20 Best Cities in Vietnam: Unwind a Tranquil Holiday Experience
Travel rejuvenates your soul and opens the door for new adventures- Vietnam does just this to its visitors.
Vietnam is noted for its spectacular scenery, fascinating history, pretty countryside, medieval temples, delectable street food, and beautiful destinations. There are many places to visit in Vietnam to explore and take adventures. Vietnam is a culturally rich country with diverse traditions and cultures.
The cities in Vietnam are filled with culture, creativity, colonial architecture, calm landscapes, and colorful markets. Moreover, Vietnam never fails to amaze travelers with its adrenaline adventures. If you are planning a Vietnam tour but don’t know which cities to visit and explore, this post is for you.
We have curated a list of the best cities in Vietnam you can venture into and unwind on your holiday. Keep reading!
1. Hanoi
Hanoi is the most picturesque city in Vietnam and is always a must-visit for tourists. With a modern and ancient blend, Hanoi charms travelers. You can immerse yourself in Vietnam’s vibe by strolling through its vibrant streets, enjoying the nightlife, attending events at Hoan Kiem Lake, and seeking romantic getaways.
It is also a city of history and culture where you can explore its landmark attractions like the Museum of Ethnography, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi Opera House, etc. This capital city is among the top cities in Vietnam to visit.
2. Hoi An
Hoi An is the most gorgeous town in Vietnam. Listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hoi An captivates the attention of many tourists throughout the year. It is one of the most-loved places to visit in Vietnam for its picturesque charm, historic streets, ancient buildings, and colorful vibrance.
The whole town has an eccentric vibe adorned with beautiful beaches, colorful houses, narrow alleys, and notable streets. There are a few markets in and around the city that you can visit for holiday shopping. You can purchase handmade souvenirs and crafts from there. Moreover, travelers can enjoy various outdoor activities here, such as boating, cycling, paddleboarding, and surfing.
3. Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh, also known as Saigon, is one of the largest cities in Vietnam. It is a cultural and historical hub of Vietnam. It is the most-visited city in Vietnam, always brimming with tourists of all kinds. The Ho Chi Minh city is filled with ancient holy sites, soaring skyscrapers, medieval houses, beautiful night markets, majestic museums, and pretty restaurants.
You get a different vibe in this city throughout the day. There’s so much to do and see in Ho Chi Minh City. Some of the highlights of this place include the Cu Chi Tunnel, Tue Thanh Assembly Hall, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, etc.
4. Da Nang
Da Nang is a seaside city in Vietnam. It is a famous tourist destination among globetrotters. Brimming with pristine beaches, appealing landscapes, gorgeous mountains, and cultural heritage, Da Nang is one of the most-loved cities in Vietnam to visit. It is mostly popular for its Marble Mountains, which attract many adventurers.
Tourists can have an adventurous day at Ba Na Hills, enjoy a sightseeing tour at Da Nang Fresco Village, spend time at Danang Fine Arts Museum, and relax by the beach. You can also stroll around the countryside, featuring a French-style village, a Golden Bridge, and a cable car ride.
5. Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is the most scenic city in Vietnam, blessed with enticing landscapes, thrilling adventures, and majestic nature. It is the least-visited location in Vietnam in comparison to other bustling cities. Ninh Binh is best known for its local experience.
If you love to indulge in a local experience of a place, Ninh Binh is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. You can meet locals here, learn about their lives, and explore the stunning countryside. Ninh Binh is also a popular filming location because of its unparalleled landscapes.
6. Sapa
Sapa is a marvelous city in the northern part of Vietnam. It is one of the most-visited cities in Vietnam you must visit. This picture-perfect town is perched on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, offering breathtaking views of rice terraces, village houses, and green scenery.
Sapa is a famous destination among hiking and trekking enthusiasts who can indulge in an array of outdoor activities. Besides, travelers can experience native life, cultural traditions, local dishes, and untamed landscapes. You can visit the beautiful markets here to buy traditional handicrafts, handmade souvenirs, and local clothes.
7. Hue
Hue, a formal imperial capital, falls on the list of the best cities to visit in Vietnam. Steeped in history, Hue is a historical city of Vietnam where you can learn about its past. With its ancient theatres, medieval palaces, and historic pavilions, Hue can transport you back in time.
Some must-see attractions in Hue are Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Historic Citadel, Truong Tien Bridge, Bach Ma National Park, and Thai Hoa Palace. Every attraction in Hue has something to offer to its visitors. You can even indulge in gastronomic experiences through delicious local dishes like Bun Bo Noodles, Banh Khoai, and Nem Lui.
8. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a charming coastal city in Vietnam. Nestled in the south-central region of Vietnam, Nha Trang is esteemed for its beaches, limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and postcard-perfect landscapes. Nha Trang boasts a youthful and dynamic atmosphere, making travelers enjoy a pleasing time.
It is one of the top cities in Vietnam to visit among the high-end travelers. For beach lovers, the Nha Trang beach is the must-visit place in the city. The six-kilometer-long coastline offers a space to relax, swim, and sunbathe. You can even immerse yourself in the taste of delicious seafood here, such as Banh Can and Bun Cha Ca.
9. Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is one of the awe-inspiring islands in Vietnam. Perched on the Gulf of Thailand off the Vietnam coast, Phu Quoc offers a serene island holiday experience. There are countless outdoor things to do in Vietnam, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and beach-hopping, which you can do in Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc has a few attractions you can uncover on vacation, like Dinh Cau Temple, Vinpearl Grand World Phu Quoc, Night Market, Phu Quoc National Park, etc. If you are looking for a quaint place to unwind and relax, Phu Quoc should be on your list.
10. Da Lat
Da Lat is a magnificent city in Vietnam, fondly known as the City of Eternal Spring. This pleasing mountain town is home to unbinding natural beauty and cool spring. The city remains scenic, pleasant, and romantic throughout the year, attracting peace lovers from around the world.
If you are on a Vietnam vacation, Da Lat should be on your list of the best places to visit in Vietnam. It is also a romantic vacation spot for couples seeking a relaxing holiday. Adventure lovers can also find solace here in activities like mountain biking, white-water rafting, trekking, etc.
11. Haiphong
Haiphong is a bustling city in Northern Vietnam. It is a port city that is located 120km from Hanoi. Haiphong is one of the underrated cities in Vietnam. Travelers know this city as the Land of Flame Flowers because its streets are queued with flame-flower trees. Haiphong remains a year-round destination, attracting tourists throughout the year.
There are so many things tourists can do in Haiphong, like visiting the Haiphong Museum, going on an elephant mountain hike, enjoying kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, and offering reverence at Nghe Temple. The other attractions in Haiphong are the Haiphong Opera House, Do Son Beach, Navy Museum, etc.
12. Cao Bang
Cao Bang is a beautiful paradise on earth, adorned with striking waterfalls, lush hills, blooming valleys, and breathtaking landscapes. It is among the best cities to visit in Vietnam for its natural essence. Nestled on the bank of the Bang Giang River, Cao Bang is a true tourist delight.
Cao Bang is known for its Vietnamese countryside life as there are many small villages- where cultural richness, traditional crafts, and local lifestyle exist. If you want to experience the local life in Vietnam, Cao Bang is a must-visit place for you.
13. Phan Thiet
Phan Thiet is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. It offers golden sunshine, tropical weather, diverse landscapes, and historical relics. Besides being a coastal city, Phan Thiet is an economic and cultural center. Phan Thiet is a stunning center of cultural tourism destination with its diverse offerings.
One of the best things to do here is to witness the beautiful sunset at Mui Ne. The other things you can do in Phan Thiet are to learn kite surfing, eat local fish, go on a secluded beach, and admire architectural wonders.
14. Can Tho
Can Tho is an ideal city to visit in Vietnam to explore floating markets, rice terraces, and cordial locals. The things that best describe Can Tho are floating markets and boat rides. You can take morning boat rides and watch a mesmerizing sunrise. One of the best things to do in Vietnam is go to a floating market on a boat.
Can Tho is perfect for cycling around the countryside. Tourists can even rent bikes and go on a city exploration. Some famous attractions in Can Tho are The Binh Thuy Ancient House, Cai Rang Floating Market, and Munirangsyaram Pagoda.
15. Mui Ne
Mui Ne is a laid-back city with resorts and beach clubs. Filled with vast expanses of white sand beaches, beach clubs, and quiet resorts, Mui Ne is a tropical heaven for sea lovers. Among the top places to visit in Vietnam, Mui Ne is an ideal place to unwind and relax.
There are numerous things to see and do in Mui Ne, such as Mui Ne Beach, White Sand Dunes, Red Sand Dunes, Muine Fishing Village, Ta Cu Mountain, etc. Also, Mui Ne is the best place to try delectable dishes.
16. Dong Hoi
Dong Hoi is a stunning city in Central Vietnam that serves as the provincial capital of Quang Binh. It is well-known for its dazzling caves, charming rivers, colorful culture, rich history, and pristine beaches. Dong Hoi is another one of the noted cities in Vietnam. This city is slowly becoming a tourism hub with its unique travel experiences.
You can explore various Dong Hoi attractions such as Citadel Gates, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Nhat Le River, Son Doong Cave, etc. For weekend getaways, Dong Hoi is the best destination in Vietnam.
17. Cham Island
Cham Island is a charming tourist destination in Vietnam. It is a pearl of Vietnam that never stops brimming with greenery, turquoise waters, unspoiled landscapes, limitless sky, and endless sea. Also known as Cu Lao Cham, it is a 15-sq-km-long island with tropical weather where you get plenty of sunshine.
Cham Island offers a plethora of things to do in Vietnam, such as scuba diving, swimming, snorkeling, sea trekking, and sunbathing. There are other things you can enjoy on Cham Island, such as ancient wells, Nest Craftsman, beaches, ancient sites, etc.
18. Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island is a beautiful place to escape into nature’s lapse. It bursts with rugged landscapes, vibrant culture, dramatic mountains, and unprecedented scenery. This island has a wide range of natural ecosystems (both marine and terrestrial). The whole island is divided into two parts- Cat Ba Town and Cat Ba National Park.
Some highlights of Cat Ba Island are its beautiful beaches, deep caves, Lan Ha Bay, and the national park. There are various thrill-seeking adventures that you can enjoy in Cat Ba Island, such as rock climbing, cave explorations, and hiking.
19. Bai Tu Long
Bai Tu Long is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Vietnam, featuring magnificent natural wonders. It is the off-the-beaten destination that has so much to offer to every kind of traveler. Bai Tu Long offers incredible landscapes, secluded beaches, impressive mountain ranges, limestone islands, magnificent caves, and quaint floating fishing villages.
There are many beautiful spots that travelers can explore, like Bai Tu Long National Park, Vung Vieng fishing village, Cong Do area, Cong Dam area, Thien Canh Son Cave, and Tra Gioi Beach.
20. Ha Giang
Ha Giang is one of the most pleasing cities in Vietnam to visit. Perched in the northern highlands of Vietnam, Ha Giang fills travelers with adventure and natural beauty. Ha Giang is an ideal location for thrill seekers looking for escapades. With its mountain trails, local village life, ethnic villages, and rich cultural tapestry, Ha Giang is one of the hidden treasures of Vietnam.
If you enjoy wild vistas complemented by majestic peaks, lush rivers, and vibrant flowers, you should head to Ha Giang.
Leave for a Pleasure Vietnam Holiday with Dook!
Vietnam is the most popular holiday destination among travelers right now! Globetrotters from all over the world choose Vietnam as their vacation destination for many reasons. From its alluring natural wonders to magnificent landscapes to pristine white-sand beaches to beautiful attractions, Vietnam is a phenomenal destination for every kind of traveler.
If you are mapping a Vietnam vacation, take the help of Dook International. We can craft incredible Vietnam itineraries for you, keeping your travel needs in mind. Dook offers a range of Vietnam holiday packages you can choose from. We personalize your travel experience and ensure that you have a great time. So, don’t sit back and wait! Book your best package now!
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