From sailing on a traditional junk boat across the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay and relaxing on the paradise islands of Con Dao, to admiring the chaotic traffic and crumbling colonial architecture in bustling cities like Hanoi and Saigon, this is the very best of Vietnam. 

With plenty of adventure, cultural history, and nature, no trip to Vietnam would be complete without adding a handful of these diverse destinations to your itinerary.

Top Destinations

Vietnam's long and varied coastline boasts beautifully remote beaches, coastal cities famous for their food and nightlife, and little fishing villages where you can settle into a slower rhythm of life.

The islands of Con Dao and Phu Quoc are perfect for a classic beach vacation, while cities and towns like Hoi An and Phan Thiet offer a little extra in terms of culture and adventure. Read more about all of Vietnam's best beach destinations and find your own coastal paradise.

Beaches

Vietnam's top nature destinations are spread around the country and feature a myriad of landscapes, flora, and fauna. You can be sailing through limestone islands in Halong Bay one day and then trekking through mountains the next.

Many of Vietnam's natural attractions are wonderfully accessible, making adventures in nature an easy addition to your Vietnam trip. But, if you are looking to get off the beaten path, there are plenty of wild places to discover too.

Nature

Whether you consider yourself an adventure traveler or not, you'll likely find yourself signing up for adventure while traveling in Vietnam. 

The country's most memorable destinations are best enjoyed with a pair of hiking shoes or in the seat of a bicycle or kayak, and there is something for every ability. Caving, trekking, and all kinds of water sports are on offer in this adventure playground.

Adventures

Vietnam’s off the beaten path destinations offer travellers some truly memorable experiences in some of the most beautiful places in South East Asia. 

Mostly located in the mountainous north, getting to these areas requires a little adventurous spirit and some dedicated travel time. The beauty that awaits is always worth it.

Off The Beaten Path

If it's a true getaway that you are after, then there are a few special destinations in Vietnam that offer plenty of rest and relaxation in beautiful surrounds. 

Hoi An, Mai Chau, and Ninh Binh are places where you'll find boutique accommodations in tranquil, out of the way locations, with enough casual activities — like bicycle trips and cultural tours — to fit in around time in a hammock or on a sun lounger.

Rest & Relaxation

Vietnam city life is lived out on the streets. In the tiny alleys and wide boulevards of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, you'll find hidden cafes with atmosphere in abundance, tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants selling mouthwatering local food, and photo opportunities at every turn. 

In the coastal cities of Vietnam, you get the best of both worlds with modern amenities and beach life all in one.

Cities

Nightlife in Vietnam may not be able to hold a light against its South East Asian neighbours, but spend a night on beer street in Hanoi or drinking 'happy water' in a small village home in Sapa and you'll have a truly local night to remember.  

Learn how to say "Một, hai, ba, vô!" (One, two, three, cheers!) and you'll be on your way to a fun night out on the town.

Nightlife

Vietnam's major international airports can be found in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Domestic routes and local connections within Asia are available at many other tourist hotspots, including the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao and cities like Dong Hoi and Nha Trang.

Airports

Foodies traveling to Vietnam, rejoice! Vietnam is one of the top culinary destinations in the world and was a particular favorite of the late, great Anthony Bourdain.

Follow in his footsteps and hit the streets of Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh to find local specialities. Trust your nose and follow the crowds for the best meals.

Culinary

Travel to any one of Vietnam's major cities and you'll come face to face with the country's past. Colonial architecture dominates the streets and magnificent palaces, tombs, and temples are woven into the surrounding landscape. 

Hire a tour guide and spend a day exploring Hanoi and Saigon's top historic attractions and museums, and learn about what makes Vietnam the country it is today.

Historic

Vietnam's unique culture is influenced by its history of colonial rule and the diverse cultures of its neighbours. Centuries of changing borders and migration mean that over 54 distinct ethnic groups call Vietnam home and each keeps their own traditions, languages and beliefs in a country that is quickly modernising. 

To really understand the cultural make-up of Vietnam, diversify your itinerary to include city stays and rural trips.

Cultural

Vietnam's island destinations feature stretches of white sandy beaches perfect for relaxing and swaths of dense jungle ripe for exploring. Kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking are all on offer and a sun-lounger, or sun-downer, is never far away either. 

Cat Ba, Con Dao and Phu Quoc are the Vietnam's largest islands, but venture offshore and there's plenty more little plots of paradise to discover.

Islands

Vietnam's iconic colonial buildings, its opera houses and ancient temples, are all evidence of centuries of occupation by various empires. Immerse yourself in this history in the country's many museums; and on the streets of Hanoi, Saigon, or Hoi An, among the crumbling architecture.

Colonial

No visitor should leave Vietnam without setting foot in the highlands. The peaks, valleys, and hill tribes of Sapa, Ha Giang, Mai Chau, and Da Lat boast unrivalled vistas, adventures of every kind, and some of the country's most hospital people.

These mountainous regions are often considered the most beautiful places in Vietnam, and keep traveler's coming back time and again.

Highlands

Miles of coastline dominates Vietnam's geography — almost as much as its iconic limestone mountains — offering all kinds of coastal destinations to explore. 

Fishing villages like Phan Thiet offer rest and relaxation, and rapidly developing cities like Da Nang offer luxury and lively nightlife. Wherever you go on the coast of Vietnam, there'll be beautiful beaches and plenty of delicious seafood!

Coast

There are over 54 recognised ethnic minority groups who call Vietnam home and continue to keep their own unique cultures alive. 

A village homestay is the best way for you to experience the local traditions of residents spread across the northern and central highlands first-hand, as well as their warmth and generous hospitality.

Indigenous Culture

Lakes in Vietnam offer nature, tranquility, and beauty — even in the busiest of cities. Explore the tiny urban lake of Hoan Kiem in Hanoi, with it's beautiful island temples, and the caves and waterfalls surrounding larger lakes in Vietnam's National Parks.

Lakes

Vung Tau

Ho Chi Minh City

Ha Long Bay

Hanoi

Mai Chau

Ha Giang

Cat Ba Island

Ninh Binh

Thanh Hoa

Sapa

Dalat

Phan Thiet

Con Dao Islands

Phu Quoc Island

Vinh Long

Cai Be

Can Tho

Dong Hoi City

Da Nang

Nha Trang

Hoi An

The North

The South

Hoi An 

Central Coast and Caves

Halong Bay

Sapa 

Southeastern Coast

Join experienced guides to plunge into the wilds of Vietnam.  There are plenty of memorable destinations for long treks — huge caves, traditional villages, mountains, and hot springs will make you eager to get out there and try new things. 

Adventure

There are 30 national parks in Vietnam. Some of these parks consist of entire islands, like Cat Ba and Phu Quoc Island. North and Central Vietnam have a porous, limestone landscape and is home to Vietnam’s most famous natural attractions, including the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park and the karst formations of Halong Bay. 


Explore Vietnam’s coast on boating trips and fishing expeditions. You can also go on snorkeling tours around the reefs near Vietnamese islands. Hop in a boat and paddle your way around Vietnam’s most famous natural landmarks—the karsts in Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. 


Marine

In order to get to some of Vietnam’s most remote caves, you’ll need to take a guided multi-day trek. It’s also possible to explore the landscape around Halong Bay on an overnight cruise around the gorgeous landscape. 


Multi-Day

Travel in Vietnam is as much about the sights and incredible cuisine as the culture. Vietnam wants you to get to know its traditions and complex history. Get to know this country’s vibrant personality at friendly cafes and colorful markets.
