TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. TOP 10 MOST FAMOUS VIETNAM TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
When arriving in the following 10 destinations, immerse yourself in beautiful natural sceneries, discover unique local culture and enjoy diverse cuisine.
1.1. Sapa
Sapa is a small town within Lao Cai Province, located 1600m above sea level. It is famous for its year round cool weather and gorgeous natural views. Sapa is also known for its numerous green farm terraces, indigenous villages and the impressive Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The ideal time to visit Sapa is from February to May, when the flowers bloom and from September to November, when the rice terraces ripe and give the entire place this beautiful yellow color.
1.2. Hà Giang
Hà Giang is on the most northern tip of Vietnam, with breathtaking natural views and diverse indigenous cultural festivals. Discover Dong Van stone plateau, a grand and the most deserted place in Vietnam or Ma Pi Peng mountain pass are destinations you should visit when you visit Ha Giang. You can go to Ha Giang year round, but it is most beautiful during October and November, when buckwheat flowers bloom, or from January to February, when plum and peach blossoms mature.
1.3. Hạ Long Bay
World renowned Ha Long Bay – a worldwide natural heritage site certified by UNESCO. The bay has thousands of small limestone islands and beautiful caves. Exploring the Bay by boat during the night is one of the most memorable experiences for all tourists. The ideal time to visit Ha Long Bay is from April to June, when the weather is dry and the waves are calm.
1.4. Huế
Huế used to be Vietnam Capital during the last monarch dynasty, the Nguyen dynasty, it lies on the bank of the dreamy Huong river. This place is full of historical and cultural significant relics, ancient sites. Hue Royal Capital, tombs of ancient Nguyen kings and old, prestigious pagodas are some of the most stand out destinations. The perfect time of the year to visit Hue is from March to April, when the weather is dry and cool, suitable for outside activities.
1.5. Hội An
Hội An – an old and respectable city in Quang Nam province, famous for its ancient houses, gorgeous lantern lit streets and a diverse local cuisine. Hoi An old streets, a UNESCO certified world cultural heritage, with small peaceful streets, quiet atmosphere and old respectable houses. The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when the weather is cool and there is less rain. This time is suitable for tourists to walk around and discover the local culture.
1.6. Đà Nẵng
Đà Nẵng is a dynamic city, located in the Middle area of Vietnam. This place is famous for its beautiful beaches like My Khe, Non Nuoc, along with many famous modern architecture like Dragon Bridge, Golden Bridge… Da Nang is also a gateway to Hoi An and My Son.
In the summer from April to August is when Da Nang has the most tourists throughout the year. So if you want to enjoy Da Nang without too many tourists, please visit from February and April. The weather at this time is pleasant, with lots of sunshine, little rain, suitable for outdoor activities and sunbathing.
1.7. Đà Lạt
Đà Lạt is also known as “the city of a thousand flowers”. The city itself is situated on Lam Vien Highland, Lam Dong Province, famous for temperate climate year round, dreamy landscapes and old French buildings. Locations that should not be missed by tourists when visiting include: Xuan Huong lake, Love Valley and Da Lat flower garden. The most suitable time to visit Da Lat is from November to June of the following year.
1.8. Phong Nha - Kẻ Bàng
Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng is a world natural heritage, located in Quang Binh province, famous for its expansive and diverse cave systems, which include Son Doong cave – the biggest in the world. This place is also famous for its primeval forests and an extremely diverse ecosystem, an extremely attractive destination for tourists who are in love with nature and wildlife exploration. The best time to visit is from April to August, when the weather is dry, suitable for outdoor activities and boat travel.
1.9. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a coastal city in Khanh Hoa province, well-known for its beautiful clear beaches with white sand and gorgeous islands. Tourists can participate in numerous aquatic activities like diving, coral viewing or take a tour around Vinpearl Land – a modern entertainment center. The ideal time to visit Nha Trang is from January to September, when the sun is shining and the sea is calm, suitable for all outdoor activities and relaxation.
1.10. Phú Quốc
Phú Quốc is Vietnam’s biggest island, located in Kien Giang province. This island is well-known for its pristine beaches, clear water and a diverse sea ecosystem. Beside those, Phu Quoc also has numerous pearl farms, gardens and populated, busy night markets, bringing tourists tons of unique experiences. You should visit Phu Quoc from October to April of the following year because during this time, the weather is dry and the sea is calm. You can enjoy your time on the beaches or participate in numerous outdoor activities or exploration without worry about the weather.
2. WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU COME TO VISIT VIETNAM?
Where to go when you are touring Vietnam depends on individual preferences.
2.1. For people with an attraction to beaches
Don’t miss out on the following destination if u want to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Vietnam:
- Mỹ Khê & Non Nước beaches (Đà Nẵng): Mỹ Khê beach was voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Forbes magazine, famous for its white sand dunes and clean clear water. Meanwhile Non Nước beach is well-known for its calm and quiet atmosphere, in combination with the clean, clear water and beautiful long beach, suitable for outdoor activities.
- Nha Trang beach & Hòn Mun island (Nha Trang): Nha Trang beach is the center of many tourist activities with many tourist resorts, underwater parks and underwater activities such as diving, kayaking. Hòn Mun island is well-known for its diverse coral ecosystem, a must see for tourists interested in diving and underwater exploration.
- Bãi Sao & Bãi Dài beaches (Phú Quốc): These are 2 most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc, with beautiful smooth white sand and clear blue water. It is ideal for relaxation and sunbathing.
- Ti Tốp & Soi Sim islands (Hạ Long Bay): Beautiful beaches with clear blue water and breathtaking natural views, suitable for swimming and sightseeing.
2.2. For tourists interested in cultural and historical exploration
If you are more interested in exploring the culture, history and the people of Vietnam, then you should visit the following destinations:
- Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, Hoàn Kiếm lake, Ancient streets area (Hà Nội): If you have a chance to visit Hanoi, then you must visit the mentioned destinations. Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám is Vietnam 1st university, a symbol of education and culture, a place of worship for Confucius and sages of old. While the rest of the list, Hoàn Kiếm lake, Ancient streets area are places of historical and cultural significance, with many relics, old temples, pagodas and ancient structures.
- Huế Capital & Nguyen kings dynasty tombs(Huế): Hue is a world heritage site with many palaces, shrines and other unique structures. Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, where kings of the Nguyen dynasty rest, is a unique and impactful historical structure.
- Hội An old streets & Cầu temple (Hội An): Hội An old streets is a world certified cultural heritage, famous for its ancient houses, lantern lit streets and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. At the same time Cầu temple is a symbol of Hội An, with a unique and historical architecture.
- Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Sài Gòn post office (TP. Hồ Chí Minh): These are the cultural symbols of the city. People come to HCM city to enjoy the local, tasty cuisine and explore the numerous cultural beauties of southern Vietnam.
2.3. For tourists interested in Ecotourism
In case you want to look at and immerse yourself in nature and surround yourself with natural sceneries, the following destination are perfect for you:
- Sơn Đoòng cave (Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng): The biggest cave in the world with an unique ecosystem and incredible views. Perfect for exploration lovers and daredevils.
- Phong Nha và Thiên Đường caves (Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng): Some of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam with a diverse stalactite system and breathtaking natural views.
- Love Valley & Langbiang (Đà Lạt): Love Valley is famous for its breathtaking sceneries, dreamy atmosphere, blooming flowers and cool temperature all year. Meanwhile Langbiang is an ideal destination for tourists who are into mountain climbing, natural explorations and watching Da Lat city from high above.
- Cúc Phương national park & Người Xưa cave (Cúc Phương):Cúc Phương National park is a natural reverse with many species of animals and plants, an ideal place to visit for camping, natural exploration. Người Xưa cave meanwhile is an archaeological site full of historical, cultural relics and natural treasures.
- Cái Răng floating market & Trà Sư Melaleuca forests (Mekong delta): Here tourists will discover the daily life and culture of local people, with many activities and shopping done while on water and discover the diverse and unique ecosystem of the flooded forests.
3. COST OF TRAVELLING IN VIETNAM
Vietnam is famous for its reasonable prices. Each tourist only needs to spend anywhere from $120 – $300 per day for a high quality and enjoyable experience and enjoy all the local delicacies.
Below is a general estimation of cost for tourists when travelling in Vietnam.
Fixed spending include:
- Visa fees: If you use TrustVisa services, you will need $49 per person (without discount), and receive your visa after 4-6 working days. There are also urgent, super urgent and extremely urgent options to receive your visa sooner (3 days to 1 hour). Contact TrustVisa through our Hotline: 0978121585 for detailed pricing options.
- International airline tickets: Round trip plane tickets from US or EU to Vietnam cost anywhere between $600-$1200. Plane tickets from other Asian countries are cheaper at around $30 – $100. The price can fluctuate depending on the time of purchase.
Daily spending fees:
- Residence fee: $10 – $25 per night (homestay), $25-$50 per night (3 stars hotel), $50-$100 per night (4 stars hotel) and above $100 per night for 5 stars hotel.
- Cost of food and drinks: $2-$5 for each meal. If you want to eat at a high tier restaurant then the cost would be somewhere above $10 per meal. It’s hard to judge the exact amount of money each tourist will pay for their meals when travelling in Vietnam, because it is dependent on too many factors, like meal quality, the amount of food etc…
- Cost of travel: If you are flying to different provinces in Vietnam, you will have to spend $30 to $100 for each flight. If you are moving around by taxi, it will cost you $4.5 for every 10km. Be aware that the further you move the higher the cost will be.
4. WHAT THINGS YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN TRAVELLING IN VIETNAM?
In order to have a memorable trip in Vietnam, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Prepare all the required papers: visa, passport…
- Prepare clothes that fit the weather of each province you will travel to.
- Respect local culture, avoid unnecessary provocations.
- Exchange for VND when arriving in Vietnam for easier payment, you can exchange foreign currency to VND at the airport or at any banks.
- Don’t forget to book your hotel rooms, especially during tourist season, if you do not book your room prior to your trip, you can have a chance of not finding a suitable accommodation.
- Learn about the places you are about to visit to not miss out on interesting destinations.
- Take caution when travelling in Vietnam, especially when you are moving around in big cities because of the amount of vehicles in traffic.
- Remember to safeguard your properties.
- Consider booking a tour in Vietnam if this is your first time in the country.
The 10 destinations TrustVisa recommended are the best Vietnam has to offer, each destination has many attractions in combination with natural sceneries and a diverse, unique cuisine. Each will bring you plenty of memorable experiences. Plan your trips accordingly to experience everything Vietnam has to offer, from mountainous views to coastal beaches to historical and cultural relics.