Explore the top 12 destinations in Vietnam loved by international travelers. From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay and Phu Quoc, discover the must-visit attractions for an unforgettable experience.URL:top-destinations-vietnam-international-travelers

Vietnam is a country full of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From bustling cities to serene highlands and tropical islands, international travelers are constantly drawn to its diverse attractions. Here’s a guide to the top destinations in Vietnam that visitors from around the world love the most.

1. Hanoi Old Quarter

Claire describes Hanoi as a “living museum of history,” where tradition meets modernity. The Old Quarter is the first place she mentions – a bustling area filled with closely packed shops, narrow alleys weaving through motorbikes, and the irresistible aromas of street food.

The journalist suggests that visitors should take a food tour, explore French colonial villas, and visit landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam), and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Each destination brings travelers closer to the unique cultural charm that can only be experienced in Hanoi.

2. Ha Giang

Ha Giang, located in Vietnam’s far north, is the next destination that Claire highly praises. According to the journalist, this region offers a “breathtaking and majestic” experience, where travelers can wind along steep limestone passes, admire terraced rice fields clinging to the mountainsides, and visit villages of the Dao and H’Mong ethnic communities.

Beyond the stunning landscapes, Ha Giang also offers opportunities to experience local culture firsthand, including traditional markets, ethnic festivals, and homestays with local families. For adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike, Ha Giang provides an unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s most remote and picturesque highlands.

3. Bai Tu Long Bay and Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of the world’s natural wonders, where thousands of limestone pillars rise majestically from the emerald waters. Whether shrouded in morning mist or basking under a clear blue sky, the bay’s scenery always feels surreal and mesmerizing.

For a more complete and tranquil experience, travelers are encouraged to extend their journey to Bai Tu Long Bay, located to the east of Ha Long Bay. The journalist describes it as a “lesser-known limestone fortress”, preserving its pristine and peaceful atmosphere. Two-night cruises allow visitors to explore hidden coves, kayak through towering limestone cliffs, and stop by coastal fishing villages. Together, Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are perfect destinations for those who want to fully experience the breathtaking beauty of northern Vietnam’s coastal landscapes.

4. Pu Luong

Located in the western part of Thanh Hoa Province, near the Vietnam-Laos border, Pu Luong covers over 17,000 hectares and serves as an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility. “Just a few hours’ drive from Hanoi, you enter a different world of rice terraces, fruit orchards, Muong ethnic villages, and slowly turning waterwheels along the streams,” Claire notes.

At Pu Luong, travelers can enjoy mountain trekking, bamboo rafting on serene streams, or relax at eco-resorts nestled in nature. Its peaceful landscapes and authentic cultural experiences make Pu Luong a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

5. Hue City

Hue was once the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam. The royal tombs and palaces here still preserve a sense of mystery and solemnity, showcasing a harmonious blend of classical architecture, Confucian elements, and Feng Shui principles. Arranged along the picturesque Perfume River, these structures wind through gardens, small streams, stone statues, and mausoleums, creating a serene tableau that tells the story of a bygone royal era.

Hue is a must-visit destination for travelers. The city also preserves the finest royal cuisine, with thousands of dishes once meticulously prepared for the imperial family. From Hue, visitors can also explore the areas that once marked the demilitarized zone separating North and South Vietnam according to the 1954 Geneva Agreement.

6. Da Nang

Da Nang is a destination that beautifully combines historical significance with modern vibrancy. The city is ideal for travelers seeking pristine sandy beaches and clear blue waters, along with luxurious resorts such as Four Seasons and InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, hidden in the primeval forest of Son Tra Peninsula and designed by architect Bill Bensley.

Beyond its beaches, Da Nang offers a chance to explore long-standing cultural treasures. Visitors can explore the Cham Sculpture Museum to admire sandstone works associated with the ancient Champa Kingdom. At night, the Dragon Bridge presents spectacular fire and water shows, symbolizing the city’s dynamic growth and energetic spirit along Vietnam’s central coastline.

7. Hoi An

Although Hoi An has become a popular tourist destination, it still retains its peaceful and ancient charm. Once a bustling trading port in the 17th century, the town preserves numerous temples, old houses, and traditional craft shops.

The vibrant yellow-painted, single-story houses line narrow streets, illuminated by lanterns at night along the Hoai River, creating a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere. In addition to its scenic beauty, Hoi An attracts visitors with its distinctive street food, including Cao Lau noodles, Hoi An Banh Mi, and tailor-made clothing services that can deliver custom outfits in just a few days.

For a change of scenery after exploring the ancient town, travelers can visit An Bang Beach, just a few kilometers from the center, to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and relax under rows of shady coconut trees.

8. Ho Chi Minh City (Sai Gon)

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis with over 9 million residents and 8 million motorbikes, creating a dynamic atmosphere where modernity meets tradition in a captivating way.

Travelers are encouraged to explore the city on the back of a motorbike, the most authentic way to experience the unique rhythm of life and traffic here. The city is also a street food paradise, where visitors can easily enjoy pho, banh mi, bun thit nuong, and savor a glass of iced Vietnamese coffee (ca phe sua da) – a true symbol of southern coffee culture.

9. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta offers an authentic glimpse into the waterway life of southern Vietnam, with bustling floating markets, lush fruit orchards, ancient temples, and the distinctive daily routines of riverside communities along the Mekong River.

Travelers are encouraged to explore the narrow canals by boat, taste fresh coconuts, bananas, and mangoes straight from the orchards, and immerse themselves in the slow-paced, rustic yet charming lifestyle of the southern region.

10. Da Lat

Da Lat is a unique and somewhat whimsical destination, blending classical beauty with creative flair. This highland city is surrounded by lush pine forests, features a romantic central lake, and enjoys a pleasantly cool climate year-round. Throughout the city, early 20th-century European-style villas have been converted into hotels, museums, and art spaces.

One of the city’s highlights is Da Lat Railway Station, a historic station built by the French, showcasing distinct European architectural influences. Beyond its architecture, Da Lat is also a paradise for cafes, bars, and Instagram-worthy spots, making it perfect for travelers seeking both culture and leisure.

11. Con Dao

Con Dao was once a prison island but has now transformed into a completely different destination. The island is a nesting ground for sea turtles, and its surrounding waters are home to coral reefs, dugongs, and dolphins. Part of the island is recognized as a Ramsar site, the only marine area in Vietnam with this designation.

Visitors to Con Dao can immerse themselves in pristine nature, from forests and beaches to stretches of white sand. Activities include forest trekking, snorkeling among coral reefs, and exploring historical sites such as the Con Dao Museum and Hang Duong Cemetery, the resting place of thousands of revolutionary fighters.

12. Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is a tropical paradise famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. Visitors can relax on golden sands, explore vibrant coral reefs, and enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.

Beyond its natural beauty, Phu Quoc also offers a rich cultural experience. Travelers can visit local markets, discover traditional fishing villages, and sample fresh seafood and local delicacies. The island provides a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, making it one of Vietnam’s most beloved destinations for international tourists.

Vietnam offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes, culture, and experiences for international travelers. From the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the serene highlands of Da Lat and Ha Giang, and from the historic charm of Hue and Hoi An to the tropical paradises of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, every destination tells a unique story. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or culinary delights, Vietnam promises unforgettable memories and experiences for every type of traveler.

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