Vietnam has been a hot travel destination for tourists from all over the world. The nature, history and culture don’t even scratch the surface of the draw that Vietnam has with travellers. With so many great destinations within the country, it can be hard to choose which spots to visit, especially with limited vacation time.
We’re going to make it a little easier for you by narrowing them down to our top 8 Vietnam destinations.
Let’s get rolling!
1. Halong Bay
If you only visit one Vietnam destination, you better make it Halong Bay! Its pure emerald waters. jagged pinnacles, hidden caves, and magical sunsets will make you feel like you’re in some sort of fantasy world. It’s a UNESCO Heritage site because of its vast limestone formations. Make sure to book a cruise to experience it in its full glory.
2. Sapa
Sapa is known for its incredible mountain landscapes, rice terraces, and traditional tribes. A visit to Sapa should include a trek along the mountains to get a stunning view of the rice terraces, and you’ll even get to meet the hill tribes that built and work them.
3. Tam Coc - Ninh Binh Province
Ninh Binh Province is just less than 2 hours from Hanoi, making it an easy day trip. Tam Coc has limestone karst formations, very similar to Halong Bay, except on land. Although not as large or dramatic as the karst seascape, these are still stunning to see. You can either view them by foot, bicycle, or on a sampan boat. The boat ride lasts about 2 hours, and sails along the The Ngo Dong River which winds around jagged pinnacles, past rice fields and even under a few water caves. They’re rowed by the local women, and they often row with their feet!
4. Hoi An
Hoi An is an ancient Vietnamese town that’ll give you a glimpse of the bygone era. It has picturesque canals, and friendly locals. Every night, silk lanterns line the streets and canals of Hoi An. And every month, the town hosts a full moon festivals, where all light is extinguished except the lanterns. Hoi An is a charming little town that’ll give you a taste of authentic Vietnamese living.
5. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
Many travellers visit Vietnam without ever hearing about Ke Bank National Park, but in all seriousness, it’s one of Vietnam’s most special places. The park has the biggest cave in the world - the Son Doong cave - which even has a jungle and river inside. It's so huge that it’s big enough to fit a 40-story skyscraper! It also has the largest system of caves in the world, with hundreds of caves within its valleys, mane of them still unexplored.
6. Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta - translated to the “fruit bowl” of Vietnam has the richest farmland in the country. It’s a maze of interweaving waterways, lush farmland, and floating markets. You’ll get to experience it’s gorgeous scenery, taste exotic fruits, ride on a sampan boat, and witness the spectacle of a floating market. Trust us, it’ll blow your mind!
7. Phu Quoc Island
How does crystal blue waters, and white sandy beaches sound to you? Phu Quoc Island is a tropical paradise we all need to experience once in a while. Its beaches are becoming more and more popular each year, but many still remain secluded. It’s only a cheap 45 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, and would be worth staying there for one or two nights - depending on how much you’d like to relax and be lazy on a remote island.
8. Da Lat
Da Lat has some of the best countryside in Vietnam. Its surrounded by scenic highlands filled with fragrant pine forests, vast lakes, picturesque waterfalls, and green hills as far as the eye can see. With an elevation of around 1500m, the climate is much cooler and more pleasant than most of Vietnam.
Want to know more of our favourite destinations? Check out our blog!
