12 Essential Destinations in Vietnam According to The Times

Vietnam, with its 99 million inhabitants and a majestic 3,200-kilometer coastline, is rich with unmissable destinations that go far beyond classic postcards. While iconic places like Ha Long Bay, Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, and Ho Chi Minh City draw crowds, the true charm of the country hides in its most secret and unexplored treasures. This fascinating nation offers unparalleled wealth, blending living traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences—from gently rolling rice paddies to aromatic cuisine, through remote villages. Through this article, Claire Boobbyer, a journalist passionate about Vietnam since 2004, invites you to discover 12 unmissable Vietnamese destinations where authenticity and splendor meet.

1. Hanoi

Street food vendors in the night markets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant and unmissable capital, embodies both modern hustle and timeless beauty. Founded over a thousand years ago on a bend of the Hong River, it is filled with places steeped in history and charm. The Old Quarter, the true pulsing heart of the city, captivates with its temples, markets, and shops thriving in unique harmony. For total immersion, lose yourself in its lively alleyways, taste street cuisine, and discover elegant colonial villas. Among Vietnam’s unmissable destinations, Hanoi stands out with iconic sites such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, and the Museum of Ethnology, offering a fascinating dive into the country’s ethnic cultures. Every corner of this capital invites you to journey back in time and explore a captivating history.

2. Ha Giang

Children of Ha Giang province

Ha Giang, Vietnam’s northernmost region, is one of the country’s unmissable destinations and offers landscapes of striking beauty. Its sugar-loaf peaks, winding mountain passes, and rice paddies carved into steep slopes create a spectacular, almost surreal setting. This region is an immersion into authentic rural life, where villages of Red Dao, Flowered H’Mong, and other local minorities perpetuate ancestral traditions like weaving.

Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of traditional markets, stay in ecolodges, and discover the H’Mong King’s Palace, a symbol of an era when poppy cultivation flourished. Along the way, don’t miss Mu Cang Chai, famous for its breathtaking terraced rice paddies that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Ha Giang is an ideal destination for lovers of grand landscapes and deep cultural discoveries.

3. Mai Châu, Pu Luông

The breathtaking beauty of Mai Châu and Pu Luông

Just hours from Hanoi, Pu Luong and Mai Chau rank among Vietnam’s unmissable destinations, offering sanctuaries of peace amid verdant rice paddies. In the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, stay in ecolodges or guesthouses and explore the rice paddies and orchards of Muong communities on picturesque treks. Then glide on a traditional bamboo raft for a relaxing river journey, surrounded by scenery adorned with handcrafted water wheels. This preserved region also hosts rare species such as the Asian black bear, Owston’s eagle-owl, and the Delacour langur. Further north, the Mai Chau Valley reveals itself as a sanctuary of serenity, where picturesque rice paddies provide a perfect setting to regenerate and appreciate Vietnam’s authentic beauty.

4. Bai Tu Long Bay, Halong

Ha Long Bay, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage, is one of Vietnam’s unmissable destinations and a natural masterpiece of spectacular beauty. Dotted with thousands of limestone rock formations, this ethereal bay evolves with the whims of weather, shifting between mysterious mist and clear skies, but always enchanting. To fully appreciate this jewel, opt for a two-night cruise that will take you to the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Bai Tu Long Bay - unmissable destinations in Vietnam — Bai Tu Long Bay

Located nearby, Bai Tu Long Bay is a wilder and more intimate version of Ha Long. With its majestic rock towers rising above emerald waters, it offers a peaceful and unspoiled setting, far from tourist crowds. This enchanting place is perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and explore an authentic Vietnam. Cruising Bai Tu Long Bay is an unforgettable experience that ranks among the most magical moments of a Vietnam journey.

5. Huê

The gate of the Imperial City of Huê - unmissable destinations in Vietnam — The gate of the Imperial City of Huê

Huê, the ancient cultural and political center of the Nguyen emperors, Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty, remains a treasure of history and splendor. The Citadel, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship, is adorned with bronze, enamel, and lacquer, and recalls Beijing’s Forbidden City, with gates reserved for emperors, their elephants, and courtiers. The sovereigns of that era lived in extravagant luxury, surrounded by concubines and eunuchs, and their final resting places, designed according to geomantic principles, blend Gothic and Confucian influences. These imposing tombs and landscapes carefully shaped along the Perfume River continue to amaze visitors. Often overshadowed by Hoi An, Huê truly deserves a visit. Be sure to taste the thousand-and-one imperial recipes still served today. From Huê, also explore the Demilitarized Zone, which marks the boundary established in 1954 between communist North Vietnam and the American-backed South.

6. Danang

Danang is a coastal city located in central Vietnam that perfectly combines natural beauty, historical richness, and modernity. Vietnam’s third-largest city after Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Danang is a strategic crossroads, near both mountains and sea and major cultural sites.

The city is renowned for its exceptional beaches, including My Khe Beach, ranked among Asia’s most beautiful beaches by Forbes magazine. With its 18 kilometers of golden sand, this beach has a unique history: it was a relaxation spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Danang also possesses a fascinating cultural heritage, particularly thanks to the influence of the Cham civilization. The Cham Sculpture Museum, located in the city center, presents an incredible collection of stone statues and sculptures dating back to the ancient Champa culture. Nearby lie the ruins of My Son, an ancient Hindu sanctuary inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage. These ruins testify to the ancient Cham kingdoms and are a must-see for history enthusiasts.

The Dragon Bridge that spits fire in Danang - unmissable destinations in Vietnam — The Dragon Bridge that spits fire in Danang

Danang is also famous for its Dragon Bridge, a bridge shaped like a dragon crossing the Han River. Each evening, the bridge “spits” fire and steam, a stunning spectacle that attracts crowds of spectators. This bridge symbolizes the renewal and growth of Danang, which is becoming a dynamic center of commerce and tourism in Vietnam.

In the evening, the city transforms with vibrant nightlife: restaurants, bars, and cafes flourish along the entire coast, offering breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. Danang’s culinary scene is furthermore renowned for its variety of delicious local dishes, particularly Mi Quang (turmeric noodles), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepes), and Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (rice paper rolls with pork and vegetables).

7. Hoi An

Hoi An is an ancient town famous for its well-preserved architecture and colorful lanterns.

Hoi An, inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage, is a true historical gem where every street corner tells a story. Its picturesque alleyways, lined with ancient houses with ochre facades, are illuminated by colorful lanterns that give the town an enchanting atmosphere, especially at night. You will find Chinese temples, magnificent merchant houses, and craft shops, including tailors renowned for their custom creations. It is the ideal place to enjoy delicious local specialties, discover unique handcrafted items, and enjoy the tranquility of An Bang Beach just minutes away. A true blend of culture, charm, and relaxation.

8. Ninh Van Bay

Ninh Van Bay unmissable destinations in Vietnam

Ninh Van Bay is a true corner of paradise, located not far from the famous beach resort of Nha Trang. This isolated and peaceful place, nestled in the heart of a peninsula, is perfect for those seeking serenity away from city bustle. You will find luxury resorts such as An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay, offering a bohemian and intimate atmosphere, or Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, situated on an unspoiled beach where villas are discreetly integrated into the landscape, among impressive rock formations. Here you can enjoy silence, personalized services, and an exceptional natural setting. Beyond the beaches, the bay is also ideal for exploring its lush forests and spectacular waterfalls.

9. Dalat

Dalat, perched on Vietnam’s Highlands, is a city of singular charm, the fruit of its heritage as a former French mountain station. Nicknamed the “city of eternal spring” thanks to its temperate climate, it is surrounded by pine forests and dotted with early twentieth-century colonial villas, transformed into museums, hotels, or cafes. Its central lake, Xuan Huong Lake, adds a touch of serenity, as do its colorful botanical gardens and spectacular waterfalls such as Prenn and Datanla.

Culture and architecture lovers will be captivated by Dalat’s railway station, a masterpiece of Art Deco style built by the French, as well as St. Nicholas Cathedral. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the surrounding valleys, such as Love Valley or Lang Biang Mountain, a paradise for hikers.

Dalat is also famous for its night market, where you can taste local specialties such as fresh strawberries, avocados, and typical hot dishes. With its thriving cafe scene, its welcoming bars, and its peaceful atmosphere, Dalat proves to be a fascinating destination that harmoniously blends nature, culture, and unusual discoveries.

10. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis of nine million inhabitants and eight million motorcycles, is a true explosion of life and energy. Renowned for its exquisite street cuisine and countless glittering lights, the city also seduces with its flourishing craft beer scene, creative cocktails, and refined spirits. Once a flat city, it is today transformed by a forest of skyscrapers, symbols of its rapid growth.

Cao Dai Cathedral in Tay Ninh unmissable destinations in Vietnam — Cao Dai Cathedral in Tay Ninh

Explore this vibrancy from the back of a motorcycle for total immersion into its frenetic daily life. Among must-see stops, visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, ingenious remnants of the war, and admire the majestic Cao Dai Cathedral in Tay Ninh, a unique and colorful place of spirituality. And, of course, let yourself be tempted by local flavors: Vietnamese cuisine, served in its lively alleyways, and coffee, elevated here to an art form, are experiences not to be missed. Ho Chi Minh City is a city that never sleeps and promises to captivate anyone who ventures into it.

11. Mekong Delta

In southern Vietnam, the Mekong placidly extends its waters to the sea, shaping a region where rural life preserves all its authenticity. The Mekong Delta reveals itself through its bustling floating markets, its temples steeped in serenity, its unique churches, and its lush farms where coconuts, bananas, mangoes, and vegetables abound, cultivated with care.

Mekong Delta - One of Vietnam's unmissable destinations according to The Times — Mekong Delta

A true cultural mosaic, the Mekong Delta ranks among Vietnam’s unmissable destinations, harmoniously blending Cham, Khmer, and Vietnamese traditions while preserving traces of its historical past. The forest bunkers of Xeo Quyt, poignant witnesses to the war, offer an opportunity for deep reflection, while its vast wetlands host exceptional wildlife, including a great variety of birds. To complete the experience, the local cuisine, rich in flavors, will delight food lovers. The Mekong Delta is much more than a simple destination: it is an immersion into the authenticity and cultural richness of this fascinating country.

12. Con Dao Island

Once associated with its dark past as a prison island under French and American administrations, Con Dao has transformed into a true natural sanctuary and refuge of tranquility. Located off Vietnam’s southern coasts, this isolated island is recognized internationally as a wetland of importance (Ramsar) and hosts the country’s primary sea turtle nesting site.

Con Dao - One of Vietnam's unmissable destinations — Con Dao, a sacred place, is a refuge of contemplation for many visitors seeking spirituality.

Con Dao captivates with its numerous activities: trekking through pristine landscapes, snorkeling or scuba diving to admire coral reefs of exceptional beauty, moments of relaxation on its idyllic beaches, or observing sea turtles nesting and fishermen returning with squid. The island’s history is furthermore omnipresent, through its museum, the remains of ancient penitentiaries, and the cemetery of Vietnamese martyrs, where symbolic chairs are placed beside tombs to honor their spirits. Con Dao, at the crossroads of history and nature, offers an unforgettable experience, between serenity, discovery, and contemplation.

The 12 unmissable Vietnamese destinations selected by The Times reveal all the richness and diversity of this country where each region tells its own story. From the majestic mountains of the north to ancient cities steeped in magic, from secret beaches to vibrant cities, Vietnam offers a multitude of unforgettable experiences. But what strikes deeply is the soul of Vietnam: a living culture, deeply rooted traditions, and warm hospitality that marks every encounter. Whether amid terraced rice paddies, under the glimmering lanterns of alleyways, or along tranquil rivers, you are invited to immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of the country. Vietnam is a land of wonder where everyone can discover a rare balance between preserved nature, rich culture, and sincere welcome. One thing is certain: this country does not merely fascinate, but awakens the desire to return again and again. If you wish to obtain more specific advice on each destination, do not hesitate to contact us for detailed consultation.