Top 5 best places to visit in Vietnam you shouldn’t miss!

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Vietnam offers visitors endless opportunities for adventure and discovery with its lush landscapes. Among the landscapes, we’ve listed the top 7 best places that will tickle your fancy immediately!

Da Nang

Nestled on the central coast of Vietnam, Da Nang is the country’s third-largest city and a major port. The city unravels a mesmerizing coastline, where soft, white sands meet the gentle caress of the South China Sea. My Khe Beach, with its tranquil ambiance, invites sunbathers to bask in the golden rays. 

What’s more, Da Nang has a rich tapestry of history woven into the very fabric of ancient temples and pagodas. The Marble Mountains are a group of five limestone mountains that are home to a number of Buddhist temples and caves. Another iconic destination is The Cham Museum. It is a museum that houses a collection of Cham artifacts from central Vietnam. 

Da Nang’s cuisine is a delectable blend of fresh flavors and traditional techniques. From the humble yet satisfying banh mi, to the symphony of textures and flavors in bun cha, grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, each dish will sure to tantalize your taste buds!

The grand Golden Bridge in Da Nang (Source: Vnexpress)

Phu Quoc

Lapped by jade waves and fringed by swaying coconut palms, the island of Phu Quoc charms visitors with its unspoiled tropical landscape and laidback vibe. Once a sleepy fishing village, it’s fast becoming one of Vietnam’s premier beach destinations 

Beyond the beaches, trek through Phu Quoc’s interior rainforested mountains, stopping to marvel at thundering waterfalls and get a glimpse of rare wildlife. The island’s small towns bustle with open-air markets brimming with just-caught seafood while dusty pepper plantations hint at old-world Vietnam.

If you are a history-lover, delve into the island’s rich history and culture. We suggest you explore the Phu Quoc Prison to embrace a poignant reminder of the island’s past. Also, you can visit the Dinh Cau Temple, perched atop a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the coastline.

When the sun goes down, kick back with fruity cocktails and fresh grilled snapper as the crimson sky melts into the sea. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Phu Quoc’s natural beauty and rich heritage offer visitors an intoxicating taste of island life that keeps travelers coming back for more.

Phu Quoc with wonderful beaches (Source: Vnexpress)

Ha Noi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city rich in history and culture. It’s known for its centuries-old architecture, which is a blend of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. Hanoi is a popular tourist destination with many historical landmarks and beautiful natural scenery. 

Once you get here, take your time to visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh complex. Located in Ba Dinh district, this place is a group of historical and cultural sites dedicated to the life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh. We recommend you take a tour of Ba Dinh Square to admire the embalmed body of Uncle Ho – the greatest president of Vietnam.

If you want to escape the city’s bustling rhythm, Hoan Kiem Lake will definitely be a place for you. You can stroll along its serene shores and admire the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple. What’s more, take your time to capture the iconic Huc Bridge, a symbol of Hanoi’s enduring spirit.

Don’t forget to try out the tasty local cuisines of Ha Noi. One of the most iconic dishes of Hanoi is phở, a noodle soup that has become synonymous with Vietnamese cuisine. Another must-try dish in Hanoi is bún chả, a grilled pork and noodle salad. Hanoi’s cuisine is a true reflection of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Hoan Kiem Lake glows in the night (Source: Vntrip)

Sapa

Sa Pa is a tourist destination about 30 km from Lao Cai city center. Located at an average altitude of 1500 – 1800m above sea level, the town is always immersed in floating clouds, creating a magical and strangely beautiful picture. Sapa always offers an invaluable resource – a fresh and cool climate all year round. 

The rice terraces in Sapa are some of the most beautiful in the world. They are carved into the mountainsides and are a testament to the skill and hard work of the Hmong people. While you are in Sapa, take a guided trek through these picturesque landscapes to marvel at their intricate beauty.

If you are an adventurous seeker, we suggest conquering the Fansipan. It is the highest mountain in Vietnam and Indochina, standing at an elevation of 3,143 meters. Embark on a challenging trek to the summit, rewarding yourself with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. You can also reach here without climbing with a cable car offering 360-degree views of the valley and Sapa town. 

As the sun dips below the horizon, retreat yourself to a cozy homestay. Let the tranquility of Sapa lull you into a peaceful slumber amidst the whispers of the wind through the pines.

The cable cars will take you straight to Fansipan Peak (Source: Dream travel)

Ninh Binh 

Located about 100km south of Hanoi, Ninh Bình is a province in the southern part of the Red River Delta in Vietnam. It’s renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, including mountains, rivers, and caves. Ninh Binh is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Ninh Bình:

  • Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning landscape of karst mountains, caves, and rivers. You can take a boat ride through the caves and explore the temples and pagodas that are located throughout the complex.
  • Hoa Lư Ancient Capital: This was the capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009 AD. The site is now home to a number of temples and pagodas, as well as the remains of the ancient city walls.
  • Bái Đính Temple: This temple is one of the largest and most revered Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It is home to a vast array of Buddhist statues, pagodas, and shrines, each meticulously crafted and adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors.
best places to visit in vietnam

The marvelous scene of Ninh Binh (Source: Onevivu)

Final thoughts

Here are the top 5 best places to visit in Vietnam that will immerse you in the world of mystery and tranquility. If you are on your vacation but haven’t planned to go anywhere, these destinations will definitely be your excellent choices.  

Reviewed by

Diep Van

Phone: +84901166884

Email: diep.van@ftripvietnam.com

Diep Van

Founder & Photography Guide

Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!


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