5 Unmissable Places to See in Vietnam: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Vietnam’s 5 unmissable places, ensuring reliable communication while discovering the country’s stunning landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture.

Vietnam packs a punch. This 1,600 kms stretch of land is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Travellers can drift through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, explore ancient temples in Hoi An, feast on fragrant pho in Ho Chi Minh City, and trek past terraced rice fields in Sapa. With so many captivating places to visit in Vietnam, you could spend months and barely scratch the surface.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the 5 most beautiful Vietnam tourist places. We will cover from iconic landmarks to hidden gems that showcases the very best this country has to offer. Let’s dive in.

1. Hanoi: The Vibrant Capital

Located in north, the Vietnamese capital is the perfect place to start your journey. This bustling metropolis is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and rich history. Some of the top Hanoi tourist attractions include Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

Highlights:

• Get lost in the labyrinth Old Quarter, each dedicated to a specific trade

• Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and pay respect to Vietnam’s revered leader

• Take a stroll in the heart of Hanoi, especially Hoan Kiem Lake

2. Halong Bay: A Natural Wonder

No list of Vietnam places to visit would be complete without Halong Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features thousands of limestone islands and islets rising from emerald waters topped with rainforests.

Highlights:

• Kayak and explore through hidden grottoes and lagoons

• Take an overnight cruise and stargaze from the deck or watch the sunsets

• Sail past iconic sites like Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Islands

3. Hoi An: A Charming Historic Town

Hoi An, a well-preserved ancient town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences. An erstwhile Southeast Asian trading port, this site is filled with mustard-yellow merchant houses, ornate temples, and quaint cafes—making Hoi An a photographer’s dream.

Highlights:

• Stroll across the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge

• Browsing the night market and buying a traditional silk lantern

• Get clothes custom-made by Hoi An’s tailors

4. Sapa: Trekking Heaven

Nestled in the northern highlands, Sapa is known for its terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities. The picturesque town, overlooking the the Muong Hoa Valley, offers a cool respite from the heat of the lowlands and a chance to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s diverse cultural heritage.

Highlights:

• Trek to the villages of Cat Cat, Ta Van, or Ta Phin

• Visit the vibrant Bac Ha Market on Sundays

• Ride the cable car up Mount Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak

• Soak in the Sapa Hot Springs after a long hike

5. Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s Beating Heart

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving metropolis where history and modernity collide. Vietnam’s largest city and economic powerhouse offers a wealth of experiences for visitors.

Highlights:

• Crawl through this vast network of underground Cu Chi tunnels

• Tour the Reunification Palace, the former South Vietnamese presidential palace preserved as a time capsule from 1975

• Explore the beautiful French colonial architecture including Central Post Office

Other Vietnam Tourist Places Worth a Mention

While the above destinations are the heavy hitters, these destinations are other places to visit in Vietnam that will take your breath away.

• Hue: The former imperial capital, known for its ancient citadel and royal tombs is home the UNESCO-listed Complex of Hue Monuments, which includes the Imperial City, royal tombs, and pagodas.

• Mui Ne: A coastal resort town famous for its red and white sand dunes, giving this region almost Saharan appearance. Its popular for outdoorsy activities such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

• Dalat: Situated in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, is known for its cool climate, French colonial architecture amidst the pine forests. This city is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Home to the world’s largest and most spectacular caves and many other geological wonders. The park’s star attraction remains the Son Doong cave.

• Ninh Binh: Often called “Halong Bay on land” for its majestic karst scenery that rises majestically from the rice paddies. This place is also home to several grottoes, temples and winding rivers.

Why Vietnam Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List

1. Immersive history and cultural tapestry: The history of Vietnam can be traced back to around 20,000 years ago. Thus, influences from various civilizations, ancient temples and citadels to historic remnants of modern history wars, are omnipresent in Vietnam. Travellers will find themselves immersed in a fascinating journey through time.

2. Breathtaking Natural Beauty: Apart from history, Vietnam offers awe-inspiring landscapes. Be it cruising through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay or trekking through terraced rice fields of Sapa, travellers will be left mesmerized by the natural wonders, untouched by mankind.

3. Culinary Marvels for Food Lovers: Vietnamese cuisine is a burst of flavours that leaves foodies asking for more. Indulge in the world-famous pho, a fragrant noodle soup or the sumptuous banh mi, a French-inspired baguette filled with meat of choice. From street foods, to beach shacks, to Michelin-star restaurants, Vietnam is a foodie’s paradise, never disappointing the palette!

4. Unmatched Hospitality and Warmth: Vietnamese are genuine exuding warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel welcomed to their country. At every bustling or corner, you will encounter friendly smiles, helpful gestures and a genuine willingness to connect.

Explore Vietnam with Seamless Connectivity Through Airtel

No matter where your Vietnam travels take you, having a reliable way to stay connected is key. With b from providers like Viettel or Mobifone, you can easily access maps, book tickets, and share your adventures on the go. For even more convenience, consider an international roaming pack from Airtel.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Vietnam places to visit today. With a bit of research and an open mind, you’re bound to have the adventure of a lifetime in this captivating corner of Southeast Asia. Chúc may mắn! (Good luck!)