Vietnam is a beautiful country in Southeast Asia, located along the South China Sea. It’s known for its stunning beaches, winding rivers, ancient pagodas, and lively cities.
The capital, Hanoi, reflects the country’s rich history and is home to the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, built in honor of Vietnam’s former leader. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) features impressive French colonial buildings, war museums, and the historic Củ Chi Tunnels used during the Vietnam War.
The charming town of Hội An stands out for its unique mix of architecture, including the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. In central Vietnam, Huế is known for its massive Citadel, once the royal seat of the Nguyễn Dynasty.
The Mekong Delta in the south is a network of rivers and islands, known for its floating markets and colorful Khmer temples. In the north, Hạ Long Bay is famous for its peaceful waters and limestone islands, best explored by boat or kayak.
For beach lovers, places like Phú Quốc Island, Nha Trang, and Mũi Né offer plenty of sunshine, swimming, diving, and water sports. Meanwhile, the mountain areas around Sapa in the north are popular for trekking and visiting local hill tribes.
Places to visit in Vietnam
Hạ Long Bay
Hạ Long Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, is famous for its clear green waters and thousands of limestone islands covered in forests. Visitors can explore the bay on boat tours or by kayak, passing unique islands named for their shapes, like Stone Dog and Teapot. The area is also great for scuba diving, hiking, and rock climbing, especially around Cát Bà National Park.
Phú Quốc
Phú Quốc is a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand, near Cambodia. It’s well-known for its soft white-sand beaches, clear water, and luxury beach resorts along its southwest coast. More than half of the island is part of Phú Quốc National Park, which offers hiking through thick jungle, mountain views, and wildlife spotting. The main town, Dương Đông, has busy markets with local food, crafts, and seafood.
Củ Chi Tunnels
The Củ Chi Tunnels, found just outside Ho Chi Minh City, are a large underground system used during the Vietnam War. Built by the Viet Cong, these tunnels were used for shelter, transport, communication, storage, and even hospitals and kitchens during combat.
Bái Đính Temple
Located in Ninh Bình Province, Bái Đính Temple is the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam. It includes both old and new temples on Bái Đính Mountain and is a popular place for religious visits and cultural sightseeing.
Imperial City of Huế
The Imperial City in Huế is a large walled area once used by Vietnam’s emperors. Protected by thick stone walls and a moat filled with water from the Perfume River, it was the center of royal life and politics under the Nguyễn Dynasty. Visitors can explore its historic gates, palaces, and ancient buildings.
Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park
Located in central Vietnam, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is known for its beautiful mountains, thick forests, and one of the world’s most impressive cave systems. It includes Sơn Đoòng, the world’s largest cave, and Phong Nha Cave, which is so big that boats can enter. The park is also home to rare animals like tigers and bears.
Marble Mountains
Just outside Da Nang, the Marble Mountains are five rocky hills named after the five natural elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The mountains are filled with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist temples. Visitors can hike to the top of Mount Thuy for great views.
Hoàn Kiếm Lake
In the heart of Hanoi, Hoàn Kiếm Lake is a peaceful place where locals walk, exercise, and relax. Also called Hồ Gươm, the lake is surrounded by legends and is a key gathering spot in the city’s old quarter.
Fansipan
Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam and in all of Indochina, earning it the title “Roof of Indochina.” It formed over 250 million years ago and is a popular destination for mountain climbers and nature lovers. A cable car now makes it easier for visitors to reach the summit.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, this beautiful church was built by the French in the late 1800s. Known as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, it features red bricks imported from France and a classic design that still stands out in the modern city.
Top Destinations in Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city full of history and culture, shaped by Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. At its center is the lively Old Quarter, where narrow streets are grouped by traditional trades. Small temples like Bach Ma, which honors a legendary horse, can be found here, along with the busy Đồng Xuân Market, known for local goods and tasty street food.
Ho Chi Minh City
Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is located in southern Vietnam and is famous for its role during the Vietnam War. The city features impressive French colonial buildings, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, made with materials brought from France, and the Central Post Office from the 1800s. The streets are full of energy, especially near Bến Thành Market, where food stalls and shops draw locals and tourists alike.
Hạ Long Bay
Hạ Long Bay, in northern Vietnam, is known for its calm green waters and thousands of limestone islands covered with lush greenery. Visitors can explore the bay on traditional boats or by kayak, passing islands with fun names like Stone Dog and Teapot. The area is perfect for outdoor lovers, offering scuba diving, rock climbing, and hiking, especially in Cát Bà National Park.
