Famous Tourist Destinations in Vietnam You Should Visit at Least Once

Which tourist destinations with beautiful landscapes and delicious food are most worth visiting? This is a question many domestic and international travelers consider when planning a trip to explore Vietnam. Review the most famous tourist spots that are currently attracting a large number of visitors.

Vietnam has countless attractive tourist destinations. Whether you’re traveling to the North, Central, or South, you’ll witness majestic mountains, stunning beaches, bustling cities, and poetic, charming river regions. Let’s journey from North to South to explore all the must-visit places!

1. Famous Tourist Spot: Ha Long, Quang Ninh

Ha Long, Quang Ninh, is one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam. Covering an area of 1,553 square kilometers, it includes 1,969 limestone islands with many stunning and lively shapes.

As one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, Ha Long Bay offers visitors the chance to explore unique caves and beautiful islands such as Dragon Eye Island, Ngoc Vung, and Con Coc Islet. Besides the scenery, it also features delicious specialties like squid cakes, peanut worms, grilled oysters, ragworm cakes, and horseshoe crab dishes.

2. Tourist Spot: Hue

Hue is known for its tranquil, dreamy beauty along with its rich cultural and historical heritage. Here, you can admire the unique architectural structures of tombs and the Imperial City of Hue; visit famous sites such as Trang Tien Bridge, Mount Ngu Binh, and Vong Canh Hill.

Don’t miss the chance to take a boat ride on the Perfume River, enjoy tea, and listen to Hue’s royal court music. Also, savor distinctive dishes from both royal cuisine and local Hue cuisine, such as sweet soup (che), tapioca cakes (banh bot loc), beef noodle soup (bun bo), and clam rice (com hen).

3. Tourist Spot: Da Nang

On your journey to explore Central Vietnam, you cannot miss Da Nang. This city is known for its beautiful bridges, such as the Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, and Love Bridge. It also boasts pristine, picturesque beaches like My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, and Xuan Thieu Beach, as well as stunning sights such as Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and Ghenh Bang.

Not only does it offer beautiful scenery, but Da Nang also captivates visitors with its delicious local specialties, including fermented fish noodle soup (bun mam nem), grilled beef (be thui), Quang-style noodles (mi Quang), and chicken rice (com ga).

4. Tourist Spot: Phu Quoc

It’s no coincidence that Phu Quoc is called the Pearl Island and considered a paradise for tourism. Phu Quoc is renowned for its beautiful, pristine beaches like Sao Beach, Dai Beach, and Ganh Dau, as well as exciting attractions such as VinWonders Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Safari, and popular sites like the pepper garden, night market, Dinh Cau Temple, and Tranh Stream.

Here, visitors can also enjoy a variety of delicious seafood dishes with distinctive flavors, such as sea cucumber, crab blood pudding, and mackerel salad.

5. Phu Quy – The Charming Small Island

Phu Quy, also known as Cu Lao Thu, is a small island located about 120 km southeast of Phan Thiet City. Although the island is not large, it offers a variety of beautiful landscapes and attractions for visitors to explore and experience. In addition to the main island, Phu Quy is surrounded by several smaller islands such as Hon Do, Hon Da Cao, Hon Tranh, and Hon Hai. Visitors can enjoy stunning seaside views at places like Bai Nho, Ganh Hang, and Trieu Duong Bay, visit the Phu Quy Lighthouse and the Princess Ban Tranh Temple, and savor fresh seafood.

6. Tourist Spot: Nha Trang

The picturesque beauty of Nha Trang leaves an unforgettable impression on visitors. In this beautiful coastal city, you can admire the stunning natural landscapes of Van Phong Bay, Ninh Van Bay, and Diep Son Island. Check out many interesting spots in the city, such as Hon Chong, Ponagar Cham Towers, and the Oceanographic Institute. Don’t forget to try delicious local specialties like grilled fish with green pepper, jellyfish noodle soup, and squid pancakes.

7. Visit Binh Thuan to Explore Tranquil Fishing Villages

When mentioning Binh Thuan, many people immediately think of the sun-drenched, sandy region in Central Vietnam with its beautiful, pristine beaches stretching out, Cham Towers, and various other attractions like Hong Stream, Cu Lao Cau, Mui Ne Fishing Village, and Ke Ga Cape. This area also attracts tourists with its enticing local specialties such as grilled pork liver with rice vermicelli (banh hoi long heo), dumpling-like rice cakes (banh quai vac), and fried fish (ca lo xoi mo).

8. Hoi An – One of Vietnam’s Most Popular Tourist Destinations

Hoi An is one of the top destinations in Central Vietnam, known for its beautiful landmarks and unique cuisine. Visiting Hoi An, you have the chance to admire architectural heritage dating back hundreds of years, such as ancient houses, museums, and temples.

Hoi An also boasts numerous attractions and enjoyable activities, including Cham Island, Cua Dai Beach, My Son Sanctuary, and Tra Que Vegetable Village. Besides its stunning scenery, the local cuisine captivates many visitors with delicious dishes like Cao Lau, Quang-style noodles, and wontons.

9. Cao Bang – Majestic Mountain Beauty

Cao Bang is one of the famous tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam. Located in the Northeast region of the country, this mountainous province has a border stretching over 300 km with China. This area is blessed by nature with majestic mountains and beautiful landscapes. Notably, Cao Bang features a system of mountains, caves, and lakes. Some must-visit attractions in Cao Bang include Ban Gioc Waterfall, Quay Son River, Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda, and Ngom Ngao Cave.

10. Tourist Spot: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is one of the most dynamic and bustling cities in Vietnam. When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, tourists can not only enjoy the vibrant, lively streets but also check out prominent attractions such as Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Nha Rong Wharf, and the Reunification Palace. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to explore nearby famous destinations such as Cu Chi Tunnels, Thanh An Island, and Long Hai Beach.

11. Mai Chau – Simple Yet Enchanting Beauty

After navigating the winding mountain passes of Thung Khe and Thung Nhuoi, you will arrive at Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, a destination known for its stunning, undulating landscapes that captivate visitors from afar. Located about 140 km from Hanoi, Mai Chau charms travelers with its golden rice fields glistening under the new sunlight, offering a sense of tranquility. In Mai Chau, be sure to visit Thung Khe Pass, which is enveloped in clouds year-round, explore Ban Lac with its hundreds of stilt houses that are up to 700 years old, shop for handcrafted items in Pom Coong village, or visit Hang Kia – Pa Co, surrounded by rugged mountains.

12. Tourist Spot: Quang Binh

Located in the central coastal region, Quang Binh is an intriguing destination with pristine beaches, unique caves, majestic mountains, and delicious local specialties. When visiting Quang Binh, tourists can explore the Phong Nha – Ke Bang Cave System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Additionally, there are many other attractions such as Quang Phu Sand Dunes, Bau Tro Lake, and Mount Than Dinh. Quang Binh is also known for its rustic and enticing local dishes like noodle porridge (chao canh), steamed rice cakes (banh beo), and Son River carp (ca tram song Son).

13. Port City: Hai Phong

Hai Phong offers many famous tourist spots that captivate visitors, such as Tien Lang Hot Springs, Do Son, Cat Ba Island, and Tien Lang Hot Springs. These attractions retain their natural, pristine charm, drawing tourists to explore, experience, and relax. Hai Phong is also appealing to visitors for its distinctive port city cuisine, featuring delicious seafood dishes with a salty flavor, such as crab noodles (banh da cua), shrimp noodles (bun tom), and soft-shell crab spring rolls (nem cua be).

14. Tourist Spot: Thanh Hoa

Thanh Hoa is considered a bridge between Northern and Central Vietnam. It boasts numerous attractive destinations such as Sam Son Beach, Hai Tien Beach, Pu Luong, the Ho Dynasty Citadel, Lam King Historic Site, Elephant Falls, Ben En Tourism Area, and Hon Me Island. With its beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and clear beaches, Thanh Hoa consistently draws visitors for sightseeing and exploration. The area is also famous for local specialties like fermented pork (nem chua), roasted pork (nem thinh), crab paste (mam cay), and Lam cake (che lam).

15. New Tourist Spot: Ly Son – Quang Ngai

Ly Son is an island district in Quang Ngai Province, located about 30 km from the mainland. The district consists of three main islands: Big Island (Cu Lao Re), Small Island (An Binh Island), and Mu Cu Islet. With its beautiful, tranquil natural scenery, affordable travel costs, and fresh seafood, Ly Son has become one of the most appealing destinations in Central Vietnam in recent years, attracting visitors. Here, tourists can explore Big Island, visit Cau Cave, To Vo Gate, and garlic fields, and enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes such as king crab, fish cakes, and scad.

16. Top Tourist Spot in Can Tho

Can Tho is one of the most attractive destinations in the Mekong Delta region. Notable tourist spots in Can Tho include Ninh Kieu Wharf, the Night Market, Cu Lao Sweet Island, and Binh Thuy Ancient House. Along with these, there are many delicious local dishes with distinctive river flavors such as grilled snails with green pepper, fish hotpot (lau mam), and dried shrimp noodles from Cai Rang. The picturesque river landscapes, unique cuisine, and friendly, hospitable people make Can Tho a compelling destination for visitors.

17. Phu Yen – The Land of Yellow Flowers on Green Grass

Phu Yen is located in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam. It features both mountains and seas, along with a diverse range of islands, rivers, lagoons, and bays. Phu Yen still retains many beautiful, pristine, and mysterious landscapes that attract visitors. When traveling to Phu Yen, be sure to visit famous spots such as Dai Dia Reef, Bai Xep, Den Reef, Dien Cape, and Vung Ro Bay. Also, enjoy local specialties like sea tuna with Chinese herbs (mat ca ngu tiem thuoc bac), Phu Yen chicken rice (com ga Phu Yen), chive cake (banh canh he), and sun-dried beef (bo mot nang).

18. Tourist Spot: Hanoi

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, is a place that every Vietnamese dreams of visiting at least once in their lifetime. When traveling to the capital, visitors can explore famous attractions such as Ba Dinh Square, the Temple of Literature, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. They can also admire the beautiful scenery of West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of unique local dishes such as Vong Village green rice (com lang Vong), grilled pork with vermicelli (bun cha), pho, and fried fermented pork (nem chua ran).

19. Phan Thiet – A Tourist Destination Known for Cham Civilization

When mentioning Phan Thiet, people not only think of the fish sauce village but also recall many famous tourist spots such as Po Sah Inu Towers, Ong Hoang Tower, and Ong Dia Rock Beach. Phan Thiet features diverse natural landscapes with beautiful, long stretches of coastline and ancient relics of the once-thriving Cham civilization. Besides its stunning scenery, the area attracts visitors with its varied and delicious cuisine, including standout dishes like seafood, fish cake noodle soup (banh canh cha ca), Quang-style noodles with duck (mi Quang vit), and rice paper with shrimp paste (banh trang cham mam ruoc).

20. Tourist Spot: Vung Tau

Vung Tau, a Southern Vietnam destination, features a long coastline, beautiful landscapes, and many sites with significant cultural and historical value, making it a popular spot for travelers from all directions. In this coastal city, you can not only enjoy swimming and engaging in various exciting water sports but also admire the scenic beauty of Front Beach, Back Beach, Con Dao, and more. You can visit attractions like White Palace, the Antique Weapons Museum, and the Large Temple. Additionally, don’t miss out on trying delicious local dishes such as mini savory pancakes (banh khot), stingray hotpot (lau ca duoi), and noodle soup (banh canh).

21. Tuyen Quang – A Picturesque Destination

Tuyen Quang is a northern mountainous province in Vietnam known for its diverse culture and numerous famous historical sites. It boasts beautiful natural landscapes with high mountains, expansive pristine forests, and two major rivers, the Lo and Gam Rivers, along with Nà Hang Lake, Mo Waterfall, and many other attractive spots. This destination is also appealing due to its nearly 300 historical and cultural relics, including revolutionary sites. Tuyen Quang is home to several delicious local specialties such as fish salad from the Lo River (goi ca bong song Lo), black pig from Na Hang (lon den Na Hang), and sticky rice cakes with ant eggs (banh nep Tay nhan trung kien).

22. Tourist Spot: Da Lat

With its enchanting scenery, cool climate, and delicious food, Da Lat is a top destination in Vietnam. The romantic beauty of Da Lat captivates many visitors. When you’re here, don’t forget to visit notable attractions such as Langbiang Mountain, Xuan Huong Lake, Tuyen Lam Lake, and Me Linh Coffee Plantation. In the cool weather of Da Lat, local specialties like grilled pork (nem nuong), squid hotpot (lau muc), and steamed rice cakes with chicken liver (banh uot long ga) become even more enticing.

23. Thai Nguyen – A Land Rich in Cultural Traditions

Thai Nguyen is renowned not only for its specialty tea but also for its revolutionary historical sites and picturesque landscapes. Notable attractions include Nui Coc Lake, Phoenix Cave – Mo Ga Stream, Kiem Stream, and La Bang Tea Region, all of which are as beautiful as a painting. Additionally, this Vietnamese tourist spot is famous for the Thai Nguyen 1917 Uprising Relics, the Special National Historical Site ATK Dinh Hoa, and the Vietnam Ethnology Museum. These sites offer visitors a chance to explore and learn about the glorious historical periods of the nation.

24. Tourist Spot: Sapa

The Northwestern region of Vietnam is famous for its majestic mountains and picturesque landscapes. Sapa, one of the top attractions in the Northwest, captivates visitors with the romantic beauty of Cat Cat Village and Cau May Village, terraced rice fields, and cloud-kissing peaks such as Fansipan and Ham Rong Mountain. The unique culture of the Northwest people and the delicious local specialties like baby pork (lon cap nach), salmon, sturgeon, and snow pea (su su) further enhance its appeal.

25. The Sacred Land of Buon Ma Thuot

Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital, attracts visitors with its cool, pleasant climate year-round and its picturesque, majestic mountainous landscapes. This region embodies the unique beauty of the Central Highlands with distinctive attractions such as the World Coffee Museum, Ea Kao Lake, Lee’s Hillside Picnic Area, and Bao Dai Villa. In addition to sightseeing and recreation, visitors can explore the rich culture of the Ede people and savor local specialties like grilled chicken (ga sa lua), sour fish soup (canh chua nau ca lang), bamboo-tube rice (com lam), and bitter eggplant salad (goi ca dang).

26. Tourist Spot: Moc Chau

Notable attractions in Moc Chau include Dong Sang Commune, Ban Ang Pine Forest, Moc Suong Tea Hills, Moc Chau Town, Ban On Caves, Dai Yem Waterfall, Pha Luong Peak, Chieng Khoa Waterfall, and Na Ka Plum Orchard. With its temperate, cool climate, Moc Chau is always a popular destination for tourists. Besides its beautiful scenery, the local cuisine is equally captivating with delicious dishes like smoked buffalo meat (thit trau gac bep), stream fish (ca suoi), fried veal (be chao), taro (khoai so man), and rock snails (oc da).

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27. Ben Tre – Tranquil and Rustic Beauty

Ben Tre, known as the land of coconuts, attracts visitors with its rustic, tranquil beauty—golden rice fields, bountiful fruit orchards, and the warm, welcoming people of the Mekong Delta. Ben Tre is like a green island nestled amid rivers and waterways, inviting those who love exploring the Mekong Delta. While visiting, you shouldn’t miss attractions like Con Quy, Con Phung, Binh Dai Beach, and the Dong Khoi Guerrilla Village, along with renowned traditional craft villages such as Son Doc shrimp chips village, My Long rice paper village, and Phu Le craft village. Additionally, don’t forget to experience traditional folk music (don ca tai tu) to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and landscape.

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28. Famous Tourist Spots in Ha Giang

Ha Giang attracts visitors with its pristine, simple, and peaceful natural beauty. Must-visit attractions in Ha Giang include Hoang Su Phi, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Karst Plateau, Pho Bang, Lung Cu Flagpole, Lung Khuy Cave, Sam Pun Border Gate, Noong Lake, Sung La Valley, and Dong Van Old Town. Along with its stunning scenery, Ha Giang offers many local dishes with mountain flavors, such as aulacode porridge, thang co (a traditional stew), grilled moss, and egg rolls.

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29. Dien Bien – A Cultural and Historical Destination

Dien Bien is not only famous for the historic Battle of Dien Bien Phu but also for its pristine, picturesque natural beauty. Visiting this destination, travelers can immerse themselves in lush nature and relive the glorious moments of national history. The landscape of Dien Bien changes with the seasons: the white of hoa ban flowers in late March, the bright yellow of wild sunflowers in late autumn, and the golden terraces of ripe rice fields in August and September. Besides the scenery, Dien Bien also attracts visitors with its local specialties, such as smoked beef, grilled chicken with Sichuan pepper, and sticky rice.

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30. Ninh Binh – A Northern Vietnam Travel Destination

When it comes to Northern Vietnam, many travelers immediately think of Ninh Binh with its stunning landscapes. Notable spots include the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, the ancient capital Hoa Lu, Hang Mua, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Am Tien Cave. In addition to its beautiful scenery, Ninh Binh also attracts visitors with its delicious local specialties, such as crispy rice, noodle soup with pork, eel noodle soup, and mountain goat meat.

31. Dong Thap – A Journey to Witness the Blooming Lotus

When visiting Dong Thap, travelers can admire the vast fields of rice, gentle canals, and picturesque lotus ponds. In addition to the scenic beauty, you can enjoy a variety of delicious Southern dishes like grilled snakehead fish wrapped in young lotus leaves, trellis snails, and Sa Dec noodles. Don’t miss the chance to explore famous destinations such as the Xeo Quyt Historical Site, Phu Bang Historical Site, Gao Giong Ecotourism Area, Sa Dec Flower Village, and the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House.

32. Tay Ninh – Captivating Destinations

When traveling in Southern Vietnam, you must visit Tay Ninh, known for its majestic mountains and breathtaking scenery. Notable attractions include Ba Den Mountain, Dau Tieng Lake, Chop Mat Tower, Lo Go – Xa Mat National Park, Thien Lam Pagoda, and Moc Bai Border Gate. While enjoying the stunning landscapes, don’t forget to try local specialties such as young beef, Ba Den mountain lizards, grapefruit salad, and snail dishes.

33. Lang Son – A Notable Travel Destination in Vietnam

Lang Son is a frontier region of our country, renowned for its historical sites, bustling trade markets, and picturesque natural beauty. When it comes to Lang Son, people often think of historical sites such as Mac Dynasty Citadel, Lang Son Ancient Citadel, Mount To Thi, Ai Chi Lang, Tam Thanh Cave, and Dong Dang Temple. This region is also famous for its delicious specialties, including steamed pork (Khau Nhuc), egg rolls (Banh Cuon Trung), and grilled nem (Nem Nuong Huu Lung).

34. Quang Ninh – The Most Beautiful Travel Destination

Located in the Northeast of Vietnam, Quang Ninh is renowned for its stunning landscapes of mountains, rivers, and picturesque islands. The highlight is Ha Long Bay, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. Other notable attractions include the Old Quarter of Ha Long, Bai Chay Beach, Tuan Chau Peninsula, the night market, and the Quang Ninh Museum. When visiting Quang Ninh, don’t miss out on enjoying local specialties such as squid cakes (Cha Muc), fermented pork (Nem Chua), and gung-go cakes (Banh Gat Gu).

35. Ha Nam – A Nearby Travel Destination from Hanoi

Ha Nam has long been celebrated as a heroic land with numerous historical sites, spiritual destinations, and traditional craft villages. Notable travel spots in Ha Nam include Phuc Long Cave, Cam Mountain, Day River, Tran Thuong Temple, and Ngo Dong Thi Son. The local cuisine of Ha Nam is also a draw for visitors with delicious dishes such as Vu Dai Village braised fish (Ca Kho Lang Vu Dai), Dam Village sticky rice cakes (Banh Chung Lang Dam), and mountain goat meat (Thit De Nui).

36. Travel Destinations in Nghe An

Nghe An attracts visitors with its beautiful landscapes and numerous ancient historical sites. Key attractions include Cua Lo Beach, Kim Liên Historical Site, Thanh Chuong Tea Hills, Vinh Ancient Citadel, Cua Hoi Beach, and Lan Chau Island. The birthplace of President Ho Chi Minh also entices tourists with its delicious local specialties such as bánh ngào (sweet sticky rice cakes), Nghe An eel soup (súp lươn Nghệ An), and Nghe An eel noodle soup (miến lươn Nghệ An). It is one of the intriguing destinations in Central Vietnam that you should not miss.

37. Cà Mau – The Southernmost Point of Vietnam

Cà Mau, the southernmost province of Vietnam, is known for its unique charm, including traditional Đờn ca tài tử music, stories of Bác Ba Phi, river tours, and delicious seafood like crab. Located in the Mekong Delta region, Cà Mau is surrounded by the sea on three sides, giving it a rare and picturesque natural beauty. When visiting this destination, you must check in at Mũi Cà Mau, the GPS coordinate marker 0001, explore the Lâm Ngư Trường 184, and experience a boat ride through the mangroves in the Mũi Cà Mau National Park.

38. Cửa Lò – A Charming Retreat in Nghệ An

Cửa Lò, a beautiful coastal destination in Nghệ An, is renowned for its picturesque beaches and is a popular choice for summer getaways. The area offers pristine beaches for swimming and relaxation, along with stunning natural landscapes and unspoiled islands. Visitors to Cửa Lò can also explore local historical and cultural sites such as the Vạn Lộc Temple, Lô Sơn Pagoda, and the Cửa Hội eco-tourism area. Additionally, Cửa Lò is famous for its delicious local cuisine, making it a must-visit destination in Nghệ An.

39. Cẩm Phả – A Hidden Gem in Quảng Ninh

Cẩm Phả, a notable destination in Quảng Ninh, offers a mix of natural beauty and local cuisine. Key attractions include:

• Đảo Rều: Known for its population of monkeys and beautiful landscapes.
• Vũng Đục: A picturesque tourist area with serene scenery.
• Vịnh Bái Tử Long: A pristine and tranquil bay, less crowded than its famous counterpart, Ha Long Bay.
• Đền Cửa Ông: A sacred temple with historical and cultural significance.

Cẩm Phả is also renowned for its fresh seafood, including local specialties such as chả mực (squid cakes) and bánh gật gù (a type of rice cake).

40. Móng Cái – Gateway to the Northern Frontier

Móng Cái, one of Quảng Ninh’s four renowned tourist cities, captivates visitors with its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant local culture. Key highlights include:

• Đảo Cái Chiên: An island with picturesque beaches and clear waters.
• Đảo Vĩnh Thực: Known for its tranquility and natural beauty.
• Bãi Đá Đen: A unique beach with black rocks, adding to the scenic charm.
• Ngũ Hồ: A serene and less-visited area with beautiful lakes.

In addition to its natural attractions, Móng Cái offers lively spots such as the pedestrian street, central market, and the bustling border gate. The culinary scene is equally impressive, featuring local delicacies like bánh đúc (rice cake), sá sùng (sea worms), ghẹ Trà Cổ (Crab from Trà Cổ), and bề bề (mantis shrimp).