Vietnam
Top Regions To Visit on a Trip to Vietnam
Vietnam can generally be divided into three regions: North, Central, and South.
Northern Vietnam
Often overlooked for the warmer southern coastlines, this region has its own charm. Not only is it home to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, but it's also where you will find the country's unique rice terraces, bustling markets, and stunning bays.
Up north are mountainous regions, where towns like Sapa are located. Here, you'll meet people from several hill tribes eager to share their heritage.
Northern Vietnam is also known for Halong Bay, Mai Chau, and Ninh Binh.
Central Vietnam
The central region of Vietnam is a center for history, culture, and nature. The attractions here are incredibly diverse — you can revel in the centuries-old beauty of Hoi An by the riverside, explore the remnants of imperial Vietnam in Hue, or discover the deep caverns of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park that are about 400 million years old!
You can also learn about Vietnam's more recent history at the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an expansive underground network and a sanctuary for families hiding from American bombs during the war. Often compared to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Vinh Moc Tunnels are unique, as they shed light on how violence and war affected innocent civilians.
Southern Vietnam
It's home to the rapidly developing city of Ho Chi Minh. The region also boasts the wonders of the Mekong Delta — an expansive ecosystem characterized by a maze of rivers and floating markets.
Southern Vietnam has abundant turquoise water and white sand beaches, so take your pick. However, if you have a taste for adventure, check out Mui Ne, a famous spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
Touring Vietnam From South to North (or opposite)
The best way to tour Vietnam is to start at either the southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, or the northern capital city of Hanoi.
- Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): The first thing you might notice in HCMC is the buzz of the motorbikes as you go on a walking tour of the Ben Thanh market. At first, what looks like a glorified flea market opens up to reveal all sorts of Vietnamese culinary stalwarts like pho. Go in the morning to escape the crowds (and the heat!).
- Other highlights in HCMC include the War Remnants Museum (the exhibits may feel off-putting to many American travelers), the Cu Chi tunnel system, and the various historic hotels in the city center.
- Nha Trang: Heading north from HCMC, Nha Trang is a typical beach destination for tourists and locals alike. Enjoy a day cruise with opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Remember to try fresh seafood, the specialty in this city by the sea.
- Hoi An: Our next stop is the historic city of Hoi An, with its labyrinth of ancient buildings and pathways. Historically rich, the city was influenced by the French, Japanese, and Chinese, which is apparent in the architecture and cuisine.
- Search for the famous Hoi An noodles, Cao Lau, which can only be authentically enjoyed in this town. Many galleries and craft shops offer everything from custom-made shoes to vibrant oil paintings.
- Hue: A short drive brings you to Hue, the imperial capital of Vietnam. The Nguyen dynasty ruled from here before ceding power to the French in 1945. Explore the old, walled citadel and book a tour to visit the former demilitarized zone (DMZ) for a bit of war history.
- Hanoi: Your last stop is the capital of Hanoi. With its beautiful urban lakes and government seat, Hanoi is calmer relative to HCMC but still quite the metropolitan center in its own right. For history buffs, a visit to the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is a must, where one can see the body of the former Vietnamese ruler lying in state. Also of interest are the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. You can also plan a day visit to Mai Chau Valley from Hanoi.
Top Vietnam Experiences
From exploring ancient temples and bustling markets to cruising along scenic waterways and indulging in delectable cuisine, Vietnam offers many rich and varied experiences for travelers of all interests and preferences. Join us as we delve into the vibrant tapestry of Vietnam's culture, history, and natural beauty.
-
A sailing cruise in Ha Long Bay, also known as the "Bay of Descending Dragons"
-
Exploring the underground Cu Chi Tunnels cave, which was once used as a hiding spot by Viet Cong Guerillas
-
Seeing the rich rice fields of the Mekong Delta
-
Enjoying kite and windsurfing activities at Mui Ne
-
Relaxing on one of the largest islands in Vietnam, Phu Quoc
-
Walking down the winding lanes of the beautiful old town Hoi An, also known as the "Venice of Vietnam"
-
Visiting the tallest pagoda in Vietnam, Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601 and overlooking the Perfume River
-
Experiencing a water puppet performance at the Thang Long Puppet Theater in Hanoi
-
Discovering the enchanting landscapes of Sapa, known for its terraced rice fields and vibrant hill tribe cultures
-
Immersing in the ancient charm of Hue, the imperial capital of Vietnam
-
Sampling local delicacies like pho and banh mi on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Hanoi
-
Cruising along the picturesque Thu Bon River in central Vietnam
-
Exploring the vibrant street art scene in Ho Chi Minh City
-
Experiencing the spiritual serenity of the Marble Mountains, dotted with ancient pagodas and hidden caves
-
Marveling at the stunning architecture of the Imperial Citadel in Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
-
Cycling through rural Vietnam's lush rice paddies in the Mekong Delta
Unlock Community Benefits
- Save favorite trips and itineraries
- Get insider insights
- Receive personalized recommendations
...and much more
Things to do in Vietnam - Expert’s guide
1. Vietnam’s largest cities
Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are geographically opposite, but you’ll witness a lot of similarities between the two. First and foremost, the crazy motorcycles are characterized in both! Additionally, you’ll see several examples of French colonization through the architecture. However, the cities have their own unique charm. Hanoi, to the north, is more relaxed in comparison to its southern counterpart.
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, which is the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Watch a show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, where you’ll see an ancient art form that dates back to the 11th century. Ho Chi Minh is the commercial hub of Vietnam. Shop around for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market, and marvel at the extraordinary colonial architecture of Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.
2. Sapa
This destination will blow you away by the rolling mountain landscapes, and the spectacular rice terraces. At the northernmost tip of Vietnam, Sapa neighbors the Chinese border. Trek through the hills and rice paddies, and visit the hill tribes, like the Hmong and Dao.
In addition, several locals offer homestays, which will give you further insight on Sapa’s culture. If you have extra time, take the cable car to the top of Mt. Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam. No matter where you are, you’ll be blown away by the incredible scenery and friendly people.
3. Ha Long Bay
Take a cruise through the Bay of Descending Dragons. Captivating views of limestone islets, emerald waters, hidden caves entrance 10 million visitors annually, and makes the destination worthy of being a World Heritage site. There are several cruises with different price ranges available, and most will offer opportunities to kayak, rock climb, swim, and explore caves.
4. My Son
This destination is Da Nang’s biggest attraction. My Son are the ancient architectural ruins of what was once the Champa Kingdom, which ruled the central and southern part of Vietnam for 16 centuries. The Hindu temples have crumbled from age, jungle, and most recently, bombs during the American War, but they still maintain their brilliance after centuries.
5. Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha cave is home to one of the largest caves in the world. Glide through the turquoise waters in a wooden boat as you leave civilization behind you, and enter a world of limestone walls covered in a blanket of green. As you enter the immense caves, revel in the magnificence of the giant stalactite chandeliers. The serenity of this destination juxtaposes the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese cities.
6. Hue
Also known as “Vietnam’s Imperial City”, Hue was the national capital from 1802-1945. As you walk through the tranquil city that nestles upon Perfume River, you’ll see several relics that pay homage to the Nguyen emperors that reigned in the 19th century. Within the walls of the citadel, there are several temples, but you can also go on a boat ride down the Perfume River to explore other outlying attractions.
7. Hoi An
A step in the well-preserved historic town will whisk you away to another time. Houses, temples, and tea houses hark back from when Hoi An was the meeting point for Japanese and Chinese merchants. Walk under the silk lanterns and ride a traditional sampan boat at sunset in this charming town. The ancient buildings and picturesque canals make Hoi An a favorite destination for many
8. Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a perfect day trip from Ho Chi Minh. Above ground, this destination doesn’t seem fascinating. However, as you descend into the tunnels, you’ll witness the resilience of the Cu Chi people whose ingenuity helped them survive decades of war.
The honeycomb system of tunnels go several stories deep, and purposes include booby traps, living quarters, supply routes, weapon factories, and hospitals.
There are two sites at the Cu Chi Tunnels. The most popular site is Ben Dinh, where the tunnels have been renovated and expanded for the comfort of tourists. Ben Duoc is slightly further away from Ho Chi Minh, but provides a more authentic experience, as its less crowded, and parts of the original tunnels remain.
9. Mui Ne
Only a 4 hour train ride away from Ho Chi Minh, Mui Ne offers several activities for adventurers. As it is the driest region in Southeast Asia, the white sand dunes are perfect for quad biking.
Additionally, the strong winds make the destination popular for water activities, like windsurfing and kitesurfing. Fancy something more relaxed? No worries, Mui Ne’s beaches are also perfect for lounging. The best time to visit Mui Ne is during the dry season, between the months of December and April.
10. Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta lies just outside of Ho Chi Minh. Here, life moves to a different pace compared to the city — everything moves to the steady rhythm of the interweaving waterways. As the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, this destination boasts the richest farmland in the country. You can see the diverse local produce at Cai Rang Floating Market, the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta.
Top Vietnam Tours See all
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Vietnam Tours Reviews & Ratings
Write a reviewTravelstride featured in
- Intrepid Travel Reviews
- G Adventures Reviews
- Exodus Travels Reviews
- Explore! Reviews
- Insight Vacations Reviews
- Trafalgar Reviews
- Collette Reviews
- Asia Authentic Travel Reviews
- Realistic Asia Reviews
- Exotic Voyages Reviews
- Exoticca Reviews
- Contiki Reviews
- Odynovo Reviews
- Project Expedition Reviews
- Topdeck Reviews
- Charlie The Traveler Reviews
- S Vietnam Adventures Reviews
- SITA World Tours Reviews
Practicalities & Logistics
Useful Links
- Vietnam's Weather Overview: Live Weather, Forecasts, and Averages
- Additional Information About Vietnam
Visa Information
Why Travelstride
Click to send a new magic link to your inbox.
Welcome back!
By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
- Bookmark trips you like
- Share with your travel companions
- Track price changes
- Access private discounts on trips you save
TripFinder is a member-only feature. Dont worry, its free!
With a membership you:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.
With your free membership you:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use