Places to Visit in Vietnam – Beautiful Destinations
Places to visit in Vietnam offer a lot for those who will make a trip. Although the country’s recent history is full of pain and wars, nowadays it is shining with tourism. Especially backpackers explore the whole country. Vietnam is a pleasant holiday destination with its rice fields, virgin beaches, nightlife, rich culture, street food, natural and historical beauties. Vietnam is a unique country that is waiting to be discovered with its cities and its nature.
Although the long colonial years, occupations, and wars have devastated the country, it has been very peaceful and safe in recent years. The S-shaped country stretching from the Chinese border in the north to the Gulf of Thailand is full of natural beauty. It is impossible not to fall in love with this wonderful country. Because it has its untouched forests, unique beaches, cheap shopping options, and friendly people.
Contents
- 1 Places To Visit in Vietnam
- 1.1 1- Ha Long Bay
- 1.2 2- Mekong River Delta Tour
- 1.3 3- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- 1.4 4- Hanoi
- 1.5 5- Ninh Binh
- 1.6 6- Da Nang
- 1.7 7- Hoi An – Places to Visit in Vietnam
- 1.8 8- Hue – Places to Visit in Vietnam
- 1.9 9- Sa Pa – Places to Visit in Vietnam
- 1.10 10- Nha Trang
- 1.11 11- Da Lat – Places to Visit in Vietnam
- 1.12 12- Cu Chi Tunnels
- 1.13 13- Phu Quoc – Places to Visit in Vietnam
- 1.14 14- Ban Gioc Waterfall
Places To Visit in Vietnam
What are the things to do in Vietnam? Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa rice fields, and Mekong River are among the must-see places, but there are many beauties in the country. Untouched forests, calm beaches for rest, immaculate rivers, historical city architecture are among the things that make this country special.
To give brief information about the history of the country, it was a French colony. Now it is among the countries ruled by communism in the world. Japan invaded here during World War II. And then the country has been divided into 2, North and South.
At last, Vietcong forces led by communist leader Ho Chi Minh captured the US-backed capital of South Vietnam, Saigon. As a result, Vietnam has become one country. Also, they have named Saigon Ho Chi Minh City which means ‘bringing light’.
1- Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of the 7 natural wonders in the world. After seeing the legendary view of the gulf, you will agree with it. Ha Long Bay, is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This place is also known as where the dragon goes into the sea or where it rests.
The legendary bay has 3000 limestone islands. You can take a daily boat trip in the bay. You can daily tour for that in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. Another option is to buy cruise tours and a gulf package with accommodation, such as 1 night 2 days or 2 nights 3 days. Daily tours cost around $35. But tours with accommodation is around $500. You can check the GetYourGuide site to buy tours online.
How to get to Ha Long Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world? You can come from the capital Hanoi by bus or by renting a car. Or, you can buy tours in Hanoi and provide transportation with the travel agencies. Most tourists do it this way.
2- Mekong River Delta Tour
One of the most important points in the list of places to visit in Vietnam is the Mekong River and Delta tour near Ho Chi Minh City. Mekong River, which is among the longest rivers in the world, has an important position by giving life to countries. The river passes through Tibet, China, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia and flows into the South China Sea from the city of Ho Chi Minh.
The Mekong River Delta is defined by the locals as the ‘Nine Dragon Delta’. This is because the river flows into the sea from nine main branches. You can see this amazing area by daily tours They pick you up at your hotel in the morning and leave it back at around 6 o’clock in the evening. Click to buy a tour.
As part of the river tour, you can spend a nice day by traveling with canoes, witnessing the traditional lives of the people in the villages, tasting coconut candies, listening to local music, and eating tropical fruits. At the end of the tour, you can shop around the place where the ‘Reclining Buddha and Sitting Buddha Statue’ is located for about 30 minutes.
3- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Where is Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon? Located in the south of the country and named after Ho Chi Minh, nicknamed ‘Uncle Ho’, the city is one of the most popular cities in the country. The French used to call ‘pearl of the east’ before. Millions of tourists come to visit here every year.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), which is the most populous settlement among Vietnamese cities, should be on the list of places to visit with its shopping, nightlife, historical tourist spots, and Mekong River. It was a city that exceeded my expectations for me.
So where are the places to visit Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam? Places such as the Mekong River Delta Tour, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Unification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, Opera House, Nguyen Hue Street, and Bitexco Financial Tower Saigon Deck should be seen. In addition, the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is among the activities you can consider if you have time.
Bui Vien Street (Walking Street) is very lively for Vietnam nightlife. Quality restaurants, nice bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues are incredibly crowded at night. This is referred to as the ‘District 1’ area of the city. For Ho Chi Minh City hotels, I recommend that you book accommodation in District 1.
4- Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a 24/7 energetic and lively city. As in Ho Chi Minh, the city has an incredible number of motorbikes. It’s really like it’s impossible to cross the road. Although it is normal for them, it is a situation that seems very strange to us.
The city also shows the cultural side of the country to its visitors. It is still possible to see the effects of the French colonization, the American and Chinese invasions in the city. The historical texture and architecture of the city are worth seeing. In addition, there are places to see around the city.
What are the places to visit during the Vietnam capital tour? Destinations such as the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, West Lake, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Literature Temple, One Pillar Pagoda, Imperial Citadel, and Ethnology Museum are must-see places
What to drink, my suggestion would be Vietnamese coffee. Because it is one of the most famous drinks in the country and it has different varieties. I suggest you try egg coffee at any cafe in the city. For those who ask where to stay in Hanoi: You can make a reservation on the booking site where you can find a hotel according to your budget.
5- Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh city, located close to the capital Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. It is a remarkable place with its legendary views. It is one of the must-see stops, especially for nature lovers who make a tour or trip in Vietnam. You can rent a motorbike and go to the surrounding villages, hike, take photos of the legendary landscapes, take a boat tour on the Ngo Dong River.
Where are the places to visit in Vietnam Ninh Binh? You can visit spots such as Hang Mua Peak, Bich Dong Pagoda, Thung Nham Bird Park, Tam Coc Village Bungalow, Trang An Natural Landscape Complex, and boat tour, and Bai Ding Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple in the country. You can go to Ninh Binh by bus or one-day tours from Hanoi. If you want to stay here, click here for cheap Ninh Binh hotels.
6- Da Nang
According to some, Da Nang, the most beautiful city in the country. Da Nang is definitely a point that deserves to be on the list of places to visit during your Vietnam trip. Da Nang, located in the middle of the country, is known more recently for the Ba Na Hills tour and Golden Bridge. Moreover, the white beaches, lush mountains, and wonderful nature in the city also attract attention.
What are the other must-see destinations in Da Nang, among places to swim in Vietnam? Han River, Dragon Bridge with its unique architecture, My Khe Beach, Non-Nuac Beach, Tho Quang, Ba Na Hills, and Golden Bridge.
In addition, Hoi An, which is only 30 km away from Da Nang, and Hue, 93 km away, are also worth seeing. 2 nights stay in Da Nang will be enough. I recommend the booking application among the best hotel booking sites for hotel advice to those who say where to stay.
7- Hoi An – Places to Visit in Vietnam
This beautiful city is only 30 kilometers away from Da Nang. The history of the city, which was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, dates back to the 15th century. People call Hoi An ‘Venice of Vietnam’. Because there are many canals here.
Hoi An, which means peaceful, is a truly wonderful destination crowned by the Thu Bon River. The city, which smells of history, turns into a brilliant fairy-tale place at night. You can witness a lot of Chinese and Japanese architecture here.
Where is the city of Hoi An? Must-see places are the Japanese Bridge, Cantonese Assembly Hall, Assembly Hall of Fujian Chinese (Phuc Kien), Quan Cong Temple, Thanh Ha Village, and Hoi An Water Puppet Theater. You can also take a canal tour, rent a motor, and recommend you to visit the surrounding rice fields and villages.
Those who want to spend a quiet, romantic holiday or honeymoon can consider this place as an alternative route. Because it is an economical and magnificent city for those who want to go on their honeymoon. For a list of cheap hotels, you can book here.
8- Hue – Places to Visit in Vietnam
Hue is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most historical places among Vietnamese cities. Although it is a small city, it has a tourist and rich heritage. Once the capital of the Dang Trong Kingdom and the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is also home to 7 imperial tombs.
It has also been the country’s Buddhism center for a long time. This magnificent place is only 93 km away from Da Nang. It was also damaged a lot during the Vietnam War.
Located in the central part of the country, Hue is a very colorful place with its nightlife while attracting attention with its magnificent imperial palaces that smell of history. The main places to see in the city are; the Imperial City of Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, Perfume River, Thuy Tien Lake, Gia Long Tomb, and Thuan An. Whatever you look for in history, the religion of Buddhism, cultural, and natural environment is here.
9- Sa Pa – Places to Visit in Vietnam
Among the places to visit in North Vietnam, Sa Pa attracts travelers with its beauty, although it is a bit difficult in terms of transportation. In the town of Sa Pa, you will have the experience of witnessing the cultural and traditional life of the region. Also, there is a landscape of the legendary rice fields as well.
The famous Sa Pa Rice Terraces are located around the Muong Hoa Valley. One of the other things to do in Sa Pa is that you can climb Fansipan Mountain, 3143 meters high. It is the highest mountain in both the country and Southeast Asia. You can also look at such a unique view in this way. So how to get to Sa Pa? You can reach the capital Hanoi by train or bus. Where to stay in Sa Pa hotel list is on this link.
10- Nha Trang
Nha Trang is the most preferred place by Russian tourists on the list of Vietnamese cities. There are many good beaches. Nha Trang is also a very lively place in terms of Vietnam nightlife. It is already known as the heart of the party. You can have a fun holiday here with its quality restaurants, cafes, crazy night clubs, street of bars and venues.
In addition, one of the most popular diving centers in the country where you can see coral reefs is located here. Diop Son Island, off the coast of the city, is one of the most popular tropical islands in the region. In other words, this is a destination that tourists admire for its natural beauty. Moreover, The best spots to see in the city are;
- Hon Mieu Island
- Bai Dai Beach,
- Long Beach,
- Yang Bay Waterfall
- Cho Dam (Market)
- Long Son Pagoda
- Po Nagar Cham Towers
- Chong Rocks
- Nha Tho Nui Church (Christ the King Cathedral)
- Vinpearl
How to get to Nha Trang? You can come by the famous night buses from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. Or you can fly cheaply with domestic flights. In addition, since the airport in the city is international, there are flights from countries such as Hong Kong. If you ask for a place to stay booking you can book hotels with free cancellation options out.
11- Da Lat – Places to Visit in Vietnam
Da Lat is a mountain town known for its flowers, coffee, local food, strawberries, waterfalls, clean and cool air. If you want to experience different cultures and different adventures, you should definitely visit Da Lat. Although it is not preferred much by tourists, it is a destination that is slowly being discovered by backpackers.
What are the beautiful places to visit in Da Lat in Vietnam? Datanla Waterfall, Elephant Falls, Valley of Love, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, Flower Park, Xuan Huong Lake, and Crazy House (Crazy House).
About 310 km from Ho Chi Minh City, you can come to Da Lat city on a daily tour or stay for a few nights. You can stay in bungalow houses intertwined with nature by using the Airbnb application. Here is the hotel list.
12- Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels have a major role in gaining independence during the American Vietnam War and drove the Americans crazy. So you should definitely see it. You can get a better understanding of the war period in the tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. The length of the tunnels, which were started to be built during the fight against the French in the 1940s, is around 250 km in total.
The Vietcong soldiers were hiding in the tunnels completed like the underground city. And then they defeated the Americans. Interestingly, the Americans’ base is right in the area where these tunnels are. The Vietcong soldiers, who came out of the tunnels at night, killed their enemies while they were asleep and went back to the tunnels and hid.
As a result, one of the most important struggles of the country’s struggle for independence was fought here. Therefore, you have to see this place to witness this closely. It is astonishing to see that these things are not easy at all by entering some of the tunnels shown for tourists.
13- Phu Quoc – Places to Visit in Vietnam
Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand and off the Cambodia Vietnam land border. Phu Quoc is the largest island in the country. It is a nice alternative for those who want to swim and sunbath like in Nha Trang. Especially Bai Dai Beach in the northwest of the island is among the cleanest beaches in the world.
There are many luxurious hotels and resorts to stay on the island.
14- Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gipc Waterfall is located on the border of Vietnam and China. In other words, Ban Giac is one of the largest waterfalls in the world that forms the country border like Niagara and Iguazu Falls. Ban Gioc Waterfall is a natural wonder that you can admire when you see it. To visit here you should go to Cao Bang province.
The width of the waterfall is 300 meters and its height is 30 meters. The view of the 3-layered waterfall is breathtaking. You can get close to the waterfall on the bamboo rafts, as well as jump into the natural pool and swim. You can take a bus to the waterfall, approximately 360 km from the capital Hanoi.