Top Places to Visit in Vietnam (2025 Guide): What to See, When to Go, and How to Plan

Vietnam blends limestone bays, lantern-lit towns, imperial citadels, dizzying mountain passes, and tropical islands; making it one of Asia’s most rewarding destinations for first-timers and repeat visitors alike. Use this expanded guide to the best places to visit in Vietnam, plus timing, sample routes, and smart tips to plan a smooth trip from Pakistan (or anywhere) with help from Malik Express Travel & Tours.

 

1) Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba: Vietnam’s Iconic Seascape

Jungle-capped limestone karsts and emerald waters make Ha Long Bay Vietnam’s signature sight and a UNESCO World Heritage destination. Most travellers experience it on an overnight or two-night cruise; quieter, more active itineraries also sail around Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island for kayaking and cave visits.

Good for: couples, families, photographers

Planning Tip: Premium small-ship cruises book out in peak months; compare routes that include Lan Ha Bay for fewer boats. VN’s tourism body notes Ha Long is the country’s most popular attraction.

 

2) Hoi An Ancient Town

A trading port turned living museum, Hoi An charms with yellow-washed shop houses, tailor boutiques, riverside cafes, and night markets. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and pairs well with nearby An Bang and Cua Dai beaches or a side trip to My Son Sanctuary.

Good for: culture lovers, foodies, shoppers

Planning Tip: Stay inside or near the Old Town for evening lantern walks; tailor orders usually take 24–48 hours.

 

3) Da Nang & the Golden Bridge

Between Hoi An and Hue, Da Nang offers city beaches and headline attractions such as the viral Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills; opened in June 2018 and now one of the country’s most photographed sights.

Good for: families, Instagram-lovers

Planning tip: Go early to beat queues and coastal heat; combine with Marble Mountains or Son Tra Peninsula.

 

4) Hue: Imperial City on the Perfume River

Former imperial capital Hue preserves the Complex of Hue Monuments, a UNESCO site that includes the Citadel and royal tombs. Cycle rides and boat trips round out a heritage-heavy day.

Good for: history buffs, photographers

Planning tip: Many sites are spread out, hire a guide/driver for the most efficient route.

 

5) Hanoi: Old Quarter Energy & Northern Gateways

Hanoi’s Old Quarter mixes French architecture, lakeside strolls, and street-food gems. It’s also the main gateway for excursions to Ninh Binh (Trang An) a UNESCO-listed limestone river landscape sometimes dubbed “Ha Long on land.”

Good for: culture, cuisine, day-trips

Planning tip: Book a Trang An boat ride early morning to avoid crowds and heat.

 

6) Sapa & Fansipan: Terraces and Minority Culture

Terraced valleys around Sapa offer panoramic hikes and homestays; the cable car to Fansipan tips you onto the “Roof of Indochina.” Best conditions typically arrive in the dry, cool months (see seasonal section below).

 

7) Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Cave Country

Expect world-class caving, Karst Mountains, and river valleys in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, a UNESCO natural site with options from gentle cave walks to expedition-style adventures.

Good for: adventure seekers

Planning tip: Book guided cave experiences well in advance in high season.

 

8) Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Big-City Pulse

Skyscrapers meet classic colonial landmarks and a booming food scene. From here, many travelers day-trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or overnight in the Mekong Delta for floating markets and rural cycling.

 

9) Mekong Delta: Waterways & Orchard Homestays

The Delta’s maze of channels rewards those who stay a night; sunrise at a floating market is a highlight.

 

10) Phu Quoc & Con Dao: Vietnam’s Island Escapes

Phu Quoc brings resort ease and long beaches; Con Dao offers quieter coves and marine life. Peak beach weather trends to the dry months in the south (Nov-Apr).

 

11) Ha Giang Loop: Vietnam’s Most Dramatic Road Trip

Northern Ha Giang serves up hairpin passes and jaw-dropping limestone canyons such as Ma Pi Leng. Parts of the route fall inside regulated border areas; foreign travelers are advised to carry a border travel permit for random checkpoints. Guided tours handle the paperwork.

 

When to Visit Vietnam (By Region)

Vietnam’s weather varies across north, central, and south, so the “best time” depends on where you’re headed. Authoritative travel guides and the national tourism office highlight different peaks by region:

• South (HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc): generally drier Nov-Apr.
• Central (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): January-August sees less rain, with beach-friendly months mid-year, though late-year storms can occur.
• North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa): comfortable from Sep–Dec and Mar–Apr; summers get hot and humid.

 

Vietnam’s UNESCO Highlights (Shortlist to Prioritize)

• Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba (natural) - iconic karst seascape and islands.
• Hoi An Ancient Town (cultural) - preserved trading port.
• Complex of Hue Monuments (cultural) - imperial citadel and tombs.
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang (natural) - record-setting caves and karst.
• Trang An Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh) (mixed) - river caves and karst towers.

(UNESCO confirms Vietnam has nine inscribed properties as of 2025.)

 

Sample One- to Two-Week Itineraries

• Classic Highlights (7-9 days): Hanoi → Ha Long Bay (overnight cruise) → Hoi An/Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong
• Nature-Heavy North (8-10 days): Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Sapa → Ha Giang Loop (guided) or Ha Long Bay
• Central Heritage & Coasts (7-10 days): Da Nang → Hoi An → Hue → Phong Nha caves
• Beach & Islands (7-10 days): Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong → Phu Quoc (or Con Dao)

 

Practical Travel Tips (Save Time, Avoid Hassle)

• Seasonality matters. If your dates are fixed, build your route around the most weather-reliable region for that month. Use the regional guidance above for a quick check.
• Cruise smart in Ha Long. Consider Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long routes and smaller boats for quieter coves; premium ships sell out early in peak months.
• Golden Bridge timing. Arrive early morning at Ba Na Hills to avoid long queues and haze; the bridge draws heavy crowds since debuting in 2018.
• Border permit for Ha Giang. If riding or touring the Loop, ensure your operator handles the border permit and checkpoint paperwork.
• UNESCO shortcuts. Traveling with limited time? Prioritize Hoi An, Hue, Trang An or Phong Nha for a rich UNESCO mix.
• Cash and cards. ATMs are common in cities; carry small cash for markets, village homestays, and rural stops.
• Connectivity. Buy a local eSIM/SIM for maps and translation; coverage is strong in cities and along major highways.
• Dress & etiquette. Shoulders/knees covered for temples; remove shoes where posted.
• Food hygiene. Choose busy stalls with high turnover; try phở, bánh mì, cao lầu (Hoi An), and bún bò Huế.
• Travel insurance. Always recommended for motorbike travel, trekking, caving, and cruises.

 

Estimated Costs (Indicative, vary by season and standard)

• Hotels: mid-range USD 35-90 per night in cities; resorts/islands higher in peak.
• Domestic flights: often economical; plan 1-2 checked bags for camera gear or child items.
• Cruises (Ha Long/Lan Ha): from budget day boats to premium 1-2-night cabins.

 

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Can Help

With 35+ years of experience, Malik Express simplifies Vietnam planning for travelers from Pakistan and beyond:

• Tailor-Made Itineraries: We balance weather windows with your interests, heritage towns, caves, mountains, or islands.
• Flights & Hotels: Competitive fares ex-Pakistan with hand-picked hotels near Old Quarter (Hanoi), riverside (Hoi An), or beachfront (Da Nang/Phu Quoc).
• Guided Experiences: Trusted partners for Ha Long cruises, Phong Nha cave tours, and Ha Giang Loop rides with required permits.
• Hassle-Free Transfers: Airport meets, private drivers on long sightseeing days (Hue tombs circuit, Ninh Binh boat rides).
• Travel Insurance & Support: Policy guidance plus on-trip assistance via WhatsApp and email.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is one week enough for Vietnam?

Yes, for highlights. Consider Hanoi + Ha Long + Hoi An/Da Nang or HCMC + Mekong + Phu Quoc. Two weeks is ideal for north-to-south coverage.

• What are Vietnam’s absolute must-see places?

Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Phong Nha, Hanoi/Old Quarter, Sapa or Ninh Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc, and (for road-trippers) Ha Giang.

• When is the best time to visit?

It varies: South (Nov-Apr dry), Central (Jan-Aug generally drier), North (Sep-Dec & Mar-Apr most comfortable).

• Why is the Golden Bridge so famous?

It opened in June 2018 and quickly went viral for its “giant hands” design at Ba Na Hills near Da Nang.

• Do I need permits for Ha Giang?

Yes, much of the Loop runs through regulated border zones; foreign travelers should carry a border travel permit (local guides arrange it).

 

Ready to plan your Vietnam trip? Contact Malik Express for a custom route, best-value flights, and secured tour slots in peak season.