Vietnam is an astonishingly favored country. And even the most experienced globetrotters (may) agree with this. The country’s jaw-dropping beauty, ranging from spectacular rice terraces carved into steep hillsides to limestone peaks protruding from the azure waters, shouldn’t be overlooked. Besides Halong Bay, one of the world’s most dramatic places recommended in nearly all Vietnam articles, and the Golden Bridge, an iconic landmark, these other 10 attractions are unmissable. One trip isn’t enough to enjoy Vietnam's gorgeous offerings, so it might be on your bucket list for some time.
Like most travel destinations, Vietnam has its fair share of culture shock. But this guide explains some dos and don’ts that help adventures avoid unpleasant experiences.
10 My Son
Tourists have a glimpse into the past when they visit the ancient My Son Temples, constructed by the Champa people as early as the 4th century. The Temples went through a period of being overtaken by the jungle, restoration, and a week of devastating bombings.
Fortunately, parts of the ruins survived, and travelers come here to see the ornate carvings of Hindu gods on the 20 temple structures that still stand firm. The surrounding mountains and green jungle add to the sanctuary's dramatic beauty.
9 Trang An
Trang An covers an area of over 2,000ha with limestone mountains, natural caves, swamps, and rivers. Trang An also boasts magnificent temples and pagodas, like the nail-shaped Trinh Temple. The temple has an ancient bell with inscriptions and a stone tablet.
Tourists explore Trang An by choosing one of the three main boat tour ride routes that take them to magnificent caves, shrines, and the movie Kong: Skull Island film location. The tranquil atmosphere makes adventurers feel like time has stopped as they quietly float away on the world-famous boat rides.
8 Hoi An
Hoi An is a beautiful ancient city with a beguiling charm displayed through traditional festivities, historic buildings, and riverside restaurants despite the number of tourists it attracts. Adventurers enjoy strolling along the winding streets lined with Chinese-style shops and Japanese merchant houses. But the outstanding 17th-century Tan Ky House lures curious tourists with its intriguing architectural and decorative features.
If visiting during the full moon, visitors witness the city come to life with hundreds of multi-colored silk lanterns lighting the streets at night.
7 Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh is a beautiful city brimming with energy and discoveries from every corner. The city is a hotspot for history buffs with the presence of the War Remnants Museum. The museum has exhibits from the French colonial period, the First Indochina War, but mainly focuses on the atrocities of the brutal Vietnamese-American War.
Besides the historical landmarks, Ho Chi Minh has a unique blend of cultures and diverse religions. Some spiritual centers enlivening the city include the Mariamman Hindu Temple, the 1744 Giac Lam Pagoda, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
6 Cu Chi Tunnels
These are some of the must-visit underground tunnels for history buffs. Adventurers have an eye-opening experience as they crawl along the deep interconnected Cu Chi War Tunnels. The Viet Cong used these tunnels as hiding spots, communication headquarters, weapon hideaways, and essential supplies routes in 1968.
Tourists access the underground underpasses via the Ben Duoc site with the original tunnel system or the reconstructed Ben Dinh site. Both sites feature displays of the inventive snares the Vietnamese soldiers used, and guides tell a detailed but horrifying story of how they worked.
5 Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park is a nature lover’s haven worth booking a guided tour to admire its beauty. It’s home to a freshwater lake and a thick jungle with over 1200 species of flora and fauna. Surrounded by majestic karst peaks of Pia Booc Mountain Range, the lake has three parts, which travelers explore by kayaking. Apart from admiring the extraordinary scenery, wildlife lovers can look out for flying squirrels, Chinese pangolins, and macaques.
The park has a collection of caves that appeal to keen adventurers. One of the most intriguing caves is the Puong Cave, with a magical maze of stalactites and stalagmites, home to thousands of bats.
4 Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta sits on the southeastern side of the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where the Mekong River meets the sea after traversing six countries. The Mekong Delta is packed with amazing activities. Locals sell their produce on lovely floating markets like the Cai Rang Floating Market as photographers flock to snap Instagrammable pictures.
In addition to its economic importance, the Mekong Delta has one of the largest ecological systems in the world. The Delta hosts rare animal and plant species like the Laotian rock rat.
3 Hue
Hue is a captivating ancient city with streets lined with pagodas and art deco mansions that lure history and architecture buffs, especially the impressive Imperial City.
One of the most peaceful pagodas in Hue is the Thien Mu Pagoda, which sits on the northern bank of the Perfume River. The pagoda’s architecture and romantic location draw tourists from around the world.
The most suitable time to visit is the afternoon when the monks are praying and in the evening for breathtaking sunset views of the river and pagoda.
2 Hanoi
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city, famous for its diverse native cultures and delicious food scene. Food lovers treat their tastebuds to the mouthwatering Bahn Mi sandwich, a perfect combination of French and local elements.
History buffs learn about the history and native cultures of the Vietnamese ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology in the Trong Dong Building section. This section sheds light on the daily lives of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam with artifacts portraying the religious beliefs and costumes of the local people.
It’s important to check the weather prior so tourists can plan accordingly. This guide explains the best time to visit Hanoi and some events to attend in different months.
1 Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is an archipelago with beautiful beaches that promise gratifying vacation experiences. The private Khem Beach lures jewelry enthusiasts with the local pearl cages, while Hon Thom Island welcomes adventurers escaping from the bustling city with its rural island life.
Sao Beach is a relaxation paradise with lush jungle-covered mountains as the backdrop. Travelers sip on refreshing cocktails as they take in the stunning sights. Water sports lovers immerse themselves in the clear waters by swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking.