WHERE TO GO IN VIETNAM FOR THE FIRST TIME?

First-time visitors will find Vietnam to be an enthralling destination with its vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking scenery. This Southeast Asian treasure has something for everyone to explore, from a peaceful countryside to a busy metropolis. Here are some places you should definitely have on your trip if this is your first time visiting Vietnam: Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City (Sai Gon), Mekong Delta, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An.

1. Hanoi

Start your trip in Hanoi, which is the capital of Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the bustling Old Quarter, where street merchants, motorbikes, and the scents of mouthwatering Vietnamese food fill the winding alleyways. Next, famous sites like the Temple of Literature, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the bustling Dong Xuan Market, and Hoan Kiem Lake should not be missed. In addition, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch people doing Tai Chi in the mist of the early morning. Besides, the best time for you to travel to Hanoi is in the fall, from August to November, and in the spring, from March to April.

Hanoi – Top place to visit in Vietnam. Here, you can experience the ancient style combined with modern city

2. Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most magnificent natural wonders, is only a few hours’ drive from Hanoi (approximately 170 km from the capital). This area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.  To make your trip more exciting, you can take a boat and see the myriad of limestone karsts and islets that protrude into the emerald seas. Besides, sail through remote lagoons, discover secret caverns, and take in breathtaking sunsets across the bay. Furthermore, you do not forget your camera to capture the outstanding view.

Ha Long Bay – One of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam

3. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest metropolis in Vietnam. Discover the vibrant vitality of Ho Chi Minh City, the largest metropolis in Vietnam. This vibrant city, once known as Saigon, provides an intriguing fusion of the ancient and the contemporary. You can enjoy the lively street food scene in the city, stroll down the classy boulevards bordered by buildings from the colonial era, and learn about Vietnam’s history by visiting the War Remnants Museum. Next, Ben Thanh Market, Independence Palace, and the Saigon Central Post Office is the top destinations that you must visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City – The hustle and bustle living life

4. Mekong Delta

Travel to Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” the Mekong Delta, to get away from the bustle of the city. You will see the bustle of rural life along the riverbanks, see historic floating markets, and take a leisurely cruise through the network of canals. Next, take in the breathtaking scenery, which consists of endless stretches of green rice fields, fruit orchards, and coconut. This is the best destination for your trip when you travel to Vietnam.

Mekong Delta – One of the most fascinating and mystical places in Vietnam

5. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park belongs to Quang Binh, Vietnam, which has some of the most amazing caves on the planet. It covers a total area of more than 200,000 hectares, including some of the most beautiful mountain scenery and limestone formations in Vietnam. You may take a thrilling underground journey through magical caves filled with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Next, you will experience a boat ride through the verdant forest and take a photo of the stunning landscape of the rivers.

Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park – One of the top attractions in Vietnam, it is surrounded by nature and caves

6. Nha Trang

Southern Vietnam’s stunning coastal city of Nha Trang is well-known for its sparkling beaches, verdant islands, exciting nightlife, and mouthwatering seafood. Nha Trang has become one of Vietnam’s most sought-after beach resorts because of its pleasant tropical environment year-round. It takes 400 km from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by car (5–6 hours); however, you can go to Nha Trang by plane to go faster. The top attractions in Nha Trang are Long Song Pagoda, Hon Chong Promontory, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Tran Phu Beach, Doc Let Beach, and Hon Tam Island. Besides, you can taste the fresh and flavorful seafood or traditional Vietnamese food such as Pho, Banh Xeo, and Bun Cha Ca. Nha Trang is a destination that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression on every traveler. So, pack your bags, start on a journey of discovery, and let Nha Trang’s beauty and charm enchant you.

Nha Trang – The peaceful coastal city

7. Da Nang City

Da Nang, a vibrant city that skillfully combines modernity, rich history, and scenic beauty, is tucked away along Vietnam’s central coast. It takes 1 hour 30 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang by plane. You may enjoy a wide variety of activities in Da Nang, from immaculate beaches to historic temples and bustling street food markets. Da Nang has a variety of attractions for you, including My Khe Beach, the Marble Mountains, Hoi An Ancient Town, the Dragon Bridge, the Son Tra Peninsula, Ba Na Hills, and a street food paradise. Da Nang is the must-visit place for you to experience the beauty and culture.

Da Nang – One of the top main destinations in Vietnam

8. Hue City

Hue, which stands on the gorgeous banks of the Perfume River, is a symbol of Vietnam’s lengthy history, past as an imperial power, and rich cultural heritage. You can discover the Imperial City of Hue or the UNESCO World Heritage Site Imperial Citadel and the 17th-century Thien Mu Pagoda, a pagoda that represents Vietnam’s religious customs. Next, you must try the well-known dishes of Hue, such as Nem Lui, Banh Beo, and Bun Bo Hue. Furthermore, exploring the tombs of the Nguyen emperors and becoming fully immersed in the lively artisan culture of Hue will make your trip memorable. For an amazing experience, take in the Hue Festival, a yearly festival of dance, music, art, and gastronomy. So, Hue is one of the top destinations you must visit.

The Imperial City of Hue – One of the top attractions for tourists

9. Hoi An Town

Hoi An, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, takes a 40-minute drive from Danang. You will step back in time in the charming ancient town of Hoi An. With its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and vibrant markets, Hoi An is a photographer’s paradise. Furthermore, you can spend your days wandering through narrow alleys lined with old merchant houses, sampling local delicacies at street food stalls, and getting tailor-made clothing at affordable prices.

Hoi An – The ancient town has attracted numerous tourists over the years

We have just introduced to you the places to go in Vietnam for the first time. These are all great destinations that will definitely not disappoint you. Vietnam has many places to visit, and the ones on the above list are the ones that you should not miss on your trip.