Vietnam was one of those destinations that was high up on my bucketlist for a really long time. And it was such a delight when I finally got to visit last year. In this post, I write about some of my favorite Vietnam holiday destinations as well some that I intend to visit on my future trips.
I only had two weeks this time since I had to get back to India and I can’t wait to head back to Vietnam one day to visit the destinations I missed last time.
10 Best Vietnam Holiday Destinations
Most people consider Vietnam to be a very small country but you will be surprised by the diversity of the destinations to visit in Vietnam. From North to South, the different landscapes can captivate with their beauty and soul.
Vietnam’s popularity has risen over the past few years and with a easy eVisa for Indians, many Indians have added Vietnam to their bucketlist.
Hope you enjoy this list of the best Vietnam holiday destinations and you will once get to visit this gorgeous but diverse country.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong river is Asia’s third longest river that starts in the Tibetan plateau and passes through many South East Asian countries. The entire region is full of rice paddy fields, coconut groves and some gorgeous flora and fauna.
Most people only visit Mekong Delta as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City but this does not let you enjoy the full variety of what the Mekong Delta has to offer.
Instead choose a best Mekong Cruise from either Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap or Phnom Penh and embark on an unique 3-7 day cruise that many do not get to visit.
Visit the floating markets, kayak like a local, embark on cultural excursions to some temples and pagodas, learn the art of silk and mat weaving from the locals, indulge is some delicious Vietnamese cuisine sourced directly from farms and so much more.
How to get here: Most tours start either in Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap or Phnom Penh and you can choose to do it either one way or both ways based on your preference.
Hanoi
If there is one place that initially did not give me a positive vibe, then it has to be Hanoi. I arrived around 3 Am from Manila to find my hotel in a derelict alley and shut. After finally waking up the night manager, I go to the room and find it nothing like how it was advertised. It was supposed to be a 4 star hotel but I wouldn’t even give it a 1 star.
But once the initial shock wore off and I shifted to a much better hotel, I fell in love with this city and did not want to leave even after 6 days there.
It is a chaotic city but I still fell in love with the chaotic lanes trying not to be hit by the many scooters that come at you at full speed. Walked around the entire city indulging in some delicious Banh Mis, drinking Vietnamese coffees, sitting in the many aesthetic cafes, walking around the Hoan Kiem Lake at all times of the day, watching a water puppet show and visiting many places of culture around the city. (Psst Temple of Literature was my favorite). Definitely one of the best north Vietnam holiday destinations.
How to get here: Many Middle Eastern airlines fly from many major US destinations via the Middle east. There are direct flights to Hanoi from major Indian cities too. I flew directly from Manila in the Philippines.
Sapa
If you are someone who loves to trek, then this colonial style town Sapa is definitely one of the best holiday destinations in Vietnam for it.
Trekking among those gorgeous rice terraces, visiting some hidden waterfalls, take the cable car all the way upto the summit of Mount Fansipan, visit the gorgeous villages of Cat Cat and Tan Phin, visit the bustling Bac Ha market are some of the things to do in Sapa.
How to get here: The best way to get here is a direct overnight bus from Hanoi which takes around 9-10 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Lao Cai and then take a cab to Sapa which takes an hour.
Halong Bay
This UNESCO world heritage site is a must visit during your trip to Vietnam and is definitely one of Vietnam’s best holiday destinations.
Cruising the Emerald green waters visiting the many caves and islets during your cruise is definitely a must do. Stay overnight rather than doing a day trip because I felt the beauty of Ha long Bay was even more gorgeous during the night.
One thing to note is that it is one of the most crowded destinations in Vietnam and hence when all the day cruisers have left for the day, you can better enjoy the Bay during the night and during the early morning hours.
Do some fishing, go kayaking early in the morning, visit some unique monolithic cave islands, visit the fishing villages, see some monkeys and so much more on your cruise to Halong Bay.
How to get here: Many tour operators can arrange for the cruises including transfers which take around 1.5 hours – 2 hours from Hanoi. Additionally, you can take a transfer directly to the airport too. Everything is done in super luxury vans or buses.
Ho Chi Minh City
Even though Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as it was once famously called is the financial capital as well as cultural capital of Vietnam and is one of the best south Vietnam holiday destinations.
Cu CHi tunnels are one of the most popular vietnam holiday destinations. In addition, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the Bin Thanh district, the Opera house and so much more when you are in Ho Chi Minh City.
Going roaming the streets for some delicious street food is a must when you are in Saigon and hop on a motorbike to navigate the busy streets. And don’t forget to explore the Chinese quarter.
How to get here: You can fly here from most destinations around the world.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh was definitely the destination that surprised me the most in Vietnam and I wish I spent a few days here instead of the day rip I ended up doing from Hanoi.
This is also an UNESCO world heritage sites and you can do a lot even if you are here only for a few hours.
I climbed up more than 500 stairs up Hang Mua to catch a bird’s eye view of Ninh Binh. Explored the Van Long Nature Reserve, took a boat ride which was rowed by a wonderful woman around the many Karsts and Grottos around Tam Coc and Trang An, and visited the Buddhist temple complex of Bai Dinh temple.
If it is lotus season, then you can also take some iconic photoshoots around the area.
How to get here: It is just 1.5 hours by road from Hanoi. You can either go with a tour operator or hire your own car for the day.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is definitely one of the best beach holiday destinations in Vietnam. Known popularly as the Pearl island, this island is also an UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The turquoise waters and the perfect white sand beaches (all 150 kms of coastline) makes it one of the best Vietnam beach holiday destinations.
You can spend days here nestled in one of the many luxurious resorts around the island.
How to get here: You can fly directly from many South East Asian capitals like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
Hoi An
Did you know that Hoi An literally translates to the peaceful meeting place and that is the feeling you get when you visit this quaint UNesco world heritage site.
When those lanterns are lit during sunset, the whole place seems like a magical place with the boats gliding along the river.
Once here, don’t forget to buy a lantern, take a Vietnamese cooking class, go on a basket boat ride, visit the Japanese bridge and eat some delicious street pancakes.
Buying silk is a must when you are here in Hoi An and they will stitch an outfit for you in less than 24 hours.
Also, don’t forget to visit the My Son sanctuary when you are in Hoi An. This is a group of temples built by the Cham people between 7th and 13th century. Also, definitely take the sunset tour to get the whole place to yourself.
How to get here: Nearest airport is Danang and it is just a 45 mins cab ride to Hoi An from there.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is not on the radar of most people looking out for Vietnam travel destinations. But this southern coast is home to the many pristine beaches in the country.
You can go beach hopping along the coast, eat some delicious seafood, go on mud baths, visit some colourful fishing villages, go snorkeling or diving in the many islands around the coast like Monkey Island, Hòn Mun Island, and Yen Island.
Additionally, you can visit the Buddha statue and the many Pagodas.
Nha Trang is also known for its nightlife and if you are a party animal, you need to visit it to see some famous international artists.
How to get here: You can fly here from other major cities in Vietnam.
Danang
Bana Hills is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam and that is the reason I wanted to visit Danang.
This popular hill station town is very famous with many South East Asians for its idyllic weather and being an ideal Vietnam family holiday destination. Some parts of the resort are built to resemble French towns and each spot is a photo opp including the famous Golden bridge.
Get here early in the day to avoid the crowds later during the day.
But beyond Bana, Danang is home to many other things. Learn the history of the Cham people who once ruled Central Vietnam, visit the Marble mountains, visit the beach and the Son Tran peninsula.
How to get here: You can fly to Danang airport from other destinations in Vietnam.
Conclusion
Vietnam offers a diverse range of holiday destinations that cater to all types of travelers. From the vibrant city life of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this Southeast Asian gem. Plan your trip today and discover the wonders that await you among Vietnam holiday destinations.