Dalat city tour

Great places to visit, when you come to Vietnam. Hanoi Old Quarter Travel would like to share with you know the basics of planning a trip to Vietnam, let’s dive into this guide on where to go in Vietnam and what places not to miss on your Vietnam trip! Here is our list on the 26 best places to visit in Vietnam – as recommended by fellow travel bloggers!

Vietnam Map

The most attractive destinations you can’t miss. Discover the absolute best places to visit in Vietnam in this comprehensive guide. We highlight everything you need to know about planning a Vietnam itinerary, plus pro tips on what to do and where to go in Vietnam.

Best Places to visit in Northern Vietnam

1. Hanoi

Hanoi city

Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant chaotic streets showcasing everything from broken down shophouses to colorful exteriors have long made it a pitstop on any northern Vietnam itinerary. As the capital city, Hanoi offers visitors a glimpse into traditions still evident on the streets today. Here old and new seamlessly blend, making Hanoi a melting pot of culture, history, tradition, and authentic cuisine.

The Old Quarter is the beating heart of Hanoi, and probably where you’ll spend most of your time. With its deep-rooted history dating back more than 1000 years, the Old Quarter has something for everyone, no matter your interests! Shopaholics and shutterbugs shouldn’t miss getting lost in the maze of shops and alleys lining the 36 Pho Phuong (merchant streets). Here you’ll find local merchants grouped by the wares they sell – from flowers and jewelry to silks and toys to name just a few. Here endless photo ops and a chance to experience the city like a real local awaits you around every corner. Those seeking to explore the natural beauty, albeit not any less chaotic side of the Old Quarter, be sure to head to Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi is a huge must when planning where to go in Vietnam, Beside there you can visit alot of destination such as Tran Quoc pagoda, West lake, Ethnic museum, Opera house, Long Bien bridge, The red river, Thang Long ancient capital and any visit here will be rewarded with unique foodie experiences, relaxing strolls, unique architecture, bountiful of museums, and even puppet shows. Whatever you do though – don’t miss popping by Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, stepping foot in the Museum of Literature and getting a bird’s-eye view of the cityscape at the Lotte Tower Observation Deck. Grabbing a bowl of pho and an ice-cold bai hoi, or a Vietnamese egg coffee at one of the sidewalk cafes for some good old fashioned people watching should not be missed either. Surround Hanoi city you can visit many other places such as Perfume pagoda, Thay Pagoda, Bat Trang sceramic village and Duong Lam ancient village… Since Hanoi is a popular tourist hot spot, there’s no shortage of excellent accommodation from budget to luxury, you can choice reasonable accommodation according your trip. That way, you can get a real feel of what the city has on offer.

2. Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay

The karst seascape of Halong Bay is one of the world’s most spellbinding sea views and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of limestone islands sit within this bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, eroded into jagged pinnacles by wind and water action over millennia. With the bay’s scenery best seen by boat, this is prime cruising territory. Opt for at least a day trip or overnight tour to see Halong Bay’s iconic views. There are plenty of caves in the bay that can be entered including the Hang Sung Sot, Drum Cave, Dau Go Cave, Trinh Nu Cave with superbly weird stalagmites and stalactites. For most people though, the highlight is simply cruising amid the karsts and soaking up the changing scenery of pinnacles as you pass by. Beside there are alot of activities you can join such as swimming, playing kayaking, hiking, visiting fishing village, exploring the caves and enjoy delicious local food.. All these wonderful things will make you have great trip in Halong.

3. Cat Ba

Cat Ba Island and Cat Ba town

Cat Ba Island is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. The island is easily reached from Hanoi/Hai Phong by bus. You’ll first need to travel to Cat Hai (a small island). Then take a short ferry and finally hop on another bus that makes various stops on Cat Ba Island. The main town on the island, also called Cat Ba, is a laid back place in a beautiful setting. From Cat Ba town, visitors can tour the island (best done via motorbike) or join a boat tour of Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba National Park is a stunning area that covers a large chunk of the island. The geography of the park is like Ha Long Bay without the water. For a great view of the harbor and town below, a short hike up to an old fort (now with a monument at the summit) is the perfect place for a panorama of Cat Ba town. Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful natural scenes in Southeast Asia, and Cat Ba Island is the perfect gateway to explore the area. Most visitors come to Cat Ba for a calmer alternative to see Ha Long Bay than from Ha Long city. Two to three full days on Cat Ba Island is enough time to adequately explore the national park and the bay, although an extra day or so is welcome for most travelers.

4. Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay

Most people who visit the North of Vietnam head to the magnificent Ha Long Bay. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. However, as a result of overtourism, it’s lost part of its charm. Nowadays, there are so many vessels moving around Ha Long Bay that your experience there ends up being crowded and you often hear loud music coming from the party boats – not to mention the high amount of plastic and garbage that floats around the sea. One of the best things to do in Vietnam as an alternative to visiting Ha Long Bay is doing a tour of Bai Tu Long Bay. This is very similar in terms of sights and things to do, and in fact, you will be cruising across Ha Long Bay in bits. However, as the final destination is different, you will follow a different route and there will be fewer vessels around – so you will be able to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and you’ll have the views all to yourself. Tours of Bai Tu Long Bay normally last two full days. You will spend a full day on the boat doing things such as kayaking, swimming in the turquoise waters of the bay, exploring the many caves and visiting oyster farms. The second day is usually spent on a local island where you’ll get to sleep in a homestay. There, you’ll have a chance to cook dinner with the family, explore the island by bike and on foot, and get to know a bit of local culture before heading back to Hanoi.

5. Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay

Located to the south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, home of Cat Ba Island, spreads over an area of more than 7,000 ha, of which 5,400 ha are under the management of Cat Ba National Park. You can visit Lan Ha Bay during a Halong Bay overnight cruise, or rent a boat and start your journey from Cat Ba Island. While the administrative boundaries place Lan Ha Bay within Hai Phong Province (not Quang Ninh Province, to which Halong Bay belongs), the similarity in its formations, with some 400 islets scattered over the area, means that locals and tourists alike mutually acknowledge it as a part of the vast Halong Bay zone. Unlike its famous neighbour, Lan Ha Bay reserves a more pristine scenery with an intense concentration of limestone mountains, which the sea surface has partitioned into smaller bays and gulfs. With over a hundred beautiful, small beaches lying at the feet of the mountains, there is no problem finding a good spot for swimming, organizing a private beach BBQ, or an overnight camp. Just imagine, after a long day of exploration in caves and grottos, you can totally relax while bathing in the azure waters and breathing the salty sea breeze of Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay has gradually gained popularity, thanks to its unspoiled and magnificent natural beauty, and as people look for pristine and less-crowded destinations. Just 30 minutes by boat from Cat Ba Island, you will be charmed by breath-taking views of the bay. A rock-climbing & deep water soloing or snorkelling & diving trip is also a great idea. Lan Ha Bay, among the three bays in Halong Bay zone, is considered to have the best water quality for diving and good conditions for rock-climbing (both on Cat Ba Island and on the bay). For overnight stays, Lan Ha Bay offers many options of hotels, hostels, and bungalows on Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai Village, and Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island), or you can choose to spend your night on a cruise or junk boat, surrounded by rock and water. In comparison to the core Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is not as popular as Halong Bay, but if you would like to discovery magnificent natural beauty and less busy place. Lan Ha Bay is one of the best choice for you.

6. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh Tam Coc

Ninh Binh is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam. In here there are alot of beautiful and famous destination where you shouldn’t miss such as Hoa Lu ancient capital, Tam Coc – where you can enjoy unique boat trip to visit three caves, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An cave complex, Van Long Reserve, Cuc Phuong national park, Phat Diem Church, Thung Nham, Thung Nang, Bich Dong Pagoda, Thien Ha Cave and Mua Cave – breathtaking views from the 500 stairs of Mua Caves.. Your Vietnamese bucket list cannot miss out on Ninh Binh, a lush and epic paradise just outside of Hanoi!

7. Sapa

Sapa Vietnam

Located up in the mountains is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam – Sapa. If you are looking to get outside of the cities and into nature, there is no better choice than here. To get to Sapa the best option is either by bus or train for Hanoi. Both are a long journey taking around 5 to 8 hours. Whether you prefer to relax or outdoor activities there is something to do for everyone. One of the most popular activities is trekking in Sapa. The views are incredible over the green or yellow rice terraces and the traditional villages streng follow the valley will make you feel amazing, there are different difficulty levels trekking depending on your fitness. You should split your time between the main Sapa town, Sapa church and Sapa market, where you will find the restaurants and shops, and another local villages such as Cat Cat, Sin Chai, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ta Phin, Ban Ho… There are plenty of homestays in Ta Van where you can gain an understanding of local life by living with a family. You are also can explore other famous destination in Sapa such as Ham Rong mountain, Silver waterfall, Fansipan mountain…Make sure you spend at least 1 night exploring Sapa and the surrounding villages. You will be astonished by the beauty which makes it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

8. Mai Chau – Hoa Binh

Mai Chau - Moc Chau Tours

Mai Chau is an attractive destination not only to international tourists to Vietnam but to domestic travelers as well. The idyllic valley of Hoa Binh Province offers great day trips from Hanoi on the weekends, especially when it’s only 130km away. You’ll find yourself getting lost in the nature with green forests, gentle hills, and stilt-house villages. Come to Mai Chau is to come to a laid-back northern village of Thai people, to be a part of a culture, a way of life so different from where you’re from. Mai Chau is indeed the place for those who seek peace of mind, a scenario without the bustling urban noises and come back to what are basics to human’s happiness – beautiful nature and friendliness of the people.

10. Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong

For an off-the-beaten-track nature experience in Vietnam, Pu Luong Nature Reserve can’t be beaten. Located southwest of Hanoi on the border between Thanh Hoa and Hoa Binh provinces, Pu Luong – with its pristine forests and rich biodiversity – has been protected since 1999. Thai, Muong and other ethnic minority communities live inside the Reserve. They are responsible for the towering rice terraces and bamboo waterwheels that make the area so iconic. The Reserve is the perfect spot for trekking. Homestay accommodation can be found in small villages linked by forest paths, with waterfalls, rivers, and mountains to be discovered along the way. For something more relaxing, peaceful Ban Hieu village in the southeast corner of the Reserve is a great spot to unwind. Pu Luong is more remote than nearby Mai Chau, which makes accessing the Reserve a bit tricky. There is no public transport, so the best way to go about this is by organizing a transfer through your accommodation – either from Ninh Binh (approximately 4.5 hours by car) or from Hanoi. It might cost you a little more time and money, but it’s absolutely worth it.

11. Ha Giang

Ha Giang Province in the far north is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Vietnam. Remote and rugged, Ha Giang is a mountainous landscape defined by limestone karsts and deep canyons. High-elevation roads with hairpin bends track between small towns and villages, where members of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities hold weekly produce markets. Hiking between villages via stacked rice terraces and fields of buckwheat is one of the best things to do in Ha Giang. A popular way to see Ha Giang is by riding the Dong Van Pass. the Dong Van Loop and Mapileng pass, a famous road that many choose to navigate on a motorbike (either self-drive or easy rider). You are also can visit Vuong palace and enjoy boat trip on Nho Que river to visit Ha Giang landscape. It’s a little more challenging to get around – but the extra time and money visiting Ha Giang involves is worth it.

12. Ban Gioc Waterfalls

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Few travellers find their way to this thunderous complex of waterfalls on the border with China. A shame, because the Ban Gioc Falls is undoubtedly the most impressive you’ll see in Vietnam. The 30-meter drop might not make it to the record books, but the width of around 200-300 meters and many different cascades definitely make up for its height. These measurements actually make it the 4th largest waterfall that’s shared with two countries, after its famous brothers Iguazu Falls, Victoria Falls, and Niagara Falls. Nearby, you can climb to a pagoda that sits on a hill. From here you’ll get a different perspective of the waterfalls, as well as the towering limestone mountains of this beautiful area.

Best Places to visit in Central Vietnam

13. Phong Nha – Ke Bang

Phong Nha - Ke Bang

The Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in Vietnam is home to the world’s largest cave and the oldest karst mountains in Asia. This 400 million year old site was only discovered 20 years ago and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. Not only has this incredible cave system made the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park the country’s top natural highlight, but the surrounding forest offers jungle trekking and mountain biking opportunities to the more adventurous. These additional activities have caused the area to become popularly known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Asia’. There are over 500 caves in Phong Na, but only 30 are accessible to visitors. The most popular are the Phong Nha Cave, Tra Ang Cave, Paradise Cave, Dark Cave, Hang E Cave, Elephant Cave, Hang Over Cave and the Son Doong Cave. Some are easily accessible while others require a guide and even a zip line across a river! The Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is so much more than just the caves and it has other interesting to discovery as well. Therefore, I would recommend spending at least two or three days, to get the full experience.

14. Quang Tri Province and the Former DMZ

Hue - DMZ Tours

Sandwiched between the popular tourist city of Hue to the south and the former DMZ to the north, sits Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. An off-the-beaten-path tourist destination, Quang Tri Province is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for history lovers. Around Quang Tri Province travelers can visit a number of historical sites relating to the Vietnam war, including the famous former American base at Khe Sanh. Exploring the Vinh Moc tunnels along the former border between North and South Vietnam offers travelers a unique perspective on how the war was fought from the North. Finally, Truong Son Cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of soldiers who lost their lives during the war. Adorned with thousands of incense sticks to honor their memories, it is a sight to see. Just driving through the area, though, there are monuments to the war around almost every bend. The sites around Quang Tri Province are spread out, which requires a local driver and guide who can explain what each site or monument means. Dong Ha, the main city in Quang Tri Province, is a 90-minute drive from Hue. Additionally, it is possible to take a train from Hue to Dong Ha. Travelers looking to dive into the history of Quang Tri Province during the Vietnam War are encouraged to spend 3 to 5 days in the area. The travel time between war sites can vary from short drives to upwards of 2-3 hours. Accommodations in the region are basic but slowly improving. The Province enjoys access to the sea with a sandy beach area located 10 miles from the center of Dong Ha. It’s a welcome relief from a long day of sightseeing.

15. Hue

Hue city Vietnam

Hue is full of history and nothing captures it more than the great Imperial City of Hue, the fortified complex of royal buildings. This was the center of power during the Nguyen Dynasty, which united Vietnam in 1802 and was the last of the imperial dynasties to rule the country. Although many of the buildings inside the Imperial City were damaged during the Vietnam War, it will still take you several hours to see all the temples and palaces properly. Other than the Imperial City (also known as the Citadel), the other most popular sights are the tombs of the emperors, which are stretched out along the Perfume River to the south of Hue. You can join daily tour to visit them as part of a boat cruise. If you’re heading along the river, also look out for the striking Thien Mu Pagoda. Hue is not a particularly large city – especially from a tourist’s perspective – so you can easily walk around its centre. You only need a couple of days to see the main sights and stay at this romantic city.

16. Da Nang

Danang - Ba Na Hill Tours

One of the best places to visit in Vietnam is Da Nang. There is so much to do in Danang, such as swimming or relaxing at the most beautiful beach in Danang, visit the famous Marble Mountain, and explore ancient caves and temples hidden amongst the rocks. Another thing you should also do is visit Ba Na Hill and the Golden Bridge, beside there you can explore, Linh Ung Tu pagoda, Son Tra peninsula, Cham Museum and other relics in Da Nang city as well. Specialy if you are lucky you can enjoy Danang Firework festival. It is possible to stay in Da Nang for a night or more than, it is better for you to explore this great city.

17. Hoi An

Hoi An Vietnam

Steeped in history, and any culture seekers dream, Hoi An is simply a must on your ‘where to go in Vietnam’ list. And for an excellent reason. This sleepy town packs a bunch of exciting activities for anyone craving small-town vibes, especially after experiencing the bustle of bigger cities in Vietnam. At the heart of Hoi An lies The Ancient Town, which also happens to be a world-renowned UNESCO site. The Old Town is home to everything from wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colorful French colonial buildings, decorative Vietnamese tube houses and the mesmerizing Old Bridge built by the Japanese. In short, you wouldn’t find a better place to experience rustic Vietnam than here, where a mix of eras and styles seamlessly blend together. Wander or even bike along quaint streets lined with colorful shophouses, hipster cafes, and funky art galleries. Or better yet, get lost in the maze of nooks and crannies which dot off around every corner. One of Hoi An’s biggest draws apart from its deep-rooted history is its arts. Whatever you do don’t leave Hoi An without taking a lantern making class and a getting tailor-made outfit. Those seeking to venture beyond the Old Town, don’t miss one of the glorious sandy beaches nearby. Biking to An Bang Beach is a popular activity for sunshine seekers and beachgoers. Foodies also won’t be disappointed as Hoi An is one of the best places to enjoy authentic street food in Vietnam. To get a real feel of the town and attractions, spend at least 2-3 days here.

18. My Son

My Son

Surrounded by lush jungle-covered mountains, My Son is a ruined Cham era temple city that dates from the 4th century. This old Hindu religious center was still very much in use during the 7th to 10th centuries and only fell into complete decline and abandonment during the 13th century. There are around 20 temple structures still standing here, all built of brick or sandstone blocks and showing interesting influences from various Asian empires, including Indian and Malay. Note that the temples of Group B are the oldest, while Group A once contained the site’s most important monument but was destroyed deliberately by US forces during the Vietnam War. A good museum on-site houses plenty of information on the Cham.

Best Places to visit Vietnam – Southeast Coast

19. Nha Trang

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s premier beach destinations and a must for anyone looking for a cheap beach vacation while in Vietnam. Spend your days lounging around Tran Phu Beach or dipping in the calm waters of the South China Sea. For those wanting to enjoy the beach vibes with a cocktail in hand, drop by the Sailing Club for a well-deserved sundowner. Excitement seekers, on the other hand,  can try their hand at kitesurfing, surfing, snorkeling or cycling along the promenade, nearby. Nha Trang also won’t disappoint shopaholics! Head to the Dam Market which is the perfect spot to pick up local trinkets and cheap knockoffs. The Vinpearl Amusement Park on Hon Tre Island is also a great spot to spend a few hours. Be sure to also visit the massive aquarium and get a bird’s-eye view of the bay by cable car! Besides these, Nha Trang also offers visitors a glimpse into age-old traditions and boasts some great outdoor activities. Pop by the religious towers of Po Nagar Cham Towers for breathtaking views over the Cai River and a peek into this Hindu holy place of worship. If you have a bit more time, consider visiting the Ba Ho Waterfalls for a quick dip in the fresh mountain waters. Or better yet, head to the Hon Khoi Salt Fields for fantastic photo ops. Visiting the nearby hot springs and chilling in a mud bath is another popular treat in Nha Trang. So if you fancy getting yourself covered in mud definitely give it a try! No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone in Nha Trang – making it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam! Spend at least 2-3 days here to really take in the sunshine and enjoy the ocean.

20. Mui Ne

Mui Ne

Mui Ne is a famous beach town, well-known for its quaint fishing village and excellent adventure sports. Although Mui Ne might seem unassuming to most travelers to Vietnam, this weird town (which is just a 4km strip along the coast of Southeast Vietnam) is packed with golden sand beaches and a haven for adrenaline junkies. Kitesurfing, sailing, and windsurfing are just a few of the water sports you can enjoy here! Stop by White Sand Dune where hopping on a quad-bike is a favorite amongst locals and adrenaline junkies. Then head over to Red Dune for the best sunset in town. Some vendors sell local snacks and coconuts near the parking lot, so be sure to grab some refreshments before heading up the dune! The Fairy Stream – where red clay formations and lush vegetation make an exciting backdrop along a gentle stream – is another popular spot for nature seekers. Mui Ne might not be on every traveler’s destination hit-list when planning their Vietnam itinerary, but it’s a good pitstop on your travels. Mũi Né has excellent beaches and an endless supply of adventure sports opportunities. You can enjoy some beach time and see the main sights in a day or two.

21. Vung Tau

Vung Tau

Vung Tau is one of the places that you don’t normally see in travel guides about Vietnam, but what you don’t know is that it’s a little hidden gem not far from Ho Chi Minh City. A place where you can surf, hike or simply have a few lazy days between your long and exhausting trip – a place to breathe a little. Vung Tau is not crowded nor expensive, so you can still enjoy your Vietnam trip. There are hostels for as cheap as $5 or private rooms for as low as $10. You can also rent a motorbike for $5 or less a day. Since it’s a beach town, expect that every restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes without spending too much. You can either come from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau (about 2-3 hour drive) or from Mui Ne. Either way, you can reach it by bus or motorbike. From Ho Chi Minh City, there is also an option to take a ferry ride.

Best Places to visit in Vietnam – Southwest Highlands

22. Dalat

Da Lat

Dalat is a wonderful little surprise. Dalat has the cool weather.  The houses of Dalat will surprise and enchant you. The European feel is charming. There is something for everyone in Dalat from those who want to relax, be adventurous, learn the culture and more. Dalat is a great place for travelers, couples and families. There is plenty to do around Dalat but perhaps the most thrilling thing to do is join daily tour or get on a motorcycle or scooter and ride to, or from Dalat. The green hills and valleys are memorable, creating scenes that are sure to stay with you for a long time to come. If you are not confident enough to ride yourself you can join Dalat tour with Hanoi Old Quarter Travel. You are guaranteed an amazing time, plenty of laughs, and a chance to learn more about Vietnamese culture. The waterfall, flower garden, crazy house and the 100 roof bar are simply unmissable! These are places you will not see anywhere else in Vietnam and are both creative, genius, and wonderful.

23. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

As the former capital of Vietnam and often referred to as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is diverse in all senses imaginable. From its vibrant streets and lively markets selling all kinds of bits and bobs to its street food and deep-rooted history – any visit here is bound to be an unforgettable experience. Ho Chi Minh City might be many things, but the one thing that is bound to leave a lasting impression on you is the absolute chaotic bustle of the city. Which oddly enough seems to be organized chaos!. The streets are filled with different smells and sights. Not to mention scooters and motorbikes racing past, all eagerly honking their way through the dense traffic. Navigating yourself here might be a tad harder than the rest of Vietnam. So if there is one tip, I can give you – watch out for the scooters on the sidewalks! If you aren’t comfortable walking, Grab taxis are plentiful. As for things to do, the options are endless! And any visit here will quickly reveal why HCMC is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. Get a closer look at the city’s pivotal role in the Vietnam War by join Ho Chi Minh tour with Hanoi Old Quarter Travel stepping foot in the War Remnants Museum. Or pop by the Notre-Dame Cathedral – one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. A short stroll away, you can drop by the Saigon Central Post Office where Ho Chi Minh’s picture is on display. The Independence Palace and the Saigon Skydeck are other activities not to miss on your visit here. Also, don’t miss the chance to shop till you drop at Ben Thanh Market – one of the best spots to hunt for local souvenirs! But don’t forget to haggle!

Best Places to visit in the Mekong Delta

24. Cai Be

Cai Be

No visit to Vietnam would be complete without cruising along the Mekong River Delta. If you are pressed for time, Cai Be is the perfect solution. This small fishing village that is home to stilt houses, unique riverscapes, and delicious fresh produce is just a short 2-hour trip away from Ho Chi Minh City and easily explored on a day trip with Asia Discovery Travel is the best choice for you. Usually, these will also include stopping by the world-renowned Cu Chi Tunnels where you can get a glimpse into what life was like for the Viet Cong soldiers on the front lines. Cruising along the Mekong River, canoeing through the mysterious river canals, visiting the floating market, cycling along with lush greenery and sampling some of the local tropical fruit are just a few of the unique things you can enjoy on a day trip to Cai Be. Cai Be doesn’t offer much in terms of accommodation, but it’s a great place to visit in Vietnam even if it is just for a day!

25. Can Tho

Can Tho

Not so many travelers make it down to Can Tho in Southern Vietnam, but it’s well worth adding it to your best places to visit Vietnam itinerary. Located about four hours south from Ho Chi Minh City, or four and a half hours from Ha Tien, the southern border with Cambodia, Can Tho is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta area. The Mekong Delta region grows most of Vietnam’s fruit, and is a prosperous area for rice farming, with 3-4 yields per year. Life here understandably revolves around the river; so as far as attractions in Can Tho go, you’ll want to head out to the water! It’s possible to see the local floating market at sunrise, head to the land market, cycle around the countryside and tour a local cocoa plantation. There are also some museums and temples in Can Tho city, but a big part of visiting the Mekong Delta area is just relaxing and enjoying the surrounding nature. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the country, along with friendly people who love to chat to visitors (because Can Tho is actually quite a large city, many locals can speak great English).

26. Phu Quoc Island

Booking Hotel & Resort

Phu Quoc is the biggest Vietnamese island. It is in the extreme south-west, actually closer to the coast of Cambodia than Vietnam’s mainland. Ho Chi Minh City was hot and hectic and I was looking for some beach time. We arrived by air, but there are ferries too. The island is a Special Economic Zone, which means that tourists can stay 30 days without a visa. Phu Quoc is perfect paradise for relaxing. You can enjoy clean beaches, entertainment parks, a modern aquarium, and zoo safaris. You can visit the Bee Farm, and there was even a night market for those times. The food is delicious, with any number of options to enjoy a yummy prawn barbecue against an ocean sunset backdrop. The island has a full spectrum of accommodation too. Choose the holiday Phu Quoc Island with Hanoi Old Quarter Travel. It could be easier and more simple for you and make sure you will have great time in Phu Quoc.