Vietnam Cities to Visit
VietnamCities in Vietnam are chaotic and charming all at once. Hanoi, the capital, has a maze of alleyways ripe for exploring. Hoi An, the country's cultural gem, has some of the best preserved colonial architecture in the country and streets lined with glowing lanterns. Ho Chi Minh City, the giant metropolis in the south, is Vietnam's most modern and international city with plenty of history too.
Also not to be missed are the coastal cities of Da Nang and Nha Trang, where beautiful beaches bump up against the bustling city streets. You'll find incredible seafood and other gastronomic delights in both these areas.
When the motorbikes, traffic, and noise begin to overwhelm, head to one of the many cozy street cafes for a Vietnamese coffee and a spot of people watching. Then, head out again to wander amongst the chaos and the crumbling colonial buildings and feel the pulse of life of a country with over 100 million inhabitants.
Vietnam Highlights
A curated look at the best Vietnam has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side. Located along the banks of the Red River, it is one of Southeast Asia’s oldest capitals, with a history that stretches back over a thousand years. Founded in 1010 under the Ly Dynasty, Hanoi was originally named Thang Long, meaning “Ascending Dragon.” Over centuries, it has witnessed periods of Chinese domination, Vietnamese independence, French colonial rule, and modern development, each leaving a distinct mark on the city’s identity. Today, Hanoi stands as a cultural and political heart of Vietnam, where history is not just preserved in museums but lives on in its streets, architecture, and daily life.
Explore DestinationHue
For every Vietnamese city that races headlong into the future, there’s one that’s just as firmly rooted in past. Hue is a historical destination and a fantastic stop for travelers who want to plunge into Vietnamese culture. This city isn’t completely frozen in time — Apple stores, large hotels, and sleek pubs have begun pop up just beyond historic district — but Hue is still largely a city where life drifts along with the leisurely current of the Perfume River.
Explore DestinationCan Tho
Can Tho is the main hub of commerce and tourism in the busy and beautiful Mekong Delta. Known as the ‘rice basket of Vietnam’ due to its fertile soil and thriving agricultural industry, Can Tho is a quintessential Mekong destination. Travel through tight canals in a sampan boat, visit floating markets, and dine on fresh Mekong produce.
Explore DestinationDa Nang
Da Nang is an essential port city in central Vietnam, on the coast between Hoi An and Hue. Visitors who stay here get to experience the nightlife, interesting local art, and beautiful hikes up the nearby Marble Mountains.
Explore DestinationDong Hoi City
Dong Hoi City sits right on the East Sea, just outside of the jungle sprawl of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The city has its own beach and fewer travelers than other large cities in Vietnam. Most travelers who stop here are traveling between Hanoi and Hue.
Explore DestinationThanh Hoa
Thanh Hoa is on the northern coast of Vietnam, bordered by the East Sea. There isn’t much here as far as visitor attractions, but visitors may use this city as a home base while they explore the surrounding countryside and nature reserves.
Explore DestinationVinh Long
Located on the southern side of the Mekong River, Vinh Long is a sprawling city with a population of over 150,000 people. Vinh Long is etched with waterways and inhabitants get around mostly by boat, making this the perfect place to start exploring the watery world of the Mekong Delta.
Explore DestinationFeatured Vietnam Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Vietnam itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Deep into Vietnam & Cambodia
Our favourite country so far, 2nd time going. The food is amazing, the history and culture are vibrant and fabulous to participate in, and the people are so warm, friendly, kind and welcoming. It’s inexpensive but top quality and everywhere you go, you are welcomed. They work hard to help you and are open to learning English and happy to work with you via translate apps etc to accommodate anything from ordering food, to paying for items, to directions to places. Every menu had photos and moat things have English descriptions too. English is widely spoken too. There’s so much to see and do in the country that there’s something for everyone no matter what you’re interested in.
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Immersion
Tali explored the cultural tapestry of Vietnam and Cambodia on a 17‑day adventure. Travelers trekked from Hanoi’s bustling streets to Ninh Binh’s karst cliffs, glided through Halong Bay, explored Hoi An’s lantern river, and toured Angkor’s temples. Friendly local hosts and knowledgeable guides brought history to life, leaving Tali with a deep appreciation for the region’s vibrant traditions and timeless landscapes.
Vietnam's Saigon and Mekong to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Cambodia
This itinerary was designed by our experts to showcase the range of experiences we can cater to in Vietnam and Cambodia trip. All services are 100% customizable to fit your travel dates, budget, and preferences. Do you need to find different hotels, alternative lodging or other activities? Our experts in Southeast Asia can assist you with your requests. Send us an email to book your personal trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Saigon and Mekong Cruise in Vietnam plus Siem Reap Cambodia
This itinerary will help you plan a trip to Vietnam or Cambodia. All services can be customized to meet your travel preferences, dates and budget. Are you looking for alternative lodging, activities or hotels? You can count on the expertise of our local experts in Southeast Asia to meet your needs. For a personalized trip to Vietnam or Cambodia, get in touch with us today.
Cruise the Mekong River from Siem Reap Cambodia to Saigon Vietnam
This itinerary is the starting point for a great trip to Vietnam & Cambodia. All services can be customized to suit your travel needs, dates, and budget. You may be looking for hotels or other options, such as alternative lodging. Our local experts will help you in Southeast Asia. Get in touch to plan your trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Insider-led Vietnam Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Vietnam Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
