5 Best Places To Go In Vietnam
Vietnam is hands-down one of my favorite countries to visit as a solo female traveler. It's relatively safe and between the diverse natural landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, rich cultural history, and thriving city lifestyle, there's something to see, do, and experience for everyone.
Now, "best" is subjective.
So before we go any further, I'd like to clarify that I'm the type of traveler who prioritizes nature, culture, and immersion rather than bucketlist or resort-type experiences. If you're into slow and mindful travel, you're in the right place! That's largely how I have selected these destinations.
One last thing... Vietnam is an incredibly long and skinny country so depending on the season you're planning to visit, some of these destination might be a "skip." (Just a quick disclaimer because it's something I wish someone would've told me when I was planning my itinerary... it would've saved me many rained-out experiences! 😭)
So without further ado, here are the top five places that you should visit as a first time traveler to Vietnam.
Quick Tips For Planning Your Vietnam Trip
Most foreigners need a visa to visit Vietnam. Check your visa requirements before booking your trip! Don't get turned away at the border 😬
Eliminate transportation stress by pre-booking overnight trains and shuttles with 12Go
Save on accommodations in Vietnam (and SEA in general) by booking with Agoda
I used Airalo for my eSIM but if you're going into the mountains, I definitely recommend going with a local provider like Viettel
Make sure to get travel insurance because those sidewalks are crooked and motorcycles are everywhere. The last thing you want is to get hurt and have an issue with treatment
Plan your trip with this One Month North-to-South Itinerary
1. Hanoi
Why visit: capital of Vietnam, northern Vietnamese culture
Hanoi is the capital of the country and what I appreciate most about it, is its juxtaposition.
In just one square kilometer of the Old Quarter, you'll find French colonial facades standing shoulder to shoulder with ancient Buddhist temples; mass-produced souvenirs lined up next to handmade artisanal gifts; and the decades-old pho shop serving locals breakfast is just steps away from the tourist-packed beer alley blaring the latest American pop music.
This vibrant mix of chaos and cohesion encapsulates something about Vietnamese culture that is indescribable and that's why I think Hanoi is one of the most unmissable places in Vietnam.
Beyond that, as an international visitor, you're probably going flying into Noi Bai International Airport in the north or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (near HCMC) in the south, so logistically, you're going to have to spend a few days there anyway. Why not make the best of it?
Hanoi is also a central transportation hub in the north and makes a great base for day trips to surrounding destinations like Ninh Binh province (rice paddies and limestone karsts) or Ha Long Bay (UNESCO world heritage site).
Hanoi is the heart of Vietnam and does an incredible job of blending the old with the new. It provides a perfect taste to the country and gets you acclimated without getting (too) overwhelmed.
2. Sapa
Why visit: incredible mountainous landscapes, ethnic minority villages
Sapa is one of the most beautiful provinces in northern Vietnam. It’s known for terraced rice fields, misty valleys, the Black Hmong ethnic minority group, and has a long history as a mountain resort town.
Personally, I think that it’s one of the best places that you can visit to get a taste for the northern landscape. I absolutely loved riding a scooter through the hilly mountainside as well as, trekking and visiting different ethnic villages, and all-in-all just enjoyed the romantic vibe of the town.
The downside, however, is that it has a long history as a resort town going back to the French colonizers, and so its tourism industry tends to be a little bit more established, extractive and exploitative. The food was comparatively expensive, we ran into scams pretty frequently, and it was really sad to see the kids dancing for money in the plaza.
But don’t let that deter you from visiting.
The challenge with tourism is that economies often become dependent on our dollars. If we suddenly pulled back, it would hurt locals more than help them.
Instead, our job as responsible travelers is to gently shift interest toward more ethical alternatives: stay at local homestays, eat the local food, and give back directly to the community. Hopefully through these methods, we can create a more sustainable form of travel.
3. Hoi An
Why visit: culture, history, and immaculate vibes
Hoi An definitely leans on the touristy side of things, but I don’t think that's necessarily bad.
This riverside city was once Vietnam's largest and busiest trading port and still carries a lot of that energy and reputation. As a native New Yorker, I saw a lot of parallels in its historical development and really appreciated that it was a melting pot for different people and cultures at that time.
The city itself is a wonderfully slow and walkable. I loved mindlessly wandering the ancient alleys, browsing the night markets by the river (heads up, a lot the items are mass-produced trinkets), making custom-tailored Vietnamese silk garments, and learning the process of creating paper lanterns.
Hoi An is a city that took my breath away and is overflowing with romance, magic and charm. There's nothing quite like it in the world, and I 10/10 recommend adding it to your itinerary if you're one for the vibes.
4. Nha Trang
Why visit: beaches, resorts, diving
Although I'm not typically the resort type of person, it is nice to veg out for a day or two when you're in a highly stimulating environment.
Nha Trang is Vietnam's premiere beach resort destination. It's famous for its pristine coastline, exciting water-sports opportunities, and thriving nightlife.
Now full disclaimer that when I visited, I was staying with my friend's family. It was very much a family oriented group tour situation rather than a solo travel experience, but that being said, I think a lot of activities could carry well for independent solo travelers.
Nha Trang is the perfect place to slow things down for a few days. Relax at an all-inclusive resort, take day excursions to nearby cultural sites like the Po Nagar Cham Towers, or even go for a dive and explore some of Vietnam’s marine life. (I didn't get to do so because I visited during winter but definitely plan on doing so next time.)
The downside of Nha Trang is that it's a pretty big hub for Russian, Chinese, and Korean tourists and it might get annoying having to fight other visitors for the same experiences, but the city is big enough that if you actually look, you can find pockets of quiet as well.
5. Ho Chi Minh City
Why visit: bright lights, big city vibes
Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) is one of the places that I wish I had more time to explore.
The energy is electric and the city itself is huge. It’s a taste of modern Vietnam and gives a peek into how everyday people just live their lives.
One of my favorite memories from exploring Ho Chi Minh City was taking a women-led nighttime foodie motorbike tour. It was so much fun weaving through the traffic, getting to try local eats, and hearing stories from the women who actually lived there.
On top of that, the food was out of this world and the rooftop bars were on par with (or even far surpassed?) those in other big cities like NY.
If you’re someone who really appreciates city life, Ho Chi Minh City is definitely one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.
So, those are my top five picks for the best places to see in Vietnam. I did my best to give an option for each type of traveler, but obviously I tend to be more inclined towards culture and nature-oriented travel so the list might be a little skewed.
If you need more tips on planning your Vietnam trip, get started with this One Month Itinerary of the country, dive deep into your 3-Day Hanoi Stay, or head into the northern mountains of Ha Giang (where I took the photo above) for something a little different.
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