Must-sees in Vietnam

Discovering the must-sees in Vietnam is an immersive journey through vibrant histories, breathtaking landscapes, and living traditions unique to this dazzling Asian destination. For those planning a trip to Vietnam, each of these iconic and lesser-known places offers its own atmosphere, culture, and practical nuances—ensuring every visit is unforgettable and deeply authentic.

Plan your trip to Vietnam to experience these essential sights, drawing on our decades of expertise guiding travelers through the heart of this rich and varied country.

Hanoi and the 36 streets district

Formerly called Thang Long or "City of the Rising Dragon," Hanoi has been the crossroads of Vietnam’s traditions and modern energies for over a thousand years. Its heart is Hoan Kiem Lake, where both Asian and European influences shape the atmosphere. Just north, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is famed for its labyrinth of 36 guild streets—each named after a trade, such as Hang Gai (silk) or Hang Bac (silver).

Expert Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: October to April for pleasant temperatures and drier weather.
• Travel Insight: Early mornings offer a quieter, more local experience. Join locals for lake walks, or sample street food as the city awakens.
• Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly and address elders with respect. If invited into a local shop or home, remove your shoes at the entrance.

Halong Bay

A trip to Vietnam is incomplete without witnessing Halong Bay’s 1,900 limestone islets, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape steeped in legend. The most rewarding way to experience the bay’s ethereal beauty is on an overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk—where you can kayak, witness floating villages, or try squid fishing after dusk.

Insider Advice:

• Best Season: March–May or September–November for clear, temperate weather.
• Practical Tip: Pack light layers; evenings can be cool on the bay.
• Respect: Help preserve this fragile ecosystem by not littering and avoiding single-use plastics.

Ninh Binh, the “Halong Bay on land”

Just two hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh boasts a landscape of towering limestone cliffs over emerald rice paddies—a magical counterpart to Halong Bay. Float by sampan through Tam Coc’s caves, and don’t miss ancient Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

Best Experiences:

• Sampan rides are often rowed by locals using their feet—a unique tradition.
• Visit in May–June or September for lush, green fields; October for golden harvests.
• Practical Tip: Wear sun protection and bring cash for entrance fees and small purchases at local markets.

Sapa

Nestled in the northern highlands, Sapa is renowned for its spectacular rice terraces and ethnic diversity. Treks wind through Black Hmong, Flower Hmong, Dao, Thai, and Tay villages, each with distinctive traditional attire.

Practical Advice:

• Best Times: March–May (flowers) or September–November (harvest terracing).
• Cultural Respect: Always ask before photographing locals; use local guides for meaningful village encounters.
• Stay: Try a homestay for an authentic cultural exchange and daily life immersion.

Bac Ha and its markets

Bac Ha, just outside Sapa, is famous for its vibrant Sunday market—Northern Vietnam’s largest ethnic gathering. Explore stalls bustling with locals from a dozen groups in traditional dress, and sample homemade rice spirits alongside woven crafts, textiles, and locally grown vegetables.

Insider Nugget:

• Arrive early for the most colorful scenes and best produce selection.
• Nearby: Visit Can Cau market (Saturdays) for a more intimate, livestock-focused experience.
• Travel Courtesy: Bargain politely and respect personal space in busy crowds.

Hue and the Perfume River

Once the imperial seat of the Nguyen dynasty, Hue is renowned for its majestic citadel, royal tombs, and the peaceful Perfume River. Sail by dragon boat to the Pagoda of the Heavenly Lady or hire a guide for a deep dive into centuries-old court traditions.

Tips for Travelers:

• Visit: February–August (dry season).
• Cultural Insight: Dress conservatively at temples and royal monuments; keep noise low out of respect for these sacred sites.
• Special Experience: Sample Hue’s delicate royal cuisine and join a guided food tour.

Hoi An and its multicolored lanterns

Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed town is a masterpiece of East Asian architecture, decorated with hundreds of colorful lanterns that light up the old streets each night. Cycle through alleyways, visit bustling markets, and don’t miss the Lantern Festival (monthly, on the full moon) when the town glows in candlelight.

Traveler Essentials:

• Best Time: February–April for cool, dry days.
• Hands-on Experience: Take a tailor-made clothing workshop, cook local specialties, or join lantern-making classes.
• Note: Remove shoes entering temples or historic homes; participate in local traditions respectfully.

Ho Chi Minh City and its colonial architecture

Vietnam’s buzzing metropolis balances French colonial landmarks—the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office—with gleaming skyscrapers and a dynamic café culture.

Urban Tips:

• Visit: December–April (minimum rain).
• Navigating: Be patient with the traffic bustle—cross streets slowly and confidently, following locals’ lead.
• Social Etiquette: Practice polite greetings in shops and at markets, and try Vietnamese coffee at a roadside cafe for the true Saigon experience.

The Mekong Delta

Dubbed “the rice bowl of Vietnam,” the delta is a lush labyrinth of waterways, floating markets, and stilt-house villages. Join a sampan tour at dawn for the most vibrant market scenes, or cycle quiet paths amidst fruit orchards and rice paddies.

Practicalities:

• Best time: November–April (end of monsoon).
• Cultural Note: Dress conservatively visiting rural villages. Politeness and a friendly smile go a long way.
• Unique Encounters: Stay with a local family or partake in a tropical fruit harvest for a hands-on Mekong experience.

Southern beaches

Nha Trang’s white sands are renowned among divers, while Mui Ne’s rolling dunes attract kite surfers. For serenity, opt for the lush isles of Phu Quoc or the remote Con Dao archipelago—each offering unspoiled beaches and opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.

Shanti Travel Advice:

• Marine activities: Time dives outside monsoon season (April–September). For kite surfing, visit Mui Ne from November–March when winds are strongest.
• Responsible Travel: Support local conservation by avoiding coral-damaging sunscreens and respecting wildlife.

War Memorials – Cu Chi and Dien Bien Phu

To glimpse the resilience of the Vietnamese people, explore the subterranean Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City and the historic battlefield of Dien Bien Phu in the northwest. At both, guided visits reveal stories of tenacity, survival, and victory in the face of conflict.

Thoughtful Visiting:

• Arrive early to avoid crowds and midday heat.
• At war sites: Maintain a respectful, contemplative demeanor; these are places of somber remembrance.
• Tip: Sensitive discussion and questions are welcome, but always show humility regarding Vietnam’s complex past.

Vietnamese coffee

Sampling coffee in Vietnam is a daily ritual and social anchor—whether enjoying rich brews at a roadside stall or visiting plantations in the central highlands near Buon Ma Thuot. Traditionally, coffee is served strong, sometimes iced, with sweetened condensed milk.

Coffee Insights:

• Did you know? Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer.
• When visiting coffee houses: Savor the slower pace, and consider trying local specialties like egg coffee in Hanoi.

Têt festivities

Vietnam’s most cherished holiday, Têt (Lunar New Year), marks a time of vibrant flower markets, family reunions, and street festivities. Cities bloom with marigolds and kumquats, and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation weeks before the celebration.

Practical Information:

• Festival Period: Late January–mid-February. During the holiday’s main days (4 days), cities empty as residents return to family villages; many shops and services close temporarily (except in some city centers).
• Travel Wisdom: Book accommodations and transport early, and be flexible—Têt is a magical but logistically unique time.
• Cultural Tip: Join local celebrations respectfully and learn a few holiday greetings such as "Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" (Happy New Year).

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Must-Sees

For travelers seeking alternatives to Vietnam’s most famous sites, there are countless hidden treasures:

• Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Stunning rice terraces, homestays with Thai and Muong communities, and cool forest trekking.
• Mu Cang Chai: Dramatic rice landscapes, minority markets, and September–October golden harvest beauty away from crowds.
• Ha Giang Loop: Adventurous motorbike circuit through the country’s most awe-inspiring mountain scenery and diverse ethnic cultures.
• Lan Ha Bay: Quieter and less touristed than Halong, with tranquil beaches and local floating villages.

Tips for Hidden Gems:

• Hire local guides for cultural insights and authentic access.
• Choose homestays to support rural communities.
• Always greet locals with courtesy and small Vietnamese phrases to foster positive exchanges.

Cultural Etiquette – Essential for Every Must-See

• Dress modestly for temples, pagodas, and rural villages (cover shoulders/knees).
• Remove shoes before entering homes or sacred spaces.
• Ask permission before taking photographs, especially with ethnic minorities.
• Use both hands to receive/give items (including business cards and payments).
• Be humble and respectful at war memorials and sensitive historical sites.
• Practice patience and friendly interaction in busy markets, cafés, and public transport.

With thoughtful preparation, respect for Vietnam’s unique customs, and a spirit of adventure, these must-sees reveal the rich tapestry of landscapes, history, and culture that make this country so captivating for every traveler.

As travel experts at Shanti Travel, we are passionate about guiding you beyond the obvious so you can discover the true soul of Vietnam—one must-see at a time.