Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding travel destinations — a country where dramatic mountains, UNESCO towns, tropical islands, and buzzing cities all fit into one unforgettable journey. Whether you’re craving street food and nightlife, peaceful rice fields, limestone karsts, or beach resorts, Vietnam has something for every travel style.

In this 2026 guide, you’ll discover 15 of the best places to visit in Vietnam — with honest highlights, local tips, the best time to go, and what each destination is truly like (not just the tourist brochure version).

If you’re planning your first Vietnam trip, you can easily combine several places into a 10-day or 2-week itinerary for a balanced North–Central–South route.

“This guide is written based on local travel experience across Vietnam and frequent route planning for international visitors, so you’ll find practical tips that go beyond the usual tourist highlights.”

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Places to Visit in Vietnam?

If you’re short on time, these are the top must-visit destinations:
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, and Dalat.
For travelers wanting quieter or more adventurous experiences, consider Ha Giang, Con Dao, Mui Ne, and Cat Ba.

Why Vietnam Should Be on Your 2026 Travel List

Vietnam continues to grow as a top destination because it offers:

• Incredible value (great food, stays, and experiences at reasonable prices)

• Diverse landscapes (mountains, beaches, islands, rivers, caves)

• Rich culture and history (imperial cities, temples, colonial-era architecture)

• Some of Asia’s best food (from street stalls to modern Vietnamese cuisine)

• A travel route that works perfectly for 10 days to 3 weeks

Local tip: Vietnam is at its best when you balance cities with nature. Don’t stay only in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City — the countryside is where the magic happens.

15 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam (2026)

Below are the destinations that consistently deliver the best travel experiences — from iconic highlights to underrated gems.

1) Hanoi (The Cultural Capital)

Hanoi is Vietnam’s soulful, chaotic, and charming capital — where ancient temples, colonial streets, and modern cafés blend into one unforgettable city.

Don’t miss: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, egg coffee, street food at night
Best for: culture, history, food, city energy
Best time to visit: October to April
Local tip: Stay near Hoan Kiem for walkability, but visit Tay Ho if you want a calmer café-and-lake vibe.

2) Ha Long Bay (Iconic Limestone Wonders)

Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s most famous natural attraction — a seascape of limestone karsts rising from emerald water.

Don’t miss: overnight cruise, kayaking, sunset decks, cave visits
Best for: first-time travelers, couples, scenic photography
Best time: October to April
Local tip: For fewer crowds, consider cruises that include Lan Ha Bay (near Cat Ba).

3) Ninh Binh (Ha Long Bay on Land)

Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is a peaceful region of river valleys, limestone cliffs, pagodas, and rice fields.

Don’t miss: Trang An boat ride, Tam Coc, Hang Mua viewpoint, Bai Dinh Pagoda
Best for: nature, photography, short escapes from Hanoi
Best time: March–May (green season) and September–November
Local tip: Rent a bicycle early morning — the landscapes feel unreal before tour groups arrive.

4) Sapa (Terraces & Mountain Culture)

Sapa is famous for misty mountain views, dramatic rice terraces, and cultural villages. It’s a great base for trekking (from gentle hikes to multi-day adventures).

Don’t miss: trekking to villages, Fansipan cable car, local markets
Best for: hiking, mountain views, cultural experiences
Best time: March–May and September–November
Local tip: Avoid weekends if possible — Sapa gets crowded and prices rise.

Before you go, you may also want to read our Travel Guide to Vietnam’s Northwest for a wider overview of the region.

5) Ha Giang Loop (Vietnam’s Best Road Adventure)

If you want raw, dramatic landscapes and an unforgettable adventure, the Ha Giang Loop is one of Vietnam’s best experiences.

Don’t miss: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van, Meo Vac, mountain roads
Best for: adventure travelers, motorbike trips, epic views
Best time: September–November and March–May
Local tip: If you’re not confident riding a motorbike, book an easy rider — it’s safer and still incredible.

6) Cat Ba Island (Beaches + Bay Views)

Cat Ba is a great alternative to Ha Long Bay if you want a mix of beaches, hiking, and bay cruising.

Don’t miss: Lan Ha Bay boat trips, Cat Ba National Park, hidden beaches
Best for: nature + beach combo, budget travelers
Best time: April–October
Local tip: Stay 2 nights — one day cruise, one day hiking and beach.

7) Hue (Imperial History & Royal Culture)

Hue is Vietnam’s historic imperial city, filled with ancient tombs, temples, and the massive Imperial Citadel.

Don’t miss: Imperial City, royal tombs, perfume river sunset cruises
Best for: history lovers, cultural travelers
Best time: January–April
Local tip: Hire a driver for a half-day to visit the tombs — it saves time and energy.

8) Da Nang (Modern Beach City)

Da Nang is modern, clean, and easy — with long beaches, great cafés, and quick access to both Hue and Hoi An.

Don’t miss: My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula
Best for: beach + city comfort, digital nomads
Best time: February–May
Local tip: Da Nang is a perfect base if you want better infrastructure but still want cultural day trips.

9) Hoi An (Vietnam’s Most Romantic Town)

Hoi An is famous for lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and beautifully preserved heritage architecture. It’s one of Vietnam’s most charming places.

Don’t miss: Ancient Town at night, lantern boats, tailor shops, cycling in rice fields
Best for: couples, photography, relaxed travel
Best time: February–April
Local tip: Visit early morning for the most magical experience (and fewer crowds).

10) Phong Nha (Caves & Jungle Adventures)

Phong Nha is home to some of the world’s most spectacular cave systems — including Son Doong, the largest cave on Earth.

Don’t miss: Paradise Cave, Dark Cave, river caves, jungle tours
Best for: adventure, nature, unique landscapes
Best time: February–August
Local tip: Book a tour with a reputable operator — cave safety and guide quality matter here.

11) Ho Chi Minh City (Energy, Food & Modern Vietnam)

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is fast-paced and exciting, full of rooftop bars, street food, markets, and modern Vietnamese culture.

Don’t miss: Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Nguyen Hue walking street, rooftop sunsets
Best for: food, nightlife, city vibe
Best time: December–April
Local tip: Don’t underestimate the traffic — use Grab and plan by neighborhoods.

12) Mekong Delta (Floating Markets & River Life)

The Mekong Delta offers a slower, more traditional side of Vietnam — with rivers, floating markets, fruit farms, and village life.

Don’t miss: Cai Rang floating market (Can Tho), boat rides, local homestays
Best for: culture, countryside, authentic experiences
Best time: November–April
Local tip: Overnight trips are better than day trips — you’ll see the Delta at its most authentic.

13) Dalat (Cool Weather & Romantic Highlands)

Dalat feels like a completely different Vietnam: pine forests, cool air, cafés, flower farms, and lakes.

Don’t miss: coffee farms, waterfalls, French villas, scenic viewpoints
Best for: couples, slower pace, café culture
Best time: November–March
Local tip: Dalat is perfect if you’re tired of heat and want a reset.

14) Mui Ne (Sand Dunes & Kitesurfing)

Mui Ne is known for wind sports, coastal roads, and surreal sand dunes — a fun stop if you want something different from beaches and cities.

Don’t miss: white sand dunes sunrise, red dunes, kitesurfing
Best for: road trips, adventure, quick coastal escapes
Best time: November–April
Local tip: Mui Ne works best as a 2-day stop between Ho Chi Minh City and the south coast.

15) Phu Quoc (Resorts, Beaches & Island Escapes)

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s most popular island destination, known for beach resorts, sunsets, and relaxed tropical vibes.

Don’t miss: Long Beach, Sao Beach, island-hopping tours, night markets
Best for: couples, beach lovers, resort stays
Best time: November–April
Local tip: Choose accommodation based on vibe — north is quieter, central is convenient, south is resort-focused.

Optional Alternatives (If You Want to Go Beyond the Top 15)

If you have more time, consider:

• Con Dao Islands (quiet, upscale, nature-focused, less touristy)

• Nha Trang (beach city + nightlife)

• Quy Nhon (underrated coast)

• Mai Chau (peaceful valley near Hanoi)

How to Choose the Best Places Based on Your Travel Style

Not sure where to go? Here’s a quick match:

Best for First-Time Visitors

Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

Best for Couples & Romance

Hoi An, Dalat, Phu Quoc, Ninh Binh

Best for Adventure

Ha Giang Loop, Phong Nha, Sapa, Cat Ba

Best for Beaches

Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Mui Ne, Cat Ba

Best for Food & City Life

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City

Best Time to Visit Vietnam (2026)

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km north to south — so the weather depends on region.

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang)

Best: October–April (cooler, drier)

Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue)

Best: February–May
Rainy season: September–November (flooding possible in Hoi An)

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc)

Best: December–April (dry season)

Local tip: If you’re traveling for 2+ weeks, you’ll likely experience different climates — pack layers.

Practical Travel Tips for Vietnam (Quick Checklist)

• Use Grab for safe transport in cities
• Carry small cash — many vendors don’t accept cards
• Cross streets calmly (don’t run; let traffic flow around you)
• Keep phone secure in crowded areas
• Dress modestly for temples and rural villages
• Balance busy cities with nature destinations to avoid burnout

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the #1 best place to visit in Vietnam?

If you want one destination that captures Vietnam’s charm, Hoi An is often the top choice for most travelers — especially for romance, culture, and scenery.

Is Vietnam safe for tourists in 2026?

Yes, Vietnam is generally safe for tourists. Most concerns involve traffic, petty theft, and scams in tourist areas. Staying alert and using Grab helps.

How many days do you need for Vietnam?

A minimum of 10 days is ideal for a North–Central–South overview. 2 weeks allows you to travel at a slower pace and add destinations like Sapa or Phu Quoc.

Should I visit Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

Both are worth visiting. Hanoi offers more traditional charm and culture, while Ho Chi Minh City is more modern and energetic. If you must choose one, pick based on your travel style.

What’s the best Vietnam itinerary for first-timers?

A classic first-timer route is: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City, with optional extensions to Sapa or Phu Quoc.

Final Thoughts: Where to Go in Vietnam in 2026

Vietnam is a destination that rewards travelers who go beyond the obvious. Yes, you should see the classics like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An — but don’t skip places like Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, or the Ha Giang Loop if you want truly unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re planning a short itinerary or a longer adventure, Vietnam offers an incredible mix of culture, nature, and value — making it one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia in 2026.

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