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Cities in Vietnam: 10 Best Places to Visit and Explore

With several cities across the country, each featuring its unique attraction, Vietnam is surely a destination you can hardly forget once you visit. Learn about the 10 best cities in Vietnam before planning your next itinerary.  Home to many famous World Heritage Sites, Vietnam also gains its reputation thanks to rich culture and cuisine, diverse terrain, heroic history, affordable cost, friendly people, and more. Here, there’s something for every travel enthusiast. We will highlight below 10 of Vietnam’s most worth-visiting cities from the North to the South.  Cities to visit in Northern Vietnam  Hanoi Being the capital and one of the most developing cities in Vietnam, Hanoi is always a must for any tourist. With its over 1,000-year history and a range of relics and museums, a visit to Hanoi will enhance your cultural and historical knowledge of Vietnam. Some places to discover in this city are the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university, the Hanoi Opera House, One Pillar Pagoda, the Old Quarter, the Thang Long Citadel - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, etc.  In addition, its culinary scene will impress your taste buds. “Pho” is among the top dishes you should not miss. It is noodles cooked with hot broth, beef or chicken, onions, and coriander. Moreover, a loaf of banh mi (Vietnamese bread) or sticky rice and a cup of egg coffee is a superb offer for your breakfast in Hanoi.   Ha Long  Ha Long City is another great city to visit in Northern Vietnam. It is home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of 7 new wonders on the planet. You can explore thousands of limestone islands and caves on a cruise across the emerald waters. Other tourist attractions in Ha Long City can be listed such as Bai Chay Beach, Hon Gai Beach, Bai Tho Mountain, Bai Tu Long Bay, Long Tien Pagoda, and more. You can learn about the local life at fishing traditional villages such as Cua Van, Vung Vieng, Ba Hang, etc.   Ninh Binh  Ninh Binh is also one of the cities deserving your visit in Vietnam. Nature lovers cannot ignore this destination. An unmissable spot here is the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides, you should take your time to Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Ngo Dong River, and Hoa Lu - Vietnam’s first imperial capital in the 10th and 11th centuries. Mountains, caves, limestone karsts, rice paddies, and green rivers embrace a network of historical relics, temples, and pagodas. We bet you can’t take your eyes off this picturesque land.   Visit Vietnam Tours offers many tour packages in and between these Northern cities, including one-day and several-day tours. From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, we have it all.  Cities to visit in Central Vietnam Hue The city captivates numerous travelers with its rich history and culture, peaceful vibe, and one-of-a-kind cuisine. Hue was Vietnam’s capital, known as the Imperial City, for the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. The Complex of Hue Monuments includes palaces, temples, mausoleums, royal gardens, and more giving you a glimpse into the emperors with their families and Vietnam’s history.  The top ancient constructions to visit in Hue are the Thien Mu Pagoda, Emperors’ tombs, Truong Tien Bridge, etc. The most beautiful natural landscapes include the Perfume River, Bach Ma National Park, Tam Giang Lagoon, Vong Canh Hill, Lang Co Beach, and more. Visit Dong Ba Market and enjoy Hue’s delectable dishes such as bun bo (spicy beef noodle soup), banh loc, banh nam, banh beo, nem lui, che (sweet soups), salt coffee, etc.   Danang Danang is one of the most famous coastal cities and must-visit destinations in Vietnam. Enjoy every moment at beaches with white sand stretches and crystal-clear water such as My Khe, Non Nuoc, Nam O, Bac My An, etc. Discover caves, temples, and pagodas in the Marble Mountains. Do not miss Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra Peninsula and Vietnam’s tallest statue of Lady Buddha there. Visit the unique bridges in Danang like the Golden Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and more.  Danang is considered as Vietnam’s most worth-living city. That’s why you cannot miss the opportunity to travel here.   Hoi An  Visiting Hoi An, travelers can see the perfect balance between history, culture, cuisine, tourism, and relaxation. This ancient town gives you a different feel from other cities across the country.  Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only traditional Southeast Asian port in Vietnam. It still retains almost intact ancient relics, many traditional dishes, customs, rituals, beliefs, and handicraft villages. The constructions blend Vietnamese traditional art with Western, Japanese, and Chinese cultures. You can immerse yourself in the stunning beaches or peaceful green rice fields, just a few kilometers from the city center. Must-try dishes include cao lau, banh mi, chicken rice, salt coffee, etc.   Nha Trang  Another ideal coastal city to visit in Vietnam is Nha Trang, renowned for its glamorous beaches, fresh seafood, and exciting water sports. Hon Mun Island welcomes you to explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life. Snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, etc. are available. Besides, the Po Nagar Cham Towers, built between the 7th and 12th centuries, is also a must-visit spot in Nha Trang. Popular foods in this city are seafood, banh can (mini rice pancakes), and bun cha ca (fish noodle soup).  Check some tour packages to Central cities from Visit Vietnam Tours here (1), (2), (3).  Cities to visit in Southern Vietnam   Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) is Vietnam’s most populous city with around 9 million people. As one of the biggest commercial, cultural, and tourist hubs, it is always listed among the must-visit cities in Vietnam.  In HCMC, you can see the nation’s tallest skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, vibrant streets and markets, etc. You will also find various ancient buildings and historical relics since the French colonial period. The must-visit places include Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, and more.   Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, about 40km to the outskirts, is a good destination for nature lovers. Meanwhile, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam’s largest underground base in the war, will give you a chance to fire a real AK47.  Can Tho This is the biggest and most important city in the Mekong Delta, offering an ideal getaway to the extraordinary river life. Experience bustling floating markets (Cai Rang and Phong Dien) in the early morning. Take a boat trip along the canals with lush greenery. Cycle and visit traditional handicraft villages or fruit gardens. Everything promises an unforgettable journey in Vietnam.  There are many amazing places to visit in Can Tho City such as Ninh Kieu Wharf, Can Tho pedestrian bridge, Bang Lang Stork Garden, Tay Do night market, etc.   Phu Quoc  Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s first island city, is the last name on today’s list. This attraction boasts its magnificent scenery, crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and diverse marine life. One of the best spots here is Long Beach which stretches for 15 kilometers, perfect for relaxation and water-based activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.  You can trek through the Phu Quoc National Park and admire the incredible system of flora and fauna in the old-growth forests. Phu Quoc is also well-known as a honeymoon destination and one of the best cities to see sunsets in Vietnam.   At Visit Vietnam Tours, you can choose some itineraries in the South via (1), (2), (3), and more. Contact us for more details and further support. 

Cities in Vietnam: 10 Best Places to Visit and Explore

With several cities across the country, each featuring its unique attraction, Vietnam is surely a destination you can hardly forget once you visit. Learn about the 10 best cities in Vietnam before planning your next itinerary. 

 

Home to many famous World Heritage Sites, Vietnam also gains its reputation thanks to rich culture and cuisine, diverse terrain, heroic history, affordable cost, friendly people, and more. Here, there’s something for every travel enthusiast. We will highlight below 10 of Vietnam’s most worth-visiting cities from the North to the South. 

 

Cities to visit in Northern Vietnam 

 

Hanoi

 

Being the capital and one of the most developing cities in Vietnam, Hanoi is always a must for any tourist. With its over 1,000-year history and a range of relics and museums, a visit to Hanoi will enhance your cultural and historical knowledge of Vietnam. Some places to discover in this city are the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university, the Hanoi Opera House, One Pillar Pagoda, the Old Quarter, the Thang Long Citadel - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, etc.

 

Cities to visit in Northern Vietnam

 

In addition, its culinary scene will impress your taste buds. “Pho” is among the top dishes you should not miss. It is noodles cooked with hot broth, beef or chicken, onions, and coriander. Moreover, a loaf of banh mi (Vietnamese bread) or sticky rice and a cup of egg coffee is a superb offer for your breakfast in Hanoi.  

 

Ha Long 

 

Ha Long City is another great city to visit in Northern Vietnam. It is home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of 7 new wonders on the planet. You can explore thousands of limestone islands and caves on a cruise across the emerald waters. Other tourist attractions in Ha Long City can be listed such as Bai Chay Beach, Hon Gai Beach, Bai Tho Mountain, Bai Tu Long Bay, Long Tien Pagoda, and more. You can learn about the local life at fishing traditional villages such as Cua Van, Vung Vieng, Ba Hang, etc. 

 

Cities to visit in Northern Vietnam

 

Ninh Binh 

 

Ninh Binh is also one of the cities deserving your visit in Vietnam. Nature lovers cannot ignore this destination. An unmissable spot here is the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides, you should take your time to Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Ngo Dong River, and Hoa Lu - Vietnam’s first imperial capital in the 10th and 11th centuries. Mountains, caves, limestone karsts, rice paddies, and green rivers embrace a network of historical relics, temples, and pagodas. We bet you can’t take your eyes off this picturesque land. 

 

Northern Vietnam

 

Visit Vietnam Tours offers many tour packages in and between these Northern cities, including one-day and several-day tours. From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, we have it all. 

 

Cities to visit in Central Vietnam

 

Hue

 

The city captivates numerous travelers with its rich history and culture, peaceful vibe, and one-of-a-kind cuisine. Hue was Vietnam’s capital, known as the Imperial City, for the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. The Complex of Hue Monuments includes palaces, temples, mausoleums, royal gardens, and more giving you a glimpse into the emperors with their families and Vietnam’s history. 

 

The top ancient constructions to visit in Hue are the Thien Mu Pagoda, Emperors’ tombs, Truong Tien Bridge, etc. The most beautiful natural landscapes include the Perfume River, Bach Ma National Park, Tam Giang Lagoon, Vong Canh Hill, Lang Co Beach, and more. Visit Dong Ba Market and enjoy Hue’s delectable dishes such as bun bo (spicy beef noodle soup), banh loc, banh nam, banh beo, nem lui, che (sweet soups), salt coffee, etc. 

 

Cities to visit in Central Vietnam

 

Danang

 

Danang is one of the most famous coastal cities and must-visit destinations in Vietnam. Enjoy every moment at beaches with white sand stretches and crystal-clear water such as My Khe, Non Nuoc, Nam O, Bac My An, etc. Discover caves, temples, and pagodas in the Marble Mountains. Do not miss Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra Peninsula and Vietnam’s tallest statue of Lady Buddha there. Visit the unique bridges in Danang like the Golden Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and more. 

 

Danang is considered as Vietnam’s most worth-living city. That’s why you cannot miss the opportunity to travel here. 

 

Cities to visit in Central Vietnam

 

Hoi An 

 

Visiting Hoi An, travelers can see the perfect balance between history, culture, cuisine, tourism, and relaxation. This ancient town gives you a different feel from other cities across the country. 

 

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only traditional Southeast Asian port in Vietnam. It still retains almost intact ancient relics, many traditional dishes, customs, rituals, beliefs, and handicraft villages. The constructions blend Vietnamese traditional art with Western, Japanese, and Chinese cultures. You can immerse yourself in the stunning beaches or peaceful green rice fields, just a few kilometers from the city center. Must-try dishes include cao lau, banh mi, chicken rice, salt coffee, etc. 

 

Cities to visit in Central Vietnam

 

Nha Trang 

 

Another ideal coastal city to visit in Vietnam is Nha Trang, renowned for its glamorous beaches, fresh seafood, and exciting water sports. Hon Mun Island welcomes you to explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life. Snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, etc. are available. Besides, the Po Nagar Cham Towers, built between the 7th and 12th centuries, is also a must-visit spot in Nha Trang. Popular foods in this city are seafood, banh can (mini rice pancakes), and bun cha ca (fish noodle soup). 

 

Check some tour packages to Central cities from Visit Vietnam Tours here (1), (2), (3).

 

Cities to visit in Central Vietnam

 

Cities to visit in Southern Vietnam  

 

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

 

Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) is Vietnam’s most populous city with around 9 million people. As one of the biggest commercial, cultural, and tourist hubs, it is always listed among the must-visit cities in Vietnam. 

 

In HCMC, you can see the nation’s tallest skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, vibrant streets and markets, etc. You will also find various ancient buildings and historical relics since the French colonial period. The must-visit places include Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, and more. 

 

Cities to visit in Southern Vietnam 

 

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, about 40km to the outskirts, is a good destination for nature lovers. Meanwhile, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam’s largest underground base in the war, will give you a chance to fire a real AK47. 
 

Can Tho

 

This is the biggest and most important city in the Mekong Delta, offering an ideal getaway to the extraordinary river life. Experience bustling floating markets (Cai Rang and Phong Dien) in the early morning. Take a boat trip along the canals with lush greenery. Cycle and visit traditional handicraft villages or fruit gardens. Everything promises an unforgettable journey in Vietnam. 

 

There are many amazing places to visit in Can Tho City such as Ninh Kieu Wharf, Can Tho pedestrian bridge, Bang Lang Stork Garden, Tay Do night market, etc. 

 

Cities to visit in Southern Vietnam 

 

Phu Quoc 

 

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s first island city, is the last name on today’s list. This attraction boasts its magnificent scenery, crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and diverse marine life. One of the best spots here is Long Beach which stretches for 15 kilometers, perfect for relaxation and water-based activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc. 

 

You can trek through the Phu Quoc National Park and admire the incredible system of flora and fauna in the old-growth forests. Phu Quoc is also well-known as a honeymoon destination and one of the best cities to see sunsets in Vietnam. 

 

Cities to visit in Southern Vietnam 

 

At Visit Vietnam Tours, you can choose some itineraries in the South via (1), (2), (3), and more. Contact us for more details and further support.