Vietnam Travel Tips & Experiences

10 Best destinations to visit in Vietnam

Vietnam has captured global recognition, earning prestigious titles such as Asia’s Leading Destination (World Travel Awards) and featuring on countless must-visit travel lists. Are you planning your trip to Vietnam and wondering how long you should spend in Vietnam?In this guide, we’ll share insider tips and highlight the must-visit destinations to help you craft the perfect itinerary for your dream vacation. Whether you're staying for a few days or a few weeks, we’ve got you covered![incredible_toc] 1. Hanoi Temple of Literature - Best places to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam located on the bank of the Red River. This is the second-largest economic center of Vietnam, and at the same time, is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Southeast Asia. In addition, it holds such a depth of history with all the relics remained telling stories of the old capital of Imperial Vietnam, or the French influences through many architectures. Thus, coming here, you will have a wide range of activities and things to do, from discovering its rich history to embedding into its modernity. Hanoi is also a communication center in Vietnam. From Hanoi, you can transport to any destinations in Vietnam from North to South by bus, train, or airplane. Thus, if you plan to travel to several places in Vietnam, you need to go to Hanoi for sure.See more:Best hotels near Hoan Kiem lake HanoiWhen is the Best Time to Visit Hanoi? 2. Halong Bay Halong Bay - one of the best places to visit in Vietnam Halong Bay is one of the best destinations in Vietnam, recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Named as the “descending dragon”, Halong Bay has nearly 2000 islets in various shapes and sizes which are told to be the dragons sent by Jade Emperor to protect Vietnam. >> How to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi? There are a number of ways to go from Hanoi to Halong Bay such as by shuttle bus, motorbike, seaplane, or train. The most convenient options should be by shuttle bus because of its reasonable price and its short transportation time (2 hours by highway). Nowadays, most tourists choose to take a cruise ship to discover Halong Bay which includes transportation from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. We strongly recommend this since it saves a lot of your time and, at the same time, you can enjoy most of its beauty.Halong Bay kayakHowever, due to the dramatic water pollution in this area, the government has released rules applied for all boats cruising around Halong Bay, following that, they have to follow certain routes through the bay. Therefore, the itinerary of all cruises are quite similar, so your choice of cruise would make the most difference for your trip.Here, you can see some best options for your Halong Bay cruises:1-day Halong Bay cruise: Amethyst Day Cruise2 days 1 night Halong Bay cruise: V’Spririt Cruise>> What are some alternatives to Halong Bay? As Halong Bay is one of the best-known destinations in Vietnam, millions of tourists flock to this natural site annually. Thus, you will see over-tourism here if you travel in the peak season or national holidays. Moreover, due to the huge volume of tourists, the area is becoming polluted with trash which makes it not as poetic as what you see on the Internet, especially when it’s high season. Therefore, instead of Halong Bay, you can consider some other options which have similar landscapes such as Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay.See more: Is it worth doing a Halong cruise? 3. Ninh Binh Tam Coc Ninh Binh is also known as Halong Bay on landNinh Binh is a rising star of Vietnam tourism since which welcomes more than 7 million tourists in 2019 with a 12% annual growth rate. With its incredible natural landscape, Ninh Binh is known as the Halong Bay on land. Furthermore, it was also the ancient capital of Vietnam during 3 dynasties from 968 – 1010, thus, it offers a lot of historical sites for history lovers.  There are 2 mains natural places to visit in Ninh Binh which are Trang An and Hoa Lu. Coming to both places, you will have a chance to enjoy the scenery on a sampan boat. While Trang An consists of many caves, Tam Coc surprises tourists by its paddy rice fields along the channel. See more: Tam Coc or Trang An? to compare more about their differences. >> How to go to Ninh Binh from Hanoi? There are several options for you such as by shuttle bus, train, motorbike, etc. However, the most efficient, convenient way is to go by bus. You can book a bus ticket at any travel agent or at your hotel. What makes this an easy option is that the bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and drop you off at the tourist attraction that you want to reach in Ninh Binh.See more: How many days to spend in Ninh Binh?Hoa Lu - Trang An full day tour from HanoiHoa Lu - Tam Coc day tripBai Dinh - Trang An day tour4. Sapa Sapa is the best destinations in North VietnamSapa is located in a remote area in the North of Vietnam, which is close to the Vietnam – China border. Because of its far location, not many people could travel to this beautifully natural destination. But once you come here, you will not regret it.  As it is far away, Sapa has its own unique culture and customs because most of the people there are of the ethnic minority group, namely Hmong, Dao, etc. which makes you feel like you are traveling to “another Vietnam”. Coming here, you can try some local experiences such as staying at a local homestay, watching Hmong people do farming, make handmade textiles, etc.  In addition, Sapa is also famous for its stunning green terraced rice fields. The most beautiful time to see the fields is from June to September when the whole area is filled with the lush green color of the rice fields. However, rains may happen sometimes during this period, so prepare a raincoat and check the weather forecast carefully before making your trip.Terraced Rice Fields In Sapa>>How to go to Sapa from Hanoi? There are 2 most common ways to transport from Sapa to Hanoi. 1. By bus: we strongly recommend this choice as you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel if it is located in the central. In addition, the ticket price is also cheaper than the latter option. 2. By train: If you go by train, you need to go to the Tran Quy Cap train station which is the other side of Hanoi Station. From here, you will reach the Lao Cai Station and then take another local bus to reach your hotel, or you can contact your hotel for the pick-up service. 5. Hue Hue - The Imperial CityHue is a city located in the central of Vietnam, lying on the bank of the Perfume River. From 1802 to 1945, it was the ancient capital of the Nguyen Dynasty – the last dynasty in Vietnam. Thanks to its rich historic values, Hue was recognized by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites. >> What to do in Hue? Here are the top 3 best things to do in Hue: Visit the Imperial CityThis is the most famous place to visit in Hue situated on the northern bank of the Perfume River. It was built in 1803 by Gia Long Emperor – the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Basically, it has 2 main parts: the Citadel (functioning as the protector of the palace) and the Forbidden City (where the court worked and the royal family lived). To visit this, you need nearly a day to explore all parts of the city.  The Imperial CityExplore the royal tombs When talking about tombs, some people may think of something scary or creepy. However, those royal tombs in Hue are such masterpieces since they are all beautifully designed and harmonized with nature. Coming there, you will feel a sense of peacefulness and admirable. There are 3 most famous tombs that you can visit: Gia Long Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Tu Duc Tomb. Khai Dinh TombDiscover pagodas in Hue Known as the most reputed city for Buddhism, this city has a number of long-standing pagodas with beautiful architecture. Some of the top recommendations are Tu Dam Pagoda, Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Hieu Pagoda, and Thien Lam Pagoda.Tu Dam PagodaSee more: Best things to do in HueHow to get to Hue from Hanoi?6. Hoi An Hoi An ancient town - most beautiful places to visit in VietnamConsidered as one of the best destinations to visit in Vietnam, Hoi An is on every traveler’s bucket list when they are planning to visit Vietnam. Hoi An was a famous port town in the centuries of 15th to 19th which attracts a number of foreign traders coming here to make the business such as Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Dutch, etc. However, later on, due to the competitive market, Hoi An lose its position as one of the busiest trading port in Vietnam. However, many remains of the past are still kept until today, making this port town become so gorgeous with its ancient beauty.See more:How long to spend in Hoi An?10 best things to do in Hoi An7. Nha Trang Nha Trang beach - Vietnam's most beautiful coastal city Nha Trang is a coastal city, being the capital city of Khanh Hoa province, located in the central of Vietnam. Its beaches are considered as one of the most beautiful ones in the world, therefore, if you love sunbathing on the beach, this should be your top choice. The city once belonged to the Champa people, thus you can also experience the Champa architecture right in Vietnam. >> What to do in Nha Trang? Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers The Po Nagar Cham Towers dates back to the 8th and 11th centuries which worship Hindu deities. Originally, the complex consisted of 8 towers, but half of them were completely destroyed and only 4 of them remained till today.Po Nagar Cham TowersSunbathe at the beach As stated above, Nha Trang is very famous for its white sandy beaches. Thus, you must want to come and sunbathe at these beautiful beaches. On the other hand, you can also try some other fun experiences there, such as sailing, snorkeling, diving, etc.Doc Let Beach Nha Trang Experience Mud Bath Not only well-known for the beaches, but this city is also one of the best places to have mud bath in Asia. This experience not only gives you fun but is good for your health and skin as the mud containing a lot of minerals.Thap Ba Mud BathLorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.Thap Ba Hot SpringI-Resort 8. Da LatDalat - one of the best destinations to visit in VietnamDa Lat is the capital of Lam Dong province which is a highland located 1,500meters above the sea level. Thanks to its location, the weather of this city seems great all year round with a cool temperature.  Da Lat has its reputation for its poetic scenery since it is considered as the city of flower in Vietnam. On the other hand, it also has many beautiful waterfalls, two of the most famous ones are the Pren Waterfall and Datanla Waterfall. Besides, Da Lat also has some unique architecture, one of them is the Linh Phuoc Pagoda which is also known as the pagoda of broken glass because of the dragon’s head made from 12,000 pieces of glass at the entrance gate.Linh Phuoc Pagoda 9. Phu Quoc Phu Quoc Beach - Beautiful Island in VietnamPhu Quoc is a large area consisting of 22 islands in various sizes, among which the biggest one is Phu Quoc Island – also the largest island in Vietnam. Phu Quoc has a variety of activities and places that can make an enjoyable vacation which are the beautiful sandy beaches, historical sites, majestic waterfalls, or delicious seafood. Thus, this island is now considered as one of the best destinations to visit in Vietnam, welcoming millions of tourists every year. >> What to do in Phu Quoc? Play at the beach This is absolutely the top thing to do here. Some activities you can do here are: play water sports, sunbathe at the beaches, do fishing, etc.Sol Beach Phu Quoc Visit the Phu Quoc Prison  Phu Quoc Prison was built in 1950 by the French colonists who named it the Coconut Prison. It was the biggest prison of the Vietnam Public which witnessed a lot of stories from the war.Phu Quoc Prison Discover waterfall Besides beaches, Phu Quoc also has a large area of lush green forest and admirable waterfalls. There are some beautiful waterfalls that you can consider to pay a visit: Tranh Waterfall, Da Ngon Waterfall, and Da Ban Waterfall.Suoi Tranh WaterfallSee more:When is the best time to visit Phu Quoc?Where to stay in Phu Quoc Island?  10. Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh City SunsetHo Chi Minh City is the biggest economic center of Vietnam and the most densely populated city in Vietnam. As one of the most modern cities in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Sai Gon) has a lot of fun activities to offer tourists. Besides, it also has a long-standing history with the Khmers people settled down here for the first time, until the Vietnamese took over the area in the 17th century, until the French colonial time. This rich history reflects in some of the architectures in the city, making it an interesting place for history lovers. See more:Top 6 things to do in Ho Chi Minh CityWhat to eat in Sai Gon?  11. How many days to spend in Vietnam? To cover all the above best destinations to visit in Vietnam, you probably need at least 2 weeks to just scratch the surface. However, there are a lot of other off-the-beaten-track, yet beautiful places more to explore, if you want to discover the most of it, it may take up to more than a month.See our 2 weeks tour in Vietnam: Authentic Vietnam Itinerary 2 Weeks  12. Why you should visit Vietnam? Vietnam is now one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia because it offers a lot of different experiences in a wide range of budgets. Here are some reasons you should visit Vietnam: 12.1. Wide variety of delicious treatsVietnam has a lot of yummy local food that you can try, most of which inexpensive and can be found everywhere. Some of the must-try local food when you visit Vietnam are Beef Pho, Crispy Pancake, Spring Roll, etc."Pho Bo" - a world's famous dish from Vietnam12.2. Rich in historyThe country of Vietnam has a long-standing history and has passed through a numerous fierce battle, thus, coming to Vietnam, you will have a chance to visit a number of historical sites that have such a meaningful value to the Vietnamese. 12.3. Beautiful natureIf you are a nature lover, this is definitely a place that you want to visit. Vietnam consists of many different landscapes from beautiful beach coasts which runs along with the country, to lush mountains, to majestic waterfalls, etc. You can find all of them in this small S-shape country and explore them with an incredibly cheap budget.Lotus Flower - The National Flower of VietnamSo it's time to start your Vietnam Tours, contact Incredible Asia Journeys as your trusted Vietnam tour operator to get best deals and free quotations!

Is October a good month to visit Vietnam?

Vietnam is an exciting country with cultural and natural attractions that attract millions of tourists each year. The country offers all you need for a unique and memorable adventure. It is a year-round destination so the best time to visit Vietnam could be any time of the year. If you are planning to travel this October, you might wonder "Is October a good time to visit Vietnam?" Our article below will show you what to do, what to bring, the weather, and where to visit in Vietnam in October. [incredible_toc] 1. Weather in Vietnam in October In general, the weather in Vietnam in October is typically humid and warm but it varies differently in each region over the country. In one month, you may experience the cold weather (and even snow) in the far north mountain and the sunshine on the beaches in the south. Therefore, it is necessary to research the weather before your visit to make sure you don’t have to suffer any inconvenience. To answer the question "Is October a good time to visit Vietnam?" we will see the weather in each region to perfectly plan your Vietnam things to do and where to go. 1.1. Weather in Northern Vietnam in October October marks the end of the wet season in Northern Vietnam and the average temperatures tend to drop quickly. In October, there is more rainfall than in previous months and the second half of the month is cooler and dry. In mountainous areas like Sapa and Ha Giang, the weather is even cooler and dryer. However, it’s also considered the best time for trekking through the mountains when you can see the endless golden rice fields ready to harvest. Rice field in Sapa 1.2. Weather in Central Vietnam in October During October, the central region of Vietnam has more rainfall and heavy storms occur more often. Because of heavy rains, some regions may suffer the flooding in October but it can’t dilute the charm of the region. In fact, the rain may become a romantic inspiration for many poets and artists in Hue and Hoi An. Be aware that the heavy rainfalls could block some sightseeing activities such as visiting Phong Nha Cave. Overall, the temperatures of central Vietnam are quite pleasant in October which vary slightly between 24 – 27oC. Hoi An Ancient Town 1.3. Weather in Southern Vietnam in October In the south of Vietnam, October is the month of change in the weather with the decrease of rainfall. Towards the end of the month, these regions become dry and hot with an average temperature of 27°C.   If you want to visit the beaches and islands, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, and Con Dao are starting to recover from the winter months and there will be more sunshine. It is best to visit these destinations by the end of October because the weather will be warmer. Phu Quoc Beach 2. What to pack when visiting Vietnam in October Packing the right clothes is very important when traveling abroad which helps you save space in your luggage and avoid being too hot or too cold in the country. Therefore, we will help you answer the question “Is October a good time to visit Vietnam?” by letting you know what to bring to each region when traveling. 2.1. The North of Vietnam The weather of Northern is not too cold in October so you can dress as normal in your country but a little more conservative. Tourists should pack lightweight clothes or linen trousers. You don’t even to bring too many clothes because in Vietnam they are very cheap. You can also buy accessories such as hats, flip-flops, or sunglasses at the markets or shops in Hanoi Old Quarter. However, the mountainous area of the North such as Sapa or Ha Giang becomes colder at night so a light jacket is a good choice to keep you warm. If you love trekking, it is important to bring good walking shoes to avoid footsore. Besides, because it is the beginning month of the rainy season, packing a lightweight raincoat is also recommendable.Trekking in Sapa 2.2. The Central of Vietnam The weather in October in Central Vietnam is still hot so you can bring a bikini, swimsuit, or shorts to go swimming. It’s also necessary to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to protect from the UV. If you visit Hoi An Vietnam in October, you should bring sandals with good quality for walking around the town. Also, a light raincoat is a must to bring during this rainy weather.Take a stroll around Hoi An Ancient Town 2.3. The South of Vietnam In South Vietnam in October, you don’t worry too much about what to bring for traveling because people here are more open to Western culture. Tourists can dress in freestyle as in their hometown. For morning and afternoon visiting, you can bring a light jacket because the weather is cool. A pair of sandals and a raincoat are more recommended than a pair of shoes because it may rain suddenly at any time of the day. If you also visit the Mekong Delta, you should bring sleeveless tops and long pants because the weather is pretty hot. Plastic bags against water are a must to protect your camera and phone while sitting on the boat. In general, bringing quick-dry clothes is the best.Floating Market in Mekong Delta 3. Places to visit in Vietnam in October 3.1. Hanoi October is when the heat, humidity, and heavy rains disappear and replaced by cool dry days. It’s also the beginning month of autumn so it’s one of the best months to visit Hanoi and its colonial building. Also, Hanoi is the best place in vietnam in October. There are no better activities than taking a cyclo to go around Hanoi Old Quarter and enjoy the cooling wind blow frequently. Or else, any walking tour or street food tour is suitable in this month because the sunlight and the heat are not too strong. At night, you can walk around the streets of Hanoi and sense the sweet fragrance of milk flowers – the symbol of autumn in Hanoi.  Coming to Hanoi in October, you will also have a chance to see the city changes and enjoy Com and the warm sunlight, and cool atmosphere. Also, there are a few important celebrations in this month. October 10th is the day to memorize the change of capital to Hanoi. Moreover, there are Vietnamese Women’s Day and the Halloween festival.  "Com" - Green Rice HanoiSee some of our intensive customized Hanoi tours by clicking HERE. 3.2. Ha Giang For those who love adventures, visiting Ha Giang is a must during your trip to Vietnam because October is the best time for traveling to this province. October marks the end of the wet season in Vietnam so the temperature falls rapidly making the weather quite relaxing and comfortable for tourists. Especially, from the beginning of October, the Ha Giang Mountains turn to the most beautiful colors. The province is covered in the triangle buckwheat flowers – the flowers that can only be found in the mountainous provinces so you shouldn’t miss the chance of taking amazing photos here. Besides, some other places you shouldn’t miss are Dong Van town, Meo Vac town, Hoang Su Phi, Khau Vai market, etc. Enjoy the unique cuisine of Ha Giang with Meo chicken, pigs (lon cap nach), five-colored rice, or horse meat.  Triangle buckwheat flowersSee some of our customized Ha Giang Tour by clicking HERE. 3.3. Halong Bay Halong Bay is the destination that needs to be on your travel bucket list for your Vietnam October holiday. Unlike previous months, Halong Bay weather in October is favorable with better chances of clear skies.  One of the best things to do in Halong Bay is to take a cruise ship. It will take you to the fishing village where you can see the life of local people here. The villagers will use the bamboo boat to take you around and show you the magical scenery of their home. You can also use a kayak to enter the amazing caves with beautiful stalactites. It is a life experience that you should have at least one time in your life. A luxury Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay CruiseSee some of our customized Halong Bay Tour by clicking HERE. 3.4. Hue Hue – recognized as a World Heritage Site used to be the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is not only impressive with unique architecture but also the attractive destinations and beautiful beaches. The city is located by the bank of Perfume River – a romantic river in Vietnam so tourists coming here can feel the romance in every corner of the city. For those who love discovering culture and history, Hue offers a visit to royal tombs, museums, and ruins which tell you a part of great history. The Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City are on the top list of must-visit destinations in Hue.  Taking a cruise along the Perfume River, you can also visit the Tombs of Emperors, contemplate the magical landscape, and enjoy art performances onboard. Furthermore, tourists should visit Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the most beautiful pagodas in Hue or relax on Thuan An Beach and Lang Co Beach. Imperial City of HueSee some of our customized Hue Tours by clicking HERE. 3.5. Mekong Delta – Can Tho The province of Can Tho is famous for the interesting floating markets, special local cuisine, beautiful pagodas as well as friendly people. There is a famous saying about this biggest city on the Mekong River Delta: “Can Tho, ivory rice and clear water”. Some of the most beautiful and recommended places for tourists are Cai Rang Floating Market, Ninh Kieu Wharf and Bang Lang Stork Garden. October is a good month to visit Can Tho because you will have the opportunity to sail through the small canals, see the verdant farms of locals on the river bank, buy exotic and qualified products on the boat.  Cai Rang Floating MarketIn conclusion, “Is Vietnam good to visit in October?” – yes, it is. This month has all the favorable conditions for a long trip throughout this beautiful country. If you have any questions about the plan, contact Incredible Asia Journeys right away!