The 10 Best Places To Visit in Vietnam for First-Timers

Adventure is in the air in Vietnam. This enchanting destination draws you in with emerald rice terraces, rugged limestone islands and cities that never sleep. From winding mountain roads to lantern-lit backstreets where you can savour steamy bowls of pho, Vietnam is one of those places that every traveller needs to experience at least once in their lifetime.

When each day can look completely different to the next, how do you decide where to visit in Vietnam for the first time? Our guide below has all the inspiration you need to start planning your dream trip, or get a taste of what’s possible when you travel with us. Check out our choices for the top 10 places to visit in Vietnam.

Our Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam

1) Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is where it all begins for many travellers. Come along for the ride inside this whirlwind of a city, with adventures to keep you constantly on your toes. From stunning pagodas to soaking in Vietnam’s rich history and local culture, Hanoi makes an unforgettable first impression and will introduce you to everything there is to love about this country.

Must-Sees in Hanoi

Train Street 🚆

No trip to Hanoi is complete without it! This is one of the most famous spots in the city, with a train track running through the centre. Time your visit at one of the bars and cafes lining the street, and feel the adrenaline rush as it glides past you.

Old Quarter 🍜

Aka the heart and soul of Hanoi. You could easily spend days exploring all 36 streets, with delicious street food, budget-friendly markets and little hidden gems around every corner. In other words, The Old Quarter will fuel all your travel needs - plus immerse you in the local side of the city.

Café Culture ☕

Vietnam’s café culture is on another level, particularly in Hanoi. Between trying local specialities like egg coffee for the first time to visiting photogenic spots like the Note Coffee, the more secluded moments in Hanoi are just as memorable as the big nights out and bucket list sites.

2) Hoi An

When deciding where to visit in Vietnam for the first time, Hoi An needs to be at the top of your list. This is a travel favourite for a reason, casting a spell on explorers with its honey-coloured historic architecture and colourful paper lanterns everywhere your head turns. Just as impressive as the Ancient Town of Hoi An has to be its natural beauty right outside, with golden sandy stretches and mangrove river forest trails waiting to be discovered.

Must-Sees in Hoi An

Tailoring 👕

Did you know that you can pick up a whole new wardrobe in Hoi An, which is tailor-made? On our Vietnam tours, your trip leader will give you their top recommendations on where to go during your free time.

Lanterns 🏮

There is something so magical about Hoi An at night, when the glow of paper lanterns illuminates the city. You can even make your own souvenir to take home with you!

Coconut basket boats 🥥

Unique to Hoi An, these boats are used by the local fishermen and are the best way to explore the local nature spots right outside the city. You can even whirl around super fast like spinning teacups!

3) Ha Long Bay

More than 1,600 uninhabited islands float in the jewel-coloured waters of Ha Long Bay, like a fairytale come to life. So legend goes, dragons once descended from the heavens to protect these waters from invasion by spitting out jades. These then transformed into the iconic limestone cliffs that this natural wonder is renowned for today. As Vietnam’s most famous World Heritage site, get ready for Ha Long Bay to take your breath away!

Must-Sees in Ha Long Bay

Kayaking 🚣

Get closer to the scenery with a kayaking excursion in Ha Long Bay, perfect for exploring all the hidden caves and unique rock formations on offer.

Sailing Overnight ⛵

Ha Long Bay is somewhere you want to slow down and take your time in, and what better way to do this than on an overnight boat trip? Sail to secret islands and enjoy the sunset over dinner, drinks and dreamy views as part of Vietnam Adventure Plus: perfect for travellers looking to explore Vietnam in 12 or 15 days while staying at stunning accommodation.

4) Ninh Binh

Nicknamed ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’ after its majestic rivers that curve around the jungle-clad mountains, the landscapes of Ninh Binh are like a rich postcard come to life. Marvel from the top of Lying Dragon Mountain viewpoint, with lush valleys everywhere your head turns. This is rural Vietnam in all its unspoilt beauty.

Must-Sees in Ninh Binh

Homestay 🏡

On our best-selling 9 or 12-day Vietnam Adventure tour, one of the biggest highlights is easily our Ninh Binh homestay. The views here are just unreal, with a riverside pool for you to unwind by. It’s also an incredible chance to experience authentic Vietnamese culture!

Hiking 🥾

Some views are the kind you want to sit back and soak it all in, and others are the ones you want to dive right into! Ninh Binh is best experienced on foot, whether that is ticking Lying Dragon Mountain off your hiking bucket list or exploring all the nearby scenery.

5) Ho Chi Minh City

When it comes to delectable street food, sensational nightlife and experiencing the country as it is today, Ho Chi Minh City comes out on top. Although Vietnam itself is easily one of the best countries in the world for amazing food, Ho Chi Minh City is a crowd favourite thanks to bánh mì, aka one of the greatest sandwiches ever made (no exaggeration). Whether you begin your adventures here or are finishing on a high, Ho Chi Minh City is pretty spectacular!

Must-Sees in Ho Chi Minh City

Nightlife 🌃

Ho Chi Minh City is the life of the party in Vietnam, from the bustle of Bui Vien walking street to rooftop bars and neon-lit nightclubs. 

Street food 🥖

The perfect night out and delicious cuisine to fuel your adventures go hand-in-hand in Ho Chi Minh City. Not only is the street food here super affordable, it is a social experience and integral to the local culture.

Củ Chi Tunnels 🕳️

The Vietnam War lasted for almost 20 years, and the Viet Cong movement operated out of these very tunnels. Today, you can crawl through this underground network and learn all about the country’s important history.

6) Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is one of Vietnam’s must-sees in the south. Nicknamed the ‘Rice Bowl of Vietnam’, the Mekong Delta is the heart of this country’s agriculture and home to a lush diversity of tropical fruits for you to try. From the colourful floating markets to the rural villages and forest trails, a boat ride along the Mekong Delta drifts you back in time as jade-green scenery floods your senses. 

Must-Sees in Mekong Delta

Floating Markets 🛶

In a country famed for its stunning rivers, it makes perfect sense that floating markets would be so popular here. The Mekong Delta is all about catching glimpses into everyday life and shopping for handicrafts - so don’t be afraid to do some haggling!

Orchard Gardens 🌾

Between the peaceful atmosphere and all the delicious fruits you can try here, the orchard gardens are a major highlight of the Mekong Delta. Plus, your visit is an amazing way to support the local community and give back while you travel!

7) Ha Giang Loop

Vietnam’s most iconic road trip, the Ha Giang Loop, takes around 4 days to complete and immerses you in the best of northernmost Vietnam. When we say the journey is the destination, what we mean is bright emerald valleys and rugged mountain peaks that reach out to the sky. 

Dramatic scenery is just the start of what makes the Ha Giang Loop so spellbinding. 

Must-Sees in Ha Giang Loop

Ma Pi Leng Pass 🛣️

When you picture the Ha Giang Loop, chances are, it’s this legendary viewpoint you’re thinking of! On our 40 or 47-day Southeast Asia Adventure, you can tick this once-in-a-lifetime adventure off your Vietnam bucket list and ride around in 4x4 cars!

Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate 

Emerald valleys that touch the sky meet winding roads that seem to go on for eternity. Nothing can really prepare you for the otherworldly beauty that the Ha Giang Loop has to offer, especially when admiring it from up here.

8) Hue

Hue may be one of Vietnam’s best-kept secret destinations, nestled on the coast of Central Vietnam. This city was once the imperial capital of Vietnam’s last ruling family, the Nguyen Dynasty, until 1945; yet its glory days are far from over, with enriching cultural landmarks, stunning paddy fields and some of the tastiest meals of your life waiting to be explored.

Must-Sees in Hue

The Imperial City 🐉

The Imperial City may just be one of the most breathtaking historical sights you’ll ever explore, from the ornate statues, pagodas and hallways which are bursting with bright colours. Seriously, we cannot believe how underrated it is!

Cooking Class 🍳

So you’ve fallen in love with Vietnamese culture and can’t imagine a life without pho… Well, you know what they say, “Teach a traveller how to cook and they’ll have tasty recipes from around the world for a lifetime!”

Cycling Tour 🚲

With so much to see in Hue, the best way to experience this city is on a cycling tour! Pedal past gorgeous architecture and soak in the city vibes.

9) Sa Pa

For the best hiking trails in Vietnam, Sa Pa has you spoilt for choice. Spend your days exploring the epic mountain ranges, and your evenings unwinding at the local bars with your travel mates. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even choose to summit Vietnam’s tallest peak, Fan Si Pan (or you know, take the cable car up to the top… it’s a judgement free zone here 😉).

Must-Sees in Sa Pa

Local Villages

One of the best parts about travel is the people you meet along the way! The local villages of Sa Pa are home to several of Vietnam’s indigenous communities, and it is an amazing opportunity to experience another side of this country. 

Mountain Views

Between the sweeping valley stretches and the misty mountain peaks, the secret to happiness may just be in Sa Pa. Whether you’re an avid hiker or craving some chill time, the landscapes here are too gorgeous to miss.

10) Nha Trang

Fancy a change of pace? Escape to the golden coast of Nha Trang, Vietnam’s ultimate beachside destination, which enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year. Spend your days island-hopping and snorkelling around the coast, or treat yourself to spa treatments and a traditional mud bath. Nha Trang may not seem like an immediate choice for where to visit in Vietnam for the first time; yet if you’re the kind of traveller who seeks out variety and craves beach time, this is your dream destination right here!

Must-Sees in Nha Trang

Beaches 🏖️

Sometimes all you need is to soak up the rays of sunshine and take a dip in crystal-clear waters. It’s all about the little things in Nha Trang!

Foodie Experiences 🦞

One thing’s for sure: Vietnam’s cuisine is just as impressive as all the highlights you get to see! Nha Trang is the ‘Seafood Capital’ of Vietnam; beyond the fresh catches of the day, be sure to try all the different tropical fruits, savoury pancakes and marinated meats. 

Nightlife 🍹

If beachside clubs and cocktail bars are your vibe, Nha Trang delivers. Get dressed up for sunset pictures before dancing the night away with your new travel besties!

Vietnam for the First Time: Our Top Travel Tips

Go with the Flow ✨

Feeling nervous before going anywhere for the first time is completely normal and one of the most exciting things about travelling. Vietnam is an incredibly welcoming destination, and you will be fully immersed in the culture before you know it. Besides, a cute cafe to chill out in is never far away in Vietnam!

Pack for All Climates 🌈

North Vietnam experiences cooler temperatures, particularly in the highland areas, and enjoys short rain spells (hence why everything is so lush and green!). Meanwhile, South Vietnam is more tropical and humid. Breathable layers and a light waterproof jacket are the key to making the most out of your trip here.

Travel Smart 📖

Before travelling anywhere, we encourage you to stay updated on FCDO advice as entry requirements and travel precautions can be subject to change. Take a look at our 12 Things Every Traveller Forgets guidebook to tick off for everything you need, plus our ultimate What to Take Travelling checklist for all your packing essentials.

Have Fun 🎉

There’s a reason why Vietnam is one of our most popular travel destinations! The variety of activities and scenery makes it an exciting country to explore, especially when you have a new group of mates and a professional trip leader joining you for the adventure. 

Feeling Inspired? ⭐

So it’s official... You’re going to Vietnam! Now you just need to set the date and start planning, or simply pop a message on live chat and let our friendly travel experts do the hard work for you. Life-changing adventures await on our Vietnam tours, shared with a new group of mates. Don’t get Pho-mo! 🍜

We have included some FAQs below that travellers always ask before visiting Vietnam, yet if you have any more questions before you travel, please reach out by visiting our contact us page. You can also click on the live chat button to get a conversation going with one of our travel experts.

Frequently Asked Questions