Last Updated on July 10, 2026 by Tami
Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, and that length is exactly why the country works so well for a single trip that covers mountains, coastline, and cities without feeling repetitive. Hanoi and Halong Bay consistently rank among the top places to visit in Vietnam, known for old-world charm and dramatic natural scenery within a few hours of each other, and further south, Hoi An and Da Nang add history and beach time before Ho Chi Minh City closes things with a faster pace.
Not every stop on a Vietnam map earns its place. Certain tourist strips near Bui Vien Street, and a few border regions, are better skipped altogether due to scams and limited infrastructure.
This guide breaks down where to go, where to skip, the best spots for beaches and shopping, and how WanderOn Vietnam travel packages can simplify the planning for a first trip.
Must Go Places in Vietnam
Certain destinations show up on nearly every itinerary, and for good reason. These are the must go places in Vietnam that consistently deliver on culture, scenery, or food.
- Hanoi’s Old Quarter and French colonial architecture make it an easy entry point, with Halong Bay just a short drive away.
- Halong Bay draws travelers in for its limestone karsts, best seen on an overnight cruise through the bay.
- Hoi An keeps its lantern-lit Old Town and centuries-old trading port architecture largely intact.
- Da Nang pairs My Khe Beach with the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
- Ho Chi Minh City moves at a faster pace, anchored by the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels just outside the city.
Best Beaches for a Relaxed Trip
Phu Quoc and Da Nang cover most of what travelers look for in a beach stop, from calm swimming waters to a livelier evening scene. For anyone wondering where to go in Vietnam for beach holiday plans, these consistently rank ahead of the rest of the coastline.
- Phu Quoc, for quieter beaches, clearer water, and a slower pace than the mainland.
- Da Nang’s My Khe Beach, for consistent waves and easy access to Hoi An and central Vietnam.
- Nha Trang, for a livelier beach town with more nightlife and water sports options.
Where to Go in Vietnam for Shopping
- Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City is filled with souvenirs, local snacks, & everyday goods packed under one roof.
- Hoi An’s tailors turn around custom clothing in 24 hours.
- Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers silk products, ceramics, and street-side shopping across dozens of small stores.
Unique Places to Visit in Vietnam
Beyond the well-known stops, these destinations stand out for being genuinely different from the country’s usual circuit.
- Ninh Binh, often described as Halong Bay on land, with limestone cliffs surrounded by rice paddies and rivers.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to some of the largest cave systems in the world, including Son Doong.
- Sapa is famous for terraced rice fields and trekking routes through hill-tribe villages in the north.
- Con Dao Islands, a quieter alternative to Phu Quoc, with far fewer crowds and largely untouched beaches.
Places to Avoid in Vietnam
Knowing where not to go in Vietnam matters as much as knowing where to go, particularly on a first trip with a fixed schedule. A few areas consistently show up on lists of places not to visit in Vietnam, mostly due to overcrowding, inflated prices, or logistics that don’t justify the time spent getting there.
- Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City still belong on the itinerary, but both areas draw inflated prices, unofficial taxis, unlicensed tour sellers, and currency exchange scams that specifically target first-time visitors. A bit of price comparison and sticking to reputable operators handles most of these issues.
- Rainy season in Halong Bay, roughly May through September, brings poor visibility, rough weather, and cruises that sometimes get cancelled outright. The bay itself hasn’t lost its appeal, but picking a well-reviewed operator and traveling in the drier months changes the experience considerably.
- Around Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien in Ho Chi Minh City, unlicensed massage parlors and street-side tour sellers come with a pattern of hidden charges, aggressive upselling, and service that varies wildly from one booking to the next. Licensed businesses with a history of good reviews are the better choice here.
- Border regions near China, Laos, and Cambodia don’t usually make it onto a standard itinerary, and for good reason: several restricted zones require special permits, and infrastructure for tourists is limited at best. Barring a specific reason to go, time is better spent on Vietnam’s well-connected cultural, coastal, and mountain routes.
For travelers unsure of where not to go in Vietnam or how to structure a route around these issues, joining a Vietnam group trip removes most of the guesswork, since the itinerary and logistics are handled in advance.
Making the Most of Your Trip
Vietnam works best when the stops are planned for in advance. Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City cover most of what belongs on a list of top places to visit in Vietnam, while a short list of places to avoid in Vietnam, Bui Vien Street’s tourist traps, Halong Bay during monsoon season, and the restricted border zones near China and Laos, saves both time and money along the way.
Ultimately, mapping out the perfect itinerary comes down to balancing the country’s iconic highlights with its lesser-known gems while steering clear of common tourist traps. From the limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the top places to visit in Vietnam offer an incredible mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. By focusing on these rewarding destinations you can easily bypass the scams and structural headaches of the country’s trickier spots, ensuring your first Vietnamese adventure is seamless, unforgettable, and packed with authentic experiences.
Interested in more about Vietnam? Check out these articles here on Postcards & Passports:
15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam
