Top 10 things to see in Vietnam
Vietnam's sights stretch along its whole length: limestone seascapes and mountain rice terraces in the north, imperial and trading towns in the centre, and wartime tunnels and river markets in the south.
Start with our ten favourites, then browse every sight by region, each with practical tips, entry fees and the multi-day tours that include it.
Our top 10
- 1Ha Long BayHanoi and the northUNESCOAround 1,600 limestone islands rising from emerald water, best seen from an overnight cruise.
- 2Hoi An Ancient TownCentral VietnamUNESCOA beautifully preserved trading port of yellow shophouses and assembly halls, magical by lantern light.
- 3Trang An and Tam Coc, Ninh BinhHanoi and the northUNESCORowing boats through caves and rice fields beneath limestone peaks, two hours from Hanoi.
- 4Hue Imperial CityCentral VietnamUNESCOThe walled citadel and palaces of the Nguyen emperors, with royal tombs along the Perfume River.
- 5Sapa and its rice terracesHanoi and the northMountain valleys carved into rice terraces, Hmong and Dao villages and Vietnam's highest peak.
- 6Hanoi Old QuarterHanoi and the northA maze of busy streets, street food and temples beside Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Vietnam's capital.
- 7Cu Chi TunnelsThe southA vast network of wartime tunnels north west of Ho Chi Minh City, partly open to visitors.
- 8Mekong Delta and Cai Rang floating marketThe southCanals, orchards and a floating market at dawn in Vietnam's lush rice bowl.
- 9Phong Nha cavesCentral VietnamUNESCOSpectacular caves in a jungle national park, from Paradise Cave's walkways to the giant Son Doong.
- 10My Son SanctuaryCentral VietnamUNESCORuined brick temples of the Cham kingdom in a jungle valley, an easy trip from Hoi An.
Vietnam's World Heritage sites
Several of the sights on this page are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ha Long Bay and the Cat Ba archipelago, the Trang An Landscape Complex at Ninh Binh, the Complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary and Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.
A classic two week tour can include five of them. See our guide to how many days you need in Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay
UNESCOAround 1,600 limestone islands rising from emerald water, best seen from an overnight cruise.
Visitor guide →Hoi An Ancient Town
UNESCOA beautifully preserved trading port of yellow shophouses and assembly halls, magical by lantern light.
Visitor guide →Trang An and Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
UNESCORowing boats through caves and rice fields beneath limestone peaks, two hours from Hanoi.
Visitor guide →Hue Imperial City
UNESCOThe walled citadel and palaces of the Nguyen emperors, with royal tombs along the Perfume River.
Visitor guide →Phong Nha caves
UNESCOSpectacular caves in a jungle national park, from Paradise Cave's walkways to the giant Son Doong.
Visitor guide →My Son Sanctuary
UNESCORuined brick temples of the Cham kingdom in a jungle valley, an easy trip from Hoi An.
Visitor guide →Hanoi and the north
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and the mountains around Sapa, the start of most tours.
Sapa and its rice terraces
Mountain valleys carved into rice terraces, Hmong and Dao villages and Vietnam's highest peak.
Visitor guide →Hanoi Old Quarter
A maze of busy streets, street food and temples beside Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Vietnam's capital.
Visitor guide →Temple of Literature, Hanoi
Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070, with peaceful courtyards and stone stelae of scholars.
Visitor guide →Central Vietnam
Imperial Hue, the Hai Van Pass, Hoi An and the caves of Phong Nha, best from February to August.
The south
Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi tunnels and the canals and markets of the Mekong Delta.
See them on a tour
Most Vietnam tours start in Hanoi and travel south, with guides, entry tickets, a Ha Long Bay cruise and domestic flights arranged for you.
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