Vietnam boasts stunning landscapes, deep-rooted history, and a lively culture. From the awe-inspiring limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay to the picturesque terraced rice fields of Sapa, Mu Cang Chai., every destination delivers a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re trekking through remote mountain villages or sailing through tranquil bays, Vietnam guarantees an unforgettable journey for all. Let’s explore the top Vietnam Destinations below!

Top 15 Most Beautiful Places Must-Visit in Vietnam

Vietnam offers an extraordinary array of beautiful places that provide a rich mix of natural wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. Each destination is filled with history, nature, and cultural richness, offering travelers an unforgettable experience across Vietnam. Here’s a breakdown of the top 15 must-visit Vietnam tourist spots:

The heart of Vietnam’s culture and history. A vibrant city with a blend of French colonial architecture, ancient pagodas, and modern developments.

Highlights:

  • Ho Chi Minh Complex: The final resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, in a grand mausoleum
  • Old Quarter: Explore the bustling streets filled with shops, cafes, and ancient houses, local markets, Train Street.
  • Hoan Kiem Lake: Enjoy a serene free walk around the lake or visit the holy Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Red Bridge.
  • Temple of Literature: Discover the country’s first university and admire its beautiful architecture.

Key Attractions:

  • Ho Chi Minh Complex: Mausoleum, Museum, and Presidential Palace.
  • Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Central historical site.
  • Hanoi Opera House: French colonial architecture.
  • Hanoi Old Quarter: Traditional market streets and local life.
  • Hanoi Train Street: Unique rail-side cafes and narrow streets.
  • Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university.
  • Thang Long Imperial Citadel: UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Long Bien Bridge: Iconic structure from the French era.
  • West Lake & Tran Quoc Pagoda: Largest lake in Hanoi and ancient pagoda.
  • Bat Trang & Kim Lan Ceramic Villages: Traditional craftsmanship.
  • Quang Phu Cau Incense Village: Vibrant incense-making community.
  • Xuan Quan, Quang Ba, Me Linh, Tay Tuu Flower Villages: Beautiful traditional and typical flower villages in rural countryside.

A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands. Popular activities include day cruises and overnight cruises.

Highlights:

  • Cruise around the bay: Admire the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
  • Visit caves and grottoes: Explore hidden wonders like Sung Sot Cave and Thien Cung Cave.
  • Enjoy kayaking or swimming: Experience the bay’s natural beauty up close.

Key Attractions:

  • Hon Ga Choi or Fighting Chickens Islets: Symbol of Ha Long bay.
  • Thien Cung and Sung Sot Grotto: The largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay
  • Titop Beach and Island: Beautiful beach with white sand and emerald water and nice viewpoint on the top of island
  • Ba Hang and Hang Luon: These under Sea-Water Caves where experience kayaking, bamboo boat hand-rowing

A quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay.

Highlights:

  • A quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay: Enjoy a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
  • Visit Cat Ba Island: Explore the island’s national park, beaches, and fishing villages.
  • Enjoy snorkeling or diving: Discover the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.

Key Attractions:

  • Cat Ba National Park: Trekking and rich biodiversity.
  • Viet Hai and Cai Beo Fishing Villages: Traditional village life.
  • Day Cruise: Explore the serene waters from Cat Ba Island.
  • Overnight Cruise: Experience the peaceful atmosphere from Cat Ba Island and Tuan Chau Island to combine Ha Long Bay on 2 night or 3 night cruise trips.

Known as “Inland Ha Long Bay” with limestone landscapes likes under river-water caves, limestone mountains, ricefields, villages, rivers, ancient temples, pagodas.

Highlights:

  • Trang An Grottoes: Cruise through a peaceful landscape of limestone mountains and rice paddies.
  • Tam Coc: Enjoy a boat ride on the Ngo Dong River and visit ancient temples.
  • Bai Dinh Pagoda: Discover the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam with impressive statues and pagodas.

Key Attractions:

  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Historical significance.
  • Trang An Landscape: Boat rides through caves.
  • Tam Coc Rice Fields: Stunning rice terraces.
  • Mua Cave Viewpoint: Panoramic views of Ninh Binh.
  • Van Long Wetland: Biodiversity and natural beauty.
  • Cuc Phuong National Park: Trekking and wildlife.
  • Thung Nham Bird Garden: Bird Watching paradise.
  • Galaxy Grotto: Scenic caves with stalactites.
  • Bai Dinh Pagoda: Largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam.

Mountain town is famous for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minorities and imposing landscapes.

Highlights:

  • Hike through the rice terraces: Admire the stunning scenery and interact with local tribes.
  • Conquer Fansipan Peak: Climb the highest mountain in Indochina for breathtaking views.
  • Experience local culture: Learn about the Hmong, Dao, and other ethnic groups.

Key Attractions:

  • Stone Church: Iconic French architecture.
  • Rice Terraces: Beautiful terraced landscapes.
  • Hill Tribe Villages: Cultural immersion.
  • Trekking: Explore the hills and valleys.
  • Fansipan Peak: Highest mountain in Indochina with 3.143m.
  • Ancient Stone Field: Mysterious ancient carvings.
  • O Quy Ho Pass: Scenic mountain pass and one of the four greatest mountain passes in Vietnam.
  • Silver & Love Waterfalls: Majestic waterfalls.
  • Dragon & Cloud Glass Bridge: Stunning views.

Best Travelers' Favorite Places

Renowned for its terraced rice fields.

Highlights:

  • Witness a stunning natural spectacle: Admire the terraced rice fields during harvest season.
  • Hike through the mountains: Explore the surrounding landscapes and villages.
  • Enjoy local cuisine: Taste traditional dishes prepared with fresh ingredients.

Key Attractions:

  • Ethnic Villages: Experience local culture.
  • Trekking: Walk through scenic terraces.
  • Rice Terraces: Golden fields during harvest season.
  • Hot Spring Bath: Natural relaxation.
  • Zipline: Adventure with a view.
  • Fairy Cave & Bamboo Forest: Hidden natural gems.

Known for its dramatic landscapes and ethnic diversity.

Highlights:

  • Embark on a challenging adventure: Ride through rugged mountains and remote villages.
  • Discover hidden gems: Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass, Lung Cu Flagpole, and Dong Van Old Quarter.
  • Immerse yourself in local culture: Interact with the Tay, Nung, and Hmong people.

Key Attractions:

  • Twin Mountains: Natural formations with cultural significance.
  • Tham Ma Slope: Steep and winding road.
  • Lonely Tree: Famous single tree in a vast field.
  • Ma Pi Leng Pass: One of the most beautiful passes in Vietnam.
  • Mong King Palace: Historical royal residence.
  • Lung Cu National Pole: Northernmost point of Vietnam.
  • Pao’s House: Filming studio for the same movie’s name and the typical Trinh Tuong house of H’Mong people.

Stunning rice terraces.

Highlights:

  • Another breathtaking rice terrace destination: Enjoy panoramic views and peaceful surroundings.
  • Explore local villages: Learn about the customs and traditions of the Hmong people.
  • Hike through the mountains: Discover hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.

Key Attractions:

  • Chieu Lau Thi: The highest viewpoint with 2402m, charming and majestic scenery and an ideal check-in location for tourists.
  • The Terraced Fields: The shiny golden terraced fields, a natural beauty of landscape that attracts visitors.
  • Buckwheat Flower Hill: The light purple color as the lotus and the green leaves create a beautiful, poetic scene.
  • Ethnic Villages: Ban Phung, Nam Ty, Ho Thau, Thong Nguyen, Ban Buoc, San Sa Ho., are the ideal locations to see rice in season.
  • Local Fair Markets: Is the characteristics of local people’s life.

Lush green park with a tranquil lake.

Highlights:

  • Escape to a pristine wilderness: Explore the largest natural lake in Vietnam.
  • Go boating or kayaking: Enjoy the tranquility of the lake and its surrounding forests.
  • Spot wildlife: Look for black bears, monkeys, and various bird species.

Key Attractions:

  • Ba Be Lake: Freshwater lake surrounded by limestone mountains.
  • Ba Goa Island: Small island in the lake.
  • Hua Ma Grotto: Cave exploration.
  • Bac Ngoi Village: Experience local ethnic culture.
  • Dau Dang Waterfall: Scenic cascade.
  • Fairy Pond: Mythical beauty spot.
  • Puong Grotto: Impressive cave.

One of the largest waterfalls in Asia, located on the Vietnam-China border.

Highlights:

  • Marvel at a majestic waterfall: Admire the cascading waters that span the Vietnam-China border.
  • Explore the surrounding area: Visit the Ban Gioc Cave and the Nguom Ngao Cave.
  • Enjoy a picnic by the river: Relax and take in the natural beauty.

Key Attractions:

  • Nguom Ngao Grotto: Beautiful limestone cave.
  • Phuc Sen Blacksmith Village: Traditional craft village of Tay people.
  • Ma Phuc Pass: Scenic mountain pass.
  • Thang Hen Lake: Clear blue mountain lake.
  • Pac Po Grotto: Historic grotto where Ho Chi Minh stayed during the revolution
  • Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda: Peaceful and spiritual site.

Go Explore

A haven for eco-tourism, with stunning natural landscapes.

Highlights:

  • Discover a hidden gem: Explore the rugged mountains and lush forests of this reserve.
  • Hike through rice terraces: Admire the beautiful scenery and meet local villagers.
  • Go trekking or cycling: Experience the reserve’s natural beauty on two wheels.

Key Attractions:

  • Ban Hieu Village & Hieu Waterfall: Waterfall and cultural experience.
  • Kho Muong Village & Bat Cave: Hidden gem of nature.
  • Ban Don Village: Traditional Thai community.
  • Rice Terraces: The terraced fields curl softly like green silk strips, embracing the Thai and Muong’s villages.

A peaceful valley populated by Thai ethnic minorities

Highlights:

  • Experience traditional village life: Visit stilt houses and learn about the White Thai people.
  • Enjoy local cuisine: Taste delicious dishes prepared with fresh ingredients.
  • Hike through the mountains: Explore the surrounding landscapes and waterfalls.

Key Attractions:

  • Thung Khe Pass: Scenic views of the valley.
  • Mai Chau Flag Pole: Iconic lookout point.
  • Mu Waterfall: Serene nature.
  • Thai Villages: Cultural exploration.
  • Hang Chieu Grotto: Mystical cave.
  • Go Lao Waterfall: Hidden beauty spot.

High-altitude region known for tea plantations and flower valleys.

Highlights:

  • Admire blooming tea plantations: Visit the plateau during the tea flowering season.
  • Explore pine forests: Enjoy a peaceful walk through the lush green forests.
  • Visit local villages: Learn about the customs and traditions of the Thai people.

Key Attractions:

  • Tea Plantations: Rolling green hills.
  • Ban Ang Pine Forest: Scenic pine trees.
  • Na Ka Plum Valley: Blooming plum trees.
  • Dai Yem Waterfall: Stunning waterfall.
  • Chieng Khoa Waterfall: Lesser-known cascade.
  • H’Mong Villages: Cultural exploration.

Historical site of the famous battle between Vietnam and France.

Highlights:

  • Pay tribute to Vietnam’s history: Visit the site of the decisive battle that ended the French Indochina War.
  • Explore the museum: Learn about the events of the battle and the sacrifices made by both sides.
  • Visit the French War Prisoners’ Camp: Understand the conditions faced by captured soldiers.

Key Attractions:

  • Pha Din Pass: Scenic mountain route.
  • A1 Hill: Important battlefield site.
  • Christian de Castries Command Bunker: Historical tunnel.
  • Museum of Dien Bien Phu’s Victory: War museum.
  • Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument: Celebrating the victory.
  • Muong Thanh Field: Historic battleground.
  • U Va Hot Spring: Relaxing hot spring.

A scenic, remote area known for its natural beauty

Highlights:

  • Discover a lesser-known gem: Admire the stunning rice terraces and the surrounding mountains.
  • Explore local villages: Interact with the Black Hmong and Tay people.
  • Hike through the mountains: Enjoy the tranquility of the natural environment.

Key Attractions:

  • Terraced Fields: Spectacular rice terraces.
  • Rong May Glass Bridge: Stunning views.
  • Si Thau Chai Village: Authentic village life.
  • Pusamcap Cave: Ancient, mysterious cave.
  • Sin Suoi Ho Village: Ethnic H’Mong village.
  • Hill-Tribe Sunday Markets: Cultural exchange and shopping.

Heritage Sites in Vietnam

Discover the Unforgettable Places to Explore in Vietnam.

vietnam travel locations for your itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Which part of Vietnam is best?

Each region has its own charm: the north is known for its natural beauty and culture (our recommendation), the central region for its historical sites and beaches, and the south for its vibrant cities and river life.

Ha Long Bay is one of the most visited places in Vietnam, attracting tourists with its breathtaking limestone islands and emerald waters.

The northern region, particularly Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ninh Binh, is often considered the most beautiful due to its dramatic landscapes and rice terraces.

The best time to visit is from March to April or September to November, when the weather is mild and rainfall is minimal.

Vietnam is generally a safe country for travelers, with popular tourist areas like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City offering a secure experience.

Vietnam is affordable for most travelers, offering budget-friendly accommodations, food, and activities compared to many other countries.

Hanoi, the capital, is a great starting point for first-time visitors, offering a mix of history, culture, and cuisine.

Ha Long Bay, with its stunning scenery and world-class cruises, is a must-see destination for tourists visiting Vietnam.

Most tourists stay in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and tourist hubs like Hoi An or coastal destinations like Da Nang.

Yes, Vietnam is known for its warm hospitality, with locals generally being friendly and helpful towards tourists.