Exploring the cities of Vietnam

Vietnam is a wonderfully diverse country, where ancient traditions blend with the modern world; where French colonial architecture sits alongside Buddhist temples; and where stunning mountains and beautiful white-sand beaches frame vibrant, mind-blowing cities. As you plan out your perfect tailor-made trip, it can be tricky to narrow down the best cities to visit in Vietnam, so that your itinerary is best suited to your interests.

Vietnam’s cities brim with individuality and character across the distinctive northern, central and southern regions. Many of them hug the coast, making them perfect vacation destinations for enjoying rich cultural experiences and local traditions, plus having a couple of days to relax on the beach and feast on delicious, fresh seafood. Here we’ve divided the country’s most compelling cities, helping you discover those that match your travel style and when you plan to visit Vietnam.

Northern Vietnam’s must-visit cities

Hanoi: Vietnam’s cultural heart and capital

If it’s your first time in the country, then Hanoi is one of the best cities to visit in Vietnam and has to be top of your list. One of the oldest capital cities in the world, it’s vibrant, colorful, cosmopolitan and chaotic; a mesmerizing melting pot of old and new, ancestral traditions and colonial heritage.

The Old Quarter is a sensory overload of mopeds, street vendors and narrow alleyways, and even crossing the street can feel like a challenge. But its energy is what makes the city so captivating. And when you need some respite, make for serene spots like Hoan Kiem Lake and watch locals practice Tai Chi on its shores.

Hanoi is all about experiences; see the city like a local on a Vespa tour, visit the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature, and watch a traditional water puppet show. Eat pho at a pavement café and grab an egg coffee, a local delicacy made of egg yolk, condensed milk and strong coffee, in the café where it was invented.

Haiphong: gateway to Northern coastal adventures

Despite being Vietnam’s third-largest city and a major port, Haiphong has a laid-back vibe and is less touristy than Hanoi, making it a relaxing place to spend a couple of days. The Old Colonial Quarter is a photographer’s dream with its period architecture and tree-lined boulevards hinting at its French past, while the stunning Du Hang Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple, has stood serenely in the heart of the city for a millennium.

Haiphong’s coastal location means an abundance of fresh seafood. Visit local seafood markets and try the city’s signature dish, banh da cua (crab noodle soup). From the city’s Dong Bai Pier you can easily reach Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay, just as wonderful as its more famous neighbor. Take an overnight boat trip and go snorkeling and kayaking, and you can even take advantage of the area’s stunning white sand beaches.

Sa Pa: a mountain town paradise

The northern outpost of Sa Pa is nestled in the Hoàng Liên Son mountains and surrounded by terraced rice fields and misty peaks, including Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain. It’s a haven for trekkers and nature lovers, with trails leading to hill tribe villages of the Hmong Nam Cang and Red Dao.

The town itself has a European feel, with stone churches and cozy cafés, and lively markets where locals gather in their traditional dress to socialize and trade embroidery and silver jewelry. Take advantage of the unique cultural experience to spend a night in a village homestay where you can chat with the locals and learn about hill tribe traditions.

Read more: The best time to visit Vietnam: a monthly guide for travelers

Ha Giang: Northern loop adventure hub

Ha Giang is Vietnam’s final frontier — remote, rugged and breathtaking. Vietnam from a bygone era. The small city is a gateway to fabulous rural pursuits and the Ha Giang Loop, a legendary motorbike route that winds through limestone karsts, deep valleys, and plateaus dotted with remote towns and villages.

It’s a journey for the adventurous, untouched by mass tourism, offering a raw and authentic experience unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Go trekking through dramatic scenery, like the Ma Pi Leng Pass and Dong Van Plateau, and visit colorful local markets where ethnic groups gather in traditional dress.

Ninh Binh: Ha Long Bay on land

The ancient city of Ninh Binh offers a serene landscape of limestone cliffs, winding rivers and ancient temples, earning the moniker ‘Ha Long Bay on land.’ The area is perfect for slow travel, photography and connecting with nature.

Take a boat ride through Tam Coc or Trang An, where you’ll glide past rice paddies and caves. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, climb to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views, and visit the Bich Dong Pagoda.

Read more: A Vietnamese odyssey: how to plan the ultimate trip

Central Vietnam’s historic and coastal gems

Hue: the Imperial City of Vietnam

Hue was the seat of the imperial Nguyen Dynasty and remains steeped in history. At the center is the Citadel, a two-kilometer fortified wall surrounding the Imperial City, a vast area of ancient temples and palaces, ornate tombs and the Forbidden Purple City. The entire place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you’ll need a day to explore.

The city has a contemplative atmosphere, ideal for travelers who enjoy not just history, but architecture and quiet beauty. Spend some time visiting the Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors and Thien Mu Pagoda, or take a boat ride on the Perfume River and let the scenery drift by slowly. Hue is also known for its refined cuisine — dishes like bun bo Hue and banh khoai reflect its royal heritage — and for the biannual Hue Festival, showcasing music, dance and art.

Hoi An: a UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town

Travel back in time in Hoi An, where virtually traffic-free streets and more than 800 well-preserved historic buildings make the Old Town feel like a living museum and is consistently ranked among the best places to visit in Vietnam.

Soak up the atmosphere as you wander by canals, past typical wooden-fronted shops with Chinese lanterns, traditional temples, French architecture, and the ornate Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda straddling the river.

Shop for bargain tailor-made clothing, take a Vietnamese cooking class and if you time it right, you can experience the monthly Lantern Festival, where the town glows with candlelight and music.

Read more: Tales from TravelLocal: journeying across Vietnam from north to south

Quy Nhon: undiscovered coastal beauty

Quy Nhon is a hidden gem on Vietnam’s south-central coast, a tranquil spot with pristine beaches, turquoise waters and minimal crowds plus a growing reputation for eco-tourism. Quy Nhon offers a glimpse of Vietnam before mass tourism — authentic, peaceful and welcoming.

It isn’t somewhere you go to do – more a place to do nothing. Relax on Ky Co Beach, snorkel in Bai Xep, or rent a bike and cycle to nearby fishing villages to meet the locals.

Da Nang: a modern and exciting coastal hub

Nestled between lush mountains and a stunning coastline, Da Nang’s beach vibes, urban energy and relaxed charm makes it one of Vietnam’s most appealing destinations. For golden sand and great surf, you can hit My Khe Beach, and for breathtaking views and unforgettable photo ops, head the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.

The city’s food scene is vibrant and diverse — expect flavorful street eats, fresh seafood and must-try local dishes like mì quảng and seafood hotpot, alongside international restaurants. And for outdoor pursuits, just outside Da Nang are the Marble Mountains; massive and mystical, these granite formations are best visited around 7am when the air is cool for climbing and you can have the paths and pagodas all to yourself.

Read more: Spotlight Q&A: expert tips and highlights for your trip to Vietnam

Phong Nha: a paradise for adventure travelers

Phong Nha makes it onto our list of best cities to visit in Vietnam by virtue of it being the country’s cave capital. Located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, it’s home to some of the world’s most spectacular caves, including Son Doong, Hang En and Paradise Cave.

Visitors can hike, bike, kayak, explore underground rivers and trek the jungle terrain. The town itself is a hidden gem; small and friendly, with guesthouses and local eateries. If you’re going to see the caves, avoid visiting from September to November when they’re often closed due to flooding.

Southern Vietnam’s dynamic cities

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): an economic powerhouse

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon and once known as the Pearl of the Orient, is now a vast energetic metropolis and home to over eight million people. Glossy hotels, fine dining and chic boutiques share space with the exquisite Jade Emperor Pagoda and the teeming hundred-year-old Ben Thanh Market.

It’s fast, bold and full of life here. Dive in to the legendary food scene: from street-side banh mi in Cholon (Chinatown) to rooftop cocktails and Michelin-starred restaurants, this is a city where visitors and locals eat very well.

The city bears witness to the scars of the Vietnam War, which divided the country and the world from 1955–1975. For valuable insight and context about this period of Vietnam’s history, visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi tunnel complex, an extensive underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the conflict.

Read more: Get to know Ho Chi Minh City

Da Lat: a cool mountain retreat

The mountain resort town of Da Lat in the Central Highlands is a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Its dense pine forests, serene lake and waterfalls make it a popular destination for hikers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers who like their vacations at a slower pace. And its colorful markets, colonial villas and Art Deco hotels give its center a charming romantic ambience.

Visit the Crazy House, a surreal architectural landmark, take a cable car to the Truc Lam Pagoda, or simply relax and enjoy Da Lat’s coffee culture, where the bean is grown on the surrounding slopes.

Can Tho: gateway to the Mekong Delta

Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta and a hub for river life. The Cai Rang Floating Market is a must-see, where locals come to buy from boats laden with produce. Explore canals by sampan, visit fruit orchards, and learn about delta culture. Can Tho offers a unique perspective on southern Vietnam — lush, watery, and deeply connected to the land.

Explore more: View all trip ideas for Vietnam

Nha Trang: a relaxing beach resort capital

The self-proclaimed seafood capital of Vietnam, Nha Trang is a popular vacation resort and Vietnam’s most developed beach destination, with high-end resorts, water sports and a lively promenade. It’s perfect for scuba diving and island hopping; though if you do one thing in Nha Trang, it has to be to visit the mud baths and enjoy the surreal experience of being covered in rich, chocolatey glorious mud!

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