Welcome to Vietnam! Known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Vietnam offers a diverse range of experiences. From bustling cities and tranquil beaches to ancient temples and scenic countryside,:. Not only do you have a chance for sightseeings but also having different interesting activities, you may find your comfort in these places to visit in Vietnam and travel in a unique way.  

1.North of Vietnam – The beautiful landscapes

1.1 Hanoi – Best place to explore the culture and history 

Hanoi is one of the best tourist places in Vietnam. It is not only loved by having the beautiful places that are full of history and culture but also the food and people.

Exploring Hanoi is a delightful experience, and your plan to start with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake is a fantastic choice. Most travelers really enjoy doing exercise, and they found that it is not hard to take part in local activities and think this is a nice way to learn and get in the lifestyle of “early birds” in Hanoi.

After that,  exploring the beauty of Hanoi with a city tour might take you going around the city to visit other popular sights in Hanoi like the Big Opera house, the Big Cathedral, Thang Long imperial, the Old quarters, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum… They are the best places to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam. In addition, to understand more about the culture, visitors can join in the Quintessence of Tonkin show or watch the water puppet show. This is a unique experience as you can enjoy the peacefulness of Hanoi, understand the culture of Vietnam that has remained for more than a thousand years; and this is suitable for a family trip. The best advice for this is that you should book a tour guide in Hanoi at an affordable price and having knowledge and giving you legit information about the history and the architecture of the buildings.

At the end of the day, you may explore a different vibe in Hanoi, distinguished from the calmness and chilling in the morning, Hanoi in the evening is a big difference. With the bustling of the crowd at night, you can go through those busy stores and restaurants to have  special dinner at Cha Ca La Vong at 30 Duong Thanh street, or having chicken pho at Pho Ga Nguyet which is a restaurant with the Michelin award. Asia Viva Travel would reccommend you to try other choices such as: 

• Banh cuon at 12 – 14 Hang Ga
• Egg coffee at 4B Nguyen Huu Huan street 
• Bun cha at 46 Nguyen Huu Huan street 
• Pho roll at 7 Mac Dinh Chi street
• Vietnamese BBQ at 12 Hang Khoai street

 By then, let your day finish with a cup of draft beer – a top choice of locals.

 

 

1.2 Sapa –  the best place to visit in Vietnam 

Unlike the top cities in Vietnam, Sapa can be the best place for nature lovers, it has green rice paddy fields, high mountains and Fansipan mountain, freshly waterfalls and beautiful villages. The best time to travel is around March to May or September to November.

Mostly people come to Sapa to enjoy the wonderful sceneries, you can also contact and take pictures with children and the yellow flowers basket – these flowers are only in Sapa behind their back and let them braid your hair and decorate it with flowers.

These are top 3 destinations of Sapa that travelers should not miss: 

Here are some popular tourist attractions in Sa Pa with brief descriptions:

• Fansipan Mountain: The highest peak in Vietnam, known as the “Roof of Indochina,” perfect for those who love mountain climbing.
• Cat Cat Village: A charming H’Mông village, famous for its stunning landscapes and traditional handicrafts.
• Muong Hoa Valley: Renowned for its lush terraced rice fields, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

In addition, some must-visit places that tourists will surely love include: Sapa stone church, Sapa walking street where you can interact and dance lively dances with local people.

Also, markets in Vietnam might be different to other Asian countries, especially in the mountainous area. Each day in a week there will be a different market selling products.

 

1.3 Ha Long Bay Vietnam –  A breathtaking wonder of the sea.

Ha Long Bay is famous as a destination for those who love the sea and want to see the mountains that were formed thousands of years ago. Majestic natural scenery and valuable heritage have helped Ha Long Bay become one of the amazing places in Vietnam recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.

To fully enjoy the sea and mountain scenery, visitors often choose to visit by ship or cruise. This trip can take place in one day or last 2 days and 1 night. 

Because the bay has thousands of large and small limestone islands with various shapes scattered around, when visiting, tourists will always feel surprised by the mountain ranges with diverse shapes and sizes. During the tour, the ship will pass through places such as Ga Choi Islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Titop Island…What makes Ha Long Bay so special is not only its majestic and beautiful scenery but also its reputation for fresh seafood prepared daily. More specifically, the prices are also very reasonable, but visitors should note to choose reputable restaurants with menus and prices.

 

1.4 Ninh Binh –  Timeless beauty and world heritage

The ancient land of Ninh Binh was the capital of Vietnam from 968-1010 with 3 dynasties Dinh, Tien Le, Ly and was also an important military area through the periods. This is a location about 95 km from Hanoi, visitors often travel by car to conveniently travel to tourist attractions such as Tam Coc, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Cave, etc.

Because the terrain in Ninh Binh is mostly mountains and rivers, it is convenient to travel by river and also helps with farming.Therefore, each year, during the rice harvest season, visitors are often captivated by the stunning transformation of the countryside. The fields, which are lush green for much of the year, turn a brilliant golden color as the rice grains ripen. . One of the interesting experiences in Ninh Binh that visitors should experience is riding buffaloes and taking pictures with buffaloes – one of the farmers’ friends.

One of the extremely famous places in Ninh Binh that attracts many tourists to visit is Tam Cuc cave and Trang An Complex. Travelers will have about 2 hours sitting on a boat floating on the river, visiting the mountain ranges and fields and spiritual places such as pagodas and temples.

 

1.5 Ha Giang – Land of rocky highlands and buckwheat flowers

Ha Giang is a mountainous province in the North of Vietnam, about 320km from the capital Hanoi, bordering Lao Cai (famous for the Sapa mentioned above). The distance from Hanoi to Ha Giang will be about 5-6 hours when you travel by sleeper bus or limousine, these are also the 2 most popular ways to get here.

Visitors to Hà Giang can experience the vibrant culture of ethnic minority groups, explore traditional markets, and marvel at the sea of pink and white buckwheat flowers that bloom in the autumn. For adventurous travelers, Ha Giang in Vietnam is waiting for you to come with winding roads and passes with countless beautiful landscapes and friendly people.

With friendly ethnic people, visitors will always be welcomed and helped, do not worry because visitors when coming here are quite surprised by the English level of these local people. It would be great if visitors could support the indigenous community by buying specialties here and interacting with the children; the children are very hospitable and always happy to take pictures with them, even the girls also like to braid visitors’ hair and attach colorful buckwheat flowers or wildflowers for decoration.

 

2.  Central of Vietnam – The modern cities

2.1. Da Nang – The city of charming in Vietnam 

Da Nang in Vietnam is an ideal place to explore and relax. Da Nang has long and crystal blue beaches, pristine sands, and endless sunshine to make your families have a perfect summer vacation. My Khe beach is the most beautiful one, which is one of Asia’s 10 most beautiful beaches in 2024 . 

In addition, Da Nang, Vietnam, is home to a variety of exciting attractions, including several amusement parks such as : Asian park, BaNa Hills – Fantasy Park,… with lots of fantastic outdoor and indoor activities. Also, the food in Da Nang has a huge variety and is affordable. You will have a huge range of choices of Indian restaurants, vegan options; in fact, in Vietnam there are a lot of different versions for vegetarians, for example Mi Quang, Cao Lau,…

You will have a different feeling that this city is full of love with romantic destinations near the Han river, letting you enjoy and create all priceless memories with liveful background. 

 

2.2. Hoi An – Best Charming Ancient Town in Vietnam

In Asia Viva Travel best seller tours, lots of customers request to have a longer stay in Hoi An. Things that make people love Hoi An is not just the award as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam for its ancient buildings and history. All the houses here are only decorated with two colors red and yellow, that is the reason why Hoi An was called “The romantic yellow city”.

People visit Hoi An to explore its rich historical and architectural heritage, including well-preserved old houses and buildings that reflect the influence of Chinese and Japanese cultures. such as the Tan Ky, Phung Hung, Japanese Temple Bridge,…. By joining in a trip to Hoi An with Asia Viva Travel, you may have a chance to visit the Tra Que village, doing the farming and harvesting activities with the local farmers who are very friendly and helpful. 

A wonderful place that tourists must-try is An Bang beach, a peaceful beach where you can relax under the balm tree or swim. An Bang beach has been named among the top 10 best beaches in Asia, as voted on by readers of renowned travel website TripAdvisor.

An Bang beach is usually quiet since not many people know about this hidden gem, so you should look for some resorts near the beach.

  

2.3 Nha Trang – The Pearl of Vietnam’s Coastline

Nha Trang, located along the southern coast of Vietnam, is a vibrant seaside city known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Situated about 440 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang is easily accessible by plane, train, or bus. The city is a paradise for beach lovers and offers a variety of activities, from lounging on sandy shores to diving and snorkeling in the surrounding coral reefs. For those passionate about marine biology, Nha Trang is home to the Institute of Oceanography, where you can explore fascinating exhibits and learn about the diverse marine life of the region.

Beyond its natural beauty, Nha Trang also offers a rich culinary experience. The city is famous for its seafood, with dishes like grilled lobster, fish cakes, and Nha Trang-style vermicelli (bún cá Nha Trang) being local favorites. Visitors can also indulge in other specialties like bánh căn (mini savory pancakes) and bánh xèo (Vietnamese crepes). Whether you’re seeking adventure in the water, relaxation on the beach, or a taste of the local cuisine, Nha Trang promises an unforgettable experience.

 

2.4 Da Lat-  The City of Love with Eternal Spring and Misty Pines

Most tourists will often come to Vietnam to explore nature and learn about culture and heritage, but visitors should try to experience places that truly bring a feeling of relaxation and rest in Da Lat. Da Lat is the provincial capital city of Lam Dong province, located on the Lam Vien plateau, in the Central Highlands region, Vietnam. With its location, Đà Lạt offers a refreshing escape from the tropical heat with its mild temperatures year-round. This is a rich agricultural region especially with vegetable and flower products. Thanks to its temperate climate, beautiful natural landscape and rich architectural heritage, Da Lat is gradually becoming a famous tourist destination with the nickname of the most romantic city in Vietnam.  Da Lat is famous for its stunning flower gardens, serene lakes, and colonial-era architecture. 

Some famous attractions could be named: Another iconic destination is Lang Biang Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and an opportunity for adventurous hikes. For those interested in architecture and history, the Domaine de Marie Church and the Crazy House provide unique insights into the city’s colonial past and creative spirit. The Dalat Railway Station, with its vintage charm, is also worth a visit, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Coming to Dalat, in addition to famous tourist attractions, you will have extremely interesting experiences such as: sliding carts at Lang Biang grassland hill, picking strawberries at farm gardens,…

 

2.5 Hue – The Imperial City of Timeless Elegance

Hue is an extremely peaceful and poetic city, about 2 hours drive from Da Nang with a distance of 100km and traveling by car, or visitors can fly directly to Hue because in Hue there is Phu Bai international airport that always operates flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh.

Hue was the capital (Hue ancient capital) of Vietnam under the Tay Son dynasty (1788–1801) and the Nguyen dynasty (1802–1945). Because it used to be the capital, Hue still has many places with feudal architecture from many years ago that are currently being restored and preserved, allowing visitors to visit. Some famous places that you should visit when traveling in Hue: Hue Imperial Citadel, Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb,… These used to be the royal palaces and tombs of kings during the feudal period of Vietnam, a very special way for visitors to witness the lavish life through the layers of architecture during the contemporary period. In particular, Hue Imperial City is part of the Complex of Hue Monuments, bearing the cultural, historical and architectural imprints of the Nguyen Dynasty, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1993. Recently, Hue was also honored as one of the three tourist cities in Vietnam as the ASEAN Clean Tourist City 2024.

For tourists who love Vietnamese cuisine, Hue is famous for its desserts. It has been recorded that Hue has up to 300 desserts, among them are special dishes that were once offered to kings, enough to prove that Hue’s dessert cuisine is not only rich but also extremely special and unique in its purpose. 

Bún bò Huế is a must-try dish, featuring a spicy and flavorful beef broth with thick rice noodles. Bánh bèo—delicate steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, crispy pork skin, and scallions—is a favorite local snack. Cơm hến (clam rice) offers a unique blend of tender clams, rice, peanuts, and herbs, showcasing the simple yet refined flavors of Hue.

 

3. South of Vietnam – The bustling area 

3.1 Ho Chi Minh City – An amazing Vietnam tourist place

Ho Chi Minh – a city that never sleeps in Vietnam because it is always busy from early morning to midnight. Tourists, especially families, can take part in lots of different activities in Ho Chi Minh to explore the city and the culture. Ho Chi Minh city has many important historical sites, making it a perfect destination for history buffs. Notable attractions include the War Remnants Museum, the Independence Palace, and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

You may not only discover the culture of Vietnamese but also explore the lifestyle of the Chinese in Cho Lon, the Chinese district, is perfect for a walking tour. Visit the vast Binh Tay Market, a major wholesale hub, and the evocative Thien Hau Pagoda, which honors the sea goddess.

However, in a bustling city like Ho Chi Minh, the best way to travel and hang around is by motorbike since the road is always busy and traffic jams easily in rush hour. 

 

3.2 Mekong River – the place that tourists must visit 

When you visit Ho Chi Minh city, make sure you have time to discover the Mekong river which is a place that you should not miss. At the Mekong River, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including scenic river cruises, exploring bustling floating markets like Cai Rang and Cai Be, and participating in cycling tours through rural villages. Wildlife watching in nature reserves, cave exploration in places like Tram Chim National Park , and fishing with locals provide unique adventures. Additionally, kayaking through tranquil waterways and visiting cultural sites such as temples and pagodas enrich the experience.

Not only sightseeing, you can explore an immersive cultural experience, while cooking classes teach traditional Vietnamese dishes. This class will offer some specialties including Banh Xeo ( Vietnamese Crepe)  and Bun thit nuong ( Grilled pork and rice noodles).  Vietnam cuisine is so huge that with just one dish, it will have different versions for it in each region. You will not hesitate to learn and try these dishes with its flavorful taste. 

On the other hand, you can still visit restaurants with Vietnamese food cooked by the vegetarian version of it, especially for Indians travelers, Asia Viva Travel will find a suitable Indians’ restaurant with good price

Each place in Vietnam offers its own unique charm and a characteristic essence of regional culture, you will now have chances for places to visit in Vietnam. We hope that this article will help you better understand and appreciate this beautiful country with its unique and rich diversity of must-visit destinations!

 

If you have fallen in love with Vietnam’s charm, consider planning a trip to this beautiful country with Asia Viva Travel to fully explore its unique and diverse attractions. We are very happy to accompany you on this dream trip!

At Asia Viva Travel, we are committed to supporting society, especially in Vietnam’s remote regions. By traveling with us, you help support local tourism workers and contribute to building schools and providing free lunches for disadvantaged children in North Vietnam’s mountains.
Join us to help build a better future for Vietnam’s children and vulnerable communities.

 

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