cat Ba to film an episode of Vietnam Discovery and spent three days exploring the park. We kayaked through jungles, mountains, and even a low-hanging cave, passed locals living on floating houses, and watched fishermen with massive nets and light attractors. I also went deep water solo diving and took countless boat trips through the turquoise waters of Cat Ba National Park.
Cat Ba is among my favorite places in Vietnam and I’ve written extensively about it. Check out any of these posts, but beware; they’ll make you want to book a flight today!
Kayaking in Cat Ba
Deep Water Solo Diving in Cat Ba
Monkey Island in Cat Ba
Hoi An: Ancient Town and Custom Tailoring
Hoi An is centrally located but much easier to get to than Phong Nha with a popular airport in nearby Danang. Famous among tourist destinations in Vietnam for its rich culture in the UNESCO Ancient Town (often called the Old Town by locals). You’ll find an excellently preserved 15th century trading port with delicious food, affordable shopping, and world-renowned custom tailoring — in fact, many of your “made in Vietnam” clothes came through Hoi An!
Read about 24 ways to experience Hoi An Post that I wrote while staying there.
On the 14th day of each Lunar month there is a magical lantern festival. The good news is they now hold lantern ceremonies any night tourists are present. Some travel experts advise you to stay away from Hoi An on the 14th because it can be overwhelmed with tourists. Whether you’re there for the festival or not the riverboat rides are a great way to get away from the bustle for a moment.
Tam Coc: Karst Mountains and Boat Tours
Ninh Binh is surrounded by jungle-covered karst limestone mountains similar to Phong Nha, Ha Long, Cat Ba, and much of Northern Vietnam. But the city itself isn’t much of a draw so take a trip to nearby Tam Coc. There are a few hikes but my favorite was taking a guided paddle boat up the river. You’ll want to stop for many photos here and if you’re up for a few staircases I highly recommend the dragon in Mua Cave!
Dalat: Waterfalls and Mountain City
Dalat is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists but a top tourist destination for domestic Vietnamese! The city is full of culture and noticeably cleaner than the larger, more famous cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Famous for its waterfalls, a lakeside park, and local artists; you’ll enjoy relaxing for a few days in Dalat. Pongour Falls, Elephant Falls, and Datanla Falls are must see stops in my book!
The Lien Thuoc pagoda has a series of stunning Buddha’s and if you’re really up for an adventure consider booking a guided canyoneering trip in Dalat! Better yet read about my 3 favorite waterfalls in Dalat here!
Ban Gioc: Largest Waterfall in Southeast Asia
Ban Gioc Waterfall was a surprise stop for me at the end of my motorbike trip. We hadn’t heard of it until we were in Hanoi and had already sold our motorbikes but as soon as someone mentioned it, I Googled it and knew I wanted to see this majestic waterfall. Little did I know it’s also known as the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia.
Known as Detian waterfall in China, this deluge spans the border between China and Vietnam and is worth the trek from Hanoi. Spend the night at one of the many guest houses because you’ll want to watch the sunrise over the landscape. Imagine if the water receded around the mountains of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba and instead was filled with a lush green jungle and you’ll get the image of Ban Gioc Waterfall. Climb the nearby temple for a better view or head to Nguom Ngao Cave to feel like you’ve entered another world!
Ban Gioc Waterfall on Google Maps
Sapa: Rice Terraces and Mountain Hiking
Sapa is in northwestern Vietnam and home to beautifully terraced rice paddies in a mountain range with Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan. Sadly, I didn’t make it to the top of Fansipan but I absolutely loved spending a long weekend at a farm stay and wandering through the rice fields. The landscapes are stunning year-round, but the ever-changing colors of the rice fields make it a photographer’s dream.
Locals are mostly ethnic minorities with Hmong’s vibrant culture adding smiles and beautiful outfits to the pathways. Purchase small souvenirs or offer to give them a tip for posing for a photo while you visit!
Hue: Imperial City and Cultural Hub
Hue is a bustling city more similar to Dalat than Hanoi with fresh air and cleaner streets. The main draw for me in Hue was the imperial city and its proximity to other places I wanted to visit like Phong Nha and Hoi An. Hue makes a great stop if you need a few days to refuel; there are plenty of affordable places to stay and good restaurants. It’s also a major transportation hub — many bus routes pass through Hue.
I was happily surprised to discover an abandoned amusement park in Hue that makes for unique photo opportunities and is worth a half day detour on your motorbike journey.
The Ho Chi Minh Trail: Off the Beaten Path Adventure
The Ho Chi Minh Trail is a long and winding web of trails, roads and hidden paths that were used in the war. If you stay off the busiest highways you’ll cross part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and honestly, getting off the beaten path was the whole point. We drove many miles through gorgeous mountain scenery sometimes going hours between any houses or even forks in the road. It was on this trail that we had some of the most beautiful vistas but struggled to find places to stay. In the end our guide convinced a local to let us stay in his guest room because my traveling companion was feverish. We slept next to a fermenting jar of snake wine and left the next day following their guidance to get to a doctor rather than the local medicine man’s suggestion of sweating it out at the nearby hotspring.
Ho Chi Minh Trail on Google Maps
Mui Ne: Sand Dunes and Unique Coastal Landscapes
Mui Ne is famous for its sand dunes, sporting both white and red dunes where you can do everything from sledding to ATVing. Mui Ne is also home to the Fairy Stream and a popular beach. All the natural features in Mui Ne sport vibrant colors not found in the rest of Vietnam making it one of the more unique places to visit in Vietnam.
Cat Tien National Park: Wildlife and Biodiversity
Cat Tien National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a detour that I decided on simply because it was a national park and near Ho Chi Minh City. Little did I know that the region had immense biodiversity and we would happen upon a local biologist’s homestay. We went trekking with wild gibbons and although the lush jungle can make landscape photography difficult, opportunities to see wildlife make me want to come back one day.
Cat Tien National Park on Google Maps
Hai Van Pass: Scenic Coastal Motorbike Route
Top Gear’s Vietnam special put the Hai Van Pass on many adventurer’s radars. I first heard about it after Son Doong and coordinated a one-way motorbike rental from Hue to Hoi An with a group from my hostel so we could enjoy the ride together. The ride is relatively straight forward and follows a lush coastline up 496 meters (1,627 feet) above sea level before you head down towards Danang. There are numerous pullouts with a great view that are perfect photo stops.
Ha Long Bay: Stunning Karst Mountains and Cruises
Ha Long Bay was once the most famous port for tourists looking to take a ride among Northern Vietnam’s stunning karst mountains. You can still cruise among the mountains — there are even party boats for a few nights on the water — but honestly, Ha Long Bay has been internet hugged too much for my taste. I went to Ha Long Bay back in 2014 and it was crowded then; today I prefer the quieter yet still busy enough Cat Ba Island. If you can I recommend booking a multi night cruise for either Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island but they are both similar landscapes and experiences so whichever you choose, you can skip the other one.
Nha Trang: Beach Town and Relaxation
Nha Trang is a beach town that I admittedly spent very little time in. All of my trips to Vietnam have had more of an adventurous drive rather than a relaxation motivation; but if I was looking for a great place to kick back and soak up the sun; I’d book a long weekend in Nha Trang!
Mekong Delta: Floating Markets and River Life
The Mekong Delta is a vast region with everything from floating markets to crocodile shows. The Mekong is famous around the world for its biodiversity and culture with festivals and unique lifestyles among the mangrove forests. Pay for a guided boat trip — you might spot some wild creatures, though the murky waters mean you’re more likely to spend the time people watching.
Marble Mountain: Caves and Marble Souvenirs
Marble Mountain is worth an hour or two stop if you’re on the way to Hoi An from Danang or if you have a few extra days in either Hoi An or Danang. This mountain was once a busy quarry and now has caves you can easily explore along with marble and jade souvenirs for sale. Close enough to the beach to get plenty of fresh air but far enough that you will need to plan transportation separately.
Marble Mountain on Google Maps
My Son: Ancient Champa Temples
The ancient temples at My Son are also close to Hoi An and worth a day trip by motorbike. My Son was a holy land for the Champa people who you can learn all about with many information signs. Worth stopping for any history buff, or if you enjoy seeing ancient ruins. They make for great photos and can easily fill a half day when you count the drive.
Khe Sanh: War Memorial and History
Khe Sanh was first introduced to me by Bruce Springsteen and I wasn’t planning on stopping here. But when you’re driving over a thousand miles and taking lots of detours you jump at a sign for anything that you recognize. Now a war memorial/museum with abandoned American planes and information about how Vietnam won the war; Khe Sanh is a worthwhile stop for history buffs or if you’re going that way anyway. The drive to and from took us through stunning scenery, but I wouldn’t make a trip specifically for it unless history is your thing.
Danang: Beach City and Expat Hub
Danang is a popular expat city in central Vietnam, has an excellent airport and is near the beach. At under 20 miles from Hoi An, many people chose to make Danang their home base and take day trips to nearby destinations. While in Danang be sure to check out the dragon bridge at night, if you’re lucky it’ll even breathe fire!
Hanoi: Things to See and Do in Northern Vietnam
Hanoi is my favorite big city in Vietnam and has everything you’d expect from a major Asian city. Hop on a motorbike taxi and for a dollar or two you can get to any number of great restaurants, museums, and shopping districts. Home to many expats and a wonderful place to take a walking food tour to taste all the delicacies of northern Vietnam.
There are a ton of things to see and do in Hanoi; especially if you consider that just about every thing to do in Northern Vietnam can be started in Hanoi. All of the awesome overnights which I mention from Cat Ba to Sapa, Ninh Binh and Ban Gioc can easily be a day trip from Hanoi. You’ll find travel agents throughout the city selling trips to nearby destinations, but if you’re looking for Hanoi-specific things to do, start with a walking tour. They’re more affordable, take you through a specific quarter, and cover the history and places to see in Hanoi — plus they almost always include restaurants or street food you’d never find on your own. Whether you’re figuring out what to see in Hanoi first or just want to dive right in, a walking tour is a great starting point.
Hanoi is a great place to relax with a massage; and there are a number of reputable massage parlors where you won’t have to worry about those awkward interactions that South East Asia can be known for. I recommend just about anywhere in the Old Quarter. My friend took me to one where they didn’t speak English but it started as a bath house in a bathing suit, went to an awesome 1 hour massage and then ended with a meal. I opted NOT to try the balut this time.
Hanoi also has lots of museums and history for those who prefer to learn as they travel. Check out the Hoa Loa prison museum or Vietnam Museum of Natural History if you can’t choose from the rest!
Hanoi has no shortage of options for the best places to stay in Hanoi — from budget hostels in the Old Quarter to mid-range hotels a short taxi ride away.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Southern Vietnam Hub
Ho Chi Minh City, known as Saigon before the war, is home to most of the same amenities that Hanoi is. Situated a thousand miles further south, it is more tropical and has fewer mountains nearby. There are loads of expats living in Ho Chi Minh and an awesome restaurant scene here as well. The markets have everything you need and they’ll try to sell it to you at an excellent price. I used Ho Chi Minh as a staging spot for my big motorbike trip across Vietnam and was mostly focused on the preparations. Ho Chi Minh is a great place to buy a motorcycle and find a guide for just about any Vietnamese adventure you can concoct!
Ho Chi Minh City on Google Maps
Places I’d Still Like to Visit in Vietnam
Even though I spent three months exploring Vietnam and managed to see countless amazing spots there are always the ones that got away. Here are some of the top tourist places in Vietnam that I’d still like to visit; maybe one day I’ll bring Elizabeth and our family here!
Ha Giang: Mountain Loop and Scenic Vistas
I wish I knew about the Ha Giang loop before I sold my motorcycle in Hanoi! Sapa is near this mountain vista and I would have driven all the way from Hanoi to Sapa and then through the Ha Giang loop if I could. Check Google for photos and advice about Ha Giang because it’s on my list for the next trip to Vietnam!
Phu Quoc: Island Beaches and Snorkeling
Phu Quoc Island is known for snorkeling, diving and beaches. I kept trying to make it down to Phu Quoc but each trip to Vietnam had too many other stops for me to make it here. If you go, be sure to check out Phu Quoc National Park and report back to me here so I can decide if it’s a must visit place in Vietnam.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Vietnam War History
The Cu Chi tunnels are a remnant from the war where Viet Cong would hide out. Many tourists take a tour of the tunnels and they provide lots of fun photo opportunities. Cu Chi tunnel tours usually start from Ho Chi Minh City and include displays of the intricate traps, cramped spaces, and a chance to learn more of the war history.
Ba Na Hills: Cable Car and Iconic Bridges
The Ba Na hills are west of Danang and should have been on my radar for my return trip. But unfortunately I had no idea they even existed until I was too far away to go back. This natural landscape is known for viewing access by cable car and bridges. You’re encouraged to go and take selfies on one of the most iconic bridges in Vietnam.
Ba Be: Mountain Lake and Boat Tours
Ba Be National Park is known for its picturesque lake and beautiful landscapes. Situated around 200 km north of Hanoi, Ba Be Lake is worth booking a small boat tour; or at least that’s what I’m told. If you make it there let me know if I should add it to my return to Vietnam Itinerary.
Ba Be National Park on Google Maps
I hope to come back and see even more of the best places to see in Vietnam — and I hope you use this guide to see some yourself!
How Long Do I Need in Vietnam?
Many people ask me what to see in Vietnam and how many weeks it takes to explore, and the truth is that you could live there for years and still be exploring the country. I decided that two months would be enough and as you can see from this article I could easily have had a third month to keep visiting the best places to go in Vietnam. I was fortunate and did this trip in between jobs, whereas most vacations only allow for a few weeks in Vietnam. After talking to countless travelers I’ve realized that most people are looking for a 2 week Vietnam itinerary. I’m working on a separate post all about itineraries but thought I’d share my favorite 2 week in Vietnam itinerary here for now:
2 Week Vietnam Itinerary
2 weeks is the minimum amount of time I would want to spend in Vietnam. You now have enough time to explore both northern and southern Vietnam but it’s still a pretty whirlwind trip and I would prefer to stick to just the north or south unless I’ve got at least 3 weeks to travel around. This is what I would do with 2 weeks in Vietnam!
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi; settle in and try some local food.
Day 2: Go on a walking food tour in Hanoi. This will help you get an idea for what Vietnamese foods you really like!
Day 3: Day trip to Sapa or Ha Giang
Day 4: Head to Ninh Binh and eat bun cha with a tour of Tam Coc. Stay in Ninh Binh for the night.
Day 5: Travel Day to Phong Nha.
Day 6: Go on an overnight cave tour in Hang En! This will let you really experience the jungles and see stunning landscapes.
Day 7: Return to Phong Nha from the tour and eat some fresh peanut chicken at Pub with Cold Beer.
*At this point you can choose to either head back north or continue south.
Day 8: Travel day to Hue.
Day 9: Eat delicious bun cha or whatever other food you prefer and explore the imperial palace. Book tomorrow’s motorbike to drive the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An.
Day 10: Spend the day stopping at viewpoints between Hue and Hoi An. Spend the night in Hoi An.
Day 11: Wander around the Old Town in Hoi An, eat good food, shop for custom tailoring, head to the beach.
*If you want custom tailoring make that your first stop of the day so you can swing by later in the day in case alterations are needed.
Day 12: Check in on your tailoring and hope it’s ready! Take the bus to Danang and fly back to Hanoi.
*You can spend another day at the beach and exploring Hoi An; or if you’re like me you’ll want the extra time in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City before you fly home.
Day 13: Visit your favorite restaurants in Hanoi. Take another day trip, or pack for the flight home.
Day 14: Board your flight home and realize you wish you had another two weeks to explore the other half of Vietnam!
