12 Best Places To Visit in Vietnam

Vietnam is chaotic but its beauty lies in the chaos for which millions of tourists flock towards it and enjoy the vibrant culture of the country. This is what I expected and experienced during my stay in Vietnam which has made an impression on me forcing me to go once again to this beautiful country.

Vietnam's culture is still preserved in this era of modernization and since its past contains the blood of war, a lot of the places may take you back to the days of Ho Chi Minh. However, a lot will bring joy and peace, a combination every tourist aims for. In this post, I have curated a list of the 12 best places to visit in Vietnam that bring a mix of experiences and are a "must-visit" on your next trip., especially if yoru itinerary is for 7-10 days.

Hoi An

Hoi An is in central Vietnam with beautiful canals on which boats create their magic in the evening. You can enjoy these boat rides and beautiful cafes on the street. It has French Colonial buildings and needs to be explored either on foot or by bicycle.

Hoi An can be reached by road through any part of Vietnam. The closest airport, however, is Da Nang.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a series of 1600 limestone islands (not too big) standing sporadically in the middle of the sea. It is one of the most popular destinations for people visiting Vietnam. However, Ha Long Bay is a bit far from mainland Vietnam and will consume a complete day from the trip. If it is not possible for you, a similar experience can also be gathered from Thailand as well with a half-day trip.

Travelers can also book a cruise ride to Ha Long Bay for a more luxurious experience including an overnight stay.

Ha Noi

The crowded and cultural city of Ha Noi will provide you with an experience of real Vietnamese culture mixed with French impressions. It is the capital city of Vietnam and will provide you the best food with history lessons every few kilometers that will include Ho Chi Minh's footprints in those places. This includes his mausoleum and prison in which he spent his days.

Ha Noi also has a well-connected airport to which you can land or depart as per convenience.

Ho Chi Minh City

A rather modern city in Vietnam with skyscrapers and heavy traffic is Ho Chi Minh City. While it has lost its touch of culture with Vietnam's past, I felt there were very few elements in this city to live for. The city just provides a gateway with a busy and well-connected airport from major countries. If that is not what you are looking for, the main city tour can be avoided and the day can be spent at another place as well.

Cu Chi Tunnels

For people spending their day in Ho Chi Minh City or are landing there, Cu Chi Tunnels certainly comes on the list of best places to visit in Vietnam. The tunnels were designed during the Vietnam War for the soldiers. It is a vast network that will bring the adventurous side in you with historical glimpses at certain points.

Mekong Delta

A small day trip (or excursion) from Ho Chi Minh City is for the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta has beautiful rice paddy fields located in the heart of Vietnam with mangroves all around. The experience is nice and regular tours are going there from the city. You can book one from any shop on the streets as well. They also take care of your food and transportation in the local style.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a beachside town just a flight away from either Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh City. It is a small town but the beaches definitely prove to be an attraction. They are clean, and you can expect fewer crowds in the city. Also, people interested in visiting the Golden Bride have to come to Da Nang and then either book a taxi or rent a scooty to visit Ba Na Hills.

Mui Ne

From beaches and mountains, if anything else left from Vietnam is to be offered, it's a desert! Mui Ne is a red desert with rocky sceneries from which tourists can take a walk from one end to another. It is a place where beaches meet sand dunes and hence makes it a perfect place to visit in Vietnam!

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

One of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam with picturesque views and thrilling adventure is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This park hosts a cave that is ecologically sensitive and is a protected area. There are very limited entries allowed to visit this park per year and the tourists need to submit the application way before time. Paradise Cave is one of the most beautiful caves in this area.

Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hills are located close to Da Nang, and one can visit them while staying in Da Nang on a half-day trip. The most notable feature of Ba Na Hills is the ropeway that ascends to the summit, where the Golden Bridge is situated. There are also parks, swings, a food court, and other activities at the top. This spot is highly recommended for people planning to visit Vietnam.

Hue

Hue can be best described as the cultural and historical capital of Vietnam. For people who love culture, nature, tombs, temples, history, and heritage, Hue will serve as the best destination for them.

Ninh Binh

People who are visiting Hanoi and can squeeze one more day into their schedule, they should opt for Ninh Binh. The trip will take you to mountains showcasing a unique and jaw-dropping natural landscape that might not be visible anywhere else in Vietnam. There are a lot of places to explore in Ninh Binh including Mua Cave and Cuc Phone National Park.

Which place did you like the most?

When I went to Vietnam, Hoi An attracted me the most and I have listed it in this list of 11 best places to visit in Vietnam as well. But that is just me. What about you? Have you been to Vietnam? Which place did you like the most from your experience or maybe just by looking at their images here?

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