Vietnam, a long, narrow country located between the South China Sea and the borders of Laos and Cambodia, is a land of striking landscapes ranging from the lush rice terraces and forested mountains of the north to the picturesque valleys of the Central Highlands and the fertile delta and beautiful beaches of the south.

Here's our pick of the best places of Vietnam, from fast-paced cities to stunning beaches and hazy highlands at the limit of the known world.

1. Hanoi - Vietnam capital city:

Photo: Collected

Every journey must begin somewhere, and the best place to begin for first-timers is in Vietnam's ancient capital. In addition to accessible infrastructure, low-cost lodging, world-class eating, and more history than you'll ever have time to absorb. Allow yourself time to graze through Vietnam's menu of street food specialties, as well as pause to drink up the ambiance at cosy cafés in the Old Quarter.

2. Ha Long Bay - One of seven wonders in the world:

Photo: VNexpress

Halong Bay, located approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of Hanoi in northern Vietnam, is famous for its lovely emerald-colored seas, numbers of outstanding limestone karsts, amazing waterside caverns, and beautiful tree-topped islands. It is rewarded as one of seven wonders in the world.

3. Ho Chi Minh city - Dynamic city:

Photo: Collected

Ho Chi Minh metropolis (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam's largest metropolis. It's fast-paced, frantic and exciting, especially after dark, when the sidewalks become a mobile banquet of street food booths and wayside pubs. Hoi Chi Minh City offers it all: temples, museums, parks, and tourist shopping. Whatever your hobbies are, there is something for you here.

4. Phu Quoc - Beach lovers’ choice:

Photo: Collected

The island of Phu Quoc is about as far south as you can reach from Hanoi without entering the Gulf of Thailand, and it is where beach worshippers gather to pray. This is a spot to slow down, grab for a beverage as the ember-colored sun drops into the bay, surrounded by jewel-blue waters and beautiful sandy beaches. 

5. Hoi An - Ancient town:

Photo: Vietnam Tourism

Hoi An, with its laid-back charm and charisma, is the centrepiece of any Vietnam itinerary. This beautiful ancient town, located south of Da Nang and within bike distance of several good warm-water beaches along the central coast, is a feast of colour, with brilliant and colourful lanterns adorning every house.

6. Hue - Imperial history:

Photo: VNexpress

Despite the devastation of US bombers during the American War, the old capital of the Nguyen dynasty, which controlled significant sections of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia in the 19th and 20th centuries, oozes with imperial history. Much was destroyed at Hue, but the Citadel and Imperial Enclosure, which housed the emperor's dwelling, temples, palaces, and court, preserved the splendor of historic Vietnam.

With the detailed sharing of Vietnamese famous destinations, we hope that you will "pocket" some more knowledge that you should know when you come to this land. Don't forget to follow Vietrips to update useful news about Vietnam tourism! For more details on Vietnam package tour and booking travel services, please contact Vietrips via email: sales@vietrips.com or call center: +84962 900 016 for advice on suitable tours for you in Vietnam!