Vietnam is a nation where the past meets the future, and natural beauty seamlessly entwines with vibrant culture. It beckons travelers to discover its rich historical tapestry and it spellbinding mix of captivating landscapes, delectable cuisine, and incredible cultural diversity. From the bustling, neon-lit streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the breathtaking limestone karsts of Halong Bay and the serene terraced rice fields of Sapa, Vietnam offers a world of adventure. As you prepare to hike, cycle, and cruise your way through some of the most picturesque scenery on Earth, here’s your guide to this one-of-a-kind destination.
What are the best places to visit in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a nation that caters to a wide range of interests, from outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs to foodies and culture seekers. It’s a place where each step you take, each dish you taste, and each conversation you engage in reveals the remarkable tapestry of this extraordinary country. As you plan your adventure, here are some of Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations to add to your can’t-miss list.
Starting in the north, Sapa, a remote town in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains, is a great introduction to the wonderful people and captivating landscapes of Vietnam. Here, emerald rice terraces cascade down the mountainsides, shrouded in a mystical veil of mist, creating an otherworldly landscape that’s both serene and breathtaking. This region is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic minority cultures, each with its traditions and lifestyles. The town itself offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with colorful markets, cozy cafes, and colorful streets.
In contrast to the tranquility of Sapa, the capital city of Hanoi is a whirlwind of history and culture. Stepping into Hanoi is like entering a living museum, where the past and the present coexist in harmonious chaos. The city’s historic quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets where vendors sell their goods and motorcycles weave through the crowds, while elsewhere in the city, French-inspired boulevards showcase stylish art galleries and boutiques. Historical sites like the Temple of Literature and Hoa La Prison provide insights into Vietnam’s rich history, and colonial-era buildings, ancient temples, and communist monuments stand side by side, each telling a piece of Hanoi’s complex story. As the sun sets, Hanoi comes alive with street food vendors, making this city a culinary paradise like none other.
Like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city–and an essential destination for any Vietnam visitor. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the economic and cultural heart of the country, where the past and the future seamlessly converge. Stroll through the French colonial landmarks such as the Central Post Office and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, which harken back to Vietnam’s French colonial era. Then, delve into the rich history of the country at the War Remnants Museum offering a glimpse into the tumultuous past, before doing some shopping at the Ben Thanh Market or indulging in banh mi and pho at the Ben Nghe Street Food Market.
In the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense underground labyrinth that was used by Viet Cong soldiers, allowing them to move, live, and fight in close proximity to the American and South Vietnamese forces. Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels have been preserved as a historical site and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore sections of the tunnels, gaining a deep understanding of the harsh conditions that soldiers and civilians endured during the war. The site also includes informative displays, relics, and exhibits, offering a poignant look into Vietnam’s wartime past. The tunnels are an enduring symbol of the country’s wartime history and a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War.
If you have a passion for history, make sure that Hue, the former imperial capital, is on your list. This central Vietnam city is brimming with history, and holds a special place in the country’s heritage. It’s renowned for its splendid historic monuments, tranquil pagodas, and a unique blend of Vietnamese and Chinese traditions. At the heart of Hue is the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, a walled fortress with a vast complex of palaces, temples, gates, and pavilions. This historical site was once the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last ruling family. Visitors can wander through the meticulously designed gardens and explore ancient architectural wonders, including the Forbidden Purple City, a private residence of the emperors.
Not far from Hue is Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating to the mid-16th century. Strolling through the lantern-lit alleyways, you’ll encounter centuries-old shop houses, temples, and trading ports that tell the story of Hoi An’s past. The town’s unique fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural traditions. Hoi An is also famous for its tailor shops, where you can have custom-made clothing created just for you. The town’s proximity to beautiful beaches and lush countryside makes it a fantastic destination for both cultural exploration and relaxation.
Beyond its vibrant cities, Vietnam is also home to unbelievable natural beauty, including the legendary Halong Bay. Located in the northeast, this UNESCO-designated area is famous for its emerald waters and stunning limestone mountains, incredible caves, and rainforest-topped islands. Whether you cruise through the amazing karsts or exploring the bay by sea kayak, this mesmerizing seascape will capture your imagination.
For a glimpse into traditional river lives, venture to the Mekong Delta, a fertile region that’s known as the rice bowl of Vietnam and is home to bustling floating markets. Journey by sampan, a traditional shallow-water boat still used by locals, and sample some of the fruit, sugar cane, coconuts, and more along the riverbanks.
Which National Parks should I visit in Vietnam?
When visiting Vietnam, the national parks offer a glimpse into the untouched landscapes of this incredible land, and offer unique wildlife and nature experiences. From otherworldly underground caves to exotic animals and lush biodiversity, these national parks offer a tranquil escape and an immersive experience in Vietnam’s great outdoors.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a natural wonderland tucked away in central Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, extensive cave systems, and lush biodiversity. Visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang offers a chance to explore these colossal cave systems, sail along the mystical Son River, and trek through the dense jungle to discover hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. The park’s rich flora and fauna, including many endemic species, make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts, and it’s a prime example of Vietnam’s diverse natural beauty and its commitment to preserving these treasures for generations to come. Visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park on the Highlights of Vietnam tour.
Bidoup Ba National Park is a pristine natural gem in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. This large national park is known for its remarkable biodiversity and lush, mountainous landscapes, including the Bidoup Mountain, which stands at an impressive 7,503 feet above sea level. The park’s elevations and diverse topography offer a wide range of ecosystems, from subtropical forests to sub-alpine vegetation, making it a haven for a variety of plant and animal species, including guar and Asian elephants. Bidoup Ba also boasts numerous waterfalls, serene lakes, and meandering streams, making it an ideal destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Cycle through Bidoup Ba National Park on the Cycling Vietnam tour.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The best season to visit Vietnam depends on the area you are headed to and the activities you have planned. In terms of weather, most months include both sunshine and rain, but it is worth noting that there are three distinct weather regions in Vietnam, and they experience different climates.
In the mountainous north, including Sapa, there is a dry season from October to March, and a wet season from April to September. December and January can be very cold. In other northern areas like Hanoi and Halong Bay, the cool but drier winter months are November to April, and the hot and humid summer lasts from May to October, with July and September being the wettest months of the year.
Central Vietnam, including Hoi An, and Hue, usually experiences hot, dry weather from January through August, while the rest of the year can be quite rainy, including a risk of typhoons. If you’re planning a trip to Phong Nha’s caves, note that the rainy season can make some of them inaccessible, so avoid visiting from October through December.
In Southern Vietnam, home to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, the weather is warm year round, but there is a clear wet and dry season. The wet season lasts from May to November, and June to August are usually the rainiest–but often it’s just a heavy, short downpour in the mid afternoon.
What are the benefits of joining a small group tour to Vietnam?
Vietnam is a treasure trove of unique, active experiences waiting to be explored. While it is possible to navigate it all solo, a small-group tour gives you access to a wealth of local expertise about the area’s attractions, history, geography, wildlife, language, roads, and more. Our local guides offer unmatched insights and opportunities to travel like a true local.
Experience Vietnam in small, intimate groups, avoiding the typical tourist traps. Unlike large tours that herd big groups of visitors around with a megaphone, loading and unloading buses full of tourists at each destination, small group tours are close-knit communities where everyone’s voices are heard. With groups as small as five and no bigger than sixteen, small group travel offers all the good parts of a tour while still letting you visit off-the-beaten-path villages and destinations that would be overwhelmed by massive tours.
Alongside the expert guide, you’ll also be surrounded by kindred spirits who are just as excited about their Vietnamese adventure as you are. Whether you are joining a tour alone, with a partner, or with friends, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to really get to know both your fellow travelers and your expert guide, fostering connections and maybe even making new lifelong friends along the way. Our cycling trips and cultural adventures in Vietnam are a testament to our expertise, and to our commitment to providing off-the-beaten-path experiences.
The best Vietnam tours
The best tour of Vietnam is the one that matches your travel preferences and aligns with your must-do list. Whether you’re looking to explore on two wheels, hit the highlights, have an active adventure, venture off the beaten path, or even bring the whole family, there is a tour that is perfect for you.
On the Cycling Vietnam tour, you’ll ride from Ho Chi Minh City in the south to Hanoi in the north on an exhilarating two-week ride that takes you through colorful villages, rice terraces, and jungle roads, with stops in Hoi An and Halong Bay. It’s a thrilling ride that immerses you in the magic of the Vietnamese landscapes as you cycle the length of the coast, stretching your endurance as you explore along the way. For a little more luxury, try the Premium Adventure, where you’ll experience everything the Cycling Vietnam trip has to offer while also indulging in time to unwind at island resorts and handpicked premium accommodation.
For a taste of everything Vietnam has to offer, including all the bucket-list destinations, embark on the Highlights of Vietnam tour. On this ten-day tour, you’ll explore the underground rivers and caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, cruise through Halong Bay, explore Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City, sample world-renowned cuisine, and more. With an expert guide with you every step of the way, this tour features a jam-packed itinerary that combines sightseeing with historical and cultural context.
If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path Vietnam experience, Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond is the perfect trip for you. A full immersion into Vietnamese life, this tour includes the opportunity to meet and stay with families in Ta Phin, a hill village in Sapa, and in Cam Kim Island, where a local family teaches the preparation of a traditional rice noodle dish. Other unique experiences include riding a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle-taxi) through the markets and streets of Ho Chi Minh City, a leisurely cycle through the Hoi An countryside, a cruise through Lan Ha Bay, and more.
However you choose to discover the magic of Vietnam, there’s a trip for you. Your adventure in Vietnam awaits!
