Top 10 must-see places in Vietnam

Vietnam has an exceptional historical, cultural, and natural heritage which makes the destination exceptionally attractive for any traveller. It would be too tedious for us to list all the treasures that the country contains. Wonders among the wonders to discover during your trip to Vietnam, here are the 10 must-see places not to be missed during your next stay in the land of the dragon.

Hanoi, the millennial capital

The Vietnamese capital is a must-see place for its very special atmosphere, typically Vietnamese with its agitation and its boiling which fascinates the traveller at the moment. Hanoi seduces with its cultural richness, of which the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and its formidable Ethnography Museum are just a few of the city's emblematic cultural sites. We love the frenzy of its old quarter known as the 36 corporations, its lively little markets, its remarkable colonial architectural heritage, and its incomparable cuisine, which is even better when savoured on the sidewalk.

>> Read more: Visit Hanoi in 1, 2 or 3 days - what to see and do?

The Far North of Vietnam

Old Tonkin contains some of the most spectacular landscapes in Vietnam. Lakes, dense forests, breathtaking rice terraces, karst landscapes recognized by Unesco such as those of the Dong Van Geopark, green valleys, and vertiginous mountains have something to seduce the most demanding travellers. As one of the most beautiful circuits to do to visit Vietnam under the sign of great nature, this superb region is home to an incredible ethnic diversity that you can meet during hikes with overnight stays or in the shimmering ethnic markets.

>> Read more: The old Dong Van district, a jewel in the middle of the karst plateaus

Halong Bay, the natural jewel of Vietnam

This is a marvel that nature has knitted with patience and one cannot do without taking a cruise with a night aboard a junk to admire the breathtaking beauty of this UNESCO-listed natural site and the national pride of the Vietnamese people. Halong Bay is the must-see par excellence for any trip to Vietnam. 

>> Read more: 27 Best things to do in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay on land, the limestone wonderland in Ninh Binh

There’s another natural site classified by Unesco with landscapes similar to Halong with the difference that the karst entanglements bathe in the water of the rivers. A grandiose site can be discovered by boat and bicycle and also contains a cultural and historical heritage of prime importance, of which Hoa Lu, the former royal capital. Ninh Binh is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam as listed in the top 50 destinations for travel in 2018 published by the Insider site.

>> Read more: Visit Tam Coc Ninh Binh in 2 or 3 days, what to see and do?

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a natural wonder of Vietnam. These fantastic karstic landscapes are home to an impressive number of cavities and caves crossed by rivers, including the largest cave in the world, the Son Doong Cave, which served as the setting for the last King Kong film.

>> Read more: Top 10 things to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Hue, the ancient imperial city

Classified as a UNESCO heritage site, Hue captivates visitors with the impressive heritage of its glorious past since it was the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. A must-see on a trip to Vietnam, the city also has a formidable culinary heritage and a unique way of life cradled by the Perfume River.

>> Read more: 3 reasons to love the Imperial City of Hue

Hoi An, the nugget of Central Vietnam

Hoi An is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a city that was a Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Also classified by Unesco, Hoi An City is an essential stopover since this pretty little museum town mixes all the pleasures: history, culture, gastronomy, the countryside, the beach, and shopping.

>> Read more: Hoi An of Vietnam - Top 10 things to do in Hoi An

Ho Chi Minh - City, the megalopolis of the South

A city captivates the traveller for its dynamism and its modernity which contrasts with the conservative Hanoi. But the old Saigon still retains many beautiful vestiges of the colonial era and tries to marry, with more or less success, the old and the modern in a continual whirlwind of life. It’s no doubt a place not to be missed while passing through Vietnam.

>> Read more: Top 10 what to do in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh city

Mekong Delta, the Green Venice of Vietnam

This immense, extremely fertile plain crossed by the nine arms of the legendary Mekong River is crisscrossed by a multitude of canals and verdant arroyos, rice fields and orchards, islands, and nonchalant villages. The boat and the bicycle are the best way to fully enjoy this earthly paradise inhabited by a very welcoming population. The Mekong Delta is undoubtedly a facet to unveil without hesitation to fill your stay in Vietnam.

>> Read more: Top 10 unmissable activities in the Mekong Delta

Phu Quoc Island, an island paradise

Ideal for ending your vacation in Vietnam in the sun, Phu Quoc will satisfy lovers of beautiful beaches, white sand, languorous coconut palms, and unspoiled nature since it is home to a national park. Phu Quoc Island is also known for its high-quality pepper and fish sauce and terrific seafood.

>> Read more: 12 Unmissable experiences in Phu Quoc Island

We wish to have a good preparation and a good trip!

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