Places to visit in Vietnam went from a dream to a reality on my Southeast Asian adventure. Vietnam is not merely a destination; it is a vibrant, living experience that continues to attract tourists of all ages.
This ten day trip to Vietnam revealed a bucket-list of offerings from bustling Hanoi streets to tranquil Ha Long Bay waters, and what not! Every destination has its own story to share. It wasn’t just its landscapes that made Vietnam different; it was the warmth of its people and the rich history at its heart.
In this guide, I will walk you through some of the most exciting places you should visit in Vietnam, catering to all tastes and budgets, as well as sharing with you things you should do and experience. Read on..
Initial Travel Planning for Places to Visit in Vietnam:
To plan your Vietnam tour effectively you should begin organizing 3 to 6 months before your trip. The following points should be kept in mind while making the initial plan for places to visit in Vietnam.
- Begin your vacation planning 3 to 6 months ahead of your actual journey.
- Look at how different weather affects each places to visit in Vietnam.
- If you are traveling with your older relatives, book a senior-friendly Vietnam tour experience.
- Download maps for all places to visit in Vietnam for offline use; install translation apps to your mobiles or other devices.
- Create your travel itinerary to accommodate most of the places to visit in Vietnam.
- Research for local festivals of different places to visit in Vietnam.
Flight Tickets
- Best deals: You can find affordable flight tickets between January and March except during the Tet Festival period.
- Book 3-4 months in advance
- Popular routes: The best flights to Vietnam come from Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong airports.
- Fly through different cities by landing first in Hanoi and leaving from Saigon on a single itinerary.
Vietnam Tour Visa Process
- You can apply for an e-visa online (most countries are permitted).
- Cost: $25 (subject to change).
- Processing time: 3-5 working days.
- The visa remains valid for one month with one permitted entry.
- You can apply for multiple entries when getting your visa.
- Make sure your passport stays valid for the next six months.
- Get all necessary forms from the website before starting your visa application.
- Carry multiple passport sized photos.
Travel Insurance
- You need travel insurance while applying for your tourist visa.
- Cover medical emergencies in your travel insurance
- Your insurance must protect against flight cancellations.
- Add coverage for all activities while covering the places to visit in Vietnam.
- Add weather protection to your insurance plan
Ideal Tour Duration for Covering the Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
- Minimum: 10 days
- Comfortable pace: 2 weeks
- Complete experience: 3 weeks
- Senior-friendly pace: 2-3 weeks
Best Season for Places to Visit in Vietnam:
Must See Places to Visit in Vietnam.
1. Hanoi: The Cultural Capital
Here you would find Vietnam’s ancient traditions alongside present-day life. Stroll through the twisting Old Quarter streets or relax beside Hoan Kiem Lake.
Key Attractions:
- Old Quarter streets
- Ho Chi Minh Complex
- Weekend Night Market
- Water Puppet Theater
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Join local seniors in tai chi practice near Hoan Kiem Lake at daybreak.
- Train Street: See trains move through small residential neighborhoods.
- Temple of Literature: In 1070 the first Vietnamese university established its roots.
Take a half day city tour to cover all the above attractions effortlessly.
Getting There:
- International flights to Noi Bai Airport.
- Airport transfer: $15-20 USD by taxi
- Public bus available ($2)
Accommodation:
- Old Quarter: $30-150 USD/night
- West Lake area: $50-200 USD/night
- Perfect for Vietnam tour for seniors: Fraser Suites, Pan Pacific
Local Transportation:
- Grab a bike/car
- Public buses
- Cyclos for sightseeing
- Walking in Old Quarter
2. Ha Long Bay: Nature’s Wonder
Ha Long Bay was the most photographed spot in my itinerary.
Key Attractions:
- Book a minimum 2-day cruise
- Select a boat with open-view seating from above
- Plan your first visit to Sung Sot Cave during sun rise.
- Experience limestone formation exploration by kayak in Ha Long Bay.
You can alternatively book a Ha Long Bay Day Tour from Hanoi to visit the main attractions.
Getting There:
- 4 hours from Hanoi by road
- Luxury bus: $25
- Private car: $80
- Seaplane option available
Accommodation:
- Cruise ships: $150-500 USD/night
- Ha Long City hotels: $40-200 USD/night
- Senior-friendly options: Paradise Cruises, Era Cruises
Transportation:
Book your transportation directly through cruise providers.
- Local taxis in Ha Long City
- Day tour options available
3. Hanoi to Sapa Experience
My visit to Sapa revealed why tourists rank it as one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. Overnight train journey makes your trip more exciting.
Key Attractions:
- Trek through rice fields
- Visit local markets
- Homestay experiences
- Cable car to Fansipan
- Photography tours
4. Hoi An: Ancient Beauty
Of all Vietnam’s destinations Hoi An captured my heart first. Here’s why:
Key Attractions:
- Ancient Town (UNESCO site)
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Lantern-lit streets
- Custom tailoring shops
- Morning glory fields
- Coconut Boat Hoi An rides
- My Son Sanctuary
- An Bang Beach
Book a full day tour of Hoi An to visit the main attractions.
5. Hoi An to Hue Journey
The Hai Van Pass serves as an old passage that links two important cultural destinations. Get my detailed experiences of visiting Hoi an here.
Key Attractions:
- Imperial City
- Perfume River
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Lang Co Beach
- Hai Van Pass views
6. Ha Giang Loop
Explore Vietnam’s most exciting motorcycle experience across mountain peaks and through tribal settlements. This route meets all expectations of Vietnam bike tour lovers.
Key Attractions:
- Dong Van Karst Plateau
- Lung Cu Flag Tower
- Ma Pi Leng Pass
- Local markets
- Traditional villages
7. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Urban Adventure
The energy of Saigon is unlike any other place to visit in Vietnam. Book a day tour to feel the city like a local :
Key Attractions:
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- War Remnants Museum
- Ben Thanh Market
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
8. Mekong Delta: River Life
During my travel through the Mekong Delta I discovered Vietnam’s agricultural core known as the “rice bowl” plus its floating markets and farming villages.
Key Attractions:
- Floating markets
- Fruit orchards
- Local homestays
- River life experiences
Take a day tour to experience the beauty.
9. Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi
Known as “Ha Long Bay on land” with limestone peaks rising over rice fields.
Key Attractions:
- Trang An grottoes
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
- Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Tam Coc boat rides
- Mua Cave viewpoint
Feeling curious about how to cover all these places in short time? Checkout my detailed itinerary here..
Necessary Travel Details for Tourists.
Transportation Options
Accommodation Choices
Local Food Guide
The following Vietnamese foods are a must try at different places to visit in Vietnam:
- Pho (noodle soup)
- The traditional Vietnamese sandwich (also known as Banh Mi)
- Com Tam (broken rice)
- Fresh Spring Rolls
- Vietnamese Coffee
You can book a street food tour at Hanoi to taste the delicious street foods of the country.
Local Customs and Etiquette at Different Places to Visit in Vietnam
- Dress modestly at temples
- Remove shoes before entering homes or temples
- Use both hands during gift exchanges.
- Ask before you take anyone’s photos.
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases.
Safety Tips at Different Places to Visit in Vietnam
Vietnam is generally safe, however, keep the following tips in mind:
- Keep an eye on your personal belongings at crowded areas.
- Drink bottled water
- Travel different places to visit in Vietnam with reputable tour companies only.
- Have travel insurance
- Remember to store all important emergency contact numbers in a place you can access quickly.
- During travel make sure your Passport and other key documents are well secured.
- Bring Vietnamese money when you go on local day trips and keep your cash in a hotel safe. Maintain hotel security for your US dollars.
- Stay away from empty places while traveling alone at night.
Budget Breakdown (Per Day)
| Category | Budget (USD) | Mid-range (USD) | Luxury (USD) |
| Accommodation | 10-15 | 30-50 | 100+ |
| Food | 5-10 | 15-25 | 40+ |
| Activities | 10-20 | 30-50 | 100+ |
| Transport | 5-10 | 15-25 | 50+ |
Top photogenic places to visit in Vietnam
As someone who loves photography, these places to visit in Vietnam offer amazing shots:
- Sunrise at Ha Long Bay
- The ancient streets of Hoi An glow under strings of lantern lights.
- Rice terraces of Sapa
- Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon offers perfect photography opportunities.
- People love taking photos at Mekong Delta floating markets.
Activities at Different Places to Visit in Vietnam Worth Trying
- Try local food tours at all the places to visit in Vietnam. Every place has got a unique culinary experience.
- Cooking classes
- Market visits
- Temple exploration
- Beach relaxation
- Photography walks
Money Matters
- Use official money changers
- Bring low denomination cash when shopping at local stalls.
- ATMs widely available at different places to visit in Vietnam
- Restaurants and hotels accept major credit cards.
- Keep emergency cash handy
Communication
You can find authorized stores at the airport to purchase your local SIM card.
- Popular providers: Viettel, Vinaphone
- Cost: A monthly package costs between $5 and $10 USD.
- You can connect to WiFi at most locations.
- Get useful Vietnam travel apps installed on your phone including Grab and Google Maps.
- Learn basic phrases
- Keep emergency numbers handy
Final Thoughts about the Best Places to Visit in Vietnam.
All the places to visit in Vietnam offer something to every visitor. You will find new experiences throughout Vietnam’s bustling cities and calm rural areas as well as its mountain and beach destinations. You need to move at a relaxed pace while taking in local culture and planning no fixed activities.
The top places to visit in Vietnam go beyond what travel guides normally show. The peaceful activities you do with locals and nature create your most valuable travel experiences.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your Vietnam vacation right now.
Have you already been to Vietnam? Tell me about your Vietnam experiences below in the comments section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Vietnam safe for senior travelers?
A: Yes. Almost all places to visit in Vietnam are generally safe for seniors. Senior travelers can find tour operators who create easy-paced Vietnam experiences with ready medical assistance.
Q: What is the best way to travel between cities?
A: Elderly travelers and tourists with limited time should use domestic flights. Trains offer scenic routes. Luxury coaches provide a great travel experience across short distances.
Q: Do I need vaccinations?
A: Consult your doctor but typically recommended are Hepatitis A and Typhoid along with standard shots. COVID-19 requirements vary.
Q: Can I drink tap water?
A: No, stick to bottled water. Most hotels offer their guests water bottles at no extra cost.
Q: How’s the internet connectivity at different places to visit in Vietnam?
A: Major cities throughout Vietnam provide strong WiFi access. Buy a local SIM card for mobile data access.
Q: How disable-friendly are Vietnam’s tourist attractions?
A: Major hotels and newer attractions are accessible, but many historic sites have limited facilities. Book tours specifically designed for mobility requirements, incase you need it.
Q: Which is the best area to stay in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?
A: In Hanoi, Old Quarter for cultural activities and West Lake for peaceful stay. Choose District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy convenient access to everything.
Q: Are credit cards widely accepted at different places to visit in Vietnam?
A: Yes, You can use credit cards at hotels and restaurants. However, carry cash at local markets for shopping.
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