Vietnam is vast and it’s not highly possible to explore the entire country in one regular holiday vacation. However, there are lots of beautiful cities in Vietnam that you may not want to skip during your trip to the country. These cities will show you the real spirit of Vietnam in the best possible way.
NOTE – If you’re traveling to Vietnam soon and you need a visa to enter the country, please apply for your visa prior to your trip. Applying for a Vietnam visa is easy. You can apply at eVisa-Vietnam.com. Simply fill out the form with your details and make a payment using a credit card or PayPal. Wait for the visa to be sent to your email. Once you receive the email, print the visa and present it upon entry at the airport. The process is pretty straightforward and it’s definitely more convenient than having to visit a local Vietnam embassy to apply for a visa.
Once you have your visa sorted, you can start planning for your Vietnam trip. Here are some of the most beautiful cities to include in your Vietnam itinerary.
1. Ho Chi Minh City
Bui Vien Street-in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
You can never leave Vietnam without checking out the big city of Ho Chi Minh, formerly called Saigon. This massive city is the commercial hub of the country and where you will find some of Vietnam’s most famous attractions, such as the Chu Chi tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and more. Make sure you also visit the Old District of Da Kao nearby to view some old buildings featuring French colonial architecture.
It’s easy to navigate the streets of Ho Chi Minh. In fact, most of the tourist attractions are within easy walking distance away from each other. And as you walk through the streets, take a stop at some of the food stalls selling the most delicious Vietnamese street foods.
2. Hoi An
HOI AN, VIETNAM: People walking on the streets of old town Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is one of the most charming cities in Vietnam. The old town quarter is certainly a joy to explore, where it’s dotted with ancient buildings and centuries-old merchant houses dating back to the 15th century. Check out the Tan Ky House, an 18th-century merchant house known for its fascinating architectural features and antique decorations.
The most iconic symbol in Hoi An is the beautiful Japanese Bridge located at the western end of the Tran Phu street. Another sight to check out nearby is the highly decorated Fujian Chinese congregation temple. If you love the experience of walking along cobbled stone streets while admiring the well-preserved ancient old buildings, then Hoi An should be on top of your list.
3. Hanoi
The temple of the Jade Mountain, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city and a place that is filled with so much mystery. Its Old Quarter is filled with ancient old buildings that bore witness to Vietnam’s colorful past. The busy streets of Hanoi are filled with hundreds of motorbike zooming around and a busy crowd of locals and street vendors going about their everyday life.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is also where most of the Hanoi attractions are located, such as the Hoan Kiem Lake, Huc Bridge, Ngoc Soon Temple, Dong Xuan market, and many more. Don’t forget to drop by at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the preserved body of the former President Ho Chi Minh is kept. Hanoi is also known for its delectable egg coffee, which tastes a bit like tiramisu. It’s not like your usual coffee for it has egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, cheese, and butter.
4. Da Nang
Dragon River Bridge ( Rong Bridge) in Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is another popular city in Vietnam and one of the most popular attractions in the country. This beautiful place is surrounded with French colonial buildings and centuries old pagodas. It’s also known for its beautiful beaches hosting a number of luxurious resorts.
Aside from frolicking at the beach, visitors can also check out the beautiful attractions in the city such as the Marble Mountains, a cluster of marble hills located in the Hoa Hai District. Other attractions in Da Nang are the Son Tra Mountain, Dragon Bridge, Phap Lam Pagoda and the military museum.
5. Hue
Citadel on the Northern bank of the Perfume River. Hue
Hue is one of Vietnam’s most historic town and a truly beautiful place to visit. It’s filled with ancient-old structures that date back to the 19th century Nguyen Emperors. One of the most popular attractions in the city is the Imperial Enclosure, a massive citadel that houses the emperor’s residence, and is filled with many temples and palaces. There are also plenty of historical sites that lie outside of the Imperial Enclosure that are definitely worth checking out.
The Imperial Enclosure sits at the bank of the Perfume River and the best way to check out the nearby sites is to take a riverboat cruise. A day cruise at the Perfume River will take visitors to visit the numerous royal tombs and pagodas nearby.
So these are some of the most beautiful cities to see in Vietnam. If you’re short of time, you can perhaps visit a couple of the cities mentioned above and make sure you come back next time for more. Of course, don’t forget to apply for a visa before you book your trip.
