Vietnam has become a popular international holiday destination for travellers seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences, historical landmarks, delicious cuisine, and memorable adventures. From peaceful beaches and dramatic limestone mountains to charming old towns and vibrant cities, Vietnam offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you are planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, or an exciting international trip with friends, this Southeast Asian destination deserves a place on your travel list.
If you are planning your next international holiday, exploring the 12 must-visit places in Vietnam in 2026 can help you create an unforgettable travel itinerary. Each destination offers a different experience, making it possible to enjoy sightseeing, relaxation, shopping, local food, and cultural exploration in one trip.
1. Ha Long Bay – A Natural Wonder of Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous tourist destinations, known for its emerald-green waters and spectacular limestone islands. The scenic landscape creates a beautiful setting for sightseeing, photography, and relaxing boat journeys.
Visitors can enjoy an overnight cruise, explore caves, kayak around limestone formations, or simply admire the natural surroundings from the deck of a boat. Ha Long Bay is an excellent choice for couples, families, and nature lovers.
Best experiences: Overnight cruises, kayaking, cave exploration, and scenic photography.
2. Hanoi – Discover Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating combination of traditional culture and modern city life. Its historic streets, ancient temples, lively markets, and distinctive food culture make it an essential stop on any Vietnam tour.
The Old Quarter is especially popular among visitors who want to explore narrow streets, shop for souvenirs, and sample local Vietnamese dishes. Travellers can also visit Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and other significant cultural landmarks.
Hanoi is an ideal starting point for exploring northern Vietnam and connecting to destinations such as Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
Best experiences: Walking tours, street food, traditional markets, and historical sightseeing.
3. Ho Chi Minh City – Experience Modern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is one of Vietnam’s busiest urban destinations. The city combines modern skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, historical attractions, and an exciting nightlife scene.
Visitors can explore the War Remnants Museum, visit the historic Reunification Palace, admire the architecture of the Central Post Office, and discover local markets. The city also offers plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shopping opportunities.
For travellers who enjoy energetic city experiences, Ho Chi Minh City is an excellent addition to their Vietnam itinerary.
Best experiences: City tours, shopping, museums, local cuisine, and rooftop dining.
4. Hoi An – A Charming Ancient Town
Hoi An is famous for its well-preserved historic architecture, colourful lanterns, riverside scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. Its Ancient Town offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich trading history and traditional way of life.
In the evening, the streets become particularly attractive as lanterns illuminate historic buildings and riverside walkways. Visitors can explore local craft shops, enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, take photographs, and experience traditional cultural activities.
Hoi An is especially appealing to couples and travellers looking for a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.
Best experiences: Lantern-lit streets, riverside walks, traditional crafts, and local food.
5. Da Nang – Beaches and Scenic Attractions
Da Nang is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, modern infrastructure, and easy access to several popular attractions. My Khe Beach is a favourite among visitors who want to relax by the sea, enjoy water activities, or spend a peaceful afternoon along the coastline.
The city is also a convenient base for visiting the Marble Mountains and exploring the nearby Ba Na Hills complex, home to the famous Golden Bridge.
Da Nang is suitable for families, couples, and travellers who want to combine beach relaxation with sightseeing.
Best experiences: Beach activities, mountain excursions, city sightseeing, and the Golden Bridge.
6. Ba Na Hills – Walk Across the Famous Golden Bridge
Ba Na Hills is a popular mountain resort near Da Nang that attracts visitors with its distinctive architecture, landscaped gardens, entertainment attractions, and panoramic views.
The Golden Bridge is its most recognisable attraction, featuring a striking walkway supported by two giant stone-like hands. It has become one of Vietnam’s most photographed landmarks.
Visitors can enjoy cable car rides, explore themed areas, and take photographs against the mountain scenery. Weather conditions can affect visibility, so checking the forecast before visiting is recommended.
Best experiences: Golden Bridge photography, cable car rides, gardens, and entertainment attractions.
7. Ninh Binh – Discover Vietnam’s Countryside
Ninh Binh is an excellent destination for travellers who appreciate peaceful landscapes and outdoor experiences. Often associated with dramatic limestone formations, winding rivers, and lush green countryside, it provides a refreshing contrast to Vietnam’s busy cities.
Trang An and Tam Coc are particularly popular for boat journeys through scenic waterways and between limestone cliffs. Visitors can also explore historic temples and climb to viewpoints for sweeping countryside views.
Ninh Binh is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and travellers who want to experience Vietnam beyond its major cities.
Best experiences: Boat rides, limestone landscapes, cycling, and countryside photography.
8. Sapa – Mountains, Rice Terraces, and Local Culture
Located in northern Vietnam, Sapa is known for its mountain scenery, terraced rice fields, and traditional villages. It is a wonderful destination for travellers seeking fresh mountain air and opportunities to experience local cultures.
Visitors can enjoy trekking routes, admire the surrounding valleys, and explore villages in the region. Fansipan, one of the most famous mountain attractions in Vietnam, can be reached through a cable car experience, depending on operating conditions.
Sapa’s appearance changes with the seasons, making it worth researching the best time to visit according to your preferred landscape and activities.
Best experiences: Mountain views, trekking, village visits, and rice terrace photography.
9. Hue – Explore Vietnam’s Imperial History
Hue was once the imperial capital of Vietnam and remains an important destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. Its historic monuments, royal tombs, temples, and traditional cultural sites offer insight into the country’s imperial past.
The Imperial City is one of the main attractions, featuring historic gates, courtyards, and palace structures. Visitors can also explore the Perfume River and visit royal tombs situated around the city.
Hue is an excellent choice for travellers interested in heritage, architecture, and traditional Vietnamese culture.
Best experiences: Imperial City sightseeing, historic tombs, temples, and river cruises.
10. Phu Quoc – A Tropical Island Escape
Phu Quoc is a beautiful island destination known for sandy beaches, clear waters, resort stays, and relaxing coastal experiences. It is particularly suitable for honeymooners, couples, and families who want to enjoy a slower pace of travel.
Visitors can spend time at the beach, explore local markets, enjoy boat excursions, and discover the island’s natural attractions. Depending on the season, travellers may also enjoy snorkelling and other water-based activities.
Phu Quoc is a great option for ending a Vietnam holiday with a few days of relaxation.
Best experiences: Beach stays, island excursions, snorkelling, and sunset views.
11. Da Lat – A Peaceful Hill Station
Da Lat is known for its cooler climate, pine forests, flower gardens, lakes, and scenic countryside. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a refreshing alternative to Vietnam’s warmer coastal destinations.
Visitors can explore Xuan Huong Lake, discover local cafés, visit flower gardens, and enjoy countryside excursions. The surrounding region also offers waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Da Lat is suitable for couples, families, and travellers who enjoy nature, photography, and peaceful surroundings.
Best experiences: Lake visits, flower gardens, scenic cafés, and countryside tours.
12. Mekong Delta – Experience Life Along the River
The Mekong Delta offers a different perspective on Vietnamese life, with waterways, traditional villages, fruit orchards, and riverside communities. It is an excellent destination for travellers interested in local culture and rural landscapes.
Visitors can take boat trips through waterways, explore local markets, sample regional food, and learn about traditional farming practices. Floating markets are among the region’s best-known attractions, although their activity and schedules vary by location and day.
A guided excursion can help travellers understand the region’s culture while discovering its natural beauty.
Best experiences: Boat trips, village visits, local markets, and regional cuisine.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam in 2026
Vietnam has different climatic conditions across its northern, central, and southern regions. As a result, the ideal travel period depends on which destinations you plan to visit.
Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh, is often pleasant during spring and autumn. Central Vietnam, including Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, generally has favourable beach and sightseeing conditions during parts of spring and summer, although seasonal rainfall can affect travel. Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, typically experiences a drier period from around December to April.
Before booking your holiday, check the local weather forecast and seasonal conditions for your chosen destinations.
How to Plan Your Vietnam Tour in 2026
Planning a Vietnam holiday becomes easier when you organise your itinerary according to travel time, interests, and budget.
- Choose your destinations: Decide whether you prefer beaches, mountains, cultural sightseeing, city tours, or a combination of experiences.
- Plan a practical route: Vietnam is a long country, so avoid including too many distant destinations in a short holiday.
- Book accommodation early: Reserve suitable hotels according to your location, comfort preferences, and budget.
- Check travel documents: Confirm passport validity, visa requirements, and entry conditions before departure.
- Estimate your budget: Include flights, hotels, meals, transfers, sightseeing, activities, and travel insurance.
- Allow enough time: A trip of around 7–10 days can cover selected highlights, while a longer holiday allows a more relaxed experience.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a destination where natural beauty, cultural heritage, modern cities, and relaxing beaches come together. From the spectacular limestone islands of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the tropical shores of Phu Quoc, the country offers memorable experiences for every kind of traveller.
Exploring these 12 must-visit places in Vietnam in 2026 will help you plan a holiday that matches your interests and travel style. With a well-organised itinerary, comfortable accommodation, and the right balance of sightseeing and relaxation, you can discover the best of Vietnam and create unforgettable travel memories.
