Let's set out on a journey through ancient streets, emerald waters, and charming villages. If you're the kind of traveller who likes a bit of everything: stunning landscapes, bustling cities, tranquil countryside, and stories that echo through time, Vietnam should be at the top of your bucket list.
From the very first moment you step into Vietnam, something about it grabs you. Maybe it's the scent of pho steaming on a street corner in Hanoi. Or the way the limestone karsts rise dramatically from the water in Ha Long Bay. Maybe it's the warm smiles of locals you meet on a bicycle ride through rice paddies. Or the contrast between glittering skyscrapers and war-scarred relics in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam is more than a destination. It's a mood. A mosaic of moments stitched together with history, resilience, and an almost magnetic charm. If you're booking a full-blown Vietnam tour package, you'll find experiences that linger long after the trip ends. Now, let's wander through some of the most amazing places to visit in Vietnam that tell stories without saying a word.
Hanoi
Start your Hanoi to Ninh Binh route by soaking up the city's rich culture. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a solemn yet fascinating tribute to the country's revolutionary leader. Then stroll to the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist temple rising from a lotus pond, as delicate in form as it is steeped in meaning.
Don't miss the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and a quiet retreat from the urban chaos. Wander through the Old Quarter, where every turn offers something new street food aromas, quirky art galleries, vintage bookshops, and impromptu conversations with friendly locals. The nearby Hoan Kiem Lake provides a reflective escape and a good spot to watch local life in motion.
It's chaotic and colourful, and it's impossible not to fall in love with Hanoi. Plus, it makes a perfect base for day trips from Hanoi, including our next destination, Ninh Binh.
Ninh Binh
Start with a boat trip in Tam Coc, where you'll be rowed (sometimes by foot!) through caves, alongside lush rice fields, and under towering limestone cliffs. The silence here speaks louder than any city buzz.
Explore the mysterious Bich Dong Pagoda tucked into a mountainside and take in panoramic views that feel almost otherworldly. Renting a bicycle for a leisurely ride through the countryside is one of the most rewarding things to do here. It's the kind of place where time slows down, and nature does all the talking.
History buffs will love Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, once home to Vietnamese dynasties, now offering glimpses into the country's royal past.
If you're planning a Vietnam holiday and crave some downtime without giving up the wow factor, Ninh Binh is it.
Ha Long Bay
But here's the thing most people don't realize: A day trip barely scratches the surface. To truly feel the magic, you need an overnight cruise. Watch the sun melt into the sea while sipping tea on the deck. Wake up at dawn as the mist lifts, revealing hidden grottos and rock formations like Fisherman's Head Rock, Butterfly Rock, and Turtle Islet.
Explore mysterious caves, kayak through hidden lagoons, and visit Titov Island for a panoramic hike. Every turn in Ha Long Bay feels like a painting you can step into.
If you're after both adventure and serenity, this is one of the best places in Vietnam to feel completely present.
Ba Na Hills
First things first: Ride the world's longest cable car to the summit. The view? Unforgettable. As clouds swirl below you, it feels like crossing into another world.
At the top, explore the French Village, an unexpected cluster of Gothic-style buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower gardens. It's whimsical, yes, but oddly charming. The star, of course, is the Golden Bridge, held aloft by two giant stone hands emerging from the mountainside. It's Instagram-famous for a reason, but seeing it in real life is surreal.
Perfect for couples, families, or solo travellers looking for an escape from the heat.
Ho Chi Minh City
Start with the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, both sobering yet powerful reminders of Vietnam's turbulent past. In one afternoon, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market to experience the city's French legacy and local flavour.
This is the place for foodies. From sizzling bánh xèo to creamy cà phê sữa đá, the street food here deserves a food tour of its own.
Ho Chi Minh City isn't just a stop on your Vietnam tour package. Its pulse keeps Vietnam charging forward while staying rooted in memory.
Cu Chi Tunnels
On a Cu Chi Tunnels tour, you'll crawl through narrow passages, examine hidden trapdoors and booby traps, and visit recreated command centres. It's uncomfortable. It's intense. But it's also deeply moving.
A few experiences during your Vietnam travel, such as this one, connect you to the country's grit and resilience.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
- Spring (February to April): Expect mild weather, blooming flowers, and ideal trekking or sightseeing conditions. Great for northern regions like Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
- Autumn (August to October): Cooler air, clear skies, and fewer crowds. This is peak time for exploring ancient towns like Hoi An and cruising through Ha Long Bay under perfect sunsets.
Vietnam is a land where contrasts create harmony. Ancient pagodas sit beside high-rises, silent rice fields hide heroic histories, and every meal feels like a story. Whether you're chasing sunsets in Ha Long Bay, wandering through Hoi An's lanterns, or uncovering the secrets of the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam gives you more than just memories; it gives you perspective. So go ahead. Pack your bags, plan that Vietnam tour, and let this captivating country surprise you at every turn.
