Vietnam is a country where nature tells its own story—clearly, powerfully, and without filters. From the towering limestone cliffs of the north to the winding rivers of the south, Vietnam offers an incredible range of landscapes that are as diverse as they are unforgettable.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning a return trip, one thing is certain: the natural beauty of Vietnam is not just a backdrop—it’s the main event.
What sets Vietnam apart, though, is the ease with which its scenic attractions are accessible. Luxury tours and weeks of planning are not necessary to see breathtaking vistas. Some of the nation’s most famous landmarks can be accessed by bus, bicycle, or even motorbike.
And with a combination of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, outlying islands, and mountain villages, there’s something for every type of traveler here.
If you want true destinations with true effect—no travel brochure hype—you’re here. In this guide, we will describe the Best Places to Travel in Vietnam with famous scenic attractions, supported by real advice and personal experience.
Best Places to Travel in Vietnam Featuring Iconic Scenic Destinations
Vietnam is not just another stop on the Southeast Asia backpacking route. It’s a country where every region presents a distinct experience—from rugged mountain ranges in the north to river-laced deltas in the south. Whether you’re into hiking, motorbiking, kayaking, or simply walking through landscapes that feel untouched, Vietnam offers it all—without breaking your budget.
But ditch the sappy words. Let’s keep it real. If you’re organizing a trip and looking for where to go exactly to witness Vietnam’s finest natural attractions, this blog is for you.
The following is an in-depth guide to Vietnam’s greatest scenic spots that not just look amazing but are also within reach, value for money, and oozing with authentic local charm.
1. Ha Long Bay – A UNESCO Classic That Delivers on the Promise
Ha Long Bay is among the greatest destinations to visit in Vietnam and a world-renowned destination. Situated in Quang Ninh Province, the natural wonder boasts more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets that emerge from jade-green waters.
The bay measures approximately 1,500 square kilometers and has been a UNESCO World Heritage area since 1994. Tourists generally see the region by boat cruises, ranging from simple day trips to several-day luxury cruises.
Tourists enjoy kayaking into tiny lagoons, visiting caves such as Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), and seeing floating fishing communities. The bay is most crowded between October and April, with better weather and less turbulent seas.
For smaller crowds, tourists tend to opt for Bai Tu Long Bay, which is situated northeast of the main region. Ha Long Bay also has the advantage of having easy access from Hanoi, a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away.
2. Ninh Binh – “Ha Long Bay on Land” Without the Tour Buses
Ninh Binh, also called “Ha Long Bay on Land,” is also only 100 kilometers south of Hanoi. It boasts towering karsts of limestone, winding rivers, rice fields, and ancient temples. The prettiest spots are Trang An and Tam Coc, both of which provide boat tours through caves, along rice paddies, and alongside steep cliffs. In contrast to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh is peaceful and still rural in character.
Other visitors can hike to the Hang Mua viewpoint for breathtaking views of the countryside or visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. Ninh Binh is a simple train or bus ride from Hanoi and is perfect for a day’s outing or an overnight excursion.
It’s one of the greatest Vietnam travel destinations if you’re looking for scenery and peace and quiet and don’t want to be surrounded by other tourists.
3. Sapa – Cultural Richness and Mountain Scenery
Sapa is a mountain town in the Lao Cai Province of northwest Vietnam, close to the border with China. It is surrounded by mountains and rice terraces. Sapa is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam for nature lovers and those interested in culture.
The area has ethnic minority populations that include the Hmong, Dao, and Tay. Trekking trails go through such villages as Lao Chai and Ta Van, where chances to meet local people and sleep in homestays exist. Scenic views are most colorful from May until October when rice terraces are green and in bloom.
Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143 meters, is accessible by cable car or climb. The town itself is small but has hotels, cafes, and markets. Getting to Sapa is usually by overnight train or bus from Hanoi.
4. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – Caves That Define ‘Massive’
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, in Quang Binh Province, central Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the biggest and most spectacular cave systems on the planet. The park features Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest known cave by volume, alongside Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave, both public-access caves.
Son Doong needs a guided multi-day trek with few permits available per year. Paradise Cave, however, is readily accessible and extends more than 30 kilometers. The park is surrounded by covered jungle mountains, rivers, and tiny rural villages.
Tours vary from easy walking to difficult treks including river crossings and hill climbing. One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for nature enthusiasts and adventurers is Phong Nha. The closest city with an airport is Dong Hoi.
5. Da Nang – Beaches, Mountains, and City Life in One Stop
Da Nang, the third-largest city in Vietnam, is on the central coast and is an excellent base for visiting both natural and urban delights. My Khe Beach has clean white sand and peaceful waves, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
South of the city, the Marble Mountains are within short walking distances, along with caves and temples carved into limestone hills. For more sweeping perspectives, visitors can drive or bike to the summit of Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain).
The city itself is up-to-date and accessible, with an international airport, broad boulevards, and a growing food culture. Da Nang’s position between Hoi An and Hue makes it easy to visit as part of a central Vietnam travel plan. It’s one of the top places to visit in Vietnam for a combination of beach, mountains, and city life.
6. Hoi An – Rice Fields Meet the River Meets the Sea
Hoi An, approximately 30 kilometers south of Da Nang, is popular for its UNESCO-designated Ancient Town. Its surrounding landscape, however, is a peaceful and picturesque countryside that makes it one of the top places to visit in Vietnam.
Outside town, tourists can ride bikes along rice paddies and villages. Easy to access beaches Cua Dai and An Bang are laid-back, family-oriented venues. Alternatively, explore the Thu Bon River by boat or cruise along water coconut forests in Cam Thanh Village on a basket boat.
The best time to travel is between February and May when the weather is dry and pleasant. Although the Ancient Town attracts most of the visitors, the actual charm of Hoi An is just off its main streets.
7. Da Lat – Pine Forests and Waterfalls in the Central Highlands
Da Lat, in Lam Dong Province, is 1,500 meters high and famed for its cool climate and hilly landscape. Famously known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat is ringed by pine trees, lakes, and waterfalls. The main natural attractions are Pongour Falls, Elephant Falls, and Tuyen Lam Lake.
The region is also favored for adventure activities such as canyoning and zip-lining. The city itself boasts French colonial-style architecture and flower gardens. It’s a big fruit and vegetable producer, particularly strawberries and avocados.
You can get to Da Lat by bus from Ho Chi Minh City (around 6-7 hours) or take a short domestic flight. It’s one of the best places to visit in Vietnam if you’re seeking a cool, nature-based getaway without total remoteness.
8. Mekong Delta – Endless Waterways and Floating Life
The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a water-defined region. Spanning more than 40,000 square kilometers, it comprises a huge system of rivers, canals, and rice paddies. Delta life is water-oriented, with river ferries, floating markets, and houseboat homes a familiar presence.
Can Tho is the biggest city and a suitable base for visiting such destinations as Cai Rang Floating Market. Ben Tre, for its coconut groves, and An Giang, with its flooded forests and cultural heritage, are also top provincial destinations.
Boat tours, village cycling, and farm visits are favorite things to do. The area is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam for a taste of daily life in an economy that is based on the river. It’s also where most of Vietnam’s rice and fruit is grown, so food tours are a big highlight.
9. Con Dao Islands – Isolated, Peaceful, and Surprisingly Unvisited
The Con Dao Islands lie off the southern coast of Vietnam, some 230 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Con Son is the biggest island and the touristic center. In contrast to most beach resorts, Con Dao is still not developed very much, with pure water, coral reef, and preserved fauna.
Most of the land is a part of Con Dao National Park, where turtle nesting, forest trekking, and marine preservation are supported. During May and October, the tourist can see sea turtles laying eggs on beaches.
The island also bears historical importance as there is the old prison system developed by French colonists. It takes around 45 minutes to fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao. For the travelers seeking isolation, wild animals, and pristine beaches, Con Dao is among the Best Places to Travel in Vietnam.
10. Ba Be Lake – Vietnam’s Largest Natural Freshwater Lake
Ba Be Lake is found in Bac Kan Province, some 240 kilometers north of Hanoi. It is Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake, spanning more than 500 hectares. It is situated within Ba Be National Park, an area famous for its biodiversity, caves, and serene rural environment.
Things to do in the region include boat trips to Puong Cave, trekking into the forest, and Dau Dang Waterfall visits. Villages such as Pac Ngoi provide homestay facilities operated by the Tay ethnic minority group.
The region is peaceful, with minimal tourism infrastructure, and is perfect for those that desire untouched environment. Ba Be is most easily reached with private transport or organized tours from Hanoi. It’s one of the top places to visit in Vietnam if you seek nature free from noise and tourist throngs.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a country that rewards travelers with a remarkable variety of landscapes, from misty mountain ranges and winding rivers to coastal cliffs and underground cave systems.
Whether you’re drawn to the famous limestone pillars of Ha Long Bay, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, or the still, freshwater beauty of Ba Be Lake, Vietnam delivers scenery that feels raw, immersive, and real.
What makes these places so special isn’t so much their natural beauty—it’s how accessible they are, even to solo travelers. Most of them can be reached by road, rail, or domestic flights, so you can visit a lot without the expense or hassle.
If you’re seeking destinations that blend nature, culture, and simplicity, these ten scenic spots offer a strong foundation for an unforgettable Vietnam journey.
Each region tells its own story and offers a different lens into the country’s geography and local life. From north to south, coast to inland, Vietnam proves that the best travel experiences often lie outside of big cities and well-trodden paths.
These are, without doubt, some of Vietnam’s best places to visit—and they’re waiting for you.
