Best 15 cities in Vietnam to visit: our top picks

Vietnam’s cities are shaped by centuries of history and rapid change. Each one has its own feel, influenced by local culture, geography, and past events. Some feel more traditional, with tight alleyways and longstanding markets, while others have expanded quickly and are packed with newer buildings and busy streets. Traveling between Vietnamese cities is relatively easy, and seeing a few is the best way to make the most of your trip. Here is our guide to the best cities in Vietnam.

1. Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a place where everything happens at once—horns honking, food sizzling, scooters weaving between pedestrians.

In the Old Quarter, you’ll find narrow streets named after the goods once sold there—silk, copper, herbs—now packed with scooters, shops, and street food stalls. One of the best things to do in Hanoi is just to grab a bowl of phở or a bánh mì and take it to go, or sit on a plastic stool and people-watch. 

Hoan Kiem Lake anchors the city center, where locals do tai chi at sunrise and couples pose for wedding photos by the red Huc Bridge. Just off the lake, Ngoc Son Temple is worth a visit. As is the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university.

How to get to Hanoi

Noi Bai International Airport is about 45 minutes from the city center, with flights from across Asia and a growing number from Europe and Australia. You can also take an overnight train from the south or cross overland from China via Dong Dang. Getting around the city is easy with Grab, taxis, or motorbike taxis.

When to visit Hanoi

October to December is cooler and drier—good for walking. Tet (Lunar New Year) falls in late Jan or early Feb and brings closures but also lively decorations and markets. Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept/Oct) adds lanterns and mooncakes. Summer (May–Aug) is hot, humid, and often rainy. If you're unsure, don't miss our guide to how many days you need in Hanoi.
 

2. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many, has been shaped by centuries of upheaval, trade, and change. This Vietnamese city moves fast. It’s loud, hot, crowded—and full of interesting things to see. 

Walk around District 1, and you’ll see colonial buildings like the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral near sleek high-rises and buzzing street food stalls. The War Remnants Museum and nearby Cu Chi Tunnels give context to Vietnam’s more recent history, while everyday life hums along in markets, cafés, and motorbike-filled intersections.

Food is a constant here. Try cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork), bún thịt nướng (grilled pork with noodles), or anything you can find on the sidewalk grills. For a quieter moment, Tao Dan Park is where many go to stretch, drink tea, or chat beside their songbirds.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Son Nhat Airport is just 4–5 miles (7 km) from downtown, with regular international flights. You can also reach HCMC by train from Hanoi or by bus from the Mekong Delta or Cambodia via the Moc Bai crossing.

When to visit Ho Chi Minh City

December to April is dry and easier for getting around. Tet brings flower displays and street celebrations. Mid-Autumn Festival (September) has lanterns and lion dances. May to November means afternoon downpours, sometimes with brief street flooding. If you're planning a trip with the whole family, be sure to see our guide to Vietnam with kids.
 

3. Da Nang

Da Nang sits between the mountains and the sea on Vietnam’s central coast. It’s a laid-back city with a long stretch of beach—My Khe—running for nearly 20 miles (30  km). 

There are plenty of things to do in Da Nang. In the city, the Dragon Bridge is hard to miss. It lights up at night, and on weekends it actually shoots fire and water.

One of the most popular things to see right outside Da Nang is the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five mountains named after the earth’s elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), and Tho (earth). The main attraction is Nui Thuy Son Mountain, the largest in the group and home to a series of caves worth exploring.

You can also head up to Bà Nà Hills, which is where the Golden Bridge is—the one held up by massive stone hands.

Food-wise, look for mì Quảng. It’s a local noodle dish with turmeric, shrimp, pork, and peanuts. Most casual restaurants and street stalls will have it, and it’s worth trying at least once.

How to get to Da Nang

Da Nang International Airport has regular domestic flights and links to major cities across Asia. The coastal train line stops here too—scenic but a bit slow. Open-tour buses connect Da Nang with Hoi An (about 45 minutes south) and Hue (around 2.5 to 3 hours north). Occasionally, cruise ships pull into Tien Sa Port. For more tips see our guide to getting around Vietnam.

When to visit Da Nang

Between February and May, the weather’s warm and generally dry, which is good beach weather. Around April or May, the city hosts the International Fireworks Festival, with teams competing along the Han River. 

The Da Nang International Marathon happens in August and draws runners from all over. In October, the Fisherman’s Festival includes boat races and food events, though keep in mind that heavy rains often start around then and continue through December.
 

4. Hoi An

Hoi An is a small, walkable town about 45 minutes south of Da Nang. It’s known for its historic Ancient Town, where streets are lined with ochre-painted buildings, old temples, and wooden houses from the city’s trading port days. 

You don’t need a plan—just wandering around is part of the experience and one of the best things to do in Vietnam. Many of the buildings are now shops, cafes, or tailor studios, and a lot of visitors get custom clothes made while they’re here. 

If you’re interested in food, it’s easy to find local specialties like cao lau—a noodle dish made with pork and fresh greens. You can also rent a bike to ride through the rice fields just outside town. An Bang Beach is about 3 miles (5 km) away if you want some time by the water.

One evening each month, during the Full Moon Lantern Festival, the town turns off its electric lights and sets the streets and river aglow with handmade lanterns. It's one of the best things to do in Hoi An.

How to get to Hoi An

Hoi An doesn’t have its own train station or airport. The easiest way in is to fly into Da Nang and take a taxi or shuttle—about 45 minutes. Trains from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City arrive in Da Nang, where you can switch to local transport. 

When to visit Hoi An

February to April tends to have mild temperatures and lower humidity, which makes walking and biking more enjoyable. The Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month. In September, the Mid-Autumn Festival brings out children’s lantern parades and food stalls. Around Tet in February, the town is especially lively with decorations.
 

5. Hue

Hue sits about 2.5 to 3 hours north of Da Nang and is often combined with a trip to Hoi An or Da Nang. It was Vietnam’s imperial capital during the Nguyen dynasty, and a lot of that history is still visible today.

The main site is the Imperial City—a large walled complex with palaces, temples, and government buildings. You can spend a few hours here walking through what’s left, as some areas are still being restored. Right outside the city, several royal tombs are scattered in the countryside. Each one is different in style and layout, and it’s worth picking a couple to visit.

You’ll also see the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda along the Song Huong (Perfume River). It’s still a working monastery and is one of Hue’s most recognizable landmarks. River cruises are available, though many people choose to explore by motorbike or car so they can stop at temples and tombs along the way.

This is also where you will get some of the best Vietnamese food. Hue’s food is known for strong flavors and smaller portions. Bánh khoái (a kind of crepe with shrimp and pork) and bún bò Huế (a spicy beef noodle soup) are two local staples.

How to get to Hue

Hue has a small airport (Phu Bai), with regular flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Trains also connect Hue with both Da Nang and further destinations—this route includes a scenic section over the Hai Van Pass: a stunning mountain road of hairpin turns and panoramic vistas of deserted beaches and mist-clad hills. 

When to visit Hue

February through April is generally dry and comfortable for sightseeing. The Hue Festival is held every two years (in even-numbered years) and fills the city with performances, installations, and cultural events. Heavy rain starts around October and can lead to flooding, especially in low-lying areas near the river, so it’s not the best time to visit.
 

6. Ha Long City

Ha Long City is where most people base themselves before heading out into Ha Long Bay—those iconic limestone islands scattered across green water. Cruises usually leave from here, but if you’re spending time in the city, there’s enough going on to fill a day or two.

You’ve got Dragon Park with its massive dragon sculpture, fantastic night markets, and a record-holding cable car at Sun World Ha Long Park that gives you a good view of the bay from above. 

Nearby caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) are easy to visit by boat, and if you’re into kayaking, you’ll find quiet lagoons tucked between the cliffs. Overnight cruises are the easiest way to get further into the bay and catch both sunrise and sunset from the water.

How to get to Ha Long City

The highway from Hanoi makes it a pretty quick trip—just about 2.5 hours by car or tourist minivan. There are plenty of departures throughout the day, and the nicer vans will usually pick you up right at your hotel. You can also take a hydrofoil from Hai Phong if you're already near the coast.

When to visit Ha Long City

October to December tends to have clearer skies and better visibility. In March and April, you’ll get misty mornings that turn the bay into something dreamlike. If you’re traveling in summer, just keep in mind that the monsoon rains can cancel boat trips. 
 

7. Sa Pa

Up in the Hoang Lien Son mountains, Sa Pa is where people go for rice terraces, cool weather, and a slower pace. You’ll see terraced hillsides stretching down the valley, especially around Muong Hoa. These are some of the best rice terraces in Vietnam.

The town is small and has a bit of a mountain-town vibe, but it’s also home to Hmong and Red Dao communities who live in nearby villages like Cat Cat and Ta Phin. Trekking is one of the main draws here—you can do easy walks or longer multi-day hikes. 

And if you’re not up for the climb, the Fansipan cable car gets you to Vietnam’s highest peak without breaking a sweat. 

How to get to Sa Pa

From Hanoi to Sapa, most people take the train or a sleeper bus to Lao Cai, then catch a minivan or shuttle up to Sa Pa. It takes a while but the ride’s scenic, especially the last hour. If you’d rather skip the overnight train, luxury minivans go straight to Sa Pa and can be more comfortable. 

When to visit Sa Pa

September to November is harvest season—the rice fields turn golden, and the views are at their best. In spring (March to May), it’s planting season, and the terraces look like huge mirrors. Saturdays are when the Love Market takes place, a traditional meet-up that’s worth seeing if you’re around. 

8. Ha Giang

Ha Giang sits way up in Vietnam’s far north and is still one of the least developed areas for tourism. If you're looking for big views and small villages, this is it. 

The roads twist through mountain passes like Ma Pi Leng, where cliffs drop into deep river gorges. You’ll come across Hmong, Tay, and Dao communities along the way—some of the most culturally distinct groups in the country. The region’s markets are a big part of daily life, with people from all over the mountains coming down to trade goods and catch up.

How to get to Ha Giang

It’s about seven hours by bus from Hanoi, with most buses leaving in the morning from My Dinh station and arriving in Ha Giang City by late afternoon. Once you're there, you can rent a motorbike locally to do the Ha Giang Loop, which takes a few days depending on your pace. 
Some travelers piece together the route using a mix of train and local buses, but it’s less direct. If you're not up for motorbiking, private cars with drivers can be arranged.

When to visit Ha Giang

October and November are buckwheat flower season—you’ll see hillsides turn shades of pink and purple. Spring is also a good time to visit, when the trees are in bloom and the weather is mild. The Khau Vai Love Market happens once a year on the 27th day of the third lunar month—it’s a reunion for former lovers, but also a big cultural gathering. 

9. Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)

Ninh Binh is sometimes called the inland version of Ha Long Bay, but instead of ocean, the cliffs rise up from rice fields and rivers. In Tam Coc, you can take a quiet boat ride along the Ngo Dong River—locals row using their feet, which is impressive to watch.

The boat goes through a few caves and passes fields and cliffs along the way. Not far from there is Hoa Lu, the site of Vietnam’s first capital, where you’ll find small temples surrounded by hills.

If you're up for a climb, Hang Mua has a steep staircase with wide views at the top—great for seeing the patchwork of fields and rivers below. There’s also Cuc Phuong National Park, which has hiking trails and conservation centers, and Van Long Nature Reserve, where you might see rare monkeys.

How to get to Ninh Binh

It's around 60 miles (100 km) south of Hanoi. Trains run regularly from Hanoi Railway Station and take about two hours. You can also catch a bus from Giap Bat station or arrange a shuttle with hotel pickup. Once you’re there, having a motorbike or a private car makes it easier to reach the more spread-out sights. More about Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

When to visit Ninh Binh

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) are rice harvest seasons, when the fields turn golden. These months also bring drier weather. July and August can be rainy, and the river may flood, which interrupts boat rides. The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival happens in the first lunar month—usually February.

10. Phong Nha (via Dong Hoi)

Phong Nha is known for its caves—and there are a lot of them. The area sits inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO-listed landscape of limestone mountains, dense jungle, and underground rivers.

The biggest draw is Son Doong Cave, which is so large it has its own weather system, but most visitors head to Paradise Cave or Phong Nha Cave. Paradise Cave has raised walkways and dramatic formations, while Phong Nha Cave can be explored by boat.

Outside the caves, you can rent a bicycle and ride through quiet valleys, swim at Mooc Spring, or hike in the jungle. It’s a slow-paced area, but a good one.

How to get to Phong Nha

The nearest airport is in Dong Hoi, with daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From there, it’s about 45 minutes by taxi to Phong Nha village. If you’re coming by train, Dong Hoi is the closest station. You can also get in by bus—around 4 hours from Hue or 10 hours from Hanoi. Some travelers go with a shuttle that links up popular towns like Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An.

When to visit Phong Nha

The caves are best explored in the dry season, from February to August, when water levels are safe. Heavy rain from October to November can close access to some caves. June is festival season in Quang Binh, with performances and guided cave tours.

11. Phu Quoc (Duong Dong)

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, known for its long coastline and laid-back feel. Duong Dong is the island’s main town and a good base for getting around. You’ll find beaches nearby like Sao Beach, known for soft sand and calm, clear water. 

The island is famous for its fish sauce, black pepper, and pearls—you can visit farms and workshops to see how they’re made. About 70% of the island is covered by national park, so there’s plenty of jungle to hike. 

The snorkeling’s decent too, especially around the smaller islets in the An Thoi archipelago. In the evenings, Dinh Cau Night Market is the go-to for grilled seafood and casual street food.

How to get to Phu Quoc

There’s an airport on the island with direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and a few international cities like Bangkok and Singapore.

You can also take a ferry from Ha Tien (about 1.5 hours) or Rach Gia (about 2.5 hours). If you’re coming from the Mekong Delta, you can take a bus to one of the ferry ports. 

When to visit Phu Quoc

November to March is usually the best time to go, with clear weather and calm water. June is when the island hosts the Phu Quoc Marathon. From July to September, the rain can get heavy and hang around. In December, there’s a beach music festival called Epizode. 

13. Da Lat

At 1,500 meters above sea level, Da Lat sits in the Central Highlands and feels totally different from Vietnam’s coastal cities. This Vietnam city is known for cooler weather, pine-covered hills, and mix of French villas and quirky architecture.

Some of the main things to see include Datanla and Elephant Falls, and the Crazy House—a wild-looking building that’s hard to describe but fun to walk through. The area is known for strawberries, artichokes, and avocados, and you’ll find all three showing up in local treats at the night market.

How to get to Da Lat

The closest airport is Lien Khuong, about 45 minutes from town, with direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. There are also overnight buses from Ho Chi Minh City (around 8 hours) and shorter routes from Nha Trang (4 hours). The drive through the mountains is scenic, but if you’re thinking of riding a motorbike, be ready for some steep, winding roads (see our guide to motorbiking in Vietnam).

When to visit Da Lat

December through March is when the weather tends to be dry and cool—good for getting outdoors. The Da Lat Flower Festival happens every two years in December and brings a lot of activity to the streets. Cherry blossoms bloom in February, and by November, wild sunflowers are out along the hillsides.
 

14. Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon is a quieter coastal city that hasn’t been swept up in big tourism just yet. It’s got a mellow vibe, long beaches, and plenty of local flavor. You’ll find old Cham towers from the 11th century around the city, plus a few small coves and quieter beaches nearby—Ky Co and Eo Gio are both worth seeing. 

Seafood is a big deal here, especially tuna. Most places serve it fresh and simply grilled, often just steps from the water.

How to get to Quy Nhon

Phu Cat Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the city, with regular flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re coming by train, get off at Dieu Tri Station, which is about 10 km from town. Buses run from Nha Trang (which, we should mention, there plenty of fantastic things to do in Nha Trang) and Da Nang along the coast.

When to visit Quy Nhon

The weather is usually good from March through September. The kite festival in spring is fun to catch if your timing lines up. In October, the Whale Worship Festival is a local tradition with boat processions and performances around the harbor.
 

15. Chau Doc

Chau Doc is a riverside town near the Cambodian border, right where the Mekong Delta spreads out into Vietnam. It’s the kind of place where different cultures come together in everyday life—Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese communities all live here, and you’ll notice it in the temples, mosques, food, and market stalls. 

A lot of daily life happens on the water. Families live and work on floating fish farms, raising catfish in nets underneath their houses. Just outside town, Sam Mountain rises up from the flat rice fields. You can walk or drive up to see shrines and get a wide view across the delta, sometimes even into Cambodia.

Back in town, the main market is worth checking out for regional foods, fabric, and other things made by different ethnic groups who live in the area.

How to get to Chau Doc

You can take a speedboat from Phnom Penh—it takes about five hours and is a common way to cross the border. From Ho Chi Minh City, buses take six to seven hours, depending on traffic. If you're coming from Can Tho, some river cruises go through the delta and reach Chau Doc in four to five hours. It’s a slower way to travel, but you’ll pass through smaller communities and see how people live along the river.

When to visit Chau Doc

It’s driest from November to April, which makes getting around a bit easier. If you’re there in late April or early May, the Ba Chua Xu Festival draws a lot of people to the temple at the base of Sam Mountain, with ceremonies and processions that last a few days. 
 

11. Can Tho

Can Tho is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta, but it still feels connected to the river. A huge highlight is the floating markets, especially Cai Rang. It starts early—just after sunrise—and is busiest when locals are buying wholesale fruit and produce.

Boats packed with pineapples, melons, and noodles float alongside each other while breakfast is cooked onboard. Outside the market, you can wander through fruit orchards, visit small farms, or cruise the smaller canals lined with water coconut trees.

The city center has a laid-back riverfront, pagodas, and some good food—grilled fish, hot pots, and fresh tropical fruit are staples here you’ll want to try.  This is a great place to go driving in Vietnam.

How to get to Can Tho

There are direct flights from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho Airport. Buses from Ho Chi Minh City take around 3–4 hours. Some visitors go as part of a longer Mekong Delta trip, ending in Can Tho. You can also get in by speedboat from nearby delta towns.

When to visit Can Tho

December through April is the dry season, and mornings are clear—ideal for floating market visits. The Cai Rang Floating Market Festival in July has extended trading hours and events, while June’s Southern Fruit Festival shows off the region’s produce. The rainy season (June–October) brings afternoon showers that can make boat rides a little unpredictable.