Best Places To Visit in Vietnam

Want to find the best places to visit in Vietnam? Here you’ll see the countries top attractions, from the popular ones to lesser-known places.

When I was looking for the best places to visit in Vietnam, I was initially drawn to the major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. But the more I researched, the more I realised there are many things to do in Vietnam, so many exciting attractions that suddenly I was lost. So, in order to avoid the same issue with you, I will share with you my top Vietnam attractions.

Best Places To Visit In Vietnam

If you look on the map, you’ll notice Vietnam is quite long and distances between north and south are huge. Travelling around Vietnam means you will have to take at least one flight, if that is not an option, you will go on some long bus rides. You can check bus prices and availability here.

But with so many amazing beaches, picturesque towns and buzzing metropolis, chances are you will want to stay even longer. So, with no further ado, here are the best Vietnam attractions you shouldn’t miss.

Hanoi – One of the Most Popular Places to Visit in Vietnam!

The bustling capital of Vietnam has become one of the most amazing cities in Asia. Despite the crazy traffic that sometimes makes crossing the streets a difficult task, Hanoi is a very charming city, especially around the old quarter with its narrow streets. The stretch near Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by old mansions, houses with decorated balconies and cool street vibe. Don’t miss out on the imposing St Joseph’s Cathedral with its resemblance to the Notre Dame of Paris.

Ha Long Bay, One of the Top Attractions in Vietnam

This is one of the best Vietnam attractions and one that you shouldn’t miss out. Located 280km from Hanoi (roughly 3 hours drive), most travellers spend at least one night on a cruise enjoying the calm vibe and the amazing views of the tall rocks emerging from the bay’s emerald water. You can see bus prices and availability here.

Cruises around Ha Long Bay also include activities such as kayaking and visits to lookouts and caves.

Sa Pa

This quiet mountain town has become one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam. The reason for so much popularity is the amazing mountain scenery and the beautiful rice paddies. I recommend you stay for at least a couple of nights in one of the many homestays available and use Sa Pa as a starting point for hikes and short trekkings. So, when choosing the places to visit in Vietnam, make sure Sa Pa is on your list.

Hoi An, One of the Most Beautiful Vietnam Attractions

The quieter city of Hoi An is like a different world, compared to other cities in Vietnam. This little architectural wonder has a very traditional textile industry and you could have a very nice suit or dress made just for yourself at very attractive prices.

But what really draws many tourists to this charming town is its quiet and cool vibe, especially the riverside area with many restaurants and beautiful historical buildings. The city also has a number of good hotels that go from boutique family-run properties to ultra-luxury international chains.

Ho Chi Minh City, A City That Will Surprise You

Last but not least, another important Vietnam attraction is the city of Ho Chi Minh, located in the south of the country. Formerly known as Saigon, the largest city in Vietnam may put you off for its mad traffic and the millions of motorbikes on the streets, but give it a chance, because there are many things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Start visiting some of the many popular markets and shopping malls, then enjoy a nice pho at one of the many local restaurants and end your day with a drink at one of the many nice rooftop bars. The city also has many beautiful buildings from the French colonial period, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the old post office and.

Applying For The Vietnam Visa

When travelling to Vietnam, you can apply for a visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to three months for the purpose of tourism, business or to attend a conference, for example. To be able to apply for the Vietnam visa, your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your visa expiry date.

The application process involves going a Vietnam consulate near you or, if you are already travelling, in a city where you currently are. However, you can also apply for an e-visa, which I find a much easier and more convenient way.

When applying for the e-Visa, you also need to have to provide details of your accommodation in the country. It will suffice if you only have a hotel reservation for one city in Vietnam, as the authorities understand that, once in the country, your plans can change. In addition to that, you also need to provide your entry and departure points in the country.

The Visa on Arrival used to be an option for most nationalities, but the Vietnamese government is moving away from this category and nowadays the e-Visa is the most recommended option to get entry into the country.

Also, this type of visa only allows you to stay for a maximum of 15 days in the country, compared to the 30 days with the e-Visa. Check out this website for your e-Visa for Vietnam.