The most beautiful things to see in Vietnam combine natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and vibrant local traditions that leave travelers amazed. From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Vietnam offers a blend of breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences.
Every corner of the country reflects a story, whether it is the limestone peaks rising dramatically over turquoise seas, the peaceful rice terraces cascading down Sapa’s mountains, or the spiritual serenity of temples and pagodas.
Tourists from around the globe continue to fall in love with Vietnam because it caters to every type of traveler. Adventure seekers find joy in trekking and exploring caves, while history lovers walk through the imperial past of Hue.
Food enthusiasts, on the other hand, indulge in authentic Vietnamese flavors. With such diversity, Vietnam never feels repetitive.
Without further ado, let’s first take a look at the best places to visit in Vietnam. It also has my best tips on how to navigate this incredible country for a smooth journey.
Best Places to Go in Northern Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam, and it’s no wonder why. The city is bustling, the food is incredible, and the cafes are a hidden escape from the hustle.
The highlight for me was the famous train street! After all, it’s a bucket list experience and one of the reasons I wanted to visit Vietnam! Getting onto the street can be challenging, so be sure to read up on my top tips for visiting the Hanoi train street.
There are endless things to do in Hanoi. I’d recommend 4 days in Hanoi, including day trips to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay. So 2 days exploring Hanoi itself.
In those 2 days, stroll through the Old Quarter and don’t miss the coffee shop scene with specialties like coconut iced coffee and salted iced lattes (my fav!). You have to visit the Instagrammable cafe, The Note Cafe, where you can stick notes on the wall.
Also, there’s a really cool Water Puppet Show near to the Hoan Kiem Lake, which apparently is a must-see when coming to Vietnam.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay tops the list of the most beautiful things to see in Vietnam. Known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts millions of visitors each year. You can take a cruise through the bay, explore mysterious caves, and enjoy kayaking around secluded lagoons. The sunsets over Halong Bay create postcard-perfect moments you’ll never forget.
That means there will be crowds. After a lot of research and hearing from others, I found out that Ha Long Bay was too touristy. That it kind of ruined the experience if you did it the wrong way.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh, a small town located only an hour away from Hanoi, is another great place to visit that you may not have heard of. The city itself is nothing special in particular, but what makes Ninh Binh worth your visit is all the beautiful nature surrounding the city that you can explore.
Places like Hang Mua Cave Viewpoint will allow you to see clearly just how beautiful the landscape around Ninh Binh is.
To get to the viewpoint, you will have to climb 500 steps up the stone stairs before you arrive at the top, where you will be able to see the stunning limestone mountains surrounded by rice paddies as the Tam Coc river runs through them.
Sapa
Sapa is one of favorite places in Vietnam. The area is full of beautiful mountains and hills with rice terraces for me to hike around in the cool breeze of the highlands.
Sapa is also home to the Black Hmong minorities, and they will make themselves known immediately when your bus rolls into Sapa.
Sapa is a prime place for tourists to hang out and for the Hmong minorities to make money, so you might get overwhelmed by the number of people trying to sell you trinkets.
Do not let that deter you from visiting Sapa, though, as the place has a lot to offer: a unique experience of staying in a homestay with the locals in the mountains, hiking around the rice fields, and exploring the hills of Sapa on a two-wheeler. That’s gotta be some of the best motorbiking in Vietnam!
Phong Nha
If you are looking for a little adventure in Vietnam, the cave region of the country that has been steadily gaining popularity is Phong Nha.
It is home to the largest cave in the world, the Son Doong Cave, and is a must-visit.Phong Nha is probably one of the few places on this list that is still considered off-the-beaten-path in Vietnam, and for good reasons.
The area is extremely remote and surrounded by nothing but rice paddies and sandstone mountains. Underneath these sandstone mountains and hidden in plain sight are some of the most beautiful natural caves in the world.
Some claim that the largest cave in the world, the Son Doong Cave located right here in Ninh Binh, is so massive that the cave has its own weather system.
How long do you want to spend in Vietnam?
Ideally, you should spend 3-4 weeks to see all that Vietnam has to offer. There are so many places spread out from North to South. Otherwise, pick a region and stay for a couple of days there.
- Northern Vietnam (7-8 days)
- Central Vietnam (6-7 days)
- Southern Vietnam (5-6 days)
FAQs about the Most Beautiful Things to See in Vietnam
What is the number one most beautiful place to visit in Vietnam?
Halong Bay is often considered the most beautiful destination in Vietnam due to its limestone islands and emerald waters.
Which city in Vietnam is the best for culture and history?
Hue is the best for cultural exploration, offering the Imperial City, temples, and royal tombs.
Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Yes, Hoi An is one of the most beautiful towns in Vietnam, famous for lantern festivals, tailor shops, and riverside charm.
What is the best way to see Vietnam’s natural beauty?
Travelers should visit Sapa for mountains, Ninh Binh for landscapes, and Phong Nha for caves. Boat tours and treks are highly recommended.
When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
Spring (March–April) and Autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather, making it the ideal time to explore the most beautiful things to see in Vietnam.
Final Thought
Vietnam is a country that truly captivates travelers with its blend of natural beauty, ancient heritage, and vibrant culture. From the emerald waters of Halong Bay to the colorful lanterns of Hoi An, every corner offers a story worth experiencing.
Whether you’re seeking adventure in the mountains of Sapa, relaxation on the beaches of Phu Quoc, or history in the imperial city of Hue, Vietnam never disappoints.
The most beautiful things to see in Vietnam are not just about stunning landscapes, but also about the people, traditions, and flavors that make every journey unforgettable.
No matter how many days you spend here, Vietnam will always leave you wanting to return.
