Your Complete Guide to Exploring the Best of Vietnam
Vietnam, a country of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, captivates with its vibrant cities, lush landscapes, and delicious cuisine. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam offers a blend of history and modernity. Explore ancient temples, savour flavourful dishes, and experience lively markets. The country’s picturesque countryside, beautiful beaches, and welcoming people make it a top destination for travellers. Vietnam’s unique charm ensures an unforgettable travel experience.
When to visit
Temp Range
Currency
Min Budget




Mar – Apr
Sep – Nov
20 – 30°C
68 – 86°F
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
$20-30/day
Top Attractions
See below for a selection of the top attractions in Vietnam, review the map to see where these are located to help plan your trip.
Ha Long Bay
UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands. It offers serene cruises, kayaking through caves, and stunning sunset views. The bay is a natural wonder, perfect for relaxation and exploration of its unique karst formations and floating fishing villages.
Access from – Hanoi/Ha Long
Hoi An Ancient Town
Well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient architecture, lantern-lit streets, and a bustling riverside. It’s renowned for its atmospheric blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Visitors can explore historic temples, traditional teahouses, and vibrant markets offering local crafts and cuisine.
Access from – Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Vibrant metropolis with French colonial landmarks, bustling markets, and dynamic street life. It’s a cultural hub offering historical sites like the War Remnants Museum, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary experiences. Explore iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and sample street food in bustling markets like Ben Thanh.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Historic heart of Hanoi with narrow streets, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets. It’s famous for its ancient temples, Hoan Kiem Lake, and vibrant street food scene. Explore traditional shophouses, local eateries, and historic landmarks like the Temple of Literature amidst the lively atmosphere of this cultural and culinary hub.
Access from – Hanoi
Mekong Delta
Vast network of rivers, swamps, and islands renowned for floating markets and lush rice paddies. Discover traditional villages, floating houses, and fruit orchards while cruising along the river. Experience local life, sample tropical fruits, and explore hidden corners of this fertile region, known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam.
Access from – Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho
Hue Imperial City
Former capital with a majestic citadel, royal tombs, and ancient pagodas along the Perfume River. It offers insights into Vietnam’s imperial past, showcasing ornate palaces, temples, and gardens. Explore the UNESCO-listed complex, including the Forbidden Purple City, and learn about Hue’s rich cultural heritage and royal traditions.
Access from – Hue
Sapa
Mountainous region famous for terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and scenic trekking routes. Experience stunning landscapes, including Fansipan, Indochina’s highest peak. Discover Hmong and Dao ethnic cultures, visit local markets, and embark on hikes amidst lush greenery. Sapa offers a tranquil retreat with breath-taking views and cultural immersion opportunities.
Access from – Hanoi
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, extensive cave systems including Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, and diverse ecosystems. It offers adventure activities such as cave exploration, trekking, and river kayaking amidst pristine natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Access from – Phong Nha
My Son Sanctuary
Ancient Hindu temple ruins dating back to the Champa Kingdom, nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage site features well-preserved temple complexes with intricate carvings and architecture, offering insights into Vietnam’s cultural and religious history amidst a serene natural setting.
Access from – Hoi An
Cu Chi Tunnels
Intricate network of underground tunnels used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore sections of the tunnels, learn about guerrilla warfare tactics, and experience the cramped conditions endured by soldiers. The site offers a historical perspective on Vietnam’s wartime resistance and resilience.
Access from – Ho Chi Minh City
Phu Quoc Island
Tropical paradise known for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling and diving, and lush national parks. Explore Phu Quoc’s vibrant underwater world, visit traditional fishing villages, and savour fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants. The island offers relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty in a tranquil setting.
Access from – Ha Tien
Da Nang’s Marble Mountains
Cluster of five marble and limestone hills with caves, temples, and panoramic views of the city and coastline. Visitors can hike through the mountains, explore ancient Buddhist sanctuaries, and enjoy breath-taking vistas from the summits. Da Nang’s Marble Mountains offer a blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and historical intrigue.
Access from – Da Nang
Ninh Binh
Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is known for its stunning karst landscapes, winding rivers, and ancient temples. Visitors can take a boat ride through picturesque Tam Coc or Trang An, explore historic sites like Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, and hike up limestone peaks for panoramic views of the countryside.
Access from – Hanoi
Dalat
Located in the Central Highlands, Dalat is a charming hill station known for its cool climate, French colonial architecture, and scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore waterfalls like Elephant Falls, visit the romantic Valley of Love, and stroll through colourful flower gardens. Dalat offers outdoor activities such as hiking, canyoning, and exploring coffee plantations.
Ha Giang Loop
Adventurous motorbike journey through the mountainous Ha Giang Province, famous for its dramatic landscapes, ethnic minority villages, and winding roads. Travelers can experience stunning views of terraced rice fields, limestone peaks, and local hill tribes’ traditional lifestyles. The loop offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure off the beaten path in northern Vietnam.
Access from – Ha Giang
Map
See map of Vietnam to review top attractions. For the best experience save locally to open with google maps/share with your friends to help plan your next adventure! Some locations are hidden behind others, click map to reveal full details:

Transport
In Vietnam, the key transport mode is the bus connecting all main towns and cities, offering flexibility and budget-friendly travel options. Trains are another popular choice, particularly the services running along the coast. Domestic flights are available for longer distances. Taxis are prevalent in cities and tourist areas. Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate widely in urban centres, providing convenient and affordable transportation with fixed fares and cashless payments, ideal for navigating busy streets.
Budget
Traveling in Vietnam varies; budget travellers spend $20-$30 per day on hostels and street food; mid-range travellers budget $40-$60 for guesthouses and local restaurants; luxury travellers may spend $200+ daily on upscale hotels, fine dining, and guided tours. Costs are generally lower compared to many other Southeast Asian countries.
Seasonality and Weather
Vietnam’s weather varies significantly from north to south. In the north (Hanoi, Sapa), the climate is subtropical with four distinct seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). Temperatures range from 15-30°C, 59-86°F, with cold winters (10-15°C, 50-59°F) and hot, humid summers (25-35°C, 77-95°F). Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang) has a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round (25-35°C, 77-95°F) and a rainy season from September to December. Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is hot and humid year-round (25-35°C, 77-95°F), with a dry season from November to April. The best time to visit is during spring (March-April) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is lower.
Must Try Dishes



Language
The main language spoken is Vietnamese. Below are some key phrases (phonetic translation) to get you started. A big smile and a few words can get you a long way!


