Vietnam is a country of contrasts and colour. It offers a rare blend of historic charm, lively street life, and natural beauty from the mountains to the sea. Whether you enjoy cultural landmarks, beachside relaxation, or local cuisine, the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam in 2025 deliver memorable experiences for all types of travellers.
From the bustling alleys of Hanoi to the calm beaches of Phu Quoc, Vietnam promises diversity at every turn. The country's deep-rooted traditions meet modern creativity, creating a vibrant atmosphere that feels both fresh and familiar. The Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam take you through ancient temples, floating markets, tropical islands, and colonial streets.
With improved tourism facilities and an expanding network of domestic travel options, 2025 is an ideal time to explore. Let’s take a closer look at the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, where culture meets coast and every stop tells its own story.
Hanoi – The Cultural Capital
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a city that wears its soul on every street. As one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, it perfectly blends ancient traditions with modern energy. Wander through the Old Quarter, where tangled alleyways echo with the sounds of street vendors and the hum of motorbikes.
Here, history lives in the faded façades, colonial architecture, and temple courtyards hidden behind narrow shopfronts. The scent of pho rises from sidewalk stalls, while cafés serve up iconic egg coffee with creamy foam and a hint of sweetness. By Hoan Kiem Lake, the city slows down locals practise tai chi at dawn and couples stroll hand in hand at sunset.
Hanoi’s cultural richness shines through in its museums, traditional theatre, and vibrant markets. Every street has a story, every building a past. Among the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, Hanoi stands as a powerful introduction to the country’s charm, complexity, and undeniable character.
Ha Long Bay – Limestone Legends
Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam. As one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, it’s known for its emerald waters, dramatic limestone islands, and peaceful fishing villages. Visitors can cruise past towering karsts, kayak into hidden caves, or relax on deck with panoramic views. Each moment on the bay feels cinematic misty mornings, glowing sunsets, and quiet lagoons all add to the magic. Ha Long Bay offers natural beauty, serenity, and adventure in one unforgettable experience.
Hoi An – Lantern-Lit Beauty
Hoi An is like stepping into a painting graceful, warm, and full of soul. As one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, it captures hearts with its lantern-lit streets, historic shophouses, and riverside serenity. The town’s yellow-washed walls, tiled roofs, and wooden bridges speak of its past as a busy trading port. Wander through ancient alleys where each turn reveals tailor shops, traditional teahouses, or colourful temples.
The night market comes alive after dusk, glowing with lanterns and sizzling with street food aromas from bánh mì to cao lầu. For many, the highlight is having clothes custom-made by local tailors known for speed and skill. Hoi An isn’t just beautiful it’s peaceful, welcoming, and rich with cultural rhythm. Among the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, Hoi An stands out as a place where time slows down and memories are made in every moment.
Hue – The Imperial Heart
Hue is a city steeped in royal elegance and quiet dignity. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, it remains one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam for travellers seeking history, architecture, and cultural depth. The city unfolds along the gentle curves of the Perfume River, where dragon boats glide past lush gardens and ornate pagodas. At its heart lies the Imperial City a vast complex of palaces, gates, and temples echoing the legacy of Nguyen emperors.
Wander through the royal tombs scattered on the outskirts, each a masterpiece of design and symbolism. The air is calm, the pace is slow, and every site carries the weight of a rich past. Hue’s cuisine, known for its refined flavours, adds another layer to the experience. Among the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, Hue stands as a poetic reminder of the country’s imperial glory and spiritual soul.
Da Nang – Where Coast Meets City
Da Nang blends modern living with natural beauty. It holds its place among the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam thanks to sandy beaches, marble mountains, and the striking Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands. It's also a convenient base for exploring Hoi An and Hue.
Sapa – Mountain Majesty
Sapa is a highland retreat where nature paints the landscape in layers of green and gold. Nestled in the northern mountains, it is one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam for those who crave fresh air, scenic treks, and cultural encounters.
The region is famous for its terraced rice fields that curve along the hillsides like giant steps in the clouds. Trekking routes lead through misty trails and remote villages, where ethnic minority groups like the Hmong, Dao, and Tay maintain rich traditions and warm hospitality. Markets are filled with colourful textiles, handcrafted goods, and stories told through smiles.
On clear days, views stretch all the way to Mount FansipanVietnam’s highest peak. Cool weather and the calm of the mountains make Sapa a peaceful contrast to Vietnam’s cities. As one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, Sapa offers an experience that’s both adventurous and soulful.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam 2025
| Destination | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Old Quarter, Coffee Culture, Temples | City Life + Heritage |
| Ha Long Bay | Cruises, Limestone Islands, Kayaking | Nature + Romance |
| Hoi An | Ancient Town, Lanterns, Tailors | Culture + Relaxation |
| Hue | Imperial City, Tombs, Pagodas | History + Architecture Lovers |
| Da Nang | Beaches, Golden Bridge, Urban Comfort | Coast + Convenience |
| Sapa | Trekking, Rice Fields, Ethnic Villages | Nature + Adventure |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Food, Museums, Rooftop Views | Urban + Modern Explorers |
| Ninh Binh | Boat Rides, Caves, Temple Sites | Countryside + Scenic Views |
| Phu Quoc | Beaches, Diving, Resorts | Island Escape + Luxury |
| Mekong Delta | Floating Markets, Rural Life | Culture + Water Adventures |
Ho Chi Minh City – Urban Energy
Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon, pulses with energy and ambition. As one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, it blends old-world charm with fast-paced modern life. French colonial buildings stand beside towering skyscrapers, while scooters zip through lively streets.
Explore the War Remnants Museum, shop at Ben Thanh Market, and indulge in street food that bursts with flavour. By night, rooftop bars offer sweeping views of the glittering skyline. This city never slows down, making it a must-see on any Vietnam itinerary.
Ninh Binh – Inland Ha Long
Ninh Binh, known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” is a peaceful gem in northern Vietnam. As one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, it features dramatic limestone cliffs, winding rivers, and rice paddies stretching to the horizon.
Glide through Tam Coc or Trang An on a traditional boat and pass through caves and lush valleys. Explore ancient temples like Bich Dong and Hoa Lu, or cycle through quiet villages surrounded by nature. Ninh Binh offers a calm, scenic escape that captures the beauty of Vietnam’s countryside.
Mekong Delta – River Life Experience
The Mekong Delta is where Vietnam slows down and breathes in rhythm with the river. As one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, it invites travellers to experience daily life shaped by water, tradition, and nature. This vast region in the south is a patchwork of canals, rice paddies, and floating villages that feel both timeless and welcoming.
Wake early to witness bustling floating markets like Cai Rang, where boats brim with fresh produce and local chatter. Glide through narrow waterways lined with coconut palms, stilt houses, and smiling faces. Villagers wave from the shore, offering fresh fruit or warm conversation. Life here is unhurried, rooted in community and resilience. The Mekong Delta is not just scenery it's a living culture. With its peaceful pace and authentic charm, it stands out among the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, giving visitors a deeper connection to the heart of rural Vietnam.
Phu Quoc – Island Paradise
Phu Quoc is the crown jewel of Vietnam’s coastline a tropical paradise that blends natural beauty with laid-back island life. As one of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, it attracts sunseekers, adventure lovers, and those looking to recharge by the sea.
The island’s white-sand beaches stretch endlessly, with palm trees swaying over turquoise waters. Dive beneath the surface to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, or take a snorkelling trip to the An Thoi archipelago. Inland, jungle trails lead to waterfalls and hidden temples, perfect for nature walks and quiet exploration. The island also offers a glimpse into local life, with colourful fishing villages, night markets, and traditional fish sauce factories.
Whether you're lounging in a beachfront resort or riding a scooter along scenic coastal roads, Phu Quoc offers a slower rhythm that’s hard to resist. Among the Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam, it stands out for its effortless charm and its ability to make time feel like it’s standing still.
Final Words
Vietnam is a destination that offers contrast, beauty, and soul. The Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam in 2025 capture this spirit through coastlines, cultural hubs, and peaceful landscapes. Whether you're wandering ancient streets, hiking remote trails, or enjoying local dishes, each location leaves a distinct mark.
The Top 10 Places to Visit in Vietnam promise more than sightseeing. They offer experiences ones that awaken your senses, deepen your curiosity, and make you feel connected to something timeless. Plan your 2025 journey now and see why Vietnam remains one of Asia’s most unforgettable destinations.
