Are you searching for the best places to visit in Vietnam? This country stretches from misty mountains in the north to warm tropical beaches in the south. Along the way, you will find lantern towns, riverside villages, ancient temples, and food that stays in your memory long after the journey ends.
This guide does more than name popular destinations. It helps you choose where to go based on how you like to travel. From famous cities to quiet corners that locals love, each place on this list offers something real. Whether you enjoy street food in a busy alley or peaceful mornings by the sea, the best places in Vietnam are often the ones that feel personal.
How to choose the best places to visit in Vietnam
With so many beautiful places across the country, choosing where to go in Vietnam can feel overwhelming. The right destination depends on what you hope to experience. Are you drawn to nature and quiet landscapes, or do you enjoy lively streets and rich food culture? Do you want history and temples, or ocean air and warm sand?
Vietnam offers all of it. The north brings mountains and ancient cities. The center is known for heritage towns and beaches. The south offers fast-moving energy, floating markets, and tropical islands. To decide what fits you best, start with how you like to travel. Some travelers want to explore every corner. Others prefer to stay longer in one place and follow the local rhythm.
Weather also plays an important role. Vietnam’s climate shifts from region to region. If you want to plan your route around sunshine or cool air, this guide to the best time to visit Vietnam will help you understand what each month feels like.
And if you are still unsure, just remember this: the reasons people fall in love with Vietnam often go beyond the sights. It could be a kind gesture from a stranger, a meal that lingers in your memory, or a quiet morning that feels like yours alone. You can find more of those moments in this reflection on why you will love Vietnam, whether it is your first visit or your fifth.
12 best places to visit in Vietnam (that locals also love)
Northern Vietnam
1. Hanoi
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for tradition, food, and everyday rhythms.
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and one of its most walkable cities. It is a city of contrast and memory, where ancient temples sit beside French villas, and scooters weave through alleyways that have not changed in decades. In the Old Quarter, narrow streets carry names of traditional crafts. A few steps away, Hoan Kiem Lake offers calm mornings where elders stretch beside the water and cafés fill with the smell of egg coffee and fresh bánh mì.
Beyond the surface, Hanoi invites you to slow down. You can sit on a low stool and taste sticky rice with pork, or wander through the Temple of Literature and feel the quiet weight of its history. The best experiences are often unplanned: a conversation with a student, a turn into a shaded courtyard, a sound that makes you pause. Hanoi is perfect for culture lovers, curious travelers, and those who want to feel both the pulse and the poetry of Vietnam in a single morning.
Planning tip: Stay near Hoan Kiem Lake to explore on foot. The best time to visit Hanoi is between October and April when the weather is cool and dry. Arrive early at local food stalls for the best street food before the lunch rush.
Looking for seasonal guidance? Read more on the best time to visit Hanoi for weather tips and local highlights.
2. Sapa
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for mountain trekking and ethnic culture.
Sapa is a highland town in northern Vietnam known for its terraced rice fields, cool misty air, and ethnic minority villages. The landscape here feels alive. Green hills roll into one another, clouds move through the valley, and trails wind past bamboo groves and wooden homes. It is a place where the view changes with every step.
What makes Sapa special is the connection to local life. Many travelers choose to hike between villages like Lao Chai and Ta Van, or visit Cat Cat Village for a quick glimpse into Hmong traditions. Homestays offer a chance to eat home-cooked meals, warm your hands by a fire, and fall asleep to the sound of wind in the trees. It is ideal for hikers, photographers, and anyone looking to slow down and walk with purpose.
Planning tip: The best time to visit Sapa is between September and November for golden rice fields, or March to May for clear skies and green valleys. Book a local trekking guide for cultural insight and stay overnight in a village homestay to experience the rhythm of life.
3. Ha Giang
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for dramatic landscapes and road trip adventure.
Ha Giang is Vietnam’s northernmost province and home to some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Sharp limestone peaks, winding mountain passes, and deep valleys create views that feel wild and untouched. The famous Ha Giang Loop is a multi-day motorbike route that takes travelers through villages, high-altitude roads, and quiet towns that still feel deeply connected to the land.
Along the way, you can visit ethnic minority markets in places like Dong Van and Meo Vac, where Hmong, Tay, and Dao communities gather to trade goods and stories. Many travelers stop for a night in Du Già, a peaceful village surrounded by rice fields and waterfalls. Ha Giang is perfect for adventurers, motorbike riders, and those who want to experience a slower, more rugged side of Vietnam.
Planning tip: Plan at least three to five days to complete the Ha Giang Loop. The best time to visit Ha Giang is from October to April, when skies are dry and clear. Bring cash, pack layers, and consider staying one night in Du Già for calm surroundings and village hospitality.
Central Vietnam
4. Hoi An
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for lantern-lit streets and heritage charm
Hoi An is a small town with deep roots. Its yellow walls, tiled roofs, and slow river walks make it feel like a place from another time. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences into preserved homes, wooden bridges, and quiet temples. In the evening, paper lanterns float down the Thu Bon River while music drifts softly from corner cafés.
Just a short ride away is the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, where you can explore winding canals by basket boat. Local boatmen dance and spin on the water, a performance passed down from fishing traditions. It is lively, unexpected, and uniquely Hoi An. Between peaceful mornings and joyful moments like this, Hoi An shows its full heart. Hoi An is perfect for slow travelers, photographers, and anyone who finds beauty in detail, craft, and the gentle rhythm of a riverside town.
Planning tip: Visit the coconut forest in the morning or mid-afternoon when it is cooler and less busy. Return to the old town before sunset to enjoy the riverfront and lanterns after dark.
Wondering when to go? Find the best time to visit Hoi An to enjoy its calmest charm.
5. Da Nang
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for beach-city balance
Da Nang is where city life meets natural beauty. It has long, clean beaches that stretch for kilometers, with calm water and soft sand perfect for morning swims. The city itself is modern but relaxed, with wide roads, river bridges, and open parks. Just a short drive away are the Marble Mountains, where temples and caves hide inside cliffs, and the Golden Bridge, held in the palm of giant stone hands above the clouds.
At night, Da Nang takes on a local rhythm. The streets around the Han River and Son Tra Night Market come alive with grilled seafood, souvenirs, and groups of friends enjoying cool sea air. You can spend the morning on the beach, the afternoon in the hills, and the evening with a bowl of Quang noodle under string lights. Da Nang is perfect for families, beach lovers, and travelers who want both space to relax and things to explore at their own pace.
Planning tip:Visit from March to August for the best beach weather. Stay near My Khe Beach for easy access to both sea and city. Head to Son Tra Peninsula early for views, and explore the night market after dinner.
6. Phong Nha
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for cave exploration and countryside peace.
Phong Nha is where Vietnam’s underground world reveals its wonders. Set in a valley of limestone cliffs and green rice fields, it is home to caves like Paradise, Phong Nha, and the vast Hang En. These formations lie within Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, which is recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding geological and ecological value. Some caves are easy to visit. Others require long treks, but all reveal a world shaped by water, time, and silence.
Above ground, life moves slowly. Most guests stay in homestays beside the Son River, where mornings begin with mist and the smell of wood smoke. You can cycle through quiet villages, paddle gently past water buffalo, or sit with a home-cooked meal as the day fades. Phong Nha is perfect for nature lovers, couples, and travelers who want both adventure and stillness in the same place.
Planning tip: Visit between February and August for dry weather and accessible cave tours. Book at least two nights in a local homestay to explore at a relaxed pace. For a full-day adventure, join a guided trek to a lesser-known cave like Hang Enor Nuoc Nut.
Southern Vietnam
7. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for urban energy and everyday life.
Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is Vietnam’s busiest and most energetic destination. It is where French architecture meets glass towers, and where local temples sit quietly behind rush-hour traffic. The city moves fast, but it is full of moments worth slowing down for. In the mornings, locals gather in parks to stretch or drink coffee with condensed milk. By midday, sidewalks turn into food stalls, and the smell of grilled pork, fresh herbs, and peppery broth fills the air.
This is a city for explorers. You can visit the War Remnants Museum, shop in old markets like Ben Thanh Market or Binh Tay Market, or simply wander through neighborhoods like District 3 or 5 to feel real daily life. For a more local experience, consider a guided cycling tour through the early markets and back alleys that most visitors never see. Ho Chi Minh City is perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, and anyone ready to dive into the heart of Vietnam.
Planning tip: Visit between December and April for dry weather and cooler mornings. Stay in District 1 or 3 for walkable access to major sites. Join a local cycling tour in Ho Chi Minh City early in the day to avoid traffic and feel the city wake up.
After dark, the city tells a different story. Discover unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night beyond the tourist lights.
8. Mekong Delta
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for river life and floating markets
The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s southern heart, where life is shaped by water and everything moves with gentle rhythm. In Cần Thơ, you can wake up before dawn to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, where breakfast is cooked and served from boat to boat. Smoke rises from steaming noodles, fruits hang from long b amboo poles, and every exchange happens on water. It is lively, real, and rooted in generations of river trade.
A few hours away, Bến Tre and Vĩnh Long offer something quieter. Here, narrow canals curve through coconut groves and small villages where families still make candy by hand and cook meals over wood fires. You might paddle a sampan under palm leaves or ride a bicycle past orchards where everything grows within reach. Some guests stay in homestays where the roof is made of leaves and the dinner is picked from the garden. The Mekong Delta is ideal for slow travelers, families, and culture seekers who want to connect with real people, not just scenery.
Planning tip: Stay overnight in Can Tho to visit the floating market before 7 am. Visit from December to April for dry, breezy days. For a quieter trip, explore small canals in Ben Tre or Vinh Long by sampan in the late afternoon.
9. Da Lat
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for cool climate and romantic landscapes.
Da Lat sits in the Central Highlands and offers a completely different feel from the rest of Vietnam. The weather is cool all year. Pine trees grow along the roads, and markets sell fresh produce from nearby farms. In the morning, locals drink hot soy milk, eat grilled rice paper, and walk around Xuan Huong Lake as the mist clears. The pace is slow, and most travelers stay longer than they planned.
At night, the city becomes busier around Da Lat Night Market. It is the best place to try street food like bánh tráng nướng and warm sweet corn. Just outside the city, you can take a short train ride to Trai Mat Station and visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda, known for its colorful mosaics. Da Lat is perfect for couples, families, and anyone who wants fresh weather, easy walks, and time to relax.
Planning tip: Visit from November to March for dry skies and cool air. Stay near the central lake for walkable access to the night market. Take the morning train to Trai Mat and explore by foot or bicycle before the sun gets high.
Hidden gems in Vietnam
10. Tay Ninh
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for unique religious experiences and wide-open views.
Tay Ninh is often skipped by tourists, but it is a favorite day trip for many locals from Ho Chi Minh City. The main reason is the Cao Dai Holy See, a colorful temple and the spiritual center of Cao Dai, a religion that blends Buddhism, Christianity, and other beliefs. Visitors are welcome to watch the daily prayer service, where hundreds of worshippers in white robes sit silently under dragon-shaped columns. It is quiet, respectful, and unlike anything else in Vietnam.
Not far from the temple is Ba Den Mountain, the highest peak in the south. You can hike up or take a cable car that glides over green fields and villages. At the top, the view stretches far toward Cambodia. Tay Ninh is perfect for travelers who want to understand local spirituality, enjoy wide views, and take a slow break from the city.
Planning tip: Visit the Cao Dai temple in the late morning to see the main ceremony. Then head to Ba Den Mountain for an afternoon cable car ride or a sunset hike. Bring cash and modest clothing, especially when visiting the temple.
11. Phu Yen
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for untouched shores and island stillness.
Phu Yen is a coastal province that many travelers still miss, but locals know it for clean beaches, calm villages, and landscapes that feel wild and open. One of the most special spots is Yen Island (Hòn Yến), where you can walk across the reef during low tide and watch fishermen catch shrimp in the shallow water. From the top of the island, the view stretches across blue sea and coral beds glowing just below the surface.
Not far away, Gành Đá Dĩa shows a different kind of natural wonder. Its black stone columns look like they were stacked by hand, rising straight from the sea. You can reach them early in the morning for soft light and fewer people. Around the coast, families farm seafood, dry seaweed, and rest in hammocks near small temples. Phu Yen is perfect for travelers who enjoy quiet beauty, local life, and a coastline that still belongs to the people who live there.
Planning tip: Visit from March to August for clear skies and calm seas. Stay in Tuy Hòa and take a morning trip to Hòn Yến at low tide. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a camera. For quiet views, reach Gành Đá Đĩa just after sunrise.
12. Buon Ma Thuot
Could this be your favorite stop among the best places to visit in Vietnam?
One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for coffee culture and ethnic heritage.
Buon Ma Thuot is the coffee capital of Vietnam. In the early morning, the streets smell like fresh-roasted beans, and locals gather at low tables to sip strong black coffee in silence. But this highland city offers more than a good brew. It is a gateway to Ede and M’nong ethnic villages, where traditional longhouses are built from wood and gong music still plays during community gatherings.
You can visit the World Coffee Museum to learn how coffee shaped the region, walk through markets full of forest herbs and wild honey, or ride a motorbike to waterfalls like Dray Nur and Gia Long. The pace is slower than in big cities, and people often take time to talk or share a meal. Buon Ma Thuot is perfect for travelers who want a different side of Vietnam, one that feels real, rooted, and quietly welcoming.
Planning tip: Visit from November to March during dry season and coffee harvest. Try local coffee without milk to taste the deep flavor. Ask about village visits or motorbike rides to waterfalls and farms in the surrounding countryside.
Your best places to visit in Vietnam might not be on the list
When people talk about the best places to visit in Vietnam, they often mention mountains, beaches, lanterns, and rivers. Those are beautiful. But sometimes, the moments that stay with you are not the ones on any list.
It might be a bowl of Vietnamese noodles eaten on a quiet street at sunrise. A smile from a vendor who does not speak your language, but knows exactly what you need. A corner of the city where nothing is happening, and yet it feels like you belong. These are the pieces of a journey that do not fit into a guidebook, but they stay in your memory like a favorite photograph.
That is also the kind of travel we believe in. At Jackfruit, we don’t think of our cycling tour in Ho Chi Minh City as a way to see the city. We see it as a way to feel the city. You ride past early morning local fresh markets while they are still waking up. You stop where the food is fresh and the stories are unspoken. You follow quiet streets that locals walk every day, but tourists rarely notice. There are no big crowds. No performances. Just life, as it happens.
We have spent years exploring the places that never make it onto postcards, but still stay in the heart. If that is the kind of experience you’re looking for, we would love to show you the way.
