Located on the edge of Southeast Asia, the long and narrow country of Vietnam is definitely a charming place to visit, with breathtaking natural beauty, captivating history, widely beloved cuisine, and enthralling culture. First-time visitors to Vietnam may wonder about the destinations they should include on their travel bucket list, and the search results are not short for sure. To help you save time, here are our travel experts’ picks for the best cities to visit in Vietnam.
1. Hanoi - The over 1000-year-old capital of culture and history
Vietnam's capital city, founded over 1000 years ago, has a rich history, with bustling streets in its meandering Old Quarter reaching back to the 14th century. Wandering these tree-lined alleys past decaying colonial buildings will take you back in time. But more than that, visiting Hanoi is a wonderful chance to experience the best slice of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. The city is revitalized with trendy cafés, world-class restaurants, and hip art galleries. When the sun goes down, you will find yourself diving into the vibrant nightlife around the walking streets of Hoan Kiem Lake or joining locals for some refreshing glasses of bia hoi in Ta Hien Street.
Things to do in Hanoi:
- City tour around historical landmarks and museums
- Walking tour around the Old Quarter streets for local eats, especially egg coffee
- Water puppet show telling stories about the northern Vietnamese countryside
2. Halong - A world heritage site and natural wonder
Situated in Quang Ninh Province, about 2-hour driving from Hanoi, the seaside city of Halong is a must-visit destination in northern Vietnam as it is home to the renowned Halong Bay, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site with otherworldly seascapes. Part of the gorgeous Cat Ba Archipelago, the bay features over 1,100 limestone islands and islets rising from the green water of the Gulf of Tonkin, along with countless sandy beaches, caves, and coves. The best and most authentic way to uncover the beauty of Halong Bay is to embark on a cruise experience that includes plenty of fun activities.
Things to do in Halong Bay:
- Opt for a day cruise or Halong overnight cruise tour (2 days, 1 night, or 3 days, 2 nights).
- Join a lot of outdoors: swimming, kayaking, bamboo boating, cave exploring, etc.
- Extend to a visit to Cat Ba Island for biking, jungle hiking, or local village visiting.
3. Sapa - A hidden gem nestled in the northwest mountains
With magnificent mountainous scenery, diverse cultural heritage, and various ethnic groups, Sapa offers the perfect combo of nature and culture for thrill seekers. What's the highlight? Conquering Mount Fansipan, or the Roof of Indochina, is an extraordinary journey. At the peak, you will be hypnotized by a breathtaking world of clouds, mountain ranges, and verdant valleys, plus a complex of cultural tourism works, entertainment, and high-class accommodation. Sapa is also a hiker’s paradise with unspoiled trails through spectacular rice terraces, lush forests, and quaint villages. For cultural enthusiasts, choose a local homestay experience to get up close to local culture and its people.
Things to do in Sapa:
- Take a cable car ride to Mount Fansipan for great views of Hoang Lien Son Range and visits to religious sites.
- Trek through terraced rice fields to less-touristy hill tribe villages
- See some beautiful natural spots: O Quy Ho Pass, Love Waterfall, Silver Waterfall, Ham Rong Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley, etc.
4. Danang - Where modernity meets tradition
Danang is a vibrant seaside city with plenty of cool stuff for visitors. Whether you want to relax on the beach, learn about local culture, or embark on an adventure, it’s got you covered. While the city offers gorgeous sandy beaches, clean waters, and serene temples, it’s the modern architectural bridges that have truly put Danang on the tourism map.
Close proximity to Danang is the heritage town of Hoi An, with only 45 minutes of driving. The ancient town's charm presents a diverse range of cultural influences since it was a busy commercial port in Asia during the 7th– 10th centuries. Much of the old quarter now is pedestrian-only, and the streets are illuminated by colorful lanterns at night.
Things to do in Danang, Hoi An:
- Day trip to the Ba Na Hills complex
- Visit the famous Marble Mountains and Cham Museum
- Enjoy relaxing days on Danang’s sandy beaches
- Cycle to Van Lang village and Bay Mau water coconut forest for a Hoi An countryside experience
- Walking tour around Hoi An ancient town, plus a lantern-making workshop
5. Hue - The historical heart of Vietnam
Nestled by the Perfume River and close up the coast from Danang, Hue provides a look into Vietnam's imperial past. It was formerly the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the country's final royal monarch that ended in 1945. Although most of the city was devastated during the twentieth-century wars, vestiges of its illustrious past can be seen everywhere. Hue is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts travelers not only by historical treasures but also by its tranqulity. Head to the Imperial City, where you can see a complex of well-preserved palaces, gardens, and temples, or travel out of the city for some countryside experiences at eco villages.
Things to do in Hue:
- City tour around historical and cultural sites: Imperial City, royal tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda
- Scenic boat rides along the Perfume River
- Day trips to the DMZ or Bach Ma National Park
- Visit traditional villages on the outskirts
6. Ho Chi Minh City - The city that never sleeps
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon until 1976, is a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam that always brims with energy, diversity, and innovation. Home to nearly 10% of the country’s population, the city is charmingly chaotic with a thriving culture and street food scene. Located near the Saigon River and the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect point to start a cross-border Mekong river cruise trip from Vietnam to Cambodia. For exciting excursions in the countryside, you can spend several days at a local homestay in the delta.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh:
- Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn more about the American War
- Day trips or multiple-day tours to the Mekong Delta for authentic experiences
- Tour around the city’s historical sites and museums
- Join street food tours by Vespa
- Embark on a river cruise trip along the Mekong or cross-border to Cambodia
Tips for first-time visitors to Vietnam
- Check if you need a Vietnam visa. If yes, apply for an e-visa in advance, following the requirements on the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Carefully plan your itinerary since Vietnam is a long and narrow country and traveling among regions can take time and cost.
- Choose the destinations that interest you the most; there is no need to cover everything in one trip, as that can be overwhelming and exhausting.
- Vietnam features a tropical climate, but the weather can vary greatly depending on the place and season. Make sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly before the trip.
- Learn some basic etiquette and local customs before traveling to Vietnam:
Take off your shoes before entering homes or temples.
Dress modestly and remove shoes and hats when visiting religious sites.
Greet people with handshakes or slight bows, and address them by their title.
Use chopsticks or a spoon when eating and avoid putting them vertically in the bowl.
Use courteous and pleasant language when haggling
Avoid using your index finger to point at things.
Vietnam offers many beautiful cities to explore, each with its own distinct charm. Choose one that matches your preferences, or visit the country's diverse beauty on a long trip. Please kindly visit us at Southeast Asia Travel or contact us by email or phone for more information on Southeast Asian destinations and suggested itineraries.
