You will never be stuck for something to do in Hà Nội, where ancient and proudly preserved Vietnamese culture is felt most keenly by visitors, and progress wrestles with tradition in different districts of the city.

Hà Nội is actually over 1000 years old so the wealth of history here is mind boggling: temples, ancient citadels, unique theatre and stunning wilderness just outside the city all offer fun-filled days in Việt Nam’s capital. Make sure to visit as many of these attractions in Hà Nội as possible because they all offer entertainment, beauty and education at different turns.

Hạ Long Bay is one of the most famous spots in Việt Nam and consists of a series of amazing limestone islands which are also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are some 2,000 islands located in the bay and you will find many of them uninhabited and covered in gorgeous lush vegetation, making them perfect for hiking. If you like walking then you can also enjoy the craggy bluffs that cover the islands of Hạ Long Bay, and you can also explore and discover isolated bays and dainty inlets.

Many of the islands are also home to famous caves where you can go spelunking and although Hạ Long Bay can get quite busy during the high season, there are still some secluded spots to uncover if you are willing to island hop. If you prefer to stay in the thick of things, then you can enjoy seafood barbecues, sea kayaking and a whole host of attractions in the main towns such as forts and other monuments.

Located about 100km south of Hà Nội, Ninh Binh province is blessed with natural beauty, cultural sites.

Far too few travellers make it to Ninh Bình a mesmerizing area known locally as ‘Halong Bay on Land’ thanks to its magical riverine landscape, with sheer limestone mountains rising up from the paddies. The best way to get a sense of this UNESCO-protected site is by taking a paddleboat tour along its shimmering rivers, and climbing to the top of its fabled peaks.

Not only is Ninh Bình a sight for sore eyes, it is one of the best opportunities to see the rural way of living in Việt Nam. The whole province is super relaxed, there’s barely any traffic, the roads are wide and flat, foreigners are few and far between, touts are minimal and it felt extremely surreal – just how the Việt Nam experience should be. It was a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of Hà Nội, that’s for sure. No photos can do this place justice!

Three hours out from the Vietnamese capital of Hà Nội, as you cross into the mountainous Hòa Bình province to the west, the landscape transforms from congested row houses to wide-open rice fields, karst mountains, and quaint wood-and-bamboo villages.

Welcome to Mai Châu – a rural valley whose towering cliffs, unique culture and laid-back atmosphere attract visitors keen to experience the land and lifestyle of Việt Nam’s northwest.

Spend a couple of days here, and you’ll forget what century you’re in. Spend the daylight hours exploring the local Tai Dam and Tai Kao villages and biking around the brilliant-green rice fields, then fill your evenings drinking the local beer and enjoying traditional Tai dances.

Beautiful Sapa is located in the northern mountains of Việt Nam and is made up of a main town in the Mường Hoa Valley. Surrounding Sapa proper you will find a selection of local villages which are the home of some of the ethnic minorities in Việt Nam. This means that this part of the country has a distinct and unique culture which makes a visit here not to be missed if you are in the region. On the outskirts of the town you will find jade hued rice paddies that are cut into the craggy mountain sides and the air is cooler as the mountains covered in a delicate mist. If you like trekking then this is definitely the place to come as the rugged scenery and mountain air makes this the perfect place to get outside and explore.

Quảng Bình Province is in Central Việt Nam. It connects Quảng Bình with Huế, Đà Nẵng and Hội An for Rod of Heritage Road. Quảng Bình is becoming famous for Phong Nha Cave – the world heritage site recognized by UNESCO. Nowadays, it is widely well-known for Son Doong Cave – the new and biggest cave in the world and has set tour each one month.

In addition, there are many beautiful beaches to relax such as Nhật Lệ or Đá Nhảy (Dancing Stone) under Đá Nhảy mountain pass. The best time to visit Quang Binh is summer from May to September. At that time, you can climb up the mountains and swim down in the sea at the same time for the whole day fresh.

Huế is one of the most charming towns in Việt Nam and is located on the banks of the beautifully named Perfume River. This part of Việt Nam has a long and illustrious history as it used to be one of the main royal capitals of the country. As such, history lovers will find a huge amount to enjoy here, from the rambling ancient architecture to the engaging museums that will fill you in on all the details. Many people come here in particular to check out the ancient tombs of former emperors which are dotted all over the city and provide you with a fascinating insight into Hue in the days of old.

As this is a riverfront town, you will also be able to spend time enjoying the cool breezes and the pretty vistas as you stroll along the riverside walkway, and if you want to get out of the town center than you will also be spoiled for choice. There is a number of fascinating day trip locations close to the city, which means that can happily spend a week in Huế and still not see and do everything that this pretty part of Việt Nam has to offer.

Da Nang attractions comprise manmade structures and natural beauty, ranging from centuries-old pagodas, French colonial buildings and gothic-style cathedrals to tranquil beaches, breath-taking mountains, and verdant national parks. If you’re looking to soak up the sun while on vacation, visit Đà Nẵng’s Mỹ Khê Beach and Non Nước Beach for fun-filled activities such as swimming and surfing.

Set within the city centre, Cao Đài Temple and Đà Nẵng Cathedral are religious-themed attractions worthy of a visit while the nearby Marble Mountains fascinates visitors with their many limestone caves used as both hideouts and places of worship. History buffs also have plenty to see as the city is home to several unique museums, which are dedicated to last century’s military conflicts, Việt Nam’s beloved leaders, and remnants of the ancient Cham civilization.

Hội An has a reputation for being one of the prettiest cities in all of Việt Nam and the ancient town here has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its 800 historic buildings. There is a definite ‘old town’ feeling here which is like stepping back into the Việt Nam of ancient times, and the city is also famous as it was never bombed during the Việt Nam War.

Hội An is also located on the Thu Bồn River which is flanked by bars, cafes and local markets and you can walk along the banks at night and take in the views across the rippling water. When you walk around the city, you can take in spots such as museums, ancient homes and pretty temples, and Hội An also has a delicious local food scene. As if that wasn’t enough, the surrounding countryside of Hội An is equally scenic and you can easily take a day trip out to glorious beaches or ruined cities.

Quy Nhơn is the capital city of Bình Định Province. It was previously not well known to tourist compared to Đà Nẵng and Nha Trang. It is known as the birthplace of the Emperor Nguyễn Huệ of Tây Sơn Dynasty, ruthless yet one of the greatest military commander in Việt Nam’s history. Quy Nhơn played an important part during the Việt Nam War as well since it was one of the battlegrounds due to the US military and naval base within the city.

Being a coastal city, Quy Nhơn is a great place for seafood lovers. The local dishes are exceptionally good and the beaches are exquisite. As there currently few travelers within the city, you can expect a much better local experience and interaction. Quy Nhơn is 286 kilometers away from Hội An and it can be reached by plane, bus or private car. It is a great stopover city when traveling Hội An to Nha Trang or Mũi Né and vice versa. For nature and seafood lovers, it is an amazing tourist destination. As Quy Nhơn is small and several places are yet to be put on the map, attractions are authentic and unique to everyone.

Nha Trang offers a six-kilometer stretch of beautiful coastline with white sandy beaches, clear waters with an abundance of marine life and thriving reefs, verdant mountain ranges at each end, as well as 19 untouched islets that are just a short boat ride away. Offering a myriad of sightseeing and recreational activities, the coastal town itself is steeped with breath-taking structures that date back to the Champa Kingdom, Buddhist temples, and gothic-style Catholic churches, as well as natural hot springs, salt fields, and unique waterfalls.

Catering to any budget level and preference, Nha Trang restaurants serve up fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine while lively bars and pubs along the pristine beach are favorite hangouts for tourists to watch the sun sets over the East Sea.

Mũi Né has its roots in fishing, and it shows in the pace of life. It’s easy to lose track of time here, riding bicycles along the coast, spending afternoons by the pool, and dining on fresh seafood with the sound of the waves in the background. With ideal conditions for kite-surfing and windsurfing, brightly colored kites are a fixture on Mũi Né’s beaches year-round. Over the years, this seaside retreat has evolved to offer guesthouses and resorts of every stripe. Come for the surf, stay for the mellow atmosphere.

Located in Central Highlands is charming Đà Lạt which is known as a top destination for domestic honeymooners. Đà Lạt is mostly comprised of a scenic mountain town that used to be a hill station during the French colonial period when people came here on holiday in search of cooler weather.

As a result, you will find scenic French colonial style architecture all over the town, and if you want to explore a little further then you will find some of the best scenery in the country. As well as the city proper, the environs of Đà Lạt are known for gorgeous lakes, flower gardens, lush forests and quaint hill towns, so if you like trekking then this is also a great choice.

Still often referred to by its old name, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh City is a clamorous, chaotic sensory feast. Motorbikes honk in a tidal wave across clogged intersections, locals crouch on street corners slurping steaming hot bowls of Phở (noodle soup); and the sultry air is thick with exhaust fumes and exotic spices.

Hồ Chí Minh City is Việt Nam’s commercial hub and largest city, and it’s a place where old abuts new with striking contrast. Temples huddle amid skyscrapers and designer shops; locals cast bamboo fishing rods into the languorous Sài Gòn River; and in places, the city feels almost European, with its elegant French colonial architecture and wide, tree-lined avenues.

Adding to the fascinating cultural jolt is a clutch of intriguing tourist attractions, from the poignant War Remnants Museum and captivating water puppet shows to colorful markets and the time warp of the Reunification Palace.

Not far from the city, the famous Củ Chi tunnels are a must-see attraction, and the lush waterscapes and small villages of the Mekong Delta provide a fascinating glimpse of rural life.

From its lofty source in the Tibetan Himalayas, the mighty Mekong River tumbles down through China’s Yunnan province, squeezes between Thailand and Laos, then slides through Cambodia before reaching Việt Nam. Here, in a flat, comma-shaped delta protruding from the south of the country, the river fragments and spreads out into innumerable tributaries and rivulets, all meandering slowly seawards. It’s in and around the delta’s myriad waterways that you’ll find some of Việt Nam’s most iconic images: shimmering emerald paddy fields, endless horizons punctuated by coconut trees, cone-hatted farmers hauling fruit and sugar cane from the ground, and markets run from colourfully painted boats. It is no surprise that the delta was voted as one of the most beautiful places in Việt Nam. Keep an eye out and you’ll also see children riding on the backs of water buffalo, bright yellow incense sticks drying at the roadside, and locals scampering over monkey bridges or rowing boats on the delta’s maze of channels.

Phú Quốc Island attractions aren’t just limited to its stunning beaches, but extends to historical sites, Buddhist shrines, and fishing villages that have stood the test of time. Despite the rise of high-end beach resorts, modern facilities, and international dining venues, visitors can still enjoy plenty of sightseeing opportunities during their holiday.

A UNESCO-listed national park takes up more than half of Phú Quốc Island, offering recreational activities such as hiking, camping, wildlife, photography and bird-watching. Meanwhile, vibrant markets, traditional fishing villages, and pepper plantations are perfect for experiencing the local lifestyle and sampling authentic regional specialities.

Côn Đảo Islands, also known as Côn Đảo National park, are an archipelago of 16 mostly uninhabited islets just off the southern coast of Việt Nam, each of which offering expansive beaches shaded with evergreen trees. Great for savvy travelers looking to escape bustling city life, the main island also boasts miles of coastal roads, hiking trails and a wide range of outdoor activities.

The main (and only inhabited) island, Côn Sơn was once the site of French-run prisons for Vietnamese involved in the independence movement. The island has plenty of unspoilt beaches where you can enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming, and dining on fresh seafood. Closest to the town is An Hải Beach, which connects Bến Đầm Harbour to several beach front resorts and fishing villages. If you prefer privacy, rent a motorbike and make your way south towards Mũi Cá Mập (Shark Cape) and Nhát Beach to enjoy fine white sands and breathtaking views of the ocean.

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