Top 14 Most Beautiful Tourist Cities in Vietnam You Should Visit Once in Your Lifetime!

Sapa, one of the most famous tourist destinations in the North, is best visited in late November and early December to experience the characteristic cold of the northern climate. With temperatures often below 10 degrees Celsius, Sapa will be your first must-visit stop. Sapa - Lao Cai is renowned not only for its bone-chilling cold and thick blankets of snow covering trees and forests but also for its pristine and majestic scenery, unlike anywhere else. Visitors can marvel at the beauty of natural wonders such as Silver Waterfall, Ham Rong Mountain, the Love Valley, and the Cloud Yard, or engage in cultural exchange with the unique ethnic minorities living here. Furthermore, a visit to Sapa is an opportunity to savor the unique and distinctive cuisine of the Northwestern people of Vietnam.

The city in the mist, Sapa, nestled deep within the mountains surrounded by pine forests reaching up to the sky, allows you to enjoy moments of relaxation amidst the pristine nature of the mountains and forests. Additionally, you can trek on the beautiful terraced fields that stretch like staircases ascending to the sky. Another wonderful experience is wandering through highland markets to purchase unique items and immersing yourself in the traditional music of the Northwestern ethnic groups, bringing tranquility and lightness to your soul.

Ninh Binh - the 'jewel' land of many famous movies. Visit Ninh Binh at any time of the year, but the best time to set foot is in early spring (around January to March lunar calendar). During this time, you can combine travel and spring pilgrimage to famous pagodas such as Bai Dinh Pagoda - a large pagoda complex known for many Asian and Vietnamese records. Ancient capital Hoa Lu - a place preserving historical relics through many eras or Phat Diem Stone Church known as the “Catholic capital” of Vietnam.

If you come to Ninh Binh in early summer (around late May to early June), it is also interesting because this is the time when the rice fields in Tam Coc ripen, suitable for you to take photos with the 'panorama' concept. Some other interesting places are the natural reserve of Van Long wetland, Thung Nham Bird Garden, Cuc Phuong National Park, or Trang An - the most famous tourist area in Ninh Binh that you should visit when coming to this ancient capital. And especially, you cannot miss the delicious famous dishes of this ancient city such as: burnt rice, grilled snakehead fish salad, field crab roasted with wild betel leaf, mountain snail steamed, Hoa Lu goat tartare,...

Hanoi, the heart of the country, where the essence of the nation is preserved. Hanoi is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes and renowned dishes, but the people of the capital also carry a distinct imprint - elegance, grace, and sophistication in every word and gesture. If you spend your winter visiting Sapa, then Hanoi is the place where you can enjoy, feel, and immerse yourself in the romantic space of autumn. In autumn, Hanoi manifests its inherent charm as an ancient city standing solemnly amidst the ups and downs of life. The color of the leaves and the intense fragrance of milk flowers will be an interesting experience that you cannot forget about this city.

Moreover, once you have the chance to set foot in Hanoi, you should take the time to visit prominent landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Long Bien Bridge, 36 Streets, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and more. Hanoi is famous for its coffee culture and strolling along the bustling streets. The cuisine of the capital city is also crucial in capturing the footsteps of millions of tourists each year. Here, you get to enjoy delicious, signature dishes of Hanoians such as pho, cha ca La Vong, bun dau mam tom, banh com,...

Da Nang - a destination that draws travelers to the central land of Vietnam, located almost equidistant between the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang is also the center of three UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites: the Ancient Capital of Hue, the ancient town of Hoi An, and the My Son sanctuary. Furthermore, Da Nang sits at the endpoint of the East-West economic corridor and serves as the gateway to the Pacific Ocean for countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Being a coastal city, the best time to visit is in summer, from June to August, where you can enjoy everything interesting.

Da Nang boasts many famous attractions such as Marble Mountains, Cham Islands, My Khe Beach, Linh Ung Pagoda, Han River, Love Bridge, and numerous entertainment areas like Ba Na Hills, Asia Park, and more. Notably, Da Nang features 5 legendary bridges with unique architecture spanning the Han River that you should cross: Han River Swing Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, and Dragon Bridge - this bridge spouts water and fire every weekend. Moreover, security in Da Nang is a plus point for the city, so you can completely feel at ease when traveling here. Not only possessing many beautiful natural landscapes, but Da Nang also offers something very different as a city with two characteristic beauties - classical and modern, a gentle yet vibrant combination.

Da Nang is one of the 20 cleanest cities in the world, in the top 10 cities worth traveling to, with the only cable car that achieves 4 Guinness World Records, having the most charming beach on the planet, a modern and secure airport - among the world's top, the longest hanging bridge in Vietnam, the only rotating bridge in Vietnam, the Sun Wheel - among the top 10 highest wheels globally, and gathers the most luxurious resorts.

Hoi An Ancient Town is situated on the north bank of the Thu Bon River, approximately 25 km southeast of Da Nang city center. Prominent on the Central Vietnam tourist route, Hoi An Ancient Town is like a simple, poetic, and rustic painting. Whether day or night, Hoi An exudes different captivating beauties. In addition to cultural values through diverse architecture, Hoi An also preserves a vast intangible cultural foundation. The daily life of residents with customs, rituals, folk art, cultural festivals, and the picturesque natural landscape, along with unique local dishes, makes Hoi An increasingly attractive to international tourists. The best time to travel to Hoi An is from February to April when the weather is pleasant with cool breezes and gentle sunshine.

What makes Hoi An unique is its colorful lantern-lit streets, floating lanterns gracefully drifting on the poetic Hoai River. Moreover, in the ancient town area, there are many ancient and venerable pagodas, especially the Japanese Covered Bridge leading you into the old town, creating a unique charm. Take your time to explore architectural relics that combine Western and ancient Vietnamese styles, such as Quan Thang Old House, Phung Hung Old House, Tan Ky Old House, etc. These houses, with a history of over 150 to 200 years, featuring entirely wooden interiors and traditional materials, have a distinctive, petite, elegant, and cozy appearance.

In the old town, you will notice that most of the shops here sell and tailor traditional Ao Dai dresses and souvenirs. If possible, buy yourself a distinctive souvenir of Hoi An as a gift for loved ones without worrying about prices because the locals are generally very honest and sincere, so you won't be bargained too much.

Recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, nestled peacefully on the coastline, Nha Trang City is the hub of Khanh Hoa province, known as the 'Land of Agarwood and Swallows.' This 'Pearl of the East Sea' has a special allure for tourists from all directions. If Da Nang represents a pristine coastal city, Nha Trang, the coastal city, symbolizes dynamism, youthfulness, and inherent elegance. Nha Trang boasts a warm climate year-round, always bathed in sunlight, ready to welcome you at any time.

As the 'Land of white sand and blue water' with charming coconut forests, the landscape here is truly romantic. Famous for high-end and diverse tourist destinations such as Vinpearl Land, I-resort, Ninh Van Bay, and Ngoc Suong, Nha Trang's tourism also offers incredibly appealing and unique activities like walking underwater, parasailing, chain-riding, surfing, and especially Flyboard - the first and only extreme sport in Vietnam. The people of Nha Trang are genuine, friendly, amiable, and hospitable, ensuring that your experience in Nha Trang will be truly wonderful.

Step into Hue City to witness the ancient palaces and citadels, remnants of a glorious bygone era of emperors and kings. Experience the soulful Huế songs on the Perfume River, listen to the royal music at the Duyet Thi Duong Theater within the Imperial City to gain a deeper understanding of a dynasty that predates us by a century.

Hue is most beautiful during the summer and autumn months, offering a perfect time to feel the gentle, relaxed atmosphere and the slow-paced life here. Lăng Cô Beach, Thuận An Beach, Cảnh Dương Beach, or Lập An Lagoon are all stunning gifts from nature to Hue. If you're an adventure enthusiast, conquer the surrounding mountains such as Vọng Cảnh Hill for a panoramic view of the poetic city, especially the tomb area of the Nguyen emperors and the Perfume River flowing through the city. Alternatively, climb Ngự Bình Mountain, an icon of Hue alongside the Perfume River, or the famous Bạch Mã Mountain known for its spectacular waterfalls and streams. From the summit of Bạch Mã, you'll witness the magnificent panorama of the Hai Van Pass, Tuy Van Mountain, Cầu Hai Lagoon, and the sparkling lights of Hue city at night.

When in Hue, don't miss out on the delightful local cuisine, including delicacies like savory water fern cakes, clear shrimp dumplings, wet rice cake rolls, and Hue-style beef noodle soup (at Hai Ba Trung Market), or sweet treats like Hue-style sweet soup. Some Hue dishes might be spicy and challenging for those with a mild palate, such as the pork-stuffed clear dumplings. The ideal shopping destination in Hue is Dong Ba Market, offering various traditional handicrafts and specialties like conical hats, fermented shrimp paste, and betel leaf candies. You can find unique items here to gift to your friends and family.

It would be a great miss not to include Can Tho City in this experiential itinerary. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, you can travel to Can Tho on weekends to find tranquility and engage in various typical activities of the riverside region. Not as noisy or vibrant as other cities, this land impresses with its preserved simplicity, rustic charm, hospitable locals, and many distinctive features deeply rooted in the ancient South. It's an ideal stop for those who want to explore the Mekong Delta. 'Tay Do' (the capital of the West) is an affectionate name that locals use when referring to Can Tho.

Once here, you will discover many unique aspects that only the Mekong Delta has. These include floating markets on the river, a characteristic cultural trait of people in the riverside garden area. Cai Rang Floating Market is the heart of commerce in this riverside region. Don't forget to visit Ninh Kieu Wharf, a source of pride for Can Tho residents. Tourist orchards with fruit-laden trees are also an intriguing destination. Here, you can stroll and enjoy fruits right in the orchard, along with other local specialties like grilled fish, boiled snails, and more. Binh Thuy Ancient House, Nam Nha Pagoda, Bằng Lang Stork Garden, Can Tho Museum, and more should not be overlooked when in the Western Capital.

Da Lat has never ceased to be a 'hot' destination on the map of Vietnam. Travelers continue to visit Da Lat in any season of the year because, simply put, Da Lat is beautiful and romantic in every season. True to its name, the city of a thousand flowers - Da Lat is always charming, vibrant, and poetic with the colorful flowers that you can see anywhere in this romantic land. Late autumn to early winter is the best time for Da Lat, shining not only with brilliant flowers but also with a cool climate, gentle sunshine, and no drizzle, making it extremely suitable for your journey.

When you come to Da Lat city, you must visit the Da Lat Flower Garden, Chicken Church, Love Valley, Cu Lan Village, Lang Biang Mountain, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Linh An Pagoda, Pongour Waterfall, Dambri Waterfall... to not miss the most beautiful landscapes here. Remember to visit Da Lat market, buy local specialties, have a cup of hot soy milk, enjoy ripe strawberries, and admire the night mist. These things will make your trip much more memorable!

An Giang is considered one of the famous tourist destinations in Vietnam. An Giang not only attracts visitors with the unique culture of the Mekong Delta but also with its pagodas, mountains, and charming lakes. It captivates tourists with its mesmerizing pristine beauty and places of interest that are shrouded in mystery and enchanting stories, making every traveler curious. You can visit An Giang at any time, but the first few months of the year (from January to April) are when An Giang is most beautiful, filled with festival atmosphere and extremely pleasant weather.

The straight flights of storks, the lush green rice fields interspersed with the distinctive silhouette of the palm trees, are the typical features of An Giang. There are many places to visit and take photos. Many young people come to An Giang to capture dreamy 'live virtual' photos and to enjoy the serene and peaceful land of rivers and mountains. Bung Binh Thien, Tra Su Cajuput Forest, Ta Pa Hill, That Son, Mieu Ba Chua Xu,... are some must-visit destinations when exploring this region. Additionally, when traveling to An Giang, you can savor and purchase some local specialties as gifts. Notable ones include Chau Doc fish sauce, Seven Mountains beef, Thot Not cake, and Beef sausage,...

The final destination is 'The Pearl Island of Phu Quoc,' an island that still preserves many pristine and naturally beautiful features with a fresh atmosphere and deep blue sea. Phu Quoc, also known as the Pearl Island, is the largest island in Vietnam, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Every year, millions of tourists visit this place from both inside and outside the country, attracted by its pristine and charming beauty. Phu Quoc is renowned as the beautiful paradise of Vietnam and is among the top most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. Phu Quoc not only captivates visitors with its blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine, and the traditional image of curved coconut trees but also offers unique and unparalleled experiences. Try a day as a fisherman going out to sea for fishing, swimming in the sea, diving to admire the coral reefs, and having unlimited fun on the endless stretches of white sandy beaches.

When in Phu Quoc, don't forget to explore Bai Sao - the most beautiful beach on the island with its curved, gently sloping shape resembling a crescent moon and lying under the shade of tall, lush coconut trees. Besides swimming in the sea, you can go fishing or relax in the afternoon without the sun, sitting on the white sandy beach, watching the gentle waves lapping the shore, what could be more perfect. If you love adventure, you can book a diving tour or explore the pristine forest area in the ecological conservation zone of Da Ngon Stream. This will be an ideal place for outdoor activities, mountain climbing, stream bathing, or exploring the primeval forest. The feeling of being immersed in nature and enjoying the local specialties of the coastal region will be unforgettable experiences when visiting this paradise island.

Located more than 70km from Hanoi, Hoa Binh is an ideal tourist destination for you to relax after days of hard work. As a typical piece of the Northwest's beauty, Hoa Binh possesses many magnificent landscapes. Tourists can admire the year-round mist-covered valleys, the silent waterfalls flowing day and night, and the mysterious caves when exploring Hoa Binh. Not only that, you can also experience the unique cultures of the mountainous ethnic groups living here. Along with that, the people of Hoa Binh, honest and kind, contribute to making this land a tourist sanctuary.

If you have the opportunity to travel to Hoa Binh, do not miss some of the following attractions: Thang Thien tourist area, Thien Long Cave, Da Bac Cave, Mai Chau Valley,... Currently, the hotel and homestay system has developed a lot, making it convenient for tourists to choose from various price ranges. You can consider places like Mai Chau Hideaway, Serena Kim Boi Resort, Mai Chau Sky Resort, Mai Chau Ecologde Resort,... Each resort has its own characteristics to create differences and bring beautiful memories to tourists during their vacation.

Quy Nhon City is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, attracting numerous domestic and international tourists. Often referred to as the 'treasure of nature' with stunning natural resources, unique cultural aspects, and longstanding traditional crafts, Quy Nhon City is a must-visit destination for an authentic travel experience. Some famous landmarks you shouldn't miss include Trung Luong Eco-tourism Area, Ghenh Rang, Quy Hoa Sea, Cu Lao Xanh, Ky Co, Eo Gio Bay, and more.

Quy Nhon City is not only a land associated with the traditional Tây Sơn martial arts and lush coconut forests but also renowned for its rustic, flavorful local cuisine. When in Binh Dinh, food enthusiasts eagerly explore the delicious and exotic dishes. Notable dishes to savor in the land of Binh Dinh include Bún chả cá Quy Nhơn, Bánh xèo Mỹ Cang, Bánh hỏi Diêu Trì, Bánh ít lá gai, and more. The down-to-earth and genuine locals, the harmonious blend of sky and earth, mountains and sea, contribute to the romantic charm that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

Phu Yen, located in the central region along the coastal strip of the country, has become an extremely popular tourist destination for visitors far and wide, thanks to its pristine and breathtaking natural landscapes. Phu Yen has been bestowed with many beautiful aspects by nature that are hard to find elsewhere. The untouched, rich, and tranquil landscapes in Phu Yen will provide you with experiences so wonderful that you might just 'forget the way back.'

Visitors to Phu Yen can explore and admire a diverse natural landscape, including mountains, plateaus, plains, rivers, lakes, lagoons, bays, and islands. Some interesting destinations that attract tourists include Dong Cam Dam, Vung Ro Bay, Van Hoa Plateau, Ganh Da Dia, Ganh Den, and more. Some local specialties that travelers should experience in Phu Yen are Sun-dried Beef, Cha Dong (a type of sausage), ocean tuna eyes, O Loan blood cockles, etc. In addition to seafood products, fish sauce, and sun-dried beef, you can also buy handicraft products made from seashells as gifts for your family and friends. Due to its favorable climate, Phu Yen is a 'hot' travel destination in the summer. To make your trip more convenient, it's recommended to book hotels in Phu Yen in advance to avoid room rate increases.