Get inspired for your next trip to Vietnam with our list of the most beautiful places in Vietnam and uncover the highlights of this beautiful country. From the lush terraced fields of Sapa to the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, each stop on this adventure promises to leave an unforgettable impression. Embark on a tour with Bunnik Tours through some of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. Read on.
Overview:
The 5 most beautiful places in Vietnam
1. Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, lies on the banks of the Red River, some 100 kilometres from its mouth. Human settlements here date back as far as the 3rd century BC. Offering a perfect balance of tradition and modernity, the city is an attractive destination and is generally the starting location for travellers to Vietnam.
Like in other large Asian cities, busy commercial streets are filled with cars and bicycles, and are edged by shops, restaurants, bars and stalls. But you’ll also find wide boulevards lined with towering mahogany trees and winding lanes with French, Russian and Chinese architecture in varying states of disrepair. The overall effect is unexpected and charming. Hanoi is a great place to explore on foot and there is a lot to see and do during your stay.
2. Ho Chi Minh City
With a population of 8.9 million, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the economic centre of the country. The largest city in Vietnam, the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life is visible everywhere here.
There are nearly 200 temples and pagodas in the city. For history lovers, the Xa Lao Pagoda is the site where a monk immolated himself to protest the Diem regime in 1963. In the reception hall of the Giac Lam Pagoda you can see the portraits of monks who passed away years ago. The Emperor of Jade Pagoda is filled with gilded figures and papier-mâché statues of Buddhist and Taoist divinities.
In Ho Chi Minh City, there are also street markets, sidewalk cafés and trendy new bars. The city is constantly moving, yet within this teeming metropolis, there are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture.
3. Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a beautiful natural wonder in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border. Known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests, it’s no surprise why many consider Halong Bay among the most beautiful places to stay in Vietnam. The bay is dotted with 1,969 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,550 square kilometres. Halong Bay was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Apart from the islands, another natural attraction is the series of boundless caves that have formed through the ages, many of which can easily be visited from the mainland. Spending a day admiring this magical bay by boat is an awe-inspiring experience and unmistakably the highlight of any visit to the area. More adventurous travellers can opt for kayaking. An overnight cruise is a great way to admire the bay close up and is a very unique experience. Nearby, you can visit the Buddhist temple in the stunning Yen Tu Mountain.
4. Sapa
Sapa is a small mountain town approximately 315 kilometres northwest of Hanoi and it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam. This picturesque region is home to the famed hill tribes and nestled in a valley, surrounded by the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range and endless fields of rice terraces.
One of the most popular things to do in Sapa is trekking, due to the many beautiful mountain and hill landscapes available. Offering some of the best trekking in Vietnam, Sapa welcomes visitors from all around the world to come and appreciate the culture of the local tribal groups, and the romantic atmosphere of the highland town each year.
5. Hoi An
Settled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, the colourful market town of Hoi An is one of the most unique places to visit in Vietnam and is absolutely more than worth the visit. It was a major port in centuries past, with ships arriving from all over the world to obtain silk and other fabrics, sugar, tea and ceramics. Its traditional Vietnamese architecture has been preserved and there are many historic temples and pagodas in the area.
The city of Hoi An is one of the quietest in Vietnam. Cars are not allowed in the old town and unlike in the rest of the country, motorcycles do not blow their horns all the time. Hoi An is also known for its silk lanterns, which feature flexible bamboo frames designed to collapse, so they can be easily transported home as a souvenir. If you’re in town after dusk, you’ll see the streets beautifully lit with these lanterns.
Experience Vietnam yourself with Bunnik Tours
Want to experience the natural beauty of Vietnam? At Bunnik Tours, we offer a range of small group tours, where you can discover local gems like Halong Bay and the historical Cu Chi Tunnels and visit all the most beautiful places in Vietnam. A country brimming with culture and breathtaking natural beauty, we think a trip to Vietnam should be on everyone’s bucket list!. Book a tour online or contact one of our friendly Travel Specialists to learn more about our Asia tours today.
FAQs
What is the no.1 tourist spot in Vietnam?
Ha Long Bay is often considered the number one tourist spot in Vietnam. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning seascape of limestone pillars and emerald waters, offering cruise tours and a unique natural beauty.
What is the best month to visit Vietnam?
The best months to visit Vietnam are generally from November to April when the weather is more moderate and less humid. This period covers the dry season in most parts of the country, offering pleasant conditions for travel and sightseeing.
What is the best way to see Vietnam?
The best way to see Vietnam is on a small group tour. At Bunnik Tours we offer a range of Vietnam tours where you will discover all that this fascinating country has to offer. Choose between our 13 day Highlights of Vietnam or 20 day Vietnam in Depth small group tours. On these Vietnam tours you’ll experience the bustle of capital city Hanoi, see the stunning Presidential Palace and the pristine Temple of Literature. You will also explore the intriguing Chu Chi Tunnels, cruise along the Mekong River, try a traditional Banh Mi and see the most beautiful places in Vietnam.
Which is better, North or South Vietnam?
It depends on what you want to see and do. The north is ideal if you like culture, history, and diverse scenery. The south is more coastal with stunning beaches, floating markets and charming UNESCO architecture. Additionally, the climate in the north and the south differs. The north experiences cool, damp winters and hot dry summers. The south has a more consistent tropical climate, with a wet season between May and November.
Where should I go first in Vietnam?
Hanoi is a good place to start your Vietnam holiday. The city itself is very interesting with lots to see and do. As the bustling capital of Vietnam, you will experience real Vietnamese life here. Some must- do things include visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, discovering Hanoi on a city tour and enjoying a traditional Vietnamese ‘banh mi’ breakfast.
How many days are enough for Vietnam?
The ideal duration for a trip to Vietnam can vary based on your interests and the places you want to visit. A trip to cover the major highlights in Vietnam will usually require around 13 to 20 days.
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