Vietnam is attracting more and more tourists, thanks in part to its natural beauties. Let’s look at 17 amazing places!
The country, located along the Gulf of Tonkin and boasting a long coastline, has undergone significant development recently, which has also boosted tourism. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west and the Gulf of Vietnam to the east.
Table of Contents
Best places in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
Vietnam’s most famous site is located to the east of Hanoi, about 170 kilometers away. It has been part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1994.
The bay features more than 1900 limestone karsts and islets rising spectacularly from the water, creating a stunning landscape. Most are uninhabited islands or rocks, many of which are several hundred meters tall.
Its name means „Bay of the Descending Dragon”. Legend has it that the bay was formed when a dragon living in the nearby mountains ran to the coast, its tail carving deep furrows in the ground, which were then flooded by the sea after its descent.
Several fishing villages can be found around the bay, where people have lived on the water for generations, dwelling on boats.
Da Nang
This central port city is famous for its long, sandy beaches and nearby tourist attractions.
Its modern cityscape is dominated by the Dragon Bridge, which arches over the Han River. It is especially spectacular at night when the bridge is illuminated and „breathes fire” on Saturdays.
Its coastline is continuously sandy, with My Khe Beach being the most famous. It is a well-developed area with many hotels and restaurants.
About 8 km from the city is a unique mountain range. The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) consist of five limestone and marble hills. They are famous for their stunning caves, Buddhist sanctuaries, and Hindu temples, as well as the spectacular views from their peaks.
Golden Bridge
This unique observation deck is located near Da Nang. The bridge is supported by two giant, stone hands, appearing as if they are holding it.
Opened in 2018, it quickly became world-famous for its unique design and the surrounding natural beauty. Approximately 150 meters long and situated 1,400 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the landscape below.
The bridge is part of the Ba Na Hills resort, which includes a French-style village, an amusement park, hotels, restaurants, and one of the world’s longest cable car rides.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Located on the Vietnam-China border, this waterfall is one of the largest and most spectacular natural waterfalls on the Quay Son River in Asia.
Spanning over 200 meters wide and cascading down several levels over 70 meters, the immense power of the water and the contrast with the lush green landscape offer a stunning view. The waterfall is especially powerful during the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak.
It can also be approached by boat, allowing for an up-close admiration.
Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly known as Saigon, it is Vietnam’s largest city, located in the southern part of the country.
The city has a rich historical and cultural heritage, visible in the buildings from the colonial period. Such is the Monument of Heroes, the Notre Dame Cathedral (a full-size replica of Paris’s Notre Dame), and the Central Post Office.
The markets should not be missed, where you can find everything from food to clothes and handicrafts. The most famous among them is the Ben Thanh Market.
The modern face of the city is represented by the Bitexco Financial Tower and other skyscrapers, showcasing Vietnam’s development.
Ho Chi Minh City attractions, weather
Nha Trang
Located in the southeastern part of the country, the city is famous for its crystal-clear waters, long golden sandy beaches, and beautiful coastline. Its beach, Bãi biển Nha Trang, stretches for several kilometers.
On the opposite island is Vinpearl Land, a large amusement park with many games, a water park, and an oceanarium. Interestingly, it can also be reached by cable car from the city.
In addition to these, its historical sites should not be missed! The most beautiful is the Po Nagar Cham Temples, one of the most important remains of the Cham civilization. Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, they were dedicated to the Hindu goddess Po Nagar. Of the four remaining towers, the tallest and most imposing is the Great Tower, adorned with impressive carvings and sculptures.
Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital, located on the banks of the Red River, stands out culturally as well.
A prominent attraction is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, which commemorates Vietnam’s national hero, President Ho Chi Minh. The complex includes the president’s home, a museum, and a grand mausoleum where the leader’s mummified body is kept.
Additionally, it houses the National History Museum, the Revolutionary Museum, the National Fine Arts Museum, the Temple of Literature, the One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi’s Flag Tower, and numerous historical sights.
The iconic location in the city center is Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular meeting place. The Ngoc Son Temple is located on a small island in the lake, accessible by a red-painted bridge.
Phan Thiet
This coastal city, located between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, became popular mainly for its part named Mui Ne. It was a small fishing village but has now grown into one of Vietnam’s most favored seaside resorts.
Besides the seaside, the Red Sand Dunes are a must-see, where sand surfing is possible, and of course, walking in the fine sand. It’s worth catching the sunrise here.
Another significant attraction is the Fairy Stream, which meanders beside red and white sandstone formations, creating a small gorge. It’s possible to walk in the water barefoot.
Hue
Located in the central part of the country along the Perfume River. It was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 during the Nguyen dynasty.
It’s home to the famous Royal Citadel, which was the residence of the Nguyen dynasty rulers and is part of UNESCO World Heritage. The massive, fortified complex includes the Royal Palace and numerous temples, pavilions, and museums.
Within the citadel walls is the Forbidden City, which was the private residence of the imperial family. Though much of it was destroyed during the Vietnam War, restoration work is ongoing.
Another significant attraction of the city is the Thien Mu Pagoda, Vietnam’s tallest pagoda, and an important religious site.
Cat Ba Island
Part of Ha Long Bay and its largest island. Its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural appeal make it popular among tourists.
Its landscape is diverse, with more than half covered in dense tropical forests, part of Cat Ba National Park. This park is home to several endangered species, including the Cat Ba langur, a rare and endangered monkey species.
Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for diving and snorkeling. Another popular water activity is kayaking, which easily allows exploration of the small islands and caves.
Lao Cai
The province located in the northwest part of the country, near the border with China.
Its popular resort, Sa Pa, is home to Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and other ethnic groups. It’s known for its terraced rice fields and Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Southeast Asia.
For a truly authentic market experience, head to the Bac Ha market. Members of the surrounding mountain tribes gather to sell and buy their goods. People are seen in traditional clothing, making it an excellent place to learn about the local culture.
Hoi An
The historic town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It’s famous for its well-preserved Old Town, a thriving port city between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Its unique atmosphere is given by colorful French colonial buildings, ancient Chinese merchant houses, a traditional Japanese bridge, and narrow, cobblestone streets. Among its most significant attractions are the Japanese Bridge, the Phuc Kien House, and the Tan Ky House.
The wonderful atmosphere is enhanced in the evening when colorful lanterns light up the riverside and Old Town.
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Located north of Đồng Hới city, this national park has been part of UNESCO’s World Heritage since 2003.
The protected area includes primeval forests and caves, rare animal species, and underground rivers. The total length of the 300 cave passages is 70 km, of which 20 kilometers have been explored so far.
Another well-known cave is Phong Nha, famous for its crystal-clear underground river and magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.
Hang Sơn Đoòng
It is considered one of the largest caves in the world, fully explored in 2009.
The cave is approximately 5 kilometers long, and in some sections can be up to 200 meters high and 150 meters wide. A unique ecosystem has developed inside: it has its own river and jungle, and in some places even thin clouds form within it.
The dimensions of the cave are enormous; a forty-story skyscraper could fit inside. There is also a chamber where stalagmites over 70 meters tall can be found.
Phú Quốc Island
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, south of the Cambodian coast, it is Vietnam’s largest island.
There are several long, golden sandy beaches, including Sao Beach, which is especially popular for its fine, white sand and turquoise waters. The northern part of the island hides the Phú Quốc National Park, featuring dense tropical rainforests, mountainous landscapes, and rich biodiversity.
The island also hosts numerous cultural and historical attractions. One such place is the Cơi Nguồn Museum, showcasing local culture and history, or the Phú Quốc Prison Museum, documenting historical events during the Vietnam War.
Ninh Bình
A province in the northern part of Vietnam, increasingly popular with travelers due to its natural beauty and rich historical heritage.
Often called the „Inland Ha Long Bay” because the karst landscape and the massive limestone formations offer a similarly stunning view as the famous maritime bay. A prominent attraction is Tam Coc, also famous for its boat tours through caves. The area is surrounded by limestone mountains, with rivers meandering through rice terraces.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s largest and most impressive Buddhist temple complexes. This modern structure occupies a vast area and houses Southeast Asia’s largest bronze Buddha, along with several other record-holding statues and relics.
Mỹ Sơn
A complex of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples in the central part of Vietnam. It is also listed as a UNESCO cultural World Heritage Site.
The temples were built between the 4th and 14th centuries by the rulers of the ancient Champa Kingdom and were dedicated to the god Shiva. The site originally consisted of more than 70 structures, but many have been damaged over time by war and weather.
The sanctuaries are unique for their construction techniques and the diversity of architectural styles. They were created using red brick and sandstone.
