EnglishJoin PHM Travel in discovering Vietnam’s top destinations across all three regions – from the majestic mountains of the North and cultural treasures of the Central region to the tropical beaches of the South – for a journey that’s truly unforgettable.
Northern Vietnam – Culture, Nature & Highland Charm
Hanoi – Capital city with historic streets, museums, and bustling local life.
Hanoi blends ancient charm with dynamic city life. Stroll through the Old Quarter’s winding streets, explore landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake or the Temple of Literature, and dive into local culture at bustling markets and unique museums.
Duong Lam Ancient Village – A quiet, traditional village just 1 hour from Hanoi.
Located just over an hour west of Hanoi in Son Tay Town, Duong Lam Ancient Village offers a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s rural heritage. This 1,200-year-old village is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, with houses constructed from laterite bricks and wood, reflecting traditional Northern Vietnamese design.
Huong Pagoda – A famous spiritual site nestled in limestone mountains
Located about 60 km southwest of Hanoi, Huong Pagoda is a vast religious complex built into dramatic limestone cliffs. Accessible by boat along the Yen River, it’s a major pilgrimage site during the spring festival season. Visitors can ride a cable car or hike through scenic mountain paths to reach the iconic Perfume Pagoda cave temple.
Ha Long Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning limestone karsts
Situated in Quang Ninh Province, Ha Long Bay features nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets rising from emerald waters. Best explored via overnight cruises, the bay offers kayaking, cave visits, and floating villages. Its surreal landscape makes it one of Vietnam’s top travel icons.
Hai Phong & Cat Ba Island – A coastal gateway to Lan Ha Bay and national parks
Hai Phong is a major port city in northern Vietnam, serving as the main access point to Cat Ba Island. The island is known for its blend of jungle-covered hills, sandy beaches, and the biodiverse Cat Ba National Park. Lan Ha Bay, nearby, offers a quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay with similar breathtaking scenery.
Ninh Binh – An inland Ha Long Bay with rivers, caves, and ancient temples
Just 2 hours south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is famed for its limestone karsts rising from rice fields and waterways. Highlights include boat tours in Trang An and Tam Coc, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and Bai Dinh—the largest Buddhist pagoda complex in Vietnam. It’s also a filming site for Kong: Skull Island.
Mai Chau & Moc Chau – Peaceful retreats in valleys and tea-covered hills
Mai Chau is a tranquil valley home to Thai ethnic villages with stilt houses and scenic rice paddies. Nearby, Moc Chau offers rolling hills blanketed in tea plantations, plum blossoms, and dairy farms. Both are ideal for relaxing, biking, or experiencing local culture in a serene mountain setting.
Sapa – A highland town with terraced fields and ethnic diversity
Located in Lao Cai Province near the Chinese border, Sapa is known for its dramatic rice terraces, cool climate, and Fansipan—the highest peak in Indochina. It’s a popular base for trekking to ethnic minority villages like the H’mong, Dao, and Tay, offering deep cultural insight and stunning views.
Northwest & Northeast Loops – Remote mountain adventures through Vietnam’s wild north
These scenic loops wind through some of the country’s most untouched landscapes, including Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Dien Bien. Expect hairpin roads, limestone valleys, ethnic villages, and cultural encounters. Ideal for multi-day road trips or motorbike tours for those seeking real adventure.
Central Vietnam – Heritage & Beaches
Quang Binh – Home of Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Son Doong, and Paradise Caves
Located in north-central Vietnam, Quang Binh is a natural wonderland famous for its massive cave systems. The UNESCO-listed Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park features surreal landscapes of limestone mountains and underground rivers. Highlights include the colossal Son Doong Cave—the world’s largest, and Paradise Cave, known for its stunning stalactite formations.
Hue – The imperial capital with palaces, pagodas, and royal tombs
Once the political and cultural heart of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is rich in heritage. The city is home to the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and majestic tombs of ancient emperors along the Perfume River. Hue’s slow pace, historic charm, and signature royal cuisine make it a must-visit.
Da Nang – A coastal city with modern vibes and natural landmarks
Da Nang blends city living with coastal beauty. It boasts long sandy beaches like My Khe, modern attractions like the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, and natural highlights like the Marble Mountains. As a central hub, it also connects easily to Hue and Hoi An, making it a perfect base for exploration.
Hoi An – A lantern-lit Ancient Town with timeless charm
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its preserved old town, where yellow-walled shop houses line lantern-lit streets. A former trading port, it reflects a fusion of cultures in its architecture, food, and craft traditions. Don’t miss the nearby My Son Sanctuary—an ancient Hindu temple complex set in lush jungle.
Central Highlands – Untamed nature and rich ethnic cultures
Stretching across Buon Ma Thuot, Kon Tum, and Gia Lai, the Central Highlands offer a rugged alternative to the typical tourist trail. The region features pine forests, waterfalls, ethnic minority villages, and Vietnam’s best coffee plantations. It’s a place for cultural discovery and raw, highland landscapes.
Southern Vietnam – Cities, Deltas & Island Escapes
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Vietnam’s biggest city; dynamic and modern with historical depth
As Vietnam’s economic engine, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis where skyscrapers rise beside French colonial landmarks. Must-see attractions include the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and lively nightlife in District 1. The city offers a rich blend of past and present in constant motion.
Mekong Delta – A world of rivers, floating markets, orchards and local boats
Spanning across the southernmost provinces, the Mekong Delta is a fertile region laced with rivers and canals. Visitors can explore vibrant floating markets like Cai Rang, cruise through mangrove forests, and experience life in stilt houses. It’s a peaceful, watery world rich in agriculture and local culture.
Mui Ne / Phan Thiet – Beach destinations with sand dunes and water sports
Located along the south-central coast, Mui Ne is known for its long sandy beaches, Red and White Sand Dunes, and consistent sea breezes—perfect for kitesurfing. Nearby Phan Thiet offers fresh seafood and local culture, making the area a top choice for both relaxation and adventure.
Phu Quoc Island – Tropical paradise with white-sand beaches and luxury resorts
Off the southwest coast of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is the country’s largest island, famous for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and beachside resorts. Beyond lounging, visitors can explore pepper farms, local night markets, and the island’s growing network of nature trails and marine sanctuaries.
Da Lat – Mountain resort town with cool weather, pine forests and flower farms
Perched on a plateau in the Central Highlands, Da Lat offers a refreshing climate and a romantic, European-inspired atmosphere. Visitors come for pine-covered hills, colorful flower gardens, French villas, and attractions like Xuan Huong Lake or Datanla Falls. It’s a favorite retreat from the tropical heat.
Nha Trang – Lively beach city known for diving, island tours and long sunny coasts
Nha Trang is a vibrant coastal city featuring a long stretch of beach, lively nightlife, and excellent seafood. The city is also a hub for diving, with coral reefs and clear waters around nearby islands. Attractions include the Po Nagar Cham Towers and the VinWonders amusement complex.
Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion in ancient towns, thrilling adventures through rugged mountains, or a tropical escape by the sea, Vietnam offers something for every traveler. By exploring the country region by region—from the vibrant streets of Hanoi and the highlands of Sapa, to the imperial splendor of Hue, and the breezy islands of Phu Quoc—you’ll discover a land rich in history, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
Ready to plan your journey? Let Vietnam surprise you, one region at a time.