Tourist Places To Visit In Vietnam
Planning A Trip To Vietnam? Here's our list of top tourist places to visit in Vietnam
Vietnam continues to be a growing tourist hotspot, offering visitors some of the most unique and diverse experiences. The landscape of Vietnam stretches everywhere, from the plush rice promenades and woody highlands in the north to the striking vales of the Central Highlands and the rich delta and lovely coasts of the south. The country enjoys a well-balanced climate through the majority of the year. From the hustle and bustle of Hanoi the capital city, to the laid back rural countryside of Sapa, there are truly unique tourist places on offer for every visitor that is lucky enough to explore this spectacular country of Vietnam.
Halong Bay
Photograph by www.vietnam-guide.com
The karst landscape of Halong Bay is a spectacular natural wonder and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of limestone rock isles are located in the bay of the Gulf of Tonkin, battered by sharp storm winds and rainwater over time. This wondrous landscape is best explored by boat. It lies about 130 km away from Hanoi and is home to nearly 2000 plus jungle islands with caverns, sinkholes and lagoons. Most of these islands have been formed through centuries of natural processes. It is one of the most fascinating tourist places in the country.
Ho Chi Minh City
Photograph by www.independent.co.uk
Situated along the banks of the Saigon River close to the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, was the capital of the country during the Vietnam War. Today, it is the most prominent city in the country and also the commercial and economic hub. The most cosmopolitan part of Vietnam, the city is also a cultural hub, home to some of the best museums, food, shopping and nightlife. Dong Khoi is the central district of Ho Chi Minh City and home to all the most popular sightseeing attractions. This is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Hue
Photograph by theculturetrip.com
Hue can be found by the side of the Perfume River in Central Vietnam. It was once the majestic focal point of the Nguyen dynasty. This rich heritage is today reproduced in the city’s design, philosophy and gastronomy, making it a unique place to visit. The Citadel is the most revered historic structure. At one point the home of the Nguyen Kingdom, the Citadel is an extensive, intricate compound of impressive fortresses and decorated shrines. Another interesting spot here is the Thien Mu Pagoda that serves as the city’s icon.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Photograph by southeastasiabackpacker.com
A World Heritage Site, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a vivid karst peak creation full of incredible caverns, home to unique icicle and column shaped exhibitions. Paradise Cave is the most beloved part of the park, continuing for a massive 31 km below the ground level. These caves are hundreds of years old and are some of the great natural wonders of the world. This park is best accessed by boat and makes for a memorable experience.
My Son
Photograph by nomadisbeautiful.com
Situated in the centre of Vietnam, in close proximity to the Duy Phú village is a highly significant archaeological location. Surrounded by dense, lush jungles, My Son was once upon a time the focal point of Hindu rituals of the kings of the Champa Kingdom. This location served as the spot for the construction of intricate temples in dedication to Lord Shiva, between 4th and 14th century. The temples display design influences of both Malay and Indian styles. These ruins are some of the most incredible ancient structures, giving visitors an insight into a bygone era. This ancient wonder is one of the most fascinating tourist places to visit in Vietnam.
Hoi An
Photograph by www.vietnam-guide.com
Situated on coastline of the South China Sea, Hoi An is a gorgeous, ancient town. It is nearly 2,000 years old, belonging to the Champa Kingdom. The city’s remarkable design, culture and fabrics are what has made it so popular over the years. The focal point of the city is the Old Town. It has intricate, zigzagging lanes, full of wooden homes and hundreds of traditional shops selling handicrafts and locally made clothes. It is a great place to shop, eat and just enjoy the culture of this unique location.
Hanoi
Photograph by www.opengovasia.com
After surviving the Indochina and Vietnam Wars of the last century, Hanoi has grown into the capital city of the new Vietnam. At the core of Hanoi is its Old Quarter, an outdoor gallery of notable Asian and French royal design. In Hanoi, amongst picturesque tree-lined avenues, visitors can explore vibrant markets, peacefully enjoy a cup of coffee at a café and checkout hotspots like the Grand Opera House, the Presidential Palace and Saint Joseph Cathedral. This is one the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Sapa Countryside
Photograph by www.vietnam-pictures.com
In Northwest countryside of Vietnam lies Sapa, a remote, charming quiet town that serves as the base point for hiking in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, exploring the rice paddies and nearby ancient villages. The countryside gives visitors a chance to explore a different side to the country, one that is simpler and rural. This rich landscape is one of the most popular tourist places in Vietnam, one that is not be missed, especially for naturalists and nature lovers.
Cao Bang
Photograph by www.mrlinhadventure.com
This rustic colony is situated in a scenic corner of the Bang Giang River. Hotels are few and far between here as this place is frequented by only the most seasoned travellers. The town has a fascinating riverside market as well as gorgeous walkway. The Ban Gioc waterfall here is marvellous and the tribal markets are a photographers dream.
Ninh Binh
Photograph by www.indochinavoyages.com
The Ninh Binh region can be found in northern Vietnam, approximately 100 km south of Hanoi. Home to hundreds of limestone precipices evolving from the surface, they are dispersed from corner to corner. This is rightfully called the “Halong Bay in land”. The landscape and atmosphere is peaceful and as picturesque as one would expect. It is often skipped on most visitor’s itineraries when travelling to Vietnam. But it is actually a hidden gem!
Nha Trang
Photograph by www.vietnam-guide.com
Arguably the most beloved and popular seaside town in Vietnam, Nha Trang entices foreign travellers for its strikingly unspoiled coasts as well as the metropolitan atmosphere of its youthful inhabitants. It is famously called the Pearl of the South China Sea. It is home to a variety of rich and diverse marine ecosystems, corals and mangroves.
Dalat
Photograph by www.vietnam-guide.com
Dalat an elegant little town in Vietnam, scattered with chic French-colonial lodges, with neighbouring farmhouses that grow strawberries, coffee and florets all over. The well balanced climate makes this town the adventure sport capital of Vietnam. Thousands of tourists flock here to enjoy activities like mountain-biking, trekking, camping, river-rafting etc. This is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Can Tho
Photograph by upload.wikimedia.org
The focal point of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is the vastest town in the area and feels like a whole other world once you begin exploring it. Sculpted gardens surround the floating markets in the area, making it ideal for the neighbouring floating marketplaces, the key spot for travellers who come here on cruise and explore the several canals leading in and around this town.
Da Nang
Photograph by www.lonelyplanet.com
The 5th largest city in Vietnam, Da Nang is a mix of history and nature. The most celebrated spots in Da Nang are a combination of ancient pagodas, French colonial structures and calm seashores with grassy national botanical gardens. Da Nang is called the travellers capital of South Central Vietnam, with a coastal setting that offers stunning views of the mountains in the backdrop.