Old Post and I share it again on this week, I’m thrilled to share a guest post by travel blogger Jo Nguyen, founder of Outlanderly.com, who brings years of travel experience across Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Vietnam is easily one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. From dramatic landscapes to rich culture, In this guide, Jo reveals her Top 14 places to visit in Vietnam, featuring everything from lush mountains and ancient cities to white-sand beaches and cultural hotspots.
🇻🇳 Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or history buff, Vietnam offers something magical for every kind of traveler.
Why Travel to Vietnam?
Vietnam is one of the most captivating countries in Asia. It features a mix of emerald rice terraces, misty mountains, ancient cities, and stunning beaches. No matter what kind of traveler you are—adventure-seeker, foodie, or cultural explorer—Vietnam delivers.
Even more, the contrast between tranquil countryside and buzzing city life makes it feel like two countries in one. This balance leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Ready to explore? Let’s look at 14 must-visit destinations in Vietnam.
Vietnam is one of the most beautiful destinations on earth and is full of highlights that will take your breath away. It’s not difficult to understand why.
The country is blessed with the most captivating scenery: jagged peaks seen from winding mountain passes down to vivid green paddy fields covered, meanwhile the country’s rich history and abundance of ethnic minorities will give culture lovers more than enough to explore. therefore Adventurers and outdoor lovers can enjoy the countryside within the national parks, while the dramatic karst seascape of Halong Bay is a natural wonder that can be experienced on a cruise.
The rural side of Vietnam will give you amazing panoramic views and, the big cities will make you dizzy from the chaos and provide ample opportunities to taste Vietnam’s delicious culinary highlights however Vietnam is full of surprises and is one of Southeast Asia’s most travelled destination.
Northern Vietnam: Mountain Views and Cultural Treks
1. Sapa – Trekking Amid Terraced Fields
Sapa is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and vibrant green rice fields. It’s a top choice for hikers and those who want to explore local ethnic minority villages.
2. Ha Giang – Untouched Beauty
Ha Giang offers landscapes as stunning as Sapa but with fewer tourists. It’s perfect for travelers who want a more authentic, off-the-grid experience.Northern to Central Vietnam: Cities, Caves, and Culture
Northern to Central Vietnam: Cities, Caves, and Culture
3. Hanoi – The Historic Capital
Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural heart. Discover museums, colonial architecture, street food, and the vibrant Old Quarter. The city perfectly blends old traditions with modern energy.
4. Ha Long Bay – A Natural Wonder
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its limestone karsts and emerald waters. A cruise through the bay is like stepping into a fantasy world.
- Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay on Land
Ninh Binh features towering cliffs, caves, and peaceful riverboat rides. It’s an underrated gem that offers stunning views and fewer crowds.
6. Phong Nha – Underground Adventures
Located in central Vietnam, Phong Nha is home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. The region also offers kayaking, hiking, and exploring lush jungles.caves in the area. Phong Nha Ke Bang national park, the natural sights lies the largest cave in the world, Son Doong. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the mountains, caves, lakes, jungles, extremely exotic and endemic
Central Vietnam: Imperial Cities and Coastal Escapes
7. Hue – Relics of Royalty
Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital. It’s home to grand citadels, royal tombs, and traditional cuisine like bun bo Hue.
8. Da Nang – Coastal City With a Twist
Da Nang offers beaches, mountains, and a vibrant dining scene. It’s a more laid-back alternative to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
9. Hoi An – Timeless Charm
Hoi An is a UNESCO-listed town known for its lantern-lit streets, colonial buildings, and riverside cafes. It’s also a great spot for tailoring clothes and tasting central Vietnamese dishes.
Southern Vietnam: Beaches, Cities, and River Life
10. Nha Trang – Beach and Nightlife
This coastal city is famous for its white beaches, coral reefs, and lively nightlife. You’ll also find excellent seafood restaurants and beach resorts.
11. Mui Ne – Sand Dunes and Water Sports
Once a sleepy fishing village, Mui Ne is now known for kitesurfing, sand dunes, and a relaxed vibe. It’s a great weekend escape from Ho Chi Minh City.
- Ho Chi Minh City
Your travels to South Vietnam is never complete without visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Large and chaotic, the traffic goes in all different directions and lots of street stands and market spill into the traffic lanes, the city will make you dizzy with a million things happening at once. Learn about Vietnam war history at the Remnants Museum to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The city has a lot to offer: friendly people, wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food.
Southern Vietnam’s Scenic Finales
- Mekong Delta – River Village Life
A classic highlight of Southern Vietnam is not to be missed. Take a ride on a boat and enjoy the view of the rice fields as far as the eye can see, wooden houses located along the river’s edge, sellers in small boats, selling their fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Phú Quốc – Vietnam’s Island Paradise
This peaceful tropical island, lies in the warm turquoise waters in the Gulf of Thailand, 50 km from mainland Vietnam. White sandy beaches, coral gardens offshore, an abundance of wildlife species, are all reasons to make this island your last stop before flying out via Ho Chi Minh airport.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
From mountains to islands, Vietnam offers diverse experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you explore the rice terraces in Sapa or relax on the beaches of Phú Quốc, these destinations truly represent the best places to visit in Vietnam. With so many incredible options, it’s clear why these are among the top spots for any traveler planning their next adventure.
Thanks so much for reading.
Have a beautiful day.
— Jerserry 🌸
Hi Jess! This is a really beautiful guest post! Glad you shared it again! I don’t travel much, so it’s posts like this that help me learn a little about different parts of the world! I live in the United States! In the area where I live, we do go over global and world history in our history classes, but they generally focus mostly on European history. I would love to learn more about other cultures as well. I’ve been a history buff since I was a small child, and always enjoyed reading the background of different cultures. I would love to eventually explore and experience what I’ve been reading for myself. I don’t know when that will be, but I hope very soon. Thanks for this fun post!
Thank you and I hope you will be able to read more about this post and of course maybe just travel somewhere you really love it and discover more different countries. I think you will love them:)