Trending Places to Visit in Vietnam in 2023
Whether you are into slow, relaxing trips or fond of vibrant tours, the cities of Vietnam, with their unique rhythms, will certainly charm you to stay with them for just a while longer. Don’t miss out on the best places to visit in Vietnam and fuel your soul with endless journeys.
Vietnam is no short of awe-inspiring destinations for you to visit! From calming seas with yellow sandy beaches to sky-piercing mountains with breathtaking views, this country has everything you are probably seeking. After meeting the Vietnam visa requirements, you can experience all destinations in Vietnam to their fullest. We have compiled a list of trending places to visit in Vietnam in 2023!
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Trending Places to Visit in Vietnam in 2023
If you are a first-time visitor to Vietnam, a trip to these wonderful destinations will make you do that all over again. Each place has its own unique charm, making Vietnam really worth your visit.
Ho Chi Minh City: Life in the fast lane
Bright lights, busy streets, and cacophonous uproars. Who would not love the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, affectionately called Saigon by the locals? As the second most important city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s busiest commercial hub, so it’s natural that life is in the fast lane here and you will certainly be overwhelmed by the city’s rhythm.
For a traveler, there are so many things you could do during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. There are shopping malls for you to spend hours in, and there are also high-class boutiques near Ben Thanh Market or on Dong Khoi Street. These streets are quite friendly to pedestrians, so don’t hesitate to stay around a bit and enjoy a nice walk. If you are looking to indulge yourself in the city’s nightlife, Bui Vien Street has everything that you need.
That said, there’s more to Saigon than just life in the fast lane. If you look carefully, there are still quiet and serene corners located all around the city. Lose yourself at one of Saigon’s old buildings, and you will certainly find a quaint corner untouched by the roaring sound of modernity. Take a moment’s rest at a rooftop café, hidden from plain sight, and enjoy the passing of time. Who could say no to this?
If you want to explore the city’s cultural sites, we would definitely recommend you to visit Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City in District 5 and District 6, better known as Cho Lon. Being one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, Cho Lon houses many distinctive Vietnamese Chinese structures such as temples, markets, or residences. The food scene is also quite distinctive with different Chinese flavours mingling with Vietnamese ingredients. A must-not-miss for foodies and fans of traditional Vietnamese food!
See more on 24 Hours in Ho Chi Minh City: What to See & Do
Hanoi: Blend of modernity and tradition
The thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a sleeping dragon that is about to be awakened! Located by the bank of the Red River, Hanoi is the second-largest city in the country, Vietnam’s administrative centre and a wonderful blend of modernity and tradition.
Hanoi harbours a busy rhythm with the same lovable chaos one could find in Ho Chi Minh City. Besides, Hanoi still retains its old-aged image through moss-covered walls, Hanoi Old Quarter, and deliberate lifestyle. They are all that make Hanoi always a trending place to visit in Vietnam.
For the most part, Hanoi feels like a sleeping city where life flows by silently and languidly. Take a stroll around the city in the morning, pass by the famous lakes of Hanoi, and you could very much feel yourself at peace, in spite of the city’s early morning traffic.
As you enjoy your walk around the lake, don’t forget to lose yourself in local temples. Hanoi is a deeply religious city, so there are many more temples here than in Saigon. In fact, if you happen to arrive in Hanoi on Tet Holiday, these temples and pagodas will be filled with people enjoying their traditional trip to visit the temples for good luck, making for a very vibrant and religious scene.
See more on 10 Best Attractions in Hanoi Vietnam or book Hanoi Full Day City Tour
Da Nang: Traveler’s dreams come true
Have you ever dreamed of getting on a journey to a paradise for beach lovers or a fantastic location to have a mountains panoramic view? Danang is exactly where your travel dream comes true.
Da Nang is the latest rising star in Vietnam. Located in Central Vietnam, Da Nang boasts one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and it has been named several times the best city to live in Vietnam. From natural landscapes, amusement parks, and iconic bridges to sacred pagodas you can get the best experiences from the best attractions in Da Nang, Vietnam.
You will go find all sorts of things to do here in Da Nang, whether it be partying at local nightclubs or enjoying a lovely day on My Khe Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the entirety of Vietnam. If you are looking for a luxury getaway, Da Nang has plenty of opulent resorts for you to indulge in! Don’t forget to check out Son Tra Mountains for beautiful views into the great blue when coming to this trending place to visit in Vietnam!
See more on Beach Destinations in Vietnam the Whole Family Will Love
Hoi An: Vietnam’s yellow city
Just a few kilometres away from Da Nang is the small city of Hoi An, another trending place to visit in Vietnam and a world heritage site that is often featured on many tours to Vietnam. Nestled by the banks of Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town is an old town washed by the flow of time, where the breath of the ancestors still seems to linger on its stone yellow walls.
Packed with memories and a slow-paced way of life, Hoi An is the perfect getaway destination for you if you are looking to take a moment away from the busy city life and immerse in a slow-living experience.
Don’t forget to check out the local food scene as well! Hoi An is often called the Banh Mi Capital of Vietnam, so don’t miss the chance to try out some of the local finest banh mi stalls. Local noodles such as local Cao lau or Mi Quang are also some dishes that you will not want to miss.
Hue: Serenade for the Central
The next trending place to visit in Vietnam is Hue which is like a lento serenade in the orchestra. The ancient capital of the country is located in Central Vietnam, and this trending place to visit in Vietnam is famous for its cultural and historical landmarks. In the middle of the city lies the Hue Citadel, a palace complex where the kings of the Nguyen Dynasty used to reside and conduct court rituals and procedures.
As you enjoy your trip to Hue, don’t forget to take a detour to the Tomb of Khai Dinh, the twelfth Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. A traveler who is into Vietnamese culture and history will certainly find this city a hidden treasure trove.
As you spend your time in Hue, we would definitely recommend you take some time to listen to Nha Nhac – a form of Vietnamese court music, which is a registered Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This is the kind of music typically performed to kings on important occasions during their ruling years. Performers would wear intricate costumes and perform songs aging hundreds of years to audiences. If you are looking to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, don’t miss out on these performances!
See more on Safe Destinations in Vietnam to Travel Post Pandemic
Ha Long: World Natural Heritage Site
One of the most beautiful bays in the country, Ha Long Bay is also a World Heritage site. Known for its breathtaking views of imposing rock formations and magnificent caves, the bay is a well-known destination for casual tourists and spelunkers alike.
As you board your boat to explore the bay, be prepared to marvel at the uniquely-shaped rocks with their own stories to tell. If you are feeling hungry, you could ask the shipmaster to dock at a local floating seafood market for some delightful fresh seafood dishes! With its balmy breeze and lovely sights, Ha Long is definitely a destination not to be missed!
See more on Vietnam in 14 Days: Traveling from South to North Vietnam
Evidently, there is no short of trending places in Vietnam for you to visit. If you are worried that your time constraint would be an issue and you can’t cover must-see places to visit in Vietnam, let us help you with our tours. Contact us now for more information.
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Viet Nguyen written for Maika Tours
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