Most amazing places to see in Vietnam: Mountains to Islands(2025)

Planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025? From the limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the mountain rice terraces of Sapa, this guide covers the 12 best places to visit across Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. Discover ancient towns, pristine beaches, and hidden gems perfect for every traveler.

vietnam tourist places

✨ Explore Vietnam’s most breathtaking destinations – ancient towns, limestone karsts, bustling cities, and untouched islands await.

1. Ha Long Bay – The Jewel of Northern Vietnam

A breathtaking view of Halong Bay with boats navigating through limestone islands.

With nearly 2,000 limestone islands rising from emerald waters, Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonder.

🛳️ Why Go: Perfect for an overnight cruise, where you can kayak through hidden lagoons, visit floating villages, and even explore island caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave).

📌 Tip: Choose a 2D/1N cruise for a slower, richer experience with stops at Ti Top Island and Luon Cave.

2. Hanoi – Where Tradition Meets Chaos

Bustling outdoor street market in Hanoi featuring colorful produce and local vendors.

Vietnam’s capital is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Narrow alleys buzz with scooters, and the air smells of grilled meats and fresh herbs.

🏯 Must See: Hoan Kiem Lake, Train Street, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

☕ Experience: Sip egg coffee in a secret rooftop café overlooking the Old Quarter.

📍 Local Hack: Walk early mornings around Hoan Kiem Lake to see locals practicing tai chi.

3. Sapa – Vietnam’s Mountainous Soul

sapa

Scenic view of rice terraces with farmers in traditional wear during harvest season.

Nestled near the Chinese border, Sapa is home to ethnic minorities like the Hmong, Dao, and Tay, who live in scenic villages scattered among rice terraces.

🥾 Trek To: Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Cat Cat Village.

🏡 Stay In: A hilltop eco-lodge with panoramic mountain views.

📷 Travel Tip: Visit in September for golden rice terraces or in December for light snowfall.

4. Hoi An – The Lantern-Lit Dream

A lively aerial scene with boats, bridge, and colorful town, showcasing a bustling riverside activity.

This riverside town is a photographer’s paradise and Vietnam’s most romantic destination.

🛍️ Unique To Do: Get a suit custom-tailored in 24 hours.

🎉 When To Go: Visit during the monthly full moon festival when motorbikes are banned from the old town and thousands of lanterns light up the streets.

🍜 Try: Cao Lau – a noodle dish unique to Hoi An made with water from ancient Cham wells.

5. Da Nang – Coastal Vibes with a Modern Twist

da nang

Often overlooked, Da Nang offers pristine beaches and a booming café scene, sandwiched between Hoi An and Hue.

🌉 Highlight: The Golden Bridge (Bà Nà Hills) – held by two giant stone hands overlooking the hills.

🏄 Extra: Surf at My Khe Beach or ride the Hai Van Pass by motorbike – one of Vietnam’s most scenic routes.

6. Hue – The Former Imperial Capital

Asian woman in traditional attire stands before Hue Imperial City, Vietnam's historic landmark.

Hue carries an air of nostalgia with its crumbling citadel walls, ancient tombs, and poetic river views.

🏯 Visit: The Imperial City (like a mini Forbidden City), Khai Dinh’s Tomb, and Thien Mu Pagoda.

🍜 Eat: Bun Bo Hue – a spicy beef noodle soup unique to this region.

🚴‍♂️ Explore: Rent a bike and ride along the Perfume River for peaceful scenery.

7. Ninh Binh – A Scenic Secret

Aerial view of a scenic river cutting through lush green fields with towering limestone mountains under a clear sky.

Vibrant boat festival at Trang An with colorful festivities and scenic nature.

Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh offers similar limestone karsts surrounded by rice paddies and rivers.

🚣 Don’t Miss: A boat ride through Trang An’s caves or the lotus-filled Tam Coc.

🌄 Climb: Hang Mua Peak for the most stunning panoramic view in Vietnam.

🐐 Local Dish: Try mountain goat meat – a delicacy of the region.

8. Ho Chi Minh City – Energy & Ambition

ho chi minh

Saigon is Vietnam’s economic engine – sleek skyscrapers meet French colonial architecture, street vendors compete with high-end bars.

📜 Top Sites: War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels (day trip), Notre-Dame Cathedral.

🎉 Nightlife: Chill Skybar or Bui Vien Street for wild backpacker vibes.

🛵 Local Way: Book a vintage Vespa street food tour at night.

9. Phong Nha – Adventure Capital

Explore the intricate formations of a limestone cave, showcasing surreal stalactites and stalagmites.

If you’re a spelunker or thrill-seeker, this is your paradise. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is full of massive, mysterious caves.

🕳️ Top Caves: Paradise Cave (beautifully lit), Dark Cave (zip-lining, swimming), and Son Doong (requires permit, multi-day trek).

🌲 Bonus: Stay in a riverside farmstay and enjoy rural Vietnam at its best.

10. Mekong Delta – Life on the River

Experience a serene riverboat journey through lush tropical palms in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Southern Vietnam’s lush Mekong Delta is made of a network of rivers, canals, rice paddies, and floating markets.

🚤 Must-Do: Cai Rang Floating Market at dawn.

🍍 Eat: Fresh fruit from a boat vendor and try “hu tieu” – the regional noodle soup.

🏡 Stay: A homestay with a local family for a deep cultural experience.

11. Mui Ne – Vietnam’s Desert by the Sea

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Kitesurfers walk and surf on a sunny beach with wind turbines in the background, capturing a vibrant seaside activity scene.

A laid-back coastal town with both red and white sand dunes, perfect for budget beach lovers and adrenaline seekers.

🪂 Activities: Kitesurfing, sandboarding, quad biking.

🧚‍♀️ Hidden Gem: Fairy Stream – a shallow, red-soiled stream flanked by cliffs and lush greenery.

🛏️ Stay Tip: Budget bungalows and beach resorts line the coast affordably.

12. Con Dao Islands – Off-the-Grid Paradise

Discover a breathtaking aerial view showcasing vibrant lake islands surrounded by lush forests.

These remote islands boast turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a haunting past from French colonial prisons.

🐢 Wildlife: See green sea turtles nesting on secluded beaches.

🤿 Best For: Diving and snorkeling – vibrant coral and shipwrecks abound.

✈️ Getting There: Short flight from Ho Chi Minh City or ferry from Vung Tau.

🏝️ 13.Phú Quốc Island – Vietnam’s Island Paradise

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 With white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, vibrant night markets, and lush jungles, it’s perfect for both honeymooners and laid-back adventurers.

🌴 Top Beaches:

  • Sao Beach – Powdery white sand and turquoise water

  • Long Beach – Sunset views and beach bars

  • Ganh Dau – Quieter northern stretch ideal for peace and snorkeling

🧭 Things to Do:

  • Snorkel or dive around the An Thoi Archipelago

  • Ride the world’s longest overwater cable car to Hòn Thơm Island

  • Visit Phú Quốc Prison Museum for a glimpse into its wartime past

  • Explore pepper farms and fish sauce factories – local specialties

🏨 Where to Stay:
Choose from budget beach bungalows to 5-star resorts like JW Marriott or InterContinental.

📅 Best Time to Visit:
November to April (dry season) is ideal for beach weather and clear seas.

🌏 Pro Travel Tips for Visiting Vietnam

  • 🛂 Visa: Most nationalities can apply for a 30-day e-visa online. 

  • 💰 Budget: Backpacker daily budget ~$25–35 USD | Mid-range ~$50–100 USD

  • 📱 Connectivity: Buy a Viettel or Mobifone SIM at the airport for 4G coverage almost everywhere

  • 🧼 Health Tip: Avoid tap water. Stick to bottled water and street food from busy stalls.

Get best deals on hotels: Check prices

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