Are you wondering whether Vietnam is a good tourist destination for you? Well, our answer is a resounding ‘yes’. You’re in for a treat! This rapidly developing country is rife with incredible experiences to be had, regardless of what kind of traveler you are. Let’s put it this way: you’re not going to have a hard time figuring out what to do in Vietnam!
There’s something for everyone in this extraordinary country. Outdoor sports lovers, foodies, history enthusiasts, and photographers will feel right where they belong, as Vietnam offers a diverse blend of attractions. Now all you need to figure out is, what are the top vacation spots in Vietnam?
Have a look at these 25 Vietnam destinations so you can start planning your itinerary today!
1. Sapa
Anyone inquiring about the best places to travel in Vietnam will surely find out about the striking and remote region of Sapa, located in the province of Lao Cai. The easiest way to reach this slice of heaven is by bus or minivan from Hanoi.
Sapa is an unabbreviated experience consisting of celestial mountains, picturesque terraced rice fields, lush streams and waterfalls, and a heartwarming culture. Anyone seeking full immersion in nature will definitely find their place and their peace here. It’s where you go to lose and then find yourself again, mostly in the majesty of nature all around you. Sapa is the ideal nature-trek locale for amateur and pro hikers alike.
If you really want to experience Sapa in the most authentic way, settle into one of the cozy homestays on the outskirts of Sapa town, where you’ll connect with warm and friendly hosts.
If you’re the kind of traveler that prefers not to wander far from civilization, you can always book at a hotel or guesthouse directly in town. There, you’ll have access to all the exemplary facilities one would need to make their stay comfortable.
Top attractions in Sapa:
Fansipan Mountain
Muong Hoa Valley
Ham Rong Mountain
Love Waterfall and Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Falls)
Ta Van Village
Terraced Rice Fields in Shin Chai Village
2. Ha Giang
Situated in the remote northern part of the country, on the border of China, Ha Giang bears some of Vietnam’s most rugged and exalted landscapes. It offers tourists a glimpse into rural Vietnam’s 3000 years of history, being home to several ethnic minorities. It’s harder to get here than other destinations, therefore, Ha Giang has fewer tourists visiting each year.
The best way to experience Ha Giang is with your own mode of transportation - preferably on two wheels! The ability to stop-and-go as you please as you traverse those windy roads while snapping the perfect pictures is priceless, to say the least.
Top attractions in Ha Giang:
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Lung Cu Flag Tower
Thon Tha Village
Ma Pi Leng Pass
3. Halong Bay
You just can’t help but sigh profoundly as your eyes sweep across aquamarine waters and a myriad of mounting limestone islands decorating the horizon. It’s what Ha long is best known for, making it a tropical dream come true, and one of the best places to travel in Vietnam.
Popular activities in Ha Long Bay include rock climbing, hiking, cave exploring, and scuba diving. There’s plenty to do on the mainland itself, but the real splendor of Ha Long are the surrounding islands, accessible only by boat tours. You can book a luxury overnight boat tour, or something more simple and budget-friendly, like a day-trip boat excursion.
The area of Ha Long Bay is basically comprised of two chunks of land connected by a bridge, which at nighttime is a colorful sight to see in itself. Traveling across that bridge to the Bai Chay area, you’ll find beautiful cityscapes and a thriving nightlife, including karaoke, and you’ll find a host of seafood restaurants in which to gorge on fresh catches of the day.
The neighboring island Cat Ba is a popular place to visit from Ha Long Bay.
Top attractions in Ha Long Bay:
Bai Tu Long Bay
Pont Bai Chay
Sun World Ha Long Complex
Explore Sung Sot Cave
Dong Thien Cung
Ti Top Island
Bai Tho Mountain (go with a Vietnamese person that knows the area)
Soi Sim Island
4. Cat Ba Island
Only a 45-minute ferry ride from Halong is the lovely Cat Ba island, a World Heritage site promising a gratifying adventure for just about anyone. From the Gia Luan pier on the north part of the island, it’s a 40 min ride south into Cat Ba town, which you can get to via an awaiting bus or taxi or your own transportation.
Cat Ba town is a tourist hotspot but there are several other gorgeous remote spots with fewer tourists along the east coast that are an absolute must-see. If you’re the kind of traveler that prefers to dodge the tourist-trodden places, stay at one of many guesthouses on these quieter parts of the island. It’s advisable to rent your own motorbike, as it’s the best way to explore Cat Ba.
Cat Ba is well known for its ‘Hospital Cave’, built during the Vietnam war, which will send you on a poignant leap back into Vietnam’s war-stricken history. Another main attraction is the Cat Ba National Park, which is a joy to trek through.
Top attractions on Cat Ba Island:
Cat Ba National Park
Cannon Fort
Hospital Cave
Trung Trang Cave
Viet Hai Village
5. Hai Phong
A major port city in northeast Vietnam, Hai Phong is the third-largest city in the country. All the facilities and amenities required for a comfortable stay are present here but keep in mind, Hai Phong isn’t home to as many attractions as neighboring northeast cities. Nevertheless, it’s a good base point from which to travel to places like Halong Bay and Cat Ba.
Having retained its colonial appearance, the streets of Hai Phong are charming and nostalgic to stroll through. Adding to that effect are the flame flower trees that line many of the streets, establishing Hai Phong as “The City of Flame Flowers.” There are several sites worth visiting which include temples, shrines, pagodas, and mausoleums. The best time to visit is between November and March.
Top attractions in Hai Phong:
Du Hang Pagoda
Pelican Cave (Hang Bo Nau)
Hai Phong City Opera House
Tam Bac Lake
Hoa Cuong Cave
6. Hanoi
Of course, you can’t say you’ve seen Vietnam without spending a few perfect days in Hanoi. This eminent capital is among the best cities in Vietnam!
This is the mecca of Vietnamese food and culture, and the gateway to everything that makes Vietnam Vietnam. Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences have left a deep impression on the city’s ancient architecture and are sure to leave a deep impression on you.
Hanoi is a great city to explore on foot, so be prepared with comfortable walking shoes and, if it’s your thing, maybe even an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun. There are plenty of food-tasting tours all over the city, as well as great shopping and museums to see. You are sure to create heartwarming bonds with the hospitable street food vendors. There’s so much to see and do in Hanoi, you’ll need to give yourself a few days to capture it all.
Top attractions in Hanoi:
Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Temple of Literature & National University
Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake)
7. Mai Chau
Mai Chau is in a rural setting away from the clang of Hanoi, and it offers an open exhibit of gorgeous dense greenery. You can get to Mai Chau town from Hanoi via local buses - it’s only 140 km away from the capital so it makes an ideal overnight trip.
Mai Chau town itself is nothing special to see but serves as a good basecamp from which to reach surrounding natural attractions. From Mai Chau town, it’s just a short walk into the Lác and Poom Coọng villages, where you connect with the ethnic minority communities living in the region. The area has a fair share of homestays which makes for a truly immersive experience. Scattered Thai villages, looming mountain peaks, expansive rice paddy fields, and bubbling streams will make for a fantastical adventure.
Types of activities in Mai Chau include cycling around the valley, shopping for local crafts made by the Thai villagers, eating with the locals, and taking a full-day trek that includes a kayaking excursion. This can be arranged through your hotel.
March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Mai Chai. October is when harvesting occurs and the rice fields take on a shimmering golden hue, so it’s the ideal time to go.
Top attractions in Mai Chau:
Hoa Ban Plus for locally made handcrafts
Go Lao Waterfall
Chieu Cave
Lac Village
Asia Outdoors day tours
8. Ninh Binh
Situated 100 km south of Hanoi is the lovely region of Ninh Binh, which you can easily reach by bus, train, taxi or private transportation. While other northern Vietnam destinations like Ha Long and Sapa become overly touristic, Ninh Binh remains the quieter alternative for similar scenic views and raw cultural experiences.
Often when people talk about Ninh Binh, they’re actually talking about the entirety of the province which is comprised of several villages, towns, and attractions - not Ninh Binh town. All the lovely places to see are on the outskirts of the Ninh Binh town area. There are great viewpoints to behold, caves to explore, water activities to partake in, and hiking trails to conquer.
Having a motorbike is ideal so you can explore the surrounding areas on your own, without a hitch. You can easily rent one from Ninh Binh town.
Top attractions in Ninh Binh:
Tam Coc
Cuc Phuong National Park
Mua Caves
Van Long Nature Reserve
Phat Diem Cathedral
Hoa Lu Temple
Trang An Landscape Complex
Try one of the many snail restaurants
9. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Son Trach)
This is an exquisite and unexplored area that is just beginning to rise in popularity among travelers to Vietnam. The official name of the town where Phong Nha is located is called Son Trach, however, everyone including the locals refers to it as Phong Nha Town.
To visit Phong Nha, it’s best to first arrive at the nearest city, Dong Hoi, about 45 km away. You can either drive there or book a taxi for the day. Some tourists prefer to stay in Dong Hoi and do a day trip to Phong Nha.
From Dong Hoi it’s only an hour’s drive to Phong Nha, where you can choose from an assortment of homestays and guesthouses along the Song Con River, right in the heart of the main attraction. Phong Nha offers a raw encounter with nature. If you’ve got more time for Phong Nha than just a day-trip, a homestay is the best way to experience the splendor of the area.
The main attraction in this area is the Phong Nha Cave within Ke Bang National Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park boasts an impressive collection of other caves and grottos, such as Thien Duong, Tien Son, and Son Doong.
Top attractions in Phong Nha:
Phong Nha, Thien Duong, Tien Son, and Son Doong Caves
Hang Tối (Dark Cave)
The Duck Stop
Nuoc Mooc Stream
Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha Botanic Garden
10. Da Nang
Da Nang is the halfway point between Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh in the south. With its own international airport, it’s easy to get to.
People usually stay in Da Nang because of its close proximity to several World Heritage UNESCO sites including Hoi An, Hue, and My Son, along with some of Vietnam’s finest beaches - Da Nang’s got about 10 for you to explore. The beaches on the southernmost part of the coastline are the ones most tourists head to, as they are more developed and expat-friendly.
Another attraction tourists from all over the world flock to is the Sunworld Complex. Be prepared for a site heavily saturated with tourists. The same goes for the famous Golden Bridge of Ba Na Hills - the one propped up on stone hands. If you are determined to cross this off your bucket list, there are plenty of organized tours and private taxis from Da Nang that can get you there for the day. It’s best to arrive there as early as possible, but that’s no promise your selfie won’t be photo-bombed by other tourists!
The best time to visit Da Nang is between February and May, but avoid it between October and November, as there are usually tropical storms.
Top attractions in Da Nang:
Marble Mountains
Lady Buddha
Ba Na Hills Sunworld
Dragon Bridge
Non Nuoc Beach and My Khe Beach
11. Hue
If you love history, ancient architecture and anything Buddhism related, you’re going to love Hue. Located about 100 km from Da Nang, it takes anywhere between 2-4 hours to get there depending on whether you go by private taxi, van, train, or bus. Either way, you’ll be gifted with fantastic scenic mountain views while en route.
Hue makes a great day trip, but most people don’t recommend staying any longer than that. Of course, those who love the art of slow travel might beg to differ. After all, you can’t truly become acquainted with the charm of Hue in just one day.
The city is famous for its historic monuments and pagodas, being home to the old Kings of Vietnam. Prior to French colonization, Hue was the capital of Vietnam. Influenced by the Nguyen Dynasty, Buddhist culture, and the design standards of the French, Hue’s marvelous architecture silently prevails, all while encompassed by the grace of nature.
For those inspired by his work, Hue happens to be the birthplace and childhood home of the well-known Vietnamese monk and author, Thich Nhat Hanh.
The best time to go to Hue is between February and April. August to December is the rainy season.
Top attractions in Hue:
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
Tomb of Minh Mang
Bach Ma National Park
Thien Mu Pagoda
Imperial Tomb of Dong Khanh
Tu Hieu Pagoda
Gakka Art Gallery
Tu Dam Pagoda
12. My Son
Another special World Heritage site you must make time for is My Son, which is located near the village of Duy Phú, about 70 km southwest of Da Nang; an hour and 15-minute drive. Getting to My Son from either Da Nang or Hoi An is easy. You can get there with an organized minibus tour, private taxi, or your own mode of transportation.
Here, you’ll witness a captivating assemblage of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples and towers dating as far back as the 4th century - the remains of what was an imperial city during the Cham dynasty. It’s basically the Vietnamese equivalent of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, albeit on a much smaller scale.
You have to explore My Son in silence, as there’s a mystical and self-reflective essence to the place. It’s therefore advisable to go as early in the morning as possible to avoid hoards of tourists along with the heat. Surrounded by nature, walking to each site is a meditative and sacred act in itself.
It’s best to visit My Son during the dry season from February to May.
Stand in awe of the architectural beauty of My Son Sanctuary
Take joy in the local performance in My Son Sanctuary
13. Hoi An
30 km south of Da Nang is the captivating city of Hoi An, which is rated a top destination in Vietnam among many travelers. You can only get here by bus, taxi or your own transportation, as there is no airport or train station in Hoi An. Don’t worry, it’s an easy 45-minute ride.
Hoi An is a diverse blend of experiences, ranging from ancient history to easy-going beach life. On the north part is the more residential and newer part, featuring many guesthouses, hotels, and rice terraces. You can take lovely bike rides across the countryside and enroll in cooking classes, which includes catching your own aquatic life. Popular An Bang Beach is the place to chill for the day.
In the south part of Hoi An, you have the main attraction: a well-conserved ancient town that served as a trading port dating back to the 15-19th century. You can walk through these preserved streets, which are lined with cafes, one-of-a-kind clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, handmade leather good shops, aromatic coffee roasteries, and delightful tea shops. French and Chinese Influences are evident in the timeworn architecture and the arrangement of streets.
The best time to visit Hoi An is between February and April. The rainy season starts in October and continues through February. This is a time when Hoi An is prone to flooding.
Top attractions in Hoi An:
Hoi An Ancient Town
Japanese Covered Bridge
Hoi An Night Market
Hoi An Lune Center
An Bang Beach
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Bay Mau Coconut Forest
An Farm Hoi An
Vinahouse Craft Village
14. Cham Islands
Located directly across Hoi An’s coastline are the Cham Islands, which consist of 8 small islands. You can make it there in 30 minutes by speedboat from the Cua Dai harbor in Hoi An.
The Cham Islands are popular for day trips, offering water sports like diving, swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling in the thick of tropical coral reefs. Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, on Cham Island, manages to capture the attention of most scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts.
The nearby Hon La Island has fishing villages and pristine beaches that are great for sunbathing and water sports, while Hon Tai island is said to be a lovely snorkeling spot with great visibility, but not many coral reefs.
Homestays are a popular accommodation option on Cham Islands, but you can also rent a tent from several restaurants and dive centers.
Other than these kinds of outdoor activities, there’s not much else to do on Cham Island. But rest assured, if you’re looking to simply relax in the sun, enjoy nature and connect with locals, you will have an enjoyable experience.
The best time to visit is from March - September. However, if you really love snorkeling and diving, it is recommended to visit between June and August. Cham Island is made inaccessible between October and February due to monsoon season.
Top attractions on Cham Islands:
Fishing villages
Beautiful beaches
Water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving
15. Buôn Ma Thuột
Positioned in the central highlands of Vietnam, Buôn Ma Thuột is a three-hour drive from Nha Trang and promises you the most beautiful scenic route. You can also get there from Da Lat, but the road is windy and therefore not preferable for many. There are buses that go to Buôn Ma Thuột, however, the region is best explored via your own transportation, as with much of Vietnam.
There is much to do in Buôn Ma Thuột! You can dive into its coffee culture, hike to nearby pagodas, stroll through botanical gardens and go on waterfall treks. Too lazy to trek on foot? Elephants will take you around. A hot day would be well spent at one of the waterparks.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you’ll be pleased to know that Buôn Ma Thuột is regarded as the regional “capital of coffee”. Make sure to sample their very own smooth and rich coffee, which possesses a succulent chocolate undertone.
To see the surrounding villages in Buon Ma Thuot you’ll need a travel permit. This can be obtained from the Dak Lak Tourist Association, but if you have booked a tour, the responsibility lies with your tour facilitator.
Buôn Ma Thuột isn’t as well known as other places, but it’s worth seeing, especially for ecotourists looking for destinations unafflicted by over-tourism. The best time to visit is in the dry season from November to April.
Top attractions in Buôn Ma Thuột:
The World Coffee Museum
Khai Doan King Honored Pagoda
Dray Nur Waterfall
Ethnographic Museum
Trung Nguyen Village Coffee
Kotam Ecotourism Destination
Dray Sap Falls
Troh Bu Botanic Garden
Ban Mê Thuột Cathedral
Yok Don National Park
Dak Lak Waterpark
16. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a very developed Coastal city south of Hoi An. Train and bus options are available, but it’s easiest to fly into Cam Rahnh airport from either Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi airport. From Cam Rahn, it’s about 30 km to the city center.
So, what kind of excitement does Nha Trang have in store for you? Well, it’s known for its beaches. But be aware - those beaches are loved by many and will be crowded. Amusements parks, stylish cute cafes and a burgeoning nightlife scene also await you.
Nha Trang has it all, but it is highly developed for tourism. So if you’re after more of a quiet and sequestered destination spot, the main city is not for you. Just about an hour or so out of Nha Trang city, however, you can find gorgeous waterfalls, beautiful viewpoints, and choice hiking trails.
As with most of Vietnam, having your own transportation is ideal so you can arrange your own daily excursions outside of the city parameters. The best time to visit Nha Trang is between February and May.
Top attractions in Nha Trang:
Vinpearl Land Nha Trang
Ba Ho Waterfall
Po Nagar Cham Towers
Vinpearl Cable Car
Nha Trang Beach
Long Son Pagoda
Hoàng Phú Park
Yang Bay Eco Park
17. Da Lat
Known as “the city of eternal spring”, Da Lat bears spring-like weather all year round, rather than the tropical heat that’s prevalent throughout much of Vietnam. Those seeking reprieve from the sweltering heat in other parts of the country will surely enjoy Da Lat for just that reason.
Luckily, getting there isn’t too much trouble, as it’s about 150 km southwest from Nha Trang. Catch a bus from there and enjoy the 3-4 hour scenic journey, or fly into Da Lat from Da Nang.
Ornamented with French Colonial villas, and surrounded by farms growing strawberries, coffee and flowers rather than rice, Da Lat is a distinguished and romantic town. It makes an ideal destination for a couple’s getaway.
Attracting a growing number of thrill-seeking adventure travelers each year, Da Lat is quickly becoming a hotspot for adventure sports like canyoning, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and hiking.
The best time to visit is between December and March when Da lat’s renowned flower gardens are in full bloom.
Top attractions in Da Lat:
Datanla Falls
Crazy House
Elephant Falls
Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Thien Vien Truc Lam
Dalat Flower Park
Valley of Love
Tuyen Lam Lake
18. Cam Ranh Bay
Just south of Nha Trang is Cam Ranh Bay, which is a breeze to get to by plane, train or bus. If you’re staying in Nha Trang, there are a few tour companies that offer organized treks to these islands from there.
Once known as a military port, Cam Ranh is beginning to thrive more these days as a tourist spot. This deep-water bay is just starting to get recognized for its lovely beaches and is regarded as a quieter alternative to other more touristic beach destinations in Vietnam.
Just off the coast of Cam Ranh, you’ll find Binh Ba island, Binh Hung island, and Binh Lap peninsula. In recent years, Binh Ba and Bin Hung were off-limits to tourists, but it seems that is starting to change, with all the online reviews from foreign travelers.
If you are an eco-traveler intent on avoiding areas swarming with tourists, Cam Ran Bay might be ideal for you. Many of its beaches are pristine and free of debris.
Cam Ranh surprisingly also has the largest floating beach park in Vietnam, in which you can enjoy water sports like jet-skiing, surfing, paragliding, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Top attractions in Cam Ranh Bay:
Binh Hung Island
Bai Dai Beach
Sealife Amusement Park at Bai Dai Beach
Tu Van Pagoda
Vietnam - Russia Monument
Binh Tien Beach
Binh Lap peninsula
19. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is located in Southern Vietnam and is easily accessible from surrounding cities by plane, train, bus, and taxi. Once there, getting around in the city is relatively easy with public transportation and rideshare apps.
Walking is another great way to explore this exquisite city - perhaps even the best - as you get to enmesh yourself in the cultural backdrop vibrating all around you. There are plenty of walking tours offered throughout the city, ranging from food tasting to art to historic themes.
Ho Chi Minh is revered for its French Colonial landmarks along with its role in the Vietnam war. Many are surprised to learn that famous landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral are made entirely of imported French materials.
French architecture, skyscrapers, temples, and pagodas weave seamlessly together to create a picture-perfect live panorama for you. Gorgeous outstretched boulevards and ornate architecture will at times have you second-guessing whether you’re actually in Vietnam. There’s simply no place like it.
Ho Chi Minh is also popular for its many rooftop bars and exotic nightlife scene. All across the city, you’ll find incredible cuisine: French, Chinese and local Vietnamese.
Top attractions in Ho Chi Minh:
Cu Chi Tunnels
War Remnants Museum
Bitexco Financial Tower
A O Show - Lune Production
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre
Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater)
Benthanh Street Food Market
20. Mui Ne (Phan Thiet)
It’s a four-hour train ride from Ho Chi Minh to the coastal fishing town of Phan Thiet, and popular beach resort town, Mui Ne. The fishing industry there is still thriving despite Phan Thiet’s growth in popularity as a tourist destination over recent years. In fact, it’s one of the town’s esteemed hallmarks, offering tourists a generous selection of gratifying, fresh-caught seafood.
You may have noticed selfies on your Instagram feed of Mui Ne’s distinguished red and white sand dunes; they shimmer in the golden light of the sun and are unquestionable must-sees. This bizarre terrestrial peculiarity sets Mui Ne apart from other destinations in Vietnam.
There are two beaches in Mui Ne - Ganh Beach and Suoi Nuoc Beach. Both are lined with a number of resorts, shops, and restaurants. The developed tourist area is Rang Beach in Hang Tien ward. Having strong breezes, all three beaches are great for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Also, did you know that Mui Ne is the only place you can ride a hot air balloon in Vietnam? It might be something to add to your bucket list.
The best time to go to Mui Ne is from November to March, when it’s sunny and most windy for the best waves.
Top attractions in Mui Ne:
Red and white sand dunes
Seafood at Mui Ne Harbor
Ganh Beach or Suoi Nuoc Beach
Linh Long Tu Temple
21. Phú Quốc Island
Located off the coast of Cambodia, in the Gulf of Thailand, the easy-to-access island of Phú Quốc includes an ensemble of 28 other islets - most of them uninhabited and only accessible by boat.
You can get to Phú Quốc by plane or ferry from neighboring Cambodia, Thailand, or a sightseeing tour based in Ho Chi Minh. Bear in mind, Phú Quốc is the largest and most popular island in Vietnam, so it’s highly developed and suffused with tourists in all the hotspots.
On the relatively untouched north part of the island, you have mountains and tropical jungle, plenty of hiking trails and a beautiful expose of wildlife - this is part of the 50% of the island that makes up Phu Quoc National Park.
The south part of the island showcases white sandy beaches. The southwest coast is lined with palm trees and 5-star hotels and resorts.
Unique marine life makes Phú Quốc an ideal place for diving and snorkeling, plus there are a number of other watersport activities available. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to March.
Top attractions on Phú Quốc Island:
Hon Thom Cable Car
Vinpearl Safari
See the Phú Quốc Countryside
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Ong Lang Beach
Visit the Ho Quoc Temple
Coast through the Floating Village Rach Vem
Trek to Phú Quốc Waterfall
See the Đình Nguyễn Trung Trực Pagoda
22. Vũng Tàu
A port city located on the tip of a small peninsula in southern Vietnam, this haven known as Vũng Tàu is easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh, being only a two-hour bus ride away. Consequently, it makes the perfect weekend getaway for those wanting to escape the cacophony of HCM. If you want to go when it’s free of beach-hungry ex-pats and locals, go during the week instead of the weekend.
Vũng Tàu checks all the boxes for the perfect coastal destination with its beaches, kitesurfing, fresh seafood, hiking trails. There are 4 main beaches here - Front Beach, Back Beach, Pineapple Beach, and Paradise Beach. Front Beach tends to be overcrowded and has dirty waters according to traveler reviews, but the other beaches provide a better experience overall.
Vũng Tàu has a famous Jesus statue with a clear view of the city, but you’ve got to get through 847 steps to get there! If you do commit to the climb, try to make it there for sunrise, as it’s the most beautiful time of the day to be there. Another thing to do here is to indulge in an endless supply of fresh seafood. One can never get enough!
Top attractions in Vũng Tàu:
Christ the King Statue
Robert Taylor Museum of Worldwide Arms
Vũng Tàu Lighthouse
White Palace
Duc Me Bai Dau
23. Mỹ Tho
Located in the province of Thien Giang, Mỹ Tho is recognized as the gateway to the Mekong Delta region - a network of distributaries in Southern Vietnam. Seeing as how it’s only a 2-hour ride from Ho Chi Minh, where plenty of organized tours are available, Mỹ Tho tends to be the most heavily populated part of the Mekong Delta.
The main way to get around the area is by boats, which adds to the charm of being there, as one of the attractions here is the floating markets along the Mỹ Tho River tour.
The region is characterized by a gorgeous maze of rivers that twist around ancient Khmer pagodas, villages surrounded by rice paddy fields, swamps, and islands. Numerous ethnic groups reside in these areas, including the Hoa, Cham, and Khmer, with the majority being the Kinh people.
With over 1000 animal species documented between 1997 and 2007, Mekong Delta is regarded as a "biological treasure trove”. You’ll also find a treasure trove of the best fruits, including longan, mango, rambutan, dragon fruit, pineapple, and starfruit.
Top attractions in Mỹ Tho:
Floating market boat tour along Mỹ Tho River
Vinh Trang Pagoda
Local markets for exotic fruit
Hu Tieu My Tho - Mỹ Tho’s renowned clear noodle soup
Dong Tam Snake Farm
24. Can Tho
A 4-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh, Can Tho is the main city of the Mekong Delta and the principal transportation center for the region. Being further away from the capital, it tends not to be as populated with tourists as Mỹ Tho.
While there, you can take a pleasant boat ride along Can Tho’s sweeping canals, and purchase authentic goods and delicious exotic fruit from the floating markets. Just as with My Tho, there’s no shortage of exotic fruits - expect a lavish supply of delicacies like jackfruit, pomelo, mangosteen, rambutan, longan, and mango.
You might want to bring along a pair of binoculars because along with its plethora of exotic fruits, Can Tho is home to over a thousand exotic birds, which you can observe at the bird sanctuary.
Apart from the allurement of nature, there are also a few cultural landmarks and monuments to see along with historic museums to get lost in. The best time to be in Can Tho is April, May, and June.
Top attractions in Can Tho:
Cai Rang Floating Market
Ong Temple
Binh Thuy Communal House
Meditation Centre Truc Lam Phuong Nam
Museum of Tarot
Hai Ba Trung Street
Kmer Munirangsyaram Pagoda
25. Côn Đảo
Often referred to as Vietnam’s hidden paradise, the Côn Đảo Islands are an accessible and short plane ride away from the mainland. The island has ferry service, but it’s advisable to take a flight instead, as many travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with the ferry ride.
With far less tourism than other islands and coastal cities in Vietnam, the beaches on Côn Đảo Islands are quiet and spacious. You can certainly get the desert island experience here.
The laid-back town of Con Dao rests just meters away from the coastline. Overlooking the golden sands of Lo Voi beach are the simplistic terracotta-tiled homes of the original French colonial officials that once occupied the territory. Wide, tree-lined boulevards might fool you into thinking you’re vacationing in a European city.
Côn Đảo wasn’t always a hidden paradise, though. It has a tumultuous past, which can be evidenced by its famous torture prisons and the tragedy that ensued there. The Con Dao town museum is where you can learn of the atrocious conditions prisoners were subjected to while there, which was the tragic cost of opposing the prevailing colonial or governmental regimes.
On the lighter side, you can look forward to exploring the 20,000 hectares that the beautiful Côn Đảo National Park has to offer, a major attraction on the island. The best time to see Côn Đảo Island is during the dry season, between November and February. If you’re interested in seeing turtles nesting on Hon Bay Canh Island, between June to September is the time to go.
Top attractions on Côn Đảo Island:
Dam Trau Beach
Bai Nhat Beach
Bay Canh Island
Con Dao Museum
Con Dao Prison
Con Dao National Park
Van Son Pagoda
Ong Dung Beach
Local fishing tours
And there you have it - the top vacation spots in Vietnam, for all those interested in hitting up the country’s finest and most revered regions! Each destination will give you an authentic sample of Vietnam’s culture and essence. You’ll be swept back in time as you witness the traces of Vietnam’s history all around you. However many places you get a chance to travel to, one thing’s for sure: Vietnam will leave you craving for more of its allure.