13 Must-Visit Places in Vietnam

Vietnam, with its varied and striking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, is becoming increasingly popular with families looking for an interesting and adventurous holiday.

Whether you’re after sprawling rice terraces, ancient temples, bustling markets, or pristine beaches, Vietnam has something to suit every type of traveller. 

And because the country is relatively small, it is easy to put together a varied itinerary to include several different elements for a really fun trip. 

Not sure what to include in your Vietnam itinerary? Here we share our pick of 13 must-visit places in Vietnam to consider. We’ve also found some cool tours and activities to do in each area, to help with your trip planning.

Vietnam’s capital is an absolute blast, with its cool mix of old-world charm and modern buzz.

Wander through the Old Quarter’s bustling streets, sip on egg coffee, and visit landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature. 

It’s one of our favourite cities to hang out in just to soak up the vibe, do some shopping and eat all the amazing food.

Read more about Things to do in Hanoi with kids.

Halong Bay’s emerald waters and towering limestone islands make it one of the most scenic spots in Vietnam, and is always on people’s Vietnam bucket list. 

Take an overnight cruise for the best experience to give you time to go swimming, kayaking and explore hidden caves.

Top Tip: Make sure you do your research into the boat trip you choose. There are plenty to choose from and also plenty of variety when it comes to quality. You generally get what you pay for!

Tucked away in the northern mountains, Sapa is home to vibrant hill tribes and stunning terraced rice fields. 

Go trekking through Muong Hoa Valley, organise a homestay with one of the local ethnic communities, and breathe in the mountain air.

It’s great for families who love the outdoors and for introducing the kids to the local way of life. 

As Sapa has grown in popularity, the more adventurous travellers have ventured further afield to Ha Giang. 

Here you’ll find some of Vietnam’s most dramatic mountain passes, including the infamous Ha Giang Loop, a motorbike journey of winding roads, panoramic views, and traditional local villages.

Most tours of the area are done by motorbike, so this might not be an option if you are travelling with young kids.

Ninh Binh is a dreamlike destination with limestone karsts, winding rivers, and ancient temples. 

Take a boat ride through the Tam Coc caves, visit the majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda, and explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

Ninh Binh is around a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, so it is possible as a day trip. However we recommend staying in a hotel or homestay for a night or two to give you longer to soak up the atmosphere and explore the area more.

Hue is a city rich in history, once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and is home to Emperors’ tombs, beautiful pagodas and the Imperial Citadel.

Join a cycling tour to explore the sites, take a boat ride along the Perfume River, and indulge in Hue’s famous cuisine, including bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup).

One of Vietnam’s most popular destinations, this charming UNESCO-listed town is famous for its lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and tailor-made clothing shops. 

Cycle through rice paddies, take a cooking class, join a food tour, or simply hit the beach or soak in the enchanting atmosphere along the Thu Bon River.

Families love the laid-back vibe, the awesome beaches and the fact that there is plenty to see and do in the area, so you might want to stay a while. 

Read more about Things to do in Hoi An with Kids here.

Adventure lovers should not miss Quang Binh, home to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and the awe-inspiring Son Doong Cave, the largest cave passage in the world.

Other popular caves in the area include Paradise Cave and Dark Cave. 

There are plenty of tours on offer, ranging from multi-day hiking and zip lining tours for the more adventurous to simpler half-day trips with easy access to caves via boat and modern boardwalks.

Nha Trang is a coastal city known for its six kilometres of beaches and buzzing holiday vibe. 

Whether you love snorkelling, island hopping, or simply relaxing by the sea and tucking into some fresh seafood, Nha Trang is a handy stop-off point between Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Don’t forget to visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers for a bit of history!

Located in the Central Highlands, Da Lat offers a refreshing escape from Vietnam’s heat. It’s famous for its French colonial villas, waterfalls, flower gardens, and scenic coffee plantations. 

Don’t miss the Crazy House and be sure to try the local specialty, avocado ice cream!

The Mekong Delta is an intriguing maze of waterways, rice paddies, coconut groves, and stilted riverside houses, where all life revolves around the river. 

Take a boat tour to visit one of the large bustling floating markets like Cai Rang or Phong Dien, where vendors sell fresh produce from their boats. Explore narrow canals shaded by water palms and visit traditional craft villages specialising in coconut candy, rice paper, and pottery.

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s economic powerhouse. It’s bustling and busy, and there’s never a dull moment.

Visit the War Remnants Museum, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, and enjoy rooftop cocktails with a skyline view. 

The city’s street food scene is also unbeatable. Don’t leave without enjoying a steaming bowl of pho!

Read more about Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with Kids here.

Sitting in the Gulf of Thailand, off Vietnam’s south coast, Phu Quoc Island attracts sun seekers looking for a relaxing beach holiday. 

Chill out on Long Beach, ride the cable car for views over the island and indulge in the island’s famous seafood. The sunsets here are magical.