Vietnam Highlights from North to South You Will Love

Halong Bay is one of the most visited sites in Vietnam and a World Heritage Site since 1994. The limestone mountains rising from the emerald waters and splendid tiny islets here and there make up for alluring beauty and picture-perfect scenery.
Taking a cruise is the best way to discover Halong Bay’s beauty. For a more unique and less touristy experience, head straight for Cat Ba Island, where you can jump on a cruise to equally breathtaking Lan Ha Bay, which is exactly what we did when we were there.
Kayaking in the emerald waters, exploring stunning caves, overnighting in a floating village, and sampling the mouthwatering local dishes are some of the great activities the Halong Bay area offers.

The vibrant capital of Vietnam should without doubt be on your travel itinerary. Discover its past and history while having noodles with locals in the early hours of the day for the most authentic local experience.
One of the cheapest capitals in the area, Hanoi makes for a good base where you can sleep in luxury and eat as a royal for very little money.
Go for an early morning stroll or practice tai chi with locals on the shores of renowned Hoan Kiem Lake. Alternatively, spend a delightful evening at the lake while the sun sets, providing beautiful photo-taking opportunities.
Temple of Literature, National Museum of Vietnamese History, Bach Ma Temple, and Vietnamese Women’s Museum are among the top choices for temple and museum lovers.

Ninh Binh is a good base for exploring more of Vietnam’s karst mountain scenery and the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site.
Western travelers often skip the Ninh Binh area, but we highly recommend you add it to your itinerary. After all, it is the “Halong Bay on Land”. We explored the region by scooter, which is probably the best way to get around.
Tam Coc and Ninh Binh are ideal places to relax and unwind while taking in the scenery and culture of Vietnam. Rent a scooter and ride through the lush green beauty or unwind with a good book and a cup of sweet-tasting Vietnamese coffee.

The imperial city of Hue is a must for your trip itinerary to Vietnam. Nowadays, you can still see remnants of the once-powerful capital of the Nguyen emperors. I absolutely loved the imperial beauty and vibes of Hue. It is my second favorite after Halong Bay.
Located on the picturesque Perfume River, Hue and its historic Citadel, numerous temples, and majestic tombs attract huge crowds. Expect to spend at least a few days in Hue to get a proper glimpse into its grandiose past.

Hoi An is a delightful town and another must-see sight in Vietnam. Once a renowned port, today it is a laid-back town with Old Town filled with eye-pleasing architecture, Chinese temples, teahouses, coffee shops, etc.

Hope on a bicycle or a scooter and explore Hoi An and its surrounding. Taking a boat is another fun way to explore the hidden gems of Hoi An. I am not a big fan of cycling (to put it mildly) but it is definitely a great way to explore Hoi An. Some of central Vietnam’s coolest beaches are also within easy reach.

Expect to spend a few days in Hoi An if you love slow travel and enjoy laidback vibes. The Old Town alongside Tan Ky House, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and Phung Hung Old House are just some of the jewels of Hoi An.

Nha Trang is a coastal resort city and a perfect place for swimmers and party lovers. The 6km Nha Trang golden-sand beach offers swimming and sunbathing opportunities, while the beautiful promenade along the beach invites you for a relaxing stroll.

The central Nha Trang is a lively part of the city bustling with nightlife. Put Nha Trang on your travel itinerary if you enjoy partying and want to get a feel of Vietnamese nightlife. As elsewhere in Vietnam, Nha Trang offers delicious food. It is heaven for seafood lovers.

Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis and the largest city in Vietnam. It is a lively city full of delicious street food and high-end restaurants. It caters to all budgets in terms of accommodation too.

When in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the War Remnants Museum to understand the devastating impact the Vietnam war had on its civilians. HCMC Museum is another interesting museum hosted in an impressive neoclassical building.

From museums and pagodas to street food stalls and markets, HCMC offers a wide range of activities and places of interest.

Phu Quoc is an excellent destination for the end of your Vietnamese trip. It is a spectacular island off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand with transparent turquoise waters.

The Southwest coast is famous for its white-sand beaches and resorts and is a perfect place to relax and unwind from your lively travels.

Phu Quoc National Park constitutes more than half of the island, featuring a lush tropical jungle, mountains, and wildlife. There are great hiking trails as well for hiking enthusiasts.