Explore the best tourist attractions in Vietnam that are enchanting, from stunning natural beauty to culturally rich historical sites.
Vietnam is a country rich in natural beauty, history, and culture. From stunning beaches to challenging mountains, Vietnam offers a variety of tourist attractions that can satisfy your sense of adventure.
In addition, Vietnam is also rich in historical sites that tell stories of a long and meaningful past. Here are the 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Vietnam that you must visit to experience the unique and diverse charm of this country.
1. Ha Long Bay: Iconic Natural Beauty
Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin about 170 km from Hanoi, is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Vietnam. Known for its towering limestone rock formations above the turquoise sea water, Ha Long Bay offers a natural landscape that is incredibly beautiful.
With over 1,600 islands and karst rocks, Ha Long Bay has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
Here, you can enjoy various activities such as sailing on a boat to enjoy the beautiful scenery, visiting floating villages, or hiking and exploring hidden caves on some islands. This irreplaceable natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination for every tourist.
2. Marble Mountains: Natural Wonders and Spirituality
Marble Mountains is a series of five limestone hills located about 5 kilometers from the center of Da Nang city. Each hill is named after a natural element: Kim (metal), Thủy (water), Mộc (wood), Hoả (fire), and Thổ (earth).
Here, you can visit caves, tunnels, and temples built by followers of Mahayana Buddhism. One of the most famous caves is Huyen Khong, which houses a large Buddha statue and two temples dedicated to the god and goddess of matchmaking.
The view from the top of the hill offers a stunning panorama of Da Nang city and its surroundings. This place is also very popular among couples who want to pray for their relationship.
3. Sapa Terraces: Stunning Rice Terraces
Sapa is a mountainous city located in the northern part of Vietnam, famous for its beautiful terraced rice fields in the hilly valleys. The beautiful natural scenery and fresh mountain air make Sapa a perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can walk along the vast rice terraces, or climb Mount Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina. If you don’t feel like climbing, there is a cable car that connects the foot of the mountain to the peak, offering spectacular views along the way.
4. Xeo Quyt Forest: Adventure in the Tropical Forest
Located 35 km southeast of Cao Lanh city, Xeo Quyt Forest is a vast tropical forest area, with an area of about 52 hectares filled with Meleleuca trees. The forest also has a network of natural canals that can be explored by canoe, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of nature.
Alternatively, you can take a 1.5 km walk to visit the ruins and bunkers used by the Vietcong troops during the Vietnam War. The experience of walking through the jungle and learning about the history of this place makes it a unique and interesting destination.
5. Ban Gioc Detian: A Stunning Waterfall
Ban Gioc Detian is one of the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia, located on the border between Vietnam and China. The waterfall is located in Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang Province, about 286 km north of Hanoi.
With its astonishing height and soothing natural scenery, Ban Gioc Detian offers an extraordinary experience. Visitors can rent a bamboo raft to get closer to the waterfall or walk on the provided path to witness its beauty from various angles.
6. Phu Quoc: Pearl Island with Beautiful Beaches
Phu Quoc is an island located off the southwest coast of Vietnam, close to Cambodia. With its white sandy beaches and crystal clear sea water, Phu Quoc is often referred to as the “Pearl Island”.
The island is also known for its beautiful coral reefs and pristine tropical forests. Since 2006, Phu Quoc has been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it an ideal place to enjoy the natural beauty, sunbathe on the beach, dive, or enjoy local cuisine.
7. Nha Trang: Beach City with Tropical Atmosphere
Nha Trang, located in the southern part of Vietnam, is one of the most popular beach destinations in the country. With its white sand and crystal clear blue sea water, Nha Trang offers stunning beach views.
Nha Trang Beach is the most famous in the city, but there are many other beautiful beaches such as Long Beach and Doc Let.
Tourists can also sail to the small islands located around Nha Trang Bay, such as Monkey Island, Hon Mun Island, and Yen Island, which are famous for their rich marine life.
8. Da Nang: A Modern City with Natural Charm
Da Nang is a city located along the central coast of Vietnam, which offers a variety of interesting tourist destinations. One of the famous beaches in Da Nang is My Khe Beach, which has fine white sand and coconut trees along the coast.
In addition, Ba Na Hills to the west of the city offers spectacular views, with the iconic Golden Bridge supported by a giant hand statue. Da Nang also has historical attractions such as My Son Sanctuary, as well as the Marble Mountains which are famous for their temples and pagodas.
9. Hoi An: An Old Town Full of History
Hoi An is a small city located on the central coast of Vietnam and is known for its well-preserved old town. Known for its blend of Chinese, Japanese, and European architecture, Hoi An has a very strong historical feel.
In the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An was an important trading center for traders from various parts of the world. Some of the must-visit places here are the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Its architectural beauty and rich history make Hoi An a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Hue Monuments: A Fascinating Historical Site
Hue Monuments is a complex of royal heritages located in Hue city, Vietnam. As the former capital of the Nguyen kingdom, Hue has many historical sites such as temples, pagodas, royal tombs, and citadels.
In the Hue Monuments complex, you will find various monuments and ruins that depict the long history of the Vietnamese kingdom.
This place also offers beautiful scenery and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to enjoying history, tourists can also taste various Vietnamese cuisines here.
Vietnam offers a variety of very diverse tourist destinations, ranging from stunning beaches, challenging mountains, to historical sites rich in culture. Each place has its own charm, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience something different.
If you’re visiting the capital, exploring Things to do in Hanoi will introduce you to the city’s rich history, vibrant street life, and unique culinary scene.
With its rich nature, culture, and history, Vietnam is a country that not only offers beautiful scenery, but also a journey full of new knowledge and experiences. Don’t miss the chance to explore the beauty of Vietnam through these 10 best tourist attractions!