The Land Of Ascending Dragon: 14 Best Places To See In Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO heritage site, famous for its emerald green waters and a variety of limestone islands topped by rainforest. You will be able to see many age-old caves and centuries-old formations and indulge in activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. The beauty of this place is truly incomprehensible. Do not forget to visit the floating village to get to know about the fish communities that have lived on the water for a long time.

Must Visit: Dau Go Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Bai Chay Beach

A surreal town that will take you back to the simpler ways of life, Sapa and The Tonkinese Alps are deep valleys of magnificent rich terraces that are still farmed the same way as the age-old agricultural techniques. Encounter white-water rivers among rice fields and sky-reaching mountains. Take a six kilometre cable car journey that will take you to the summit of Mount Fansipan. You can't miss out on the Bac Ha market, which bursts to life with traders from different communities, all decked in traditional garb.

Touted as one of the most beautiful waterfalls on earth, Dietan Waterfalls lies on the border of China and Vietnam, making it the second-largest transnational waterfall in the world. Breathtaking doesn't do the place justice, and it's an absolutely unforgettable experience that should be had when in Vietnam. 

Timings: Open 24 hours

Hanoi is an inevitable addition to your Vietnam itinerary, and it absolutely should be. The city is beautiful, boasting old-world charm and seamlessly blending it with modern skyscrapers and architecture. Visit temples, cafes, and gothic cathedrals, which will give you an insight into its rich heritage and cultural practices.

Must Visit: Old Quater, Train Street, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison Memorial, French Quater, Lake Ho Hoan Kiem, Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, Huu Tiep Lake, Tam Coc, and Trang An.

Hoi An is situated along the central coast and is known as the Ancient Town. It is famous for being a melting pot of history, encompassing architecture and styles such as Chinese wooden shop houses, French colonial buildings, Vietnamese tube houses, and the Japanese pagoda. Everything here is very well preserved and effectively connotes the tumultuous history of the country. The city is also known as the tailoring capital. You'll find multiple shops that can bring your Pinterest board to life within a few hours; we highly recommend getting something tailored for yourself, which will also serve as a souvenir for days to come!

Must Visit: Chua Cau, An Bang Beach, Old House of Tan Ky, and Hoi An Night Market.

A lush green province alongside Vietnam's Red River Delta, this is highly recommended for all nature enthusiasts out there. With several enthralling trekking trails, caves, and wildlife, Ning Binh Province captures nature in all its glory and also offers some of the best local cuisine in all of Vietnam. In addition, you can visit the largest Buddhist temple complex in the country.

Must Visit: Mua Cave, Cuc Phuong Bay, Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary, and Bich Dong Pagoda

Locally known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular cities in Vietnam, especially among tourists. Carrying the dark colonial past of wartime and its aftermath, this city is full of museums and memorials with some ornate temples and canals. It is a definite visit for anyone who wants to dive deep into a country's past.

Must Visit: Cu Chi Tunnel, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, and Independence Palace 

This province borders China and is renowned for its limestone and granite mountains. Misty mountains, caves, and terraced rice fields make this the perfect place to immerse yourself in the lap of nature and experience a laidback life for some time. We also highly recommend this place for a road trip because of the magnificent and enchanting views.

Must Visit: Ha Giang, Hoang Su Phi District, Dong Van District, and Ma Pi Leng Pass

Hue was the national capital of Vietnam from 1803 to 1945 and was once ruled by the Nguyen dynasty. The city houses many palaces and shrines, offering a nuanced glimpse of the country's past. It is a stellar place to visit with family and learn about the world's history through Vietnam's lens.

Must Visit: Imperial City (Citadel), Thien Mu Pagoda, Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, and the Perfume River

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a vast landscape primarily formed by limestone and tropical forest. The space harbours many endangered species along with a coherent ecosystem, showcasing rich geological diversity, including caves and rivers.

Timings: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

If you are a through-and-through water baby and happiest near beaches, then Nha Trang will be the most epic visit for you. Encircled by beaches and islands, this coastal resort city offers mouthwatering seafood that will have you wishing to stay there forever. It is the seafood capital of Vietnam, and the clear water and tall palm views all around are what dreams are made of. 

Must Visit: Ponager Temple, Long Son Pagoda, Hon Tam, and Vin Wonders Nha Trang

The Mekong River Delta will have you tasting exotic fruits and exploring markets, all with open skies and river boat rides. The banks of the river are lined with a number of towns, temples, and colonial mansions, known to showcase minority communities and their lives alongside rivers. It's the perfect place to find some peace and calm as a solo traveller. Oh, and the food is absolutely unskippable.

Must Visit: Can Tho, Cai Be, Chau Doc, Sa Dec, and Ben Tre

Part of the wet tropical forest complex, Cat Tien National Park is a reserve of natural resources and endemic genes of flora and fauna. This place was also selected as one of 200 global ecological lands by WWF, very significant for the boost of the socio-economy of the region.

Timings: 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM

A prominent part of Vitenam's central highlands surrounded by lakes, pine forests, and waterfalls, Da Lat is regarded as the 'City of Eternal Spring'. Here, you can spot a variety of exotic flowers and fruits, revel in the beauty of evergreen forests, and get lost in the remnants of colonial heritage.

Must Visit: Crazy House, Datanla Waterfalls, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, and Tea Plantations