Vietnam is one of the most diverse countries you’ll find in Asia; from the bustling, scooter-filled streets of Hanoi to the smooth red sand dunes of Mui Ne, no two destinations are the same in this captivating place. It’s a seamless blend of chaos and beauty, and you can expect to discover picture-perfect views alongside the buzz of local life.
With so many unique places to visit in Vietnam, you might find it difficult to decide exactly where to go. We’ve put together this round-up of ten of the coolest places to go in Vietnam to help you plan your trip.
1. Sapa and the Hoang Lien Son Mountains
The picturesque town of Sapa sits nestled within the rugged terrain of the Hoang Lien Son Mountains in northern Vietnam. With a backdrop of mist-covered mountains, rolling rice terraces and cascading waterfalls, travelers flock here for trekking adventures, homestays with locals, and breathtaking views of Fanispan, Indochina’s highest peak.
Sapa is nicknamed ‘the town of clouds’ and is one of the most picturesque areas in Vietnam, with incredible scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. It takes between 5-6 hours to reach by bus from Hanoi, but it couldn’t be a further cry from the noisy, bustling streets of the capital.
Unique thing to do in Sapa: Learn about the Vietnamese hill tribe culture by exploring the region’s remote villages which are inhabited by ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Dao and Tay groups.
2. Halong Bay
You’ll most likely recognise Halong Bay’s postcard-worthy views, as they feature in virtually every travel guide and brochure about Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular attraction due to its breathtaking seascape, which is made up of sparkling emerald waters dotted with over 1,600 limestone islands.
The landscape in Halong Bay is so unique that it was voted as one of the 7 wonders of the natural world in 2007. It’s also been used as the filming location in a wealth of famous movies, including ‘Pan’, ‘Kong’ and ‘James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies’.
As well as the iconic towering limestone cliffs, you’ll also find hidden caves and secluded beaches whilst exploring Halong Bay.
Insider’s Tip from In Asia Travel: the best way to get away from the busy tourist areas of Halong Bay is to opt for an overnight cruise rather than a day trip. These take you to more remote parts of the bay, and allow you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area without the crowds.
3. The Ancient Town of Hoi An
One of the coolest places to go in Vietnam is the charming town of Hoi An, located on the country’s central coastline. This ancient town boasts a fusion of architectural influences, blending Chinese, Japanese, and European influences together seamlessly. Once the sun sets each day, the winding streets of this charming town are illuminated by hundreds of lanterns that adorn centuries-old buildings.
The Thu Bon River runs through the center of the town and is lit by floating candle-lit lanterns each evening, released by people on row boats. It’s one of the most charming spots to visit while you’re in Vietnam, and an evening boat trip along the river is the best way to experience the beauty of this unique town.
Unique Thing to do in Hoi An: this area is renowned worldwide for its bespoke tailoring services. Don’t miss the chance to have an outfit custom designed for a very reasonable price!
4. Son Doong – the World’s Largest Cave
Did you know that Vietnam is home to the largest cave in the world? Son Doong Cave, which is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, close to the border with Laos, has a volume of 38,500,000 m3 and measures around 9 km in length.
If you’re looking for a completely unique thing to do in Vietnam, visiting Son Doong is a great choice. The expedition into Son Doong was voted ‘The Best Adventure Tour’ by National Geographic in 2014, and consists of a 6-day journey deep into the caves chambers, camping overnight in different spots.
Top Tip From In Asia Travel: All expeditions into Son Doong are led by the company Oxalis Adventure, and trips book up well in advance: so make sure to book your trip ahead of time.
5. Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta region encompasses the southwest of Vietnam, where the iconic Mekong River approaches the sea. The complex network of waterways is a vital part of Vietnam’s economy, as it is the country’s most important region for agriculture. 20% of Vietnam’s population live within the region, conducting life alongside or within the myriad of waterways.
One of the most unique and interesting things to do in Vietnam is to go on a boat trip within the Mekong Delta, to observe how life is led there and learn just how vital the delta is to Vietnam. As you cruise along the calm waters, you’ll see houses on stilts, floating villages and markets, and rich stretches of mangrove swamps.
Unique Way to Experience the Mekong Delta: instead of visiting on a quick day trip from Ho Chi Minh City like many tourists, opt for a more in-depth tour of the delta. Our Southern Vietnam Tour spends multiple days exploring the Mekong Delta, taking you to remote locations so you can truly experience life here.
6. Ha Giang and the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
The border province of Ha Giang is nicknamed ‘the final frontier of Vietnam’ as it is located in the far north of the country, along the border with China. The landscape is mountainous and remote, with a small population of Vietnamese people and ethnic minority groups living spread across villages and small towns.
Within the Ha Giang Region you can find the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a breathtakingly beautiful mountainous area. This UNESCO site is mainly made up of limestone, with around 80% of the park covered in limestone formations and mountains. As you can imagine – this makes for some very dramatic scenery.
Insiders Tip from In Asia Travel: for an authentic taste of life in this remote region, visit Meo Vac Market. This is where members of different hill tribes gather every week to sell clothes, crops, and even livestock.
7. The Tomb of Nguyen Emperor Khai Dinh
In the foothills of Chay Chu Mountain near Hue (the former capital of Vietnam), lies one of the world’s most elaborate final resting places. Constructed between 1920 and 1931, this architectural marvel combines Vietnamese, French, and Chinese design elements, showcasing intricate mosaics, detailed wood carvings, and imposing statues.
Khai Dinh was the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, reigning for a total of nine years. He oversaw construction of his own tomb before his death, and it’s believed that it took over eleven years to build – longer than he was in power for!
The tomb of Khai Dinh is a fascinating place to experience, and a visit is a very unique thing to do in Vietnam.
8. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its unique karst limestone formations, emerald green waterways, and ancient cave systems. It’s a popular destination with people visiting Vietnam because of its remarkable natural beauty, and the best way to experience Trang An is on a boat tour.
As you cruise through the winding rivers, you’ll pass through caves and lush verdant landscapes – make sure to keep an eye out for recognizable spots from ‘King Kong Skull Island’, which was filmed here.
9. Golden Hand Bridge of Da Nang
Perhaps one of the most unique attractions in Vietnam is the Golden Hand Bridge, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Accessible only by cable car, the bridge sits at an altitude of 1,414 meters above sea level. Its construction was inspired by the hands of god, which are believed to hold up the heavens according to Vietnamese mythology.
Top Tip from In Asia Travel: the hand bridge is one of Vietnam’s most popular attractions with both local and international tourists. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning and avoid weekends and public holidays where possible.
10. Mui Ne Sand Dunes, Phan Thiet
When you picture Vietnam, you probably imagine green rice fields and lush jungles – sand dunes aren’t likely to be the first things that come to mind. You might be surprised to discover that Vietnam is home to a desert area, one of the only of its kind in Southeast Asia.
The sand dunes in Mui Ne are one of the coolest activities to do in Vietnam, especially if you’re an adrenaline junkie – you can try sandboarding down the steep sandy cliffs, or tear through the dunes on a high speed jeep ride.
Insiders Tip from In Asia Travel: Visit the sand dunes at sunset and enjoy the beautiful sight of the golden sand blending into the orange horizon.
