Top 10 best places to visit in Vietnam in 2024

Vietnam's captivating scenery, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities make it a top destination for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.

With so much to see and do, it's essential to prioritize your itinerary. Whether you're drawn to the rich culture of Hanoi in the north, the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in the south, or the tranquil beaches of Phu Quoc, your choices will shape your journey.

To help you plan, we've curated a list of our top ten must-visit destinations in Vietnam. Start jotting down your travel goals and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

1.Phu Quoc

Best for beach lovers

Located in the southernmost part of Vietnam, just a stone's throw away from the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc Island beckons to beach enthusiasts seeking solace. Its shores are caressed by crystal-clear waters and adorned with powdery sands, offering a serene retreat where time seems to slow down. As the sun sets in hues of ember, it's the perfect moment to unwind with a refreshing cocktail by the bay.

Despite its tranquil allure, Phu Quoc is no hidden gem. It attracts hordes of local tourists, drawn by the excitement of theme parks like VinWonders and panoramic vistas from the world's longest over-sea cable car. Families often flock here for leisurely getaways. However, if you crave a break from the tourist hustle, the island's lush jungles beckon to be explored, offering a refreshing change of scenery away from the beachfront.

2.Hanoi

Best for city slickers

For first-time visitors to Vietnam, Hanoi is the perfect starting point. With its convenient infrastructure, affordable accommodations, top-notch dining scene, and rich history, Hanoi offers a seamless introduction to the country. From here, you can easily explore the picturesque islands of Halong Bay and the scenic trails of the northwest mountains. Take your time to savor Vietnam's diverse street food and enjoy the relaxed ambiance of the Old Quarter's cozy cafes amidst the bustling city streets.

3.Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay

Best for iconic photos

While Halong Bay attracts crowds, we prefer the serene bays to the north and south. Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay offer a more relaxed experience compared to the commercialized trips in Halong Bay. Here, you can kayak between outcrops, hike the tropical trails on Cat Ba Island, or unwind on the sandy shores of Co To Island in Bai Tu Long Bay. With fewer cruise ships, your photos will capture the natural beauty without the tourist crowds.

Planning tip: If you visit Cat Ba Island, take time to explore the trails around Cat Ba National Park – if you trek with your own guide, it's easy to leave the crowds behind.

4.Ho Chi Minh City

Best for a sense of the past

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the southern counterpart to Hanoi, draws inspiration from the Mekong Delta and nearby Cambodia. It's vibrant and lively, especially at night when the streets come alive with street food stalls and bars.

Echoes of the war era can still be felt in HCMC, with sites like the War Remnants Museum offering insights into that turbulent time. You'll also encounter remnants of French colonial influence while strolling past historic landmarks. Take a break at a local café and savor a drip-brewed ca phe for a taste of the city's rich coffee culture.

Planning tip: For a break from the city crush, swing out to nearby Tay Ninh, where the Cao Dai Holy See offers a fascinating introduction to the all-embracing Cao Dai religion.

5.Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Best for unique experiences

Vietnam boasts its largest natural wonder, Hang Son Doong Cave, a colossal cavern that can fit an entire New York City block inside. While exploring it requires pricey guided tours, there's good news: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers numerous caves to explore at a fraction of the cost. You can navigate through Tu Lan, Phong Nha, and Paradise caves affordably, while extra cash grants access to Hang En, where adventurers camp on an underground beach illuminated by natural light shafts.

6.Hoi An

Best for history

Hoi An offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam's opulent past as a bustling port city. Traders from distant lands like Japan, Spain, and North America once enriched its merchants with gold, leaving behind a legacy of architectural marvels. The Old Town is a testament to this prosperity, adorned with charming shophouses, tea warehouses, and picturesque covered bridges.

Delve deeper, and you'll uncover a tapestry of cultural treasures, including elaborate Chinese guildhalls and vibrant Confucian and Buddhist pagodas. But the allure doesn't end there. Many visitors extend their stay, immersing themselves in culinary adventures with chef-led cooking classes, mastering dishes like white rose dumplings and summer rolls. Others indulge in Hoi An's reputation as a haven for bespoke tailoring, commissioning tailor-made suits and gowns at affordable prices from its renowned shops.

7.The Central Beaches

Best for sun-seekers

Vietnam's central coastline boasts sandy bays galore, each offering a unique atmosphere. While popular destinations like Danang and Nha Trang attract crowds of package tourists, we prefer the quieter stretches where Vietnam's traditional seaside charm remains intact.

Heading south of Nha Trang, Mui Ne beckons with its vibrant kitesurfing scene and picturesque sandy coves. On the northern side, Doc Let Beach stretches for 18 kilometers, offering ample opportunities for sun, surf, and seafood indulgence.

For a more tranquil escape, explore the coast between Hue and Danang, where Thuan An serves as the gateway to a series of serene beaches nestled along a lagoon-backed barrier island.

8.Hue

Best for imperial history

Once the capital of the Nguyen dynasty, which held sway over significant parts of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia in the 19th and 20th centuries, Hue resonates with imperial splendor despite enduring the devastation of US bombing during the American War. While much was lost, remnants of dynastic Vietnam endure within the Citadel and Imperial Enclosure, home to the emperor's quarters, temples, palaces, and courts. In times past, unauthorized entry here meant certain death.

Just beyond the city lie the tombs of Vietnam's eminent emperors, nestled peacefully amid verdant compounds along the Perfume River. Hue's imperial cuisine, arguably the nation's finest, is another vestige of royal reign. Indulge in a spicy bowl of bun bo Hue (vermicelli noodle soup) or a crispy banh khoai pancake, and you'll understand why.

9.Ba Be National Park

Best for lake and forest scenery

Vietnam boasts over 30 national parks, encompassing diverse landscapes from coastal swamps to mountain jungles. However, some parks are overrun with tourists, making wildlife spotting challenging. In contrast, Ba Be National Park offers a tranquil escape. Its trails wind through limestone peaks to Hmong, Tay, and Dzao villages, while boat and kayak excursions traverse serene lakes bordered by forested ridges, reminiscent of medieval woodcuts. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including macaques, langur monkeys, rare black bears, scaly pangolins, and the magnificent crested serpent eagle.

10.Ha Giang

Best for mountain views

Trekking in the hills around Sapa remains a popular activity in Vietnam, but the once-idyllic trekking capital has become increasingly commercialized over the years. To escape the crowds and experience pristine countryside, adventurous travelers are turning to remote Ha Giang province. Here, you can stay in humble village homestays and embark on hikes to minority villages and rice terraces nestled amidst towering limestone peaks. Don't forget your camera for the breathtaking views along the winding mountain roads between Ha Giang town, Dong Van, and Meo Vac.