Thinking of traveling to Vietnam?
We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 attractions and places to visit nationwide, giving you every reason to not skip over any of them.
Whether you are looking to marvel at temples, feast on food or enjoy some natural splendor, we have you sorted.
Let’s get started on this adventure!
Natural Wonders
1. An Bang Beach
Just a short distance from the Ancient Town, An Bang Beach is an idyllic retreat with soft white sands and clear blue waters. Favored by locals and tourists alike for its tranquility and for offering a less crowded alternative to the beaches of nearby towns, An Bang Beach is as popular for its low-key atmosphere as the cute cafes and bars along the sand are for their charm, making it an enchanting spot for an evening on the water.
How to get there: Hire a scooter or taxi from Hoi An.
Best time to go: Perfect for a half day of unwinding on the coast.
Tip: Taste the fresh seafood offered at the restaurants that back the beach, and don’t forget your sunblock – the tropical sun can be fierce!
2. Marble Mountains
A group of five marble and limestone peaks, each one named after an element of the human experience, the Marble Mountains house a network of caves, temples, and peaks offering expansive views of the region. A place of both natural beauty and spiritual resonance, it proves a physically demanding and culturally rewarding experience. Shrouded in legend and spiritual folklore, the sacred site possesses a mysterious allure visitors can’t help but feel drawn to.
How to get there: Take a short drive from Da Nang, access also by scooter or local bus.
Best time to go: Allocate half a day to explore the caves, scale the peaks, and enjoy the vistas.
Tip: Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and carry water, as the site requires significant walking and climbing.
3. Fansipan Mountain
Nicknamed the "Roof of Indochina", Fansipan Mountain is the highest point in Vietnam, presenting panoramic views of rolling terraced fields and craggy mountains for the climber. The adventurous can trek to the summit, while those in search of a less strenuous experience can ride the cable car, panoramic views affording sights of the stunning landscape below.
How to get there: Take a road transfer or bus to Sapa town, then hike or cable car up to the top.
Best time to go: Plan a full day for hiking or a few hours if taking the cable car.
The weather around here can be unpredictable, so layer up and check the conditions before your trek or ride.
4. Muong Hoa Valley
Resting in Fansipan’s shadow, Muong Hoa Valley is known for its photogenic tiers of rice paddy, flowing down the hillside, offering material for the familiar Vietnamese landscape paintings in a natural setting. Visited by multiple ethnic minorities, exploring Muong Hoa Valley is a sociocultural experience to match the marvel of the countryside, providing a window into Northern Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
How to get there: A short ride from Sapa town, walk or take a local motorcycle to journey on foot.
Best time to go: Spend a day roaming through Muong Hoa to fully appreciate its natural beauty and cultural importance.
Tip: Hire a guide to learn more about the history and local tribes, and possibly to arrange visits to their villages.
5. Sao Beach
Phu Quoc Island’s Sao Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, thanks to its fine white sand and azure tropical waters, which lure visitors with swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. The beach is lined with palm trees, and beachfront restaurants and bars provide the perfect respite to sample fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.
How to get there: Taxi or scooter accessible from anywhere on Phu Quoc Island.
Best time to go: Plan a full day for beachside relaxation and activities.
Tip: Snorkel or paddleboard in the shallow waters for a closer look at the diverse marine life.
6. Phu Quoc National Park
David visited Phu Quoc National Park, with over half of the island being protected by the site. A jungle-clad refuge for outdoor enthusiasts, the park is home to dense, tropical forest, hiking trails, and plenty of indigenous fauna. It's the perfect spot for trekking, birdwatching, and soaking in the untouched wilderness.
How to get there: Rent a motorbike or opt for a guide, who can guide you through the park on hikes and point out interesting wildlife.
Best time to go: Dedicate at least half a day, but naturalists will want to linger longer.
Bring plenty of water, wear hiking-appropriate shoes, and invest in insect repellent before visiting the park.
Cultural Highlights
7. Old Quarter
The bustling and vibrant heart of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi's Old Quarter is a chaotic but colorful glimpse into daily life in the city. Streets in the quarter are famously dedicated to trades, as they were in times past – expect to see fruit vendors touting their wares, scooters jostling for space, and delicious smells wafting from street food vendors selling dishes like pho and banh mi. The Old Quarter also acts as a living, breathing museum of the city, with architectural history visible on every block.
How to get there: Walk, or take a taxi or motorbike from anywhere in Hanoi.
Best time to go: Spend a half-day exploring the Old Quarter; also great for souvenir shopping.
Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid the worst of the tourist crowds and sample the best local breakfast dishes. The streets are also better to navigate before the mid-morning rush.
8. Hoan Kiem Lake
A peaceful refuge from Hanoi's traffic and noise, Hoan Kiem Lake is the perfect spot for a leisurely morning walk or an evening promenade. The site is said to be named for a legendary sword bestowed upon a Vietnamese emperor by a divine turtle, and remains a storied site to this day. Surrounded by verdant parkland, the lake is home to several historical sites like the Turtle Tower and Ngoc Son Temple. It is an undeniably beautiful spot, full of tranquility – especially in the early morning, when locals gather to practice Tai Chi.
How to get there: Walking distance to and from most hotels in central Hanoi.
Best time to go: Early morning or just before sunset when the lake appears magical.
Tip: Don't overlook the Turtle Tower at the center of the lake, which appears particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset.
9. War Remnants Museum
The sobering War Remnants Museum offers a confronting glimpse into the lasting effects of the Vietnam War. Both educational and deeply emotional, the Museum delves into the conflict with photographs, military hardware, and testimonies. It's a place to reflect on the past and hope for peace and understanding in the future - and also a reminder of the hard-earned resilience and fortitude of the Vietnamese people.
How to get there: It’s a short bus or taxi trip from downtown Saigon.
Best time to go: Allow two to three hours to take in the heavy-hearted exhibits.
Be prepared for an emotional visit; some images and accounts can be distressing.
10. Ben Thanh Market
The bustling hub of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is filled with energy and locals buying and selling wares. Stock up on souvenirs, local snacks, and even fresh produce before heading to the market's food stalls for a quick meal. Look for stalls selling Vietnamese silks, crafts, and unfamiliar fruits. The market is a lively snapshot of life in the city, where timeless customs meet modern experiences.
How to get there: Easily reached by bus or taxi.
Best time to go: Visit early in the morning, or later in the evening, for a more relaxed shopping experience.
Tip: Be prepared to barter – offering half the asked price when purchasing is a great way to start negotiations.
11. Old Town
Hoi An’s Old Town is a well-preserved slice of history, a Southeast Asian trading port dating back to the 15th century. The town itself is made up of historic housing, their architecture a blend of local and foreign design and construction. By night, the town is changed by the glow of lanterns, making it seem otherworldly and timeless. However, the town is more than just architecture – it’s also a great place to enjoy the artistic culture of Hoi An, with local artists selling their works and crafts here.
How to get there: Walk or hire a bicycle to explore Old Town from anywhere in Hoi An.
Best time to go: Spend a day taking in the small streets, bizarre architecture, and lively markets.
Tip: You can purchase a ticket that admits you to several historical homes and museums to get the fullest experience.
12. Dragon Bridge
The shape of Da Nang’s Dragon Bridge justifies the name, and it serves for a spectacular experience on weekends. Every Saturday and Sunday night the dragon at the bridge’s center breathes fire and water, providing a great free show with the crowd it draws. The Dragon bridge is more than just a masterwork of engineering though, and also holds local myth and folklore, as well as a modern totem of power and prosperity. You won’t be able to resist taking a shot for yourself.
How to get there: In central Da Nang, easily reached by local transport.
Best time to go: Catch the show with the dragon on a Saturday or Sunday night.
Arrive early to get a space to photograph the spectacle, as the bridge is busy on show nights.
13. Po Nagar Cham Towers
A passage back through time to when the Champa Kingdom ruled for an amazing day trip. The towers are a series of stunning structures – some taller than the others, and each dedicated to different deities – built between 7th and 12th centuries. The detail in the carnings and statues that adorn the complex is remarkable, and takes you back to the time of the builders.
How to get there: Take a motorbike or taxi to the site from the center of Nha Trang.
Best time to go: Spend two hours wandering the towers and the gardens around them.
Tip: Cultural respect– dress modestly, and remove your shoes upon temple entry.
14. Vinpearl Amusement Park
Vinpearl Island from Nha Trang Beach is more than just a short hop across the water. In addition to offering views over Nha Trang Bay on its cable car, the island is home to a world-class resort and entertainment hub that goes beyond ‘amusement park’ in description. Here, you’ll find thrill rides, a water park, an aquarium, and dozens of shows to entertain all ages.
How to get there: Ride a cable car from Nha Trang to reach Vinpearl.
Best time to go: A day is just right to experience the park in full.
Tip: Buy an all-inclusive ticket ahead of time for savings and speedier access.
15. Imperial City
For a look at Vietnam’s imperial history, you won’t do better than the Imperial City in Hue, the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. The massive citadel still stands, surrounding a complex of palace buildings, temples, and enclosed courtyards. The architecture is now a mix of styles, combining traditional Vietnamese design with French construction, but exploring the citadel, the tombs, and the palace will give you a taste of the kind of majesty Vietnamese royalty once enjoyed.
How to get there: Central Hue – easily reached on foot, by bicycle, or motorbike from any part of the city.
Best time to go: Half a day to walk around the many buildings and their grounds.
Morning is your friend here – avoid both the heat and the crowds by going early.
16. Thien Mu Pagoda
In Hue, the Thien Mu Pagoda is Vietnam's most famous pagoda – and arguably the country's most iconic. Built in 1601, this seven-storey pagoda is a sacred site and a place of historic significance. The pagoda complex is well maintained, with gardens, statues, and a massive bell that is said to send sound reverberating through the ancient capital when it's rung.
How to get there: Just a short journey from Hue city center, you can reach the pagoda on a bike, by taxi, or even take a relaxing boat ride along the Perfume River.
Best time to go: Spend an hour or two here in the late afternoon, when the atmosphere is serene and the sunset view over the river is beautiful.
Tip: The sunset is fantastic – you'll get some great photos overlooking the river at this time of day.
17. Linh Phuoc Pagoda
In Lam Dong's Da Lat, the Linh Phuoc Pagoda has come to be known as the 'Pagoda of Broken Glass'. Be warned, it's a very busy tour, largely due to the pagoda being an intricately decorated temple, with broken glass and ceramic tiles being employed as mosaics decorations throughout. The eye-catching pagoda also features a dragon sculpture made of beer bottles, and numerous other mosaics showing scenes from mythology and Buddhist parables.
How to get there: Take a taxi or motorbike from the city centre of Da Lat.
Best time to go: You can spend a couple of hours admiring the pagoda and exploring the grounds.
Tip: Go up the tower of the bell for pictures of the landscapes.
18. Da Lat Night Market
There are cramped, excellent street food stalls spread out to satiate crowds, with anything from skewers of meats on the grill to fruit salads providing refueling stops. If you're feeling adventurous, try the local favorite Banh Trang Nuong. Besides, there's also a range of shops in which to buy clothes, souvenirs, and local art.
How to get there: Right in the heart of Da Lat – you can easily walk to the market from accommodation in the area.
Best time to go: Open in the evening, so it makes for a good place to come and eat and shop until late.
Da Lat is cold at night, especially in the winter – take a warmer layer along.
Historical Sites
19. Cai Rang Floating Market
Can Tho’s Cai Rang Floating Market is the biggest of its kind in the Mekong Delta. Boats gather here in the early hours of the morning to sell everything from fresh produce to coffee. It's a fascinating look at how commerce operates on the water, and a window onto local life in the region.
How to get there: Boat tours typically start from Can Tho city centre.
Best time to go: Visit at first light to beat the worst of the heat and see the market in full swing.
Tip: Try Vietnamese iced coffee – preferably from a vendor in a boat!
20. Binh Thuy Ancient House
This well-preserved residence in Can Tho dates back to the 19th century, with the homes of prosperous communities serving as a museum to the way they lived. Filled with antiques and a peaceful garden, it's a brief step back into history, and a beautiful site for photographs.
How to get there: A taxi or motorbike will zip over from Can Tho city center.
Best time to go: Plan for an hour or so touring the house and gardens.
Tip: Search for tours of the house, often offering more context on its history and contents.
Summary
We've taken in 20 unmissable spots showcasing Vietnam's surprising diversity, from historic to natural and everything in between.
Each site tells its own story, gifting the traveler with a wealth of experiences.
Whether you visit these destinations for adventure, history, or the sheer natural beauty of the landscape, prepare for wonder.
There is no place quite like Vietnam, so what are you waiting for – a delightful journey awaits in the heart of Southeast Asia.