6 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam for First-Time Travelers

If you are traveling to Vietnam for the first time, these are the best 6 places to visit in your Vietnam tours. These best Vietnam travel destinations listed from North to South.

Read more:

• Essential Travel Guides for First-time Travelers to Vietnam
• 7 Best Vietnam Tours for First Time International Travelers
• Best travel destinations for a family holiday in Vietnam

1. Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital and second-largest city of Vietnam, serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country. It’s one of the best places to visit in Vietnam, known for its welcoming vibe and safety. With Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi is the gateway to Northern Vietnam, connecting travelers to nearby attractions like Halong Bay, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Sapa, and the northeast and northwest regions.

Things to see in Hanoi

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter Area: At the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by vibrant streets and the historic Old Quarter. The lake features Turtle Tower, a city symbol, and Ngoc Son Temple, accessible via the iconic red Huc Bridge.
• Temple of Literature: Built in 1070 under the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, this temple now celebrates Vietnam’s scholars. It’s a must-visit cultural landmark.
• Ba Dinh Square: The area includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Museum, Uncle Ho’s House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, Presidential Palace.
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, this cultural complex, first built during the Ly Dynasty, includes the archaeological site at 18 Hoang Dieu Street and the central Nguyen Dynasty Citadel.
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: This museum showcases Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups with displays labeled in Vietnamese, French, and English.

2. Halong Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is among the best places to visit in Vietnam. Let’s see what Lonely Planet wrote about Halong Bay:

“Towering limestone pillars and tiny islets topped by forest rise from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Designated a World Heritage site in 1994, Halong Bay’s spectacular scatter of islands, dotted with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes, is a vision of ethereal beauty and, unsurprisingly, northern Vietnam’s number one tourism hub.

Sprawling Halong City is the bay’s main gateway but its dowdy high-rises are a disappointing doorstep to this site. Most visitors sensibly opt for cruise-tours that include sleeping on board within the bay, while a growing number are deciding to eschew the main bay completely, heading straight for Cat Ba Island from where trips to less-visited but equally alluring Lan Ha Bay are easily set up.”

Things to see in Halong Bay

• Cruise on the bay to visit its beauty with islands and islets on calm water
• Thien Cung, Dau Go caves: The two big caves with stalactites and stalagmites inside
• Sung Sot Cave: The biggest cave in the Titop island area
• Ga Choi: The two islets namely flight cocks make shape of 2 fighting cocks in a right position

3. Ninh Binh

Located 100 km south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a rising star among the best places to visit in Vietnam, offering historical sites and breathtaking landscapes.

Things to see in Ninh Binh

• Hoa Lu: The ancient capital of Dai Co Viet under the Dinh and Le dynasties, Hoa Lu retains remnants of a fortress built over 1,000 years ago.
• Tam Coc, Bich Dong: Part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site), this area features limestone karsts and serene waterways.
• Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex: Known as an “outdoor geological museum,” Trang An boasts caves, mountains, and historic relics.
• Van Long lagoon: Spanning 3,500 hectares, this wetland reserve mirrors stunning scenery and hosts diverse wildlife, including species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda: A massive complex built since 2003, featuring Tam The Temple, Phap Chu Temple, Quan Am Temple, Bao Thap, and a Bell Tower.

4. Hoi An

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An’s Ancient Town is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam, showcasing a well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Its peaceful streets, ancient buildings, and cultural fusion (Chinese, Japanese, and European influences) make it a unique destination.

Things to See in Hoi An

• Ancient Town: Wander through charming streets lined with historic architecture and friendly locals.
• Pagoda Bridge: A 17th-century Japanese-built bridge, the symbol of Hoi An, is a must-see.
• Nearby Villages: Explore traditional countryside villages like Tra Que Vegetable & Herb Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, and fishing and coconut tree villages.
• Beaches: Relax at Cua Dai, My Khe, Son Tra, or Non Nuoc beaches, or take a trip to Cham Island.

5. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling economic hub, is among the best places to visit in Vietnam for its vibrant energy and historical landmarks.

Things to See in Ho Chi Minh City

• Independence Palace: Also known as Reunification Palace, this landmark was the home of South Vietnam’s president during the Vietnam War.
• Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica: Built by French colonists between 1863 and 1880, this architectural marvel is officially named Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception.
• Ben Thanh Market: A central market offering local handicrafts, souvenirs, and Vietnamese art.
• Cu Chi Tunnels: Located 60 km from the city, this war museum showcases the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War.

6. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta, known as Cuu Long (Nine Dragons), is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. Its complex river system, floating markets, Khmer pagodas, and rice-paddy villages offer a glimpse into southern Vietnam’s rural life.

Things to See in Mekong Delta

• Floating Markets: Experience vibrant markets like Cai Rang, where vendors trade from boats.
• Khmer Pagodas: Visit ornate pagodas reflecting the region’s Khmer cultural influence.
• Rice Paddies and Villages: Explore lush landscapes and traditional villages surrounded by fertile fields.