Despite their modest size, these provinces and cities attract tourists with their breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. They are sure to make it onto any list of must-see travel destinations in Vietnam!
1. Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh, with an area of just 822.71 km², is the smallest province in Vietnam. Situated at the northern gateway to Hanoi, it comprises 8 administrative units: Bac Ninh city, Tu Son town, and 6 districts. Known as the cradle of Quan Ho folk singing, Bac Ninh is also famous for its spiritual tourism with many ancient temples like Dau Pagoda and Phat Tich Pagoda.

When visiting Bac Ninh, tourists can savor a variety of local specialties such as: Ding Bang's Phu The Cake, Lang Cho's Banh Te, and Bui's Nem.


2. Ha Nam

Ha Nam, with an area of 860.5 km², is located at the southern gateway of Hanoi, about 65 km from the capital. It is an ideal destination for spiritual, cultural, and culinary tourism, offering historic sites, scenic landscapes, and famous craft villages. Ha Nam is also home to the discovery of the Ngoc Lu Bronze Drum, the most beautiful drum from the Dong Son culture. Visitors can explore many famous temples such as Ba Danh Pagoda, Tam Chuc Pagoda, as well as the Ba Kien House and Vu Dai Fish Sauce Village, among other interesting attractions.

Here, tourists not only have the chance to visit well-known landmarks but also indulge in local delicacies such as Phu Ly's rolled cake, wild snakehead fish noodle soup, and Vong Long Tieu wine.


3. Hung Yen

Hung Yen covers 926 km² and is a province with a rich cultural heritage, home to thousands of valuable historical sites. Famous landmarks include Da Hoa Temple and Da Trach Temple, which are linked to the legend of Chu Dong Tu and Princess Tien Dung. Particularly, the Pho Hien complex of historical relics marks a prosperous era of this land known for the saying 'First in Kinh Ky, second in Pho Hien.'

In addition to its renowned sites, Hung Yen also entices visitors with local treats such as Pho Hien eel noodle soup, longan fruit, Tiểu Quan chicken rolls, and Dong Tao chicken.


4. Vinh Phuc

Vinh Phuc covers an area of 1,238.6 km² and was once the heart of the Van Lang – Au Lac state. Along with Phu Tho, it is one of the earliest settlements of the Vietnamese people. Visitors to Vinh Phuc can explore famous natural sites like Tam Dao, Dai Lai Lake, Binh Son Tower, and the 79 Spring Hill tourism area.


Vietnam Travel, exploring Vinh Phuc offers the chance to sample iconic local delicacies such as: Lung Ngoai's cake, Tu Yen's sweetened tea, roasted beef with burned wood, and Vac Dam shrimp.



5. Da Nang

Da Nang spans 1,285.4 km² and is often called “The Most Livable City in Vietnam.” As an international tourist hub, it connects three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ancient capital of Hue, the historic town of Hoi An, and the My Son Sanctuary. The city is renowned for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and breathtaking landscapes such as the Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, and Ba Na Hills. Notably, Da Nang's Golden Bridge has been named by the UK press as one of the world’s “new man-made wonders.”


Da Nang is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wealth of delicious dishes to try. Must-tries include Quang noodles, fish cake soup, fermented shrimp noodle soup, savory pancakes, and grilled pork skewers. Vietnam Travel here guarantees visitors will remember the delicious flavors and the warm, friendly locals of this vibrant destination.


6. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh spans an area of 1,378.1 km² and is a famous heritage site known for the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and many other captivating landmarks. Here, visitors can explore attractions such as the Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, Cuc Phuong National Park, Van Long Nature Reserve, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, the ancient capital Hoa Lu, and Mua Cave. Don't forget to try local specialties such as crispy rice with shredded pork, mountain goat meat, ant egg sticky rice, and noodle soup with pork balls.


7. Can Tho

Can Tho covers an area of 1,409.0 km² and is the largest city in the Mekong Delta region, attracting visitors with its tranquil riverside lifestyle and rich, diverse cuisine. Known as the ‘Tay Do’ region, Can Tho offers various lively activities such as fruit orchard tours, visits to Cai Rang Floating Market, and experiencing life in the rural gardens. Also, don't miss out on local dishes like bánh tằm bì, grilled pork rolls, duck cooked with fermented soybeans, and a delicious fish hot pot.


8. Vinh Long

Vinh Long is located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, surrounded by the Tien River and Hau River, covering an area of 1,475 km². With a mostly flat terrain, it has a central basin that rises toward the banks of the rivers. Visitors to Vinh Long can explore famous sites like Vinh Sang Eco-Tourism Area, Tra On Floating Market, My Thuan Bridge, the Văn Thánh Miếu Temple, the ancient house ecological zone, An Binh Island, Long An Pagoda, Tien Chau Pagoda, and the stone Buddha garden. Also, try local delicacies like crispy fish, sweet potato wrapped in tamarind leaves, grilled snakehead fish, roasted field rats, and Lục Sĩ’s spring rolls.


9. Hai Phong


According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnJune 18, 2024