Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is probably the most famous place in Vietnam. There are over 3,000 limestone rocks and islands sticking out of the sea. You can take an overnight cruise and wake up surrounded by them.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also go kayaking through caves and swim in the sea.

Best for: boat trips, kayaking, caves, photos

Hoi An

Hoi An is an old town that used to be a trading port. Now it is famous for colourful lanterns at night. The old buildings are well preserved and there is a beach nearby.

You can get clothes made cheaply by local tailors which tourists love.

Best for: lanterns, old town, tailors, beach

Hoi An
Sapa

Sapa

Sapa is up in the mountains near the Chinese border. It is known for terraced rice fields that go up the hillsides in steps. Different ethnic groups live there with their own languages and traditions.

Best for: trekking, rice fields, village visits

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. It has a famous lake in the middle called Hoan Kiem Lake. The Old Quarter has narrow streets each named after what they used to sell there. The traffic is really busy and there are motorbikes everywhere.

Best for: history, street food, Old Quarter

Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the biggest city in Vietnam. A lot of people still call it Saigon. It is more modern than Hanoi with skyscrapers next to old French buildings. It has war museums and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Best for: war history, markets, city life

💡 Tip

If you can only visit one place most people say Ha Long Bay or Hoi An. But the whole country is worth seeing if you have time.