If you are looking for a beautiful country with natural landscapes, unique culture, nice people and reasonable services, Vietnam is definitely a good choice. In this article, we will show you the 15 best destinations from the North to the South of Vietnam in 2020.
A. IN THE NORTH
1. Hanoi capital
The first attraction is Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. Famous for many typical old quarters preserving the ancient architecture as well as long-standing traditional values, Hanoi retains visitors immediately at first sight. Hanoi is also a paradise for those who loves food: Pho (rice noodle), Kebab rice noodles, Sticky rice pancake, sticky rice, bread, egg coffee, etc.
Street Vendors in Hanoi city
Top places must visit in Hanoi:
- Ho Chi Minh complex
- The temple of Literature
- Hanoi Old quarter
- The Museum of Ethnology
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Hoa Lo prison
Highlights:
- The water puppet show
- The train track street
- My Village show
- Street food tour by walking
- Early morning Hanoi city tour
- Cyclo around Hanoi Old Quarter
Best time to visit: any time of the year.
2. Sapa
Sapa locates in the North of Vietnam and far about 315km from Hanoi. Sapa is well-known as the land of many ethnic minorities, high mountains and stunning rice terraces. The impressive beauty of rice terraces in Sapa is in the top 7th of the most beautiful terraces in the world voted by Travel and Leisure magazine (USA) (2009).
Ethnic People in Sapa
Places to visit in Sapa:
- Fansipan mountain (by cable car or by trekking)
- Muong Hoa valley
- Ta Giang Phinh – Ban Khoang Village
- Silver Waterfall & Love waterfall
Highlights:
- Trekking
- Homestay at stilt houses
- Cloud hunt
Best time to visit: May – Jun- Sep – Oct – Nov – Dec – Jan - Feb
3. Ha Giang
For these who loves the nature and ethnic people but wants to avoid tourists, Ha Giang is a good option to replace Sapa. Coming to Ha Giang, you will be overwhelmed by the wonderful beauty of this unspoiled land: high rocky mountains lying next to each other, spectacular roads running through majestic mountains, local ethnic people working on the steep and craggy mountainside and adorable children on the both sides of the roads. You can visit Ha Giang at any time of the year because each season looks unique and it’s worth to experience.
Vivutravel's clients in Ha Giang (Mrs. Lyn and Mr.Barry)
Top places to visit in Ha Giang:
- Hoang Su Phi – famous for rice terraces
- Quan Ba – Twin mountain
- Tham Ma Pass – Happiness road
- H’mong King’s Palace
- Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
- Ma Pi Leng Pass – Nho Que river
- Lung Cu flag tower
Highlights:
- Trekking and homestay
- Adventure and photography
- Boat trip on Nho Que river
- The Buckwheat Flower on Oct - Nov
Best time to visit: Jan – Apr, Sep – Dec.
4. Ninh Binh
If you want to visit somewhere is near Hanoi but beauty and has many cultural heritages, you should come to Ninh Binh. This place is full of long-standing natural and cultural heritages such as Hoa Lu ancient capital, Cuc Phuong national forest, Trang An ecotourism area, Bai Dinh pagoda, Tam Coc - Bich Dong , Mua Cave, etc.
Tam Coc in Ninh Binh
Highlights:
- Bamboo boat trip on the river
- Biking or walking
- Taking photos
Best time to visit: any time of the year
5. Halong Bay
Taking a boat trip in Halong Bay is well-known as many tourists within and outside Vietnam. With a coastline of 120km, hundreds of large and small with limestone islands, many gorgeous caves, Ha Long Bay is listed in the top 29 most beautiful bays in the world and twice recognized by UNESCO as the world natural heritage.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Highlights:
- Overnight on cruise on the bay
- Kayaking
- Visit floating villages on the bay
- Exploring the caves
- Adventure and photography
Best time to visit: Jan – May, Sep – Dec.
B. IN THE CENTRAL
6. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh province)
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park has long been the hottest tourist destination in Vietnam, which is famous for enormous cave system and beautiful stalactites. There are 3 caves in Quang Binh (Phong Nha cave, Paradise cave and Son Doong Cave) in which Son Doong cave is recognized as the biggest cave in the world.
Phong Nha cave in Quang Binh
7. Hue city
All visitors are impressed by the peaceful, quiet and ancient beauty of Hue – the old capital of Vietnam. Hue still keeps a rich national identity and many ancient architectural heritages including King’s tombs, pagodas, citadel, etc.
Hue city, Vietnam
8. Danang
Do you know why people calls Danang is the most livable city in Vietnam? The first reason is that Danang has many beautiful places to visit: Bana Hills (Golden Bridge with Giant Hands), Marble Mountain, many public beach with white sands, Dragon Brige on Han river, etc. The second, Danang is a modern city with many restaurants, hotels, luxury villas located close to the sea serving families and agencies to relax. Last but not least, the fresh seafood is everywhere and the local people are kind and friendly. Although you can see Danang at any time of the year, you should come to Danang in summer time (Apr – Sep) if you want to swim at beach.
Golden Bridge with Giant Hands in Bana Hills
9. Hoi An
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999, Hoi An Ancient Town is the ideal destination for tourists from all over the world. The town is located in Quang Nam province, about 30km from Da Nang city only. Most tourists normally come back Hoi An many times because the town has many traditional craft villages, ancient pagodas, lantern streets, nice beaches and extremely friendly and rustic people.
Hoi An Ancient Town from the top
Highlights:
- Biking & farming & fishing & cooking class tour
- The Hoi An Memories Show
- Taking a basket boat
- Shopping
The best time to visit: any time of the year (except Oct or Nov because of heavy rain).
10. Nha Trang
Nha Trang beach is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. In Nha Trang, you can choose many outside activities like swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, doing boat trip, enjoying mud bath, relaxing at Vinpearland, etc. From Hanoi or Saigon, you can take a flight to get Nha Trang and it’s worth to stay here in several days.
The best time to visit: Jul – Aug – Sep, Dec- Jan – Feb – Mar - Apr
Nha Trang Beach, Vietnam
11. Mui Ne
If you are a fan of the beaches, love the sunshine and golden wind, absolutely do not miss Mui Ne in Phan Thiet. From Saigon, you can get Mui Ne by car in 3 – 4 hours. Mui Ne beach is more beautiful but less tourist than Nha Trang ones.
Highlights:
- Beach activities like swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, doing boat trip or canoes
- Sliding on the sand dunes
The best time to visit: Jan - May, Aug - Dec
The sand dune in Mui Ne
12. Dalat
Have you been to Da Lat? If not, then hurry and invite your best friends to explore Dalat island - the dreamy city of beautiful flowers. Tourists love Da Lat not only because of the all-year cool climate but also the beautiful scenery and famous tourist attractions such as: Valley of Love, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, Datanla Waterfall, Langbiang Mountain, Elephant Waterfall, Dalat Railway Station, lovely homestay, etc.
Best time to visit Dalat: any time of the year.
Dalat, Vietnam
C. IN THE SOUTH
13. Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon)
Unlike the ancient and peaceful beauty in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest economic and cultural center in Vietnam. It is called as a sleepless city with massive constructions, many large industrial zones, many skyscrapers such as Sai Gon Center, Bitexco, Vietcombank Tower, especially Landmark 81 building (the tallest in Southeast Asia).
Saigon, Vietnam
Top places to see in Saigon:
- Independence Palace
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office
- Ben Thanh market
- China Town and Thien Hau pagoda
- The War Remnant Museum
Highlights:
- The A O show
- Vespa tour (city or street food by night)
- Dinner on cruise on the river
Best time to visit: any time of the year
14. Phu Quoc island
Phu Quoc Island (Pearl Island) is the largest island in Vietnam and the beaches are so beautiful with long and white sands: Phu Quoc Long Beach listed as one of the 13 "most pristine and beautiful" beaches in the world and Bai Dai beach listed as top 5 clean and beautiful beaches in the world voted by ABC News. If you have the opportunity to visit Phu Quoc, please take a moment to explore all of the following famous places. Phu Quoc is a also the first choice for those who prefer luxury services because the island concentrates a large number of luxury villas and resorts.
Best time to visit: any time of the year (except Jul and Aug because of rainy season).
Salinda resort in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
15. Mekong delta
If you want to explore the real life of local people in the South of Vietnam, Mekong delta should be listed as the first place to visit.
Unlike other regions in Vietnam, the life on the river in the Mekong Delta is the most memorable experience for those who come to Vietnam. The landscape of the Mekong Delta likes a maze with many mangrove forests, canals and rivers, fruit gardens, and the most unique floating markets.
Vivutravel's Team in Mekong delta, Vietnam
Highlights:
- Taking boat trip along the river
- Visiting floating markets at the early morning
- Overnight at homestay
- Experience with farming or biking tour
Best time to visit: any time of the year.
Where have you been in Vietnam? "Top 15 Vietnam tourist destinations" shared by VivuTravel will help you have a general look about Vietnam and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any help to plan your holiday.