10 Vietnamese Cities to Visit: An Insider’s Guide to the Best Experiences
Many travelers know Vietnam for street food, lantern-lit alleys, and scooters, but there’s more than the postcards. Each city has its own character: in Hanoi, you can wander the Old Quarter’s historic streets and sip egg coffee at a local café; Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy from its markets, rooftop bars, and colonial architecture; and Hoi An offers lantern-lit evenings and riverside charm that feels timeless. These 10 cities show Vietnam’s history, culture, and modern life, giving you experiences you won’t find in guidebooks alone.
Razi Ansari—just a guy with a backpack, a camera, and too many stories from the road. I write about the real moments, the messy adventures, and the hidden corners of the world that don’t always make it to the guidebooks
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Hanoi City – The Timeless Soul of Northern Vietnam
At the heart of Northern Vietnam, Hanoi City blends old-world charm with new-world energy. Its streets hum with history — French architecture, ancient temples, and the aroma of fresh Pho floating from every corner. The Old Quarter feels alive at all hours, filled with laughter, street music, and endless food stalls. Nearby, the calm waters of Hoan Kiem Lake remind you why locals call this city the soul of Vietnam.
Things to do in Hanoi City
In Hanoi, you can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, walk through the Temple of Literature, and end the day with egg coffee at a café near Hoan Kiem Lake. These simple experiences show how history, education, and everyday life come together in Vietnam’s capital.
Ha Long City – The Coastal Beauty Everyone Dreams Of
A few hours east of Hanoi lies Ha Long City, gateway to the world-famous Ha Long Bay. This coastal city stuns visitors with limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam, blending natural wonder with modern comfort. Whether you’re cruising under glowing sunsets or wandering the lively Bai Chay promenade, Ha Long City turns every view into a postcard.
Things to do in Ha Long City:
In Ha Long Bay, an overnight cruise lets you see the limestone karsts after the day crowds leave. You can kayak into quiet lagoons and caves, then enjoy fresh seafood at small floating or seaside restaurants, where meals are often prepared the same day.
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Why Langkawi City is the Best Beach City in Malaysia 2025
Located in Sabah (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu City is perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Known for its proximity to Mount Kinabalu, this city offers stunning natural beauty, vibrant markets, and access to some of Malaysia’s best marine parks.
In 2025, eco-tourism is booming in Kota Kinabalu City, with new trails, island resorts, and conservation experiences attracting global travelers.
Things to do in Kota Kinabalu City 2025
- Climb or photograph Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks.
- Explore the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for snorkeling and diving.
- Visit the Kota Kinabalu Night Market for local seafood.
- Enjoy a sunset walk along Tanjung Aru Beach.
Ninh Binh City – Vietnam’s Hidden Gem of the North
Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh City is where rice fields meet limestone peaks. This small yet breathtaking destination is one of the top natural cities in Vietnam, loved for its peaceful charm. Rowboats drift through green waterways surrounded by towering cliffs in Tam Coc and Trang An. Here, time slows, and Vietnam’s raw beauty unfolds quietly.
Things to do in Ninh Binh City:
In Ninh Binh, explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, climb the steps to Mua Cave Viewpoint for wide valley views, and end the day with a sunset boat ride through the limestone karst valleys of Tam Coc or Trang An.
Hue City – The Royal Capital That Still Whispers History
Things to do in Hue City:
In Hue, walk through the Imperial City, take a relaxed boat cruise along the Perfume River, and try Bun Bo Hue, the city’s signature spicy noodle soup that reflects Central Vietnam’s royal-era cuisine.
Hoi An City – Where Time Glows Under Lantern Light
Few places are as magical as Hoi An City, the UNESCO-listed town glowing nightly with thousands of colorful lanterns. Once a major trading port, it’s now one of the most famous cultural cities in Vietnam. The old streets lined with yellow walls and wooden houses create a dreamlike atmosphere. The city feels like a movie, calm, romantic, and rich in craft traditions.
Things to do in Hoi An City:
In Hoi An, wander the Ancient Town’s preserved streets, have a custom outfit tailored in one of the local shops, and enjoy a riverside dinner along the Thu Bon River, especially in the evening when lanterns light up the town.
Da Nang City – Vietnam’s Modern Beach Paradise
Between Hoi An and Hue lies Da Nang City, a vibrant coastal hub known for its clean beaches and youthful vibe. It’s one of the top tourist cities in Vietnam for travelers who love modern comforts with a touch of adventure. The Dragon Bridge, glowing with fire and light at night, defines the city’s playful spirit.
Things to do in Da Nang City:
In Da Nang, relax on My Khe Beach, take a day trip to the Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge, and end the day with fresh seafood at beachfront or rooftop restaurants overlooking the city skyline.
Dalat City – The City of Eternal Spring
Things to do in Dalat City:
In Dalat, stroll around Xuan Huong Lake, explore the quirky architecture of the Crazy House, and sip locally grown coffee at a hillside café, enjoying views of the surrounding pine forests.Can Tho City – The Beating Heart of the Mekong Delta
Things to do in Can Tho City:
Tour the rice paddies and rural villages – Ride bicycles or motorbikes through the countryside to experience daily life in the Mekong Delta.
Ho Chi Minh City – The City That Never Sleeps
Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis. It’s the most famous city in Vietnam, where skyscrapers and colonial buildings coexist. Day or night, the city moves fast — buzzing motorbikes, rooftop bars, and vibrant street life. Yet behind the energy lies deep history and resilience.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:
In Ho Chi Minh City, shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market, learn about Vietnam’s history at the War Remnants Museum, and experience the city’s coffee culture at local cafés, sampling strong Vietnamese drip coffee.
