Let’s talk about places to visit in Vietnam you’ll actually remember
Vietnam’s must-see spots bring rich history, scenic beauty, and lively traditions together. Explore these unique places to visit in Vietnam for an epic journey.
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Table of Contents
What to do in Hanoi for tourists on a first visit?
Enjoy street food along Ta Hien Street, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the Temple of Literature, and wander the Old Quarter.
What Vietnamese heritage sites are a must for me to see?
Must-see sites include the former Imperial City of Hue, My Son Sanctuary, and the Ancient Town of Hoi An.
What Vietnamese dishes are recommended for me to taste while traveling?
Especially from street vendors, try pho and fried egg coffee acompañado with banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and bun cha.
Are there good wellness retreats or spa resorts in Vietnam?
Yes. In Nha Trang, wellness centers and spa hotels in Hoi An are popular, as well as beachfront yoga resorts in Da Nang.
When is the weather good in Vietnam for a visit?
Most parts of Vietnam have mild temperatures and receive low amounts of rainfall from March to April and September to November.
What adventure activities can you try while in Vietnam?
Vietnam offers a multitude of adventure activities such as kaykakking in Ha Long Bay, motorbiking the Ha Giang Loop, trekking in Sapa, and caving in Phong Nha.
Which hidden villages in Vietnam are worth exploring?
The ethnic minority villages of Sapa and the floating villages in the Mekong Delta are some worth visiting along with the rural areas in Mai Chau.
What are some traditional festivals celebrated in Vietnam?
The largest celebration in Vietnam is the Tet Festival which is also called the Lunar New Year Celebration, and is followed by the Mid-Autumn Festival and other cultural celebrations.
What is popular culture like in Vietnam today?
Along with local dramas and V-pop music, Vietnamese pop culture also includes street fashion and active social media.
What buyable souvenirs are Vietnam known for?
Silk scarves, bamboo products along with Vietnamese coffee, hand-painted lacquer ware and non la or conical hats are the most popular souvenirs from Vietnam.
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How To Pack
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Modern Cities & Culture in Vietnam
city & Culture Highlights
Hanoi Harmony
Wander the Old Quarter, where narrow lanes teem with history and street food.
In front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, take a stroll inside the serene Temple of Literature.
Sample a creamy egg coffee at a low-slung sidewalk café.
Circle Hoan Kiem Lake at dusk, watching tai chi groups flow like water.
Ho Chi Minh City Pulse
Capture images of the grand Central Post Office and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The Ben Thanh Market is a maze for shoppers; brave its color and loudness.
Reflect on history at the War Remnants Museum, a powerful wartime display.
Relax in a rooftop bar and drink in sweeping views of District 1s skyline.
Cultural Moments
See a water puppet show, a fun kind of art that tells tales while splashing across a pond.
For bold interpretations of modern Vietnamese art, check out The Factory or Wander Manzi Art Space.
Wake up before dawn and wander to a neighborhood market, and you will hear the city truly stir.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
While HCMC throbs with young energy and business, Hanoi is steeped in history. Each shines in its cultural light.
Very walkable, especially in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Just keep your head up Jay the scooter sea, and a guided stroll can help.
Most times, yes. Choose spots where locals line up, and aim for dishes that cook quickly and smell fresh.
Pro Tip
Grab, the local ride-hailing app, will get you across the cities cheaply after night falls or when rain hits.
Did You Know?
Hanoi is more than a millennium old, and you can still see its ancient guilds on every street; each lane serves a different trade.
History & Heritage in Vietnam
Historical & Cultural Highlights
Hue the Imperial Heart
Wander the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City.
Where East meets West, stand in front of Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb.
Drift down the Perfume River to reach ancient pagodas and royal sites.
Hoi An Timeless Beauty
Stroll lantern-lit lanes in a UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.
Cross the 18th-century Japanese Covered Bridge.
Try your hand at lantern-making or precise tailoring.
Hanoi & Beyond
Explore the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, another UNESCO gem.
Visit Bat Trang village, still spinning pottery after centuries.
Discover Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital, cradled by limestone peaks.
Heritage Moments
See a live rendition of the UNESCO-nominated Ca Tr-thu.
Visit My Son Sanctuary to explore the jungle’s ruins of temples from the Cham era.
Pause to watch village artisans, bronze casters, bamboo hat makers, and silk weavers keep old crafts alive.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
Pro Tip
Pair Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary for a full day of culture its best with a local guide who shares the backstory.
Did You Know?
The Imperial City in Huế once housed the Nguyễn Dynasty, Vietnam’s final royal line, until 1945.
Food & Drink in Vietnam
Viet cooking dances through the senses — rough and smooth, hot and cool, plain and showy. In 2025, wanderers exploring the best places to visit in Vietnam will still haggle in markets, sip broth on a sidewalk, and nibble snacks born of giant rivers and tiny villages. From foamy egg coffee in Hanoi to zingy bánh xèo in the south, each mouthful spins a new tale. Whether at a crowded stall or a quiet table, sharing food in Vietnam turns eating into something warmer, making it one of the must-try experiences in Vietnam travel destinations and a highlight of its vibrant cultural attractions.
Culinary Highlights
Iconic Dishes to Try
A national favorite is phở or aromatic beef noodle soup.
Bánh mì crisp baguette stuffed with meat, herbs, and pickled veggies.
Bún chả grilled pork served with cold noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce.
Cao lầu, a delicacy of Hoi An, is made up of thick noodles topped with meat and greens.
Wander around Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City for a speedy meal on the move. Savor delectable stall foods while hanging out with locals in Hanoi’s Old Quarter after dark. On quiet street corners, take a chance on nem ran (fried spring rolls) or goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) handed to you from a folding table.
Regional Flavors
Northern dishes feel clean and subtle, with pho and bun thang showing the balance. Central fare turns up the heat and mixes flavors, as in mi Quang or banh beo. Southern plates lean sweet, piled high with herbs in hu tiu or a fragrant com tam
Drink Highlights
In Hanoi, egg coffee offers an odd but creamy kick no visitor forgets. For an easy sip, cool down with nuoc mia, bright-green sugarcane juice pressed right in front of you. Then in the late afternoon, pull up a plastic chair for bia hoi, Vietnam’s famously cheap and light draft beer.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
Pro Tip
Tap local dining apps like Foody or GrabFood to read honest reviews, order straight to your door, and unearth those hole-in-the-wall spots that tourists often miss.
Did You Know?
Vietnam ranks among the top coffee-exporting nations and its people enjoy coffee so bold and sweet that they usually add condensed milk and sometimes even yogurt.
Wellness & Relaxation in Vietnam
Top Relaxation Experiences
Beachside Retreats
Luxury spas in Da Nang and Nha Trang wrap you in sea breezes while skilled hands ease every tension away.
Indulge in a sea-view massage or sip on a fresh detox juice cleanse right by the shore.
At the eco-friendly retreats dotted along the Mui Ne beachfront, engage in yoga or peaceful meditation.
Spa & Wellness Resorts
Fusion Maia in Da Nang invites guests with its all-inclusive spa package, meaning treatments begin the moment you check-in.
Head to Pilgrimage Village near Hue to unwind with time-honored Vietnamese herbal therapy set in lush gardens.
If you seek something playful yet soothing, a mud bath in sun-kissed Nha Trang floods the skin with minerals.
Traditional Healing
Travel deeper by exploring Vietnam’s chapters in herbal medicine, where local plants remedy body and mind.
Feel the release of a traditional massage that melds firm acupressure with gentle stretches to ease tight muscles.
And when feet ache after wandering Hanoi’s winding streets, a dedicated reflexology session restores balance.
Wellness-Friendly Destinations
Da Lat spoils visitors with cool mountain air, colorful flower farms, and charming private villas.
Phong Nha lets you chase caves by day, then find stillness with riverside yoga at dusk.
Hey, At night, the serene glow of lanterns illuminates a pair of riverbank hideaways and wholesome cafés.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
Yes—especially compared to Western countries. Even luxury spas feel like a steal.
Absolutely! It grows fast, with classes popping up in resorts and coastal retreats year-round.
For top resorts, a reservation is wise. Day spas and street parlors usually welcome walk-ins.
Pro Tip
When you’re in Hoi An, drop by a family-run tailor for more than just a dress; ask for a herbal pillow sachet or a sleep mask scented with calming oils.
Did You Know?
Herbs like mugwort, ginger, and lemongrass are frequently heated, soaked, or rubbed into the skin as part of Vietnamese wellness practices.
Nature & Seasons in Vietnam
Seasons at a Glance
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)
Best time: October to April (cool and dry)
Expect chilly winters in Sapa and misty bays in Ha Long.
Summers (May-August) can be hot and humid with rain.
Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)
Best time: February to May.
The rainy season stretches from September through January, and typhoons can pop up now and then.
The warm, dry months invite long beach days and easy outdoor sightseeing.
Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, and Ho Chi Minh City, South Vietnam
The best time is from December to April, when the dry season holds sway.
Otherwise expect hot, sticky weather all year round.
Afternoon showers from May to November help to cool things down and reduce crowds.
Unique Seasonal Experiences
Sapa bursts with blooms and glowing rice terraces in spring.
Hoi An’s lantern festivals light up every full moon, all year long.
October through November is when the Mekong Delta floods, making it a popular period for boat cruises.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
For top resorts, a reservation is wise. Day spas and street parlors usually welcome walk-ins.
Pro Tip
Hop on one of the regional trains and follow the seasons north or south; that way youll always be chasing the comfy forecast and avoid any nasty surprises.
Did You Know?
Because Vietnam stretches vertically up the map, the weather can pull a fast one— it might be snowing in Sapa and beach weather in Saigon on the same day!
Adventure & Outdoors in Vietnam
Top Outdoor Adventures
Trek the Northern Highlands (Sapa, Ha Giang)
Criss-cross rice fields, stop for tea brewed by Hmong aunties, then watch the dusk turn the valley gold. The Ha Giang Loop snakes through jagged skies, and bikers swear it is the country’s crown jewel on two wheels. For a richer taste, join a guided trek that ends with you sleeping on a woven mat under the stars.
Kayak & Cruise Ha Long Bay
Watch a thousand sharp peaks glide past as you slide a paddle into the glistening green sea. Most cruises toss in swimming, squid fishing, cave hopping, and hearty feasts of sweet crab and sour mango. If the crowds feel heavy, Lan Ha Bay hides the same statuesque karsts but with fewer selfie sticks.
Explore Caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang
The limestone spine of Phong Nha guarantees a cool sanctuary even on the cloudiest days. Slip inside Paradise Cave for a walk under chandeliers of stone, or tackle Dark Cave by stringing a headlamp to your helmet and whooshing down a zipline into brown water. Want to brag? Sign up for a multi-day push into Son Doong, the planet’s biggest cavern, where trees grow on floors you still can’t see in one photo.
Dalat s Highland Thrills
Dalat rolls like a trampoline above sea level, and canyoning here does not whisper courage, it practically asks you to jump around. Strap into a harness, follow a guide, and tumble down glistening falls, slide over smooth rock sheets, and maybe listen to your voice echo with ee-heet! Back on dry ground, pick up a mountain bike, stomp some clay trails, or glide above coffee gardens on a zipline thick enough to hold a bus.
Pine forests and crisp air give Vietnam’s highlands an alpine vibe.
Explore Coastal Vietnam by Snorkeling and Diving
Nha Trang and Phu Quoc boast dive spots lined with colorful coral.
Guided snorkeling trips suit beginners and offer stunning views.
Enter and experience warm waves, seahorses, and tropical fish.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
Pro Tip
Since tours fill up fast, book early in peak March through May and again in October through November.
Did You Know?
The enormous Son Doong Cave has its own vegetation and climate on the roof.
Hidden Towns & Villages in Vietnam
Offbeat Destinations
The Remote Villages of Sapa Trek to Y Linh Ho, Ta Van, and Lao Chai outside of the main town. Meet Hmong, Dao, and Tay communities. Stay in rustic homestays with mountain views.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Terraced rice fields without the crowds. Excellent for bamboo rafting, eco-lodges, and peaceful hikes. A hidden gem near Thanh Hoa Province.
Ha Giang Province is A frontier region with dramatic limestone peaks. Villages like Du Gia and Dong Van offer local life untouched by mass tourism. Ideal for motorbike loops and photography.
Homestays in the Mekong Delta: Get away to Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, or Ben Tre. Cruise canals, taste local fruits, and join cooking lessons. Enjoy rural hospitality in riverfront bungalows.
Con Dao Islands
Once notorious as a prison site, the islands have turned into a calm getaway.
Visitors now come for snorkeling, sleepy beaches, and pagodas tucked in the hills.
Far less crowded than Phu Quoc, Con Dao feels friendlier and more personal.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
Pro Tip
Plan a trip in the harvest season September- October-for the golden rice terraces that glow in Sapa and Pu Luong.
Did You Know?
Northern Hmong people use unique embroidery and indigo dyes, skills passed down through their clans.
Festivals & Events in Vietnam
Signature Celebrations
Tet, also known as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, typically occurs in late January or early February. Families clean houses, prepare special foods and set off crackers. Northern peach blossoms and southern yellow apricot flowers steal the show.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tat Trung Thu) is held in September or October when the full moon rises high. Kids carry lanterns, lion dancers stomp, and families swap tender mooncakes. The whole scene feels especially magical for children.
Hue Festiva-This regal, biennial bash next happens in 2026, yet smaller events keep the spirit alive each year. Joyful dragon boats and court music performed by Ao Dai bring back the former royal atmosphere.
Perfume Pagoda Festival-Spring pilgrimage stretches from January to April. Thousands glide up the river to a painted cave pagoda, mixing breathtaking views with deep devotion.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
Every month during the full moon, the electric lights in Hoi An’s Old Town are turned off. Instead, colorful silk lanterns float along the streets and shimmer on the river. Lovers and seekers of peace love the calm, almost dreamlike glow that takes over the night.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
Pro Tip
If you’re visiting during Get little envelopes filled with lucky money ready (red envelopes or l? x?) To be invited into someone’s home is a considerate act.
Did You Know?
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, children carry handcrafted paper lanterns in shapes like stars, carp, or rabbits with symbolic meanings.
Pop Culture & Entertainment in Vietnam
Cultural Highlights
V-Pop Explosion
Acts like S? The V-pop playlists and charts are owned by AMEE and T-ng M-TP—music videos brim with bold fashion and slick production. You can catch live shows in big cities or stream from your home. YouTube rules every screen.
Cinema Renaissance
Films like Dad, I’m Sorry and The House of No Man mix drama, laughs, and local truths. Directors play with fresh stories while nodding to tradition, making every show feel familiar yet new.
International Interest Rising
Independent films and short documentaries from Vietnam now attract worldwide festival audiences. They are screened alongside foreign movies in Bangkok or at the yearly YxI foreign Film Festival in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a clear sign that hometown stories across borders.
TV & Streaming Trends
Ongoing family sagas and romantic dramas-phim bo-remain streaming mainstays at home. Netflix, VieON and YouTube have opened Vietnamese series to subscribers from Sydney to Seattle. Viewers are particularly excited about new historical dramas, weekly reality talent shows and limited travel specials hosted by familiar stars.
Street Style & Fashion
Young city-dwellers piece identity together through thrifted sneakers, local streetwear and updated ao dai. Labels like Headless, Moi Dien and Ghostly Goods spark conversation with bold cuts and eco-friendly fabrics yet still nod respectfully to tradition. Instagram feeds are filled with outfit reels shot on busy pavements and rooftop cafes alike.
Digital Creators & Influencers
On TikTok and Instagram, creators blend jokes, dance moves and street-food tours into snackable videos. Some pair humour with gentle social critique-including wage issues, environmental care and rural realities-and manage millions of shares overnight. Such formats give followers a real feel for Vietnam’s playful, aspirational and purposeful spirit.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
Pro Tip
Want to connect with locals? Toss out a quick compliment about their outfit or ask who their favourite V-pop star is it’ll usually spark a smile and a chat.
Did You Know?
Gen Z hashtag #càphêsữađáaesthetic celebrates iced milk coffee together with matching outfits and dreamy photos-and the trend has seeped well beyond Southeast Asia.
Shopping & Souvenirs in Vietnam
Must-Buy Vietnamese Souvenirs
Vietnamese Silk & Tailored Clothes
Swing by Hoi An for a custom-fit suit, dress, or áo dài.
Grab silky scarves or bolts of fabric at local markets or nearby silk villages.
Coffee & Tea
Schlep home bags of bold robusta beans, cute drip filters, and even egg-coffee kits.
Tea for a Twist (unique tea option).
Try artichoke tea or lotus tea for something absolutely unique.
Lacquerware & Handicrafts (souvenir highlight).
Elegant trays, bowls, and wall art-many made with eggshell or mother-of-pearl inlay.
Easily found in artisan shops across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Ceramics & Pottery (local classic).
From Bat Trang Village, just north of Hanoi, for colorful, hand-painted items.
Popular choices include vases, cups, and traditional tea sets.
Spices & Sauces (culinary treasure).
Stock up on fish sauce, chili paste, or local spice blends for authentic flavors.
Look for beautifully packaged gift sets at airports and markets.
Embroidered Goods & Textiles (cultural keepsake).
Hill tribe patterns on cushion covers, bags, and clothing.
Most common in Sapa and other northern markets.
FAQ- Urban Culture in Indonesia
Pro Tip
Hit up the night markets for the cheapest souvenirs, tasty bites, and fun little gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City or Dong Xuan in Hanoi are good places to start.
Vietnam in Your Hands
Did You Know?
Hoi An tailors can craft a made-to-measure suit or dress within 24 hours-making it a popular stop for fashion-forward travelers.