Top 5 Places to Visit in Vietnam in 2025

Top 5 Places to Visit in Vietnam in 2025

Vietnam is a beautiful and exciting country full of stunning landscapes, rich history, peaceful beaches, amazing food, and unforgettable experiences. You can walk through the old streets of Hanoi, take a boat in Ha Long Bay, visit ancient palaces in Hue, relax on the golden beaches of Da Nang and Nha Trang, or enjoy the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a place that blends tradition with modern life in the most beautiful way. From exploring ancient temples to discovering tropical islands, you will find the best places to visit in Vietnam.

1. Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is also one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. The oldest cities in Southeast Asia have over 1,000 years of rich history and culture. Its lifestyle, amazing food, and cute little cafes make it a perfect spot for a break from the busy streets. The city blends old traditions with new life, featuring beautiful old buildings, busy streets full of motorbikes, peaceful lakes, and colorful markets. Its famous Train Street is a must-see and one of the reasons to visit Vietnam.

Things to see in Hanoi:

• Old Quarter.

• Temple of Literature.

• Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple.

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex.

• Water Puppet Show.

Best Time to Visit Hanoi:

• Autumn, from September to November, is one of the best times to visit Hanoi when the weather is cool and dry, with beautiful yellow leaves.

• In Spring, from March to April, is another great time to visit when the weather is mild and pleasant and flowers are blooming.

• In the Summer from May to August, the weather is hot and humid with sudden, heavy rains. Thus, it's a good time for indoor attractions and local cuisines.

• Winter, from December to February, the weather can be quite cool, even chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings, so be sure to bring a jacket.

2. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a must-visit and one of the most famous places to visit in Vietnam, known for its thousands of tall limestone islands that rise out of the emerald-green water. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place with stunning views. Its boat cruise is one of the best experiences you can have in the country. You can spend a night on a boat, go kayaking, or visit caves hidden in the islands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great way to relax and enjoy nature. It's a place full of nature and amazing scenery.

Things to do in Ha Long Bay:

• Take a Cruise.

• Go Kayaking or Bamboo Boating.

• Explore Caves.

• Visit Ti Top Island.

• See a Floating Fishing Village.

Best Time to Visit Ha Long Bay:

• October to April is best for cool and dry weather.

• May to September are hotter, with more chance of rain, but fewer tourists.

3. Hue

Located in central Vietnam, between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, visit Hue, a peaceful city that was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945). It is famous for its ancient royal architecture, peaceful rivers, rich history, and cultural heritage. It features a number of ancient temples, palaces, and royal tombs. The city is also known for its unique food, including royal-style dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam. This quiet and elegant city is a perfect place to enjoy history, culture, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Things to do in Hue:

• Visit the Imperial City (The Citadel).

• Explore the Royal Tombs such as Tomb of Khai Dinh, Tomb of Minh Mang, and Tomb of Tu Duc.

• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda.

• Take a Dragon Boat Ride on the Perfume River.

• Try Hue’s Unique Royal Cuisine such as Bun Bo Hue, Banh Beo, and Nem Lui.

Best Time to Visit Hue:

• March to August is the warm and sunny season.

• September to January is the rainy season,  so don’t forget to bring an umbrella.

4. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh, a fast and colorful city, still often called Saigon, is in southern Vietnam. It is the largest and busiest city in Vietnam, full of energy, traffic, tall buildings, and great food. Its streets are filled with motorbikes, street food, skyscrapers, hidden cafes, and many interesting things to do. It is the center of business, nightlife, and modern culture, featuring French-style buildings, war museums, Ben Thanh Market, and offering a skyline from rooftop bars. Besides the hustle, you will find deep history, French architecture, and warm people in Ho Chi Minh City.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Visit the War Remnants Museum.

• Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels.

• Stroll around Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

• Shop at Ben Thanh Market.

• Enjoy delicious food like Banh Mi, Com Tam, Hu Tieu, and Ca Phe Sua Da.

Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City:

• Best from December to April, the dry season with warm and sunny weather.

• May to November is the rainy season with short, heavy showers, but still great to visit.

5. Da Nang

Da Nang is a coastal city in central Vietnam, located between Hue and Hoi An. It’s an exciting and beautiful place full of beaches, mountains, modern buildings, and great food. If you are a beach lover, then you must visit My Khe Beach, one of the most popular spots to relax, swim, or just enjoy the view. It's cleaner and quieter than big cities like Hanoi or Saigon, but it still gives such a cool experience. Add Da Nang to your Vietnam trip as it is a great place for both couples and families.

Things to do in Da Nang:

• Relax at My Khe Beach.

• See the Dragon Bridge.

• Explore Marble Mountains.

• Shop at Han Market.

• Visit Linh Ung Pagoda & the Lady Buddha.

Best Time to Visit Da Nang:

• March to August is the dry and sunny weather, and is perfect for beaches.

• September to February is cooler, with some rain.

Conclusion

Have an unforgettable travel experience by exploring the best places to visit in Vietnam. From ancient cities and peaceful beaches to lively markets and stunning natural wonders, this city has it all. If you are searching for the top places to visit in Vietnam, start with popular cities like Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, or escape into nature in Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. These popular places to visit in Vietnam offer everything from adventure and relaxation to culture and food. Places to visit in Vietnam are not only great for families and solo travelers, but are also ideal for couples planning a Vietnam honeymoon.

Get ready to be welcomed by the warm people of Vietnam. Plan your journey today and find the best flights to Vietnam with Travelpodium to discover the magic of this amazing city. The rich culture, delicious food, and best places to visit in Vietnam will make your trip truly special and memorable.

FAQs about places to visit in Vietnam

Q.1: What are the must-visit places in Vietnam?

The best places to visit in Vietnam include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Phu Quoc or Nha Trang.

Q.2: What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The spring season from March–April and the autumn from September–November are the best times with pleasant weather across the country. Weather varies by region, so check forecasts based on where you are going.

Q.3: What language do people speak in Vietnam?

The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese, but many people in tourist areas speak basic English, especially younger people and those working in hospitality.

Q.4: What are the best cities in Vietnam for food lovers?

The cities famous for their food are Hanoi, where you can try pho, bun cha, and egg coffee; Hue is famous for royal cuisine and local dishes like bun bo Hue; Ho Chi Minh City is a street food heaven with southern specialties, and Hoi An, which is known for cao lau and cooking classes.

Q.5: Are national parks in Vietnam worth visiting?

Yes, Vietnam has beautiful national parks like Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Cat Ba National Park, Bach Ma National Park, and Cuc Phuong that are worth visiting.