15 Best Destinations To Visit When Vietnam Welcomes Back Visitors

1. Fansipan Mountain

Few experiences can rival the thrill of summiting Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina, located in Sapa, Vietnam. As Vietnam continues to welcome international visitors, a two-day trekking tour to the Roof of Indochina caters to experienced climbers, while those seeking a more leisurely experience can opt for a convenient cable car ride to the summit.

Giant Buddha statue on the top of Fansipan Mountain

Upon reaching the peak, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of lush mountainous landscapes, shrouded in silky clouds, along with picturesque rice paddies and traditional hill-tribe villages below. The ideal time to visit Fansipan Mountain is from September to April, with February being particularly stunning as cherry blossoms bloom in vibrant colors.

2. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay enchants with its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. Visitors have various options to explore this natural wonder, from traditional cruise ships drifting through the bay to exhilarating helicopter tours offering breathtaking aerial views.

Landscape of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh, Vietnam

Common cruise itineraries include sites such as Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Viet Hai Village, Dark & Bright Cave, and Thien Cung Cave. Engage in exploring floating villages, kayaking, and scuba diving among the vibrant marine life. Ha Long Bay is also home to a diverse ecosystem protected within Cat Ba National Park.

October to April is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay, offering pleasant weather with a low chance of storms and rain.

3. Binh Lieu

Binh Lieu has recently emerged as an off-the-beaten-path destination that complements well-known sites such as Ha Long Bay, Co To Island, and Quan Lan Island in Quang Ninh Province.

Situated on the border with China, Binh Lieu is characterized by its rolling hills adorned with swaying white reeds, offering a tranquil escape for those looking to connect with nature away from mass tourism. Make sure to visit Khe Van Waterfall for a refreshing swim and walk across the Na Lang suspension bridge. Binh Lieu also highlights the daily lives of ethnic minorities, allowing visitors to savor traditional dishes.

Photo: @trantung9601

The best time to experience Binh Lieu is during autumn, when the terraced rice fields glow in yellow and the exquisite white reeds dance in the breeze.

4. Moc Chau Plateau

Located in Northwestern Vietnam, Moc Chau Plateau is an essential destination for anyone seeking a getaway from the bustling Hanoi. Known for its cool climate year-round, expansive grasslands, and lush tea hills, this region is a favorite retreat for both locals and visitors. Tea cultivation remains a primary livelihood for local ethnic groups.

Photo: @svietnammm

Key attractions in Moc Chau include the ecotourism area at Dai Yem Waterfall, Vietnam's first Love Glass Bridge, the remarkable Moc Chau Tea Hills, Hua Tat Village, Bat Cave, and the peak of Pha Luong.

Moc Chau Plateau can be visited year-round, with unique seasonal highlights: January and February showcase peach blossoms, while April marks tea harvesting, and October features beautiful kale flowers.

5. Hanoi

The vibrant and fast-paced Hanoi continues to be a top destination in Vietnam. Known for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Hanoi’s tree-lined boulevards lead to a variety of historical landmarks that captivate visitors.

Photo: @thanhnpvn

In addition to historical sites like the Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, West Lake, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, visitors can explore the city’s French colonial legacy through landmarks such as St. Joseph's Cathedral and the Hanoi Opera House while indulging in exquisite local cuisine.

Whether you’re sipping traditional coffee or sampling local dishes like "pho", "banh mi", crab vermicelli noodles, and turmeric fish with dill, every visit to the capital guarantees a myriad of experiences.

6. Trang An Eco-tourism Complex

The Trang An Eco-tourism Complex is often dubbed an "outdoor ecological museum," showcasing verdant mountains, intricate caves, lush forests, and historical relics. A bamboo boat tour allows visitors to navigate through stunning landscapes, weaving through a network of waterways and caves. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An has also become a sought-after film location.

Photo: @vietnamlocaladventures

A visit to this captivating complex not only allows for immersion in natural beauty but also spiritual reflection, highlighted by Bai Dinh Pagoda, which features the largest number of Arhat statues in Vietnam, along with Asia's largest gilt Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statue and the heaviest Shakyamuni Buddha bronze statue.

Furthermore, Trang An protects primary forests that are home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with kayaking services available for those wishing to explore in a more personal way.

7. Tam Chuc Pagoda

Despite its recent construction, Tam Chuc Pagoda has quickly gained recognition among both domestic and international visitors, particularly those interested in Buddhism, thanks to its impressive architecture and scenic location.

Located about 30 km from Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tam Chuc Pagoda holds the title of the largest pagoda in the world, surrounded by picturesque landscapes that make it a haven for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Access to the site is available via electric vehicles or boats, providing a serene ambiance perfect for religious tourism.

Photo: @saoviettravel

Spring, particularly from the first to the third lunar month, is the best time to visit Tam Chuc Pagoda, when the weather is enjoyable and festivals are taking place.

8. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

For those who love nature, exploring the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is an incredible opportunity to immerse oneself in pristine wilderness. Located in Quang Binh Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to stunning attractions like Phong Nha Cave, Tien Son Cave, and U Bo Mountain, among others. It also houses Son Doong Cave, known as the largest cave in the world, alongside over 300 other caves and rich karst formations.

The tropical jungle inside the world’s largest cave - Hang Son Doong - Photo: @phongnhakebangnationalpark

The enchanting stalactites and diverse ecosystems attract adventure seekers looking to partake in activities such as trekking, kayaking, zip-lining, and relaxing in the natural rivers and mud baths.

For optimum weather conditions, visiting between April and August provides warm and sunny days, perfect for exploring the park's beauty.

9. Cham Islands

Comprising eight small islands off the coast of Hoi An, the Cham Islands offer a slice of paradise for beach lovers looking for peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots. With stunning sandy beaches, lush forests, and a marine reserve, these islands weave a captivating tapestry for visitors.

Photo: @underwatershotssylvainc

Additionally, the Cham Islands provide excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures like camping, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, offering a chance to observe the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

For those interested in history and culture, cultural excursions are available, including visits to Hai Tang Pagoda on Hon Lao Island, exploration of the ancient well used by the Cham people, and the Cham Island Marine Museum. The best time to visit is from March to August, especially from June to August when snorkeling and diving conditions are at their prime.

10. Hue City

Famed for its royal history, Hue City is essential for anyone keen on immersing themselves in Vietnam's rich heritage. This former imperial capital is filled with ancient sites, sophisticated cuisine, traditional homes, and revered pagodas, each reflecting its storied past.

Photo: @vietnamlocaladventures

When visiting Hue, don't miss the Imperial Citadel, where the last royal family of Vietnam resided, along with royal tombs and the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. Cycling through quaint villages and strolling along the Perfume River create unforgettable experiences, further enhanced by the chance to indulge in local specialties such as "banh beo" and "com hen".

11. Quy Nhon City

For those seeking to escape the typical tourist crowds post-pandemic, Quy Nhon City stands out as an ideal beach destination. This coastal city is known for its picturesque beaches, stunning landscapes, and well-maintained streets that invite relaxation.

Quy Nhon City boasts beautiful beaches like Queen's Beach and Ky Co Beach, as well as cultural sites such as the Binh Dinh Museum, Cham Twin Towers, and Long Khanh Pagoda.

Ky Co Beach, Quy Nhon - Photo: @tourpikvina

While visiting, indulge in fresh seafood and local dishes. Spend the day leisurely soaking up the sun and trying specialties such as jellyfish noodles, shrimp pancakes, "banh beo", and "banh hoi long heo" at seaside restaurants.

12. Ta Dung National Park

Located in Dak Nong Province, Ta Dung National Park is often referred to as the "Ha Long Bay of South Central Vietnam." This stunning area is recognized as Vietnam's third UNESCO Global Geopark, alongside Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang and Non Nuoc Cao Bang in Cao Bang Province.

Photo: @hoangtuanquyen

With its array of picturesque ponds, waterfalls, and tree-covered mountains, Ta Dung National Park attracts adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, featuring over 1,000 species of flora and fauna across its 5,000-hectare area.

Visitors can enjoy engaging activities such as boating, exploring caves and waterfalls, or camping in this natural haven, with November to April being the prime time to visit.

13. Chau Doc

The relatively undiscovered Chau Doc in An Giang Province is steadily gaining popularity as a tourist destination in the Mekong Delta, with its scenic landscapes, unique daily life, and sacred sites. Each year, thousands of pilgrims visit areas like Mount Sam and its temples, including the Temple of The Goddess Xu, the tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau, and Tay An Pagoda.

Photo: @phtrung0611

The Chau Doc River presents lively scenery filled with floating rafts selling goods. The local cuisine boasts a variety of distinctive dishes, including snakehead fish rice noodles, steamed palm sugar rice cake, Tung Lo Mo sausage, and fish hot pot featuring sesbania sesban flowers.

14. Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc remains one of the most stunning islands in the world, featuring lush tropical jungles and pristine beaches. Its vibrant marine life and coral reefs attract snorkeling and diving enthusiasts alike.

Photo: @kyungmin782

The island's warm climate and year-round sunshine make it perfect for outdoor activities, whether it's hiking, biking, or sunbathing. Upscale travelers can indulge in luxurious stays at beachfront resorts and vibrant nightlife experiences.

More than just stunning landscapes, Phu Quoc offers cultural insights through excursions to traditional fishing villages, visits to the historic Phu Quoc Prison, and tours of the local fish sauce factories.

15. Con Dao Islands

Island hopping in Vietnam presents a unique experience, and Con Dao Islands encompasses stunning vistas, tranquil retreats, and a poignant history tied to its former prisons. These islands have become renowned as a top travel destination.

Photo: @benz.mind

Located in the Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, the 16-island archipelago is admired for its stunning turquoise waters and serene atmosphere, ideal for relaxation. Notably, it was recognized by The New York Times as a must-visit destination in 2021. Chic resorts provide a base for guests to explore and appreciate the natural beauty, including granite cliffs and pristine beaches, as well as the rich marine life through diving and snorkeling.

Prominent attractions include the Con Dao Museum, Con Dao Prison, Con Dao National Park, and the lively Con Son Night Market, which all reflect the local culture and history.