11 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam, According to The Times

If you only focus on Vietnam's most famous destinations, a typical trip can quickly become predictable, following the familiar route of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. That is why The Times' recently published list of the 11 most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam is particularly interesting. It opens up a different way to travel through the country, from north to south, for travelers looking beyond the usual highlights.

What makes the list stand out is its range. Alongside historic cities, The Times includes tropical forests, mountain landscapes in northern Vietnam, the South Central Coast and relatively peaceful islands. Together, they present a broader picture of what makes Vietnam such a rewarding destination.

From a practical itinerary-planning perspective, these 11 destinations are more than a collection of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. They highlight the remarkable variety of landscapes and experiences that international travelers can combine when planning a Vietnam travel itinerary.

Join Ms. Tấm, a local travel expert from Truong Sa Tourist Vietnam DMC, to discover The Times' 11 recommended destinations and practical tips for planning your trip.

Hue Imperial City

Hue has the quiet, atmospheric beauty of a former imperial capital in Central Vietnam. It served as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. The Complex of Hue Monuments includes the Imperial City, the Royal Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, together with royal tombs and historic sites along the Perfume River.

The appeal of Hue does not come from one monument alone. Its character lies in the way imperial architecture, landscaped grounds and the Perfume River come together. I recommend spending at least two days here to explore the Imperial City, Minh Mang Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb and several sites along the river.

February to April and around September to October are generally more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing, although weather conditions in Central Vietnam can change quickly.

From Da Nang to Hue, travelers can choose the nostalgic experience of the luxury heritage train or take a private limousine from Da Nang to Hue. The latter is especially convenient for groups and allows you to combine the journey with Hai Van Pass along the way.

>>Da Nang to Hue by Train: Vietnam’s Most Scenic Railway Journey (Guide)
 

Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi's Old Quarter is not a destination defined by a single landmark. The entire neighborhood is a lively maze where narrow streets, street food stalls, traditional shops and historic buildings exist side by side.

For visitors, part of the attraction is the contrast between the energetic rhythm of daily life and the quieter corners where traces of Hanoi's past remain visible.

First-time visitors should allow one to two days for Hanoi and combine the Old Quarter with several of the city's major attractions. Early morning or after 5 pm is often a better time to experience local life than the middle of the day.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang continues to strengthen its position on both the Vietnamese and international tourism map as one of the country's remarkable natural destinations. The area is particularly famous for its spectacular network of large-scale caves.

Travelers can explore Phong Nha Cave by boat, visit Paradise Cave or choose more demanding adventure experiences such as Son Doong, Hang Va or Hang En.

From a logistics perspective, Phong Nha is best connected with Hue or Da Nang by road, while the tourist train can also be considered for selected journeys. Flying to another city and then backtracking is generally less efficient for this part of a Vietnam itinerary.

>>Hue to Phong Nha by Train 2026: Heritage Train Guide

Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang

Son Tra Peninsula is one of the most distinctive beautiful places in Vietnam because of how close its natural environment is to a modern city. Within a relatively short distance, travelers can move from Da Nang's urban coastline into forested mountain roads, secluded beaches and viewpoints overlooking the city.

The peninsula is also an important habitat for the rare red-shanked douc langur, making responsible wildlife tourism particularly important.The dry season, roughly from March to September, is generally a good period to explore Son Tra, when road conditions and visibility are often more favorable. Half a day to a full day is enough for most visitors. Starting early is recommended, and wild animals should never be fed.

For travelers staying in Da Nang or Hoi An, a private limousine is particularly convenient because it allows several stops to be combined without having to follow public transport schedules. Another option is a classic Jeep tour for a more distinctive way to explore the peninsula.

Sapa

Sapa remains one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for travelers who enjoy mountain landscapes. Its greatest appeal is found beyond the town center, where valleys and terraced rice fields create landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons.

Allow two to three days if possible, with more time spent on trekking routes and village homestays rather than staying exclusively in central Sapa.

August and September are particularly attractive for golden rice terraces, while winter offers opportunities for cloud hunting and, under suitable weather conditions, experiencing snow around Fansipan.

For travelers looking for a deeper mountain experience, staying in the surrounding villages is generally more rewarding than limiting the trip to Sapa town itself.

My Son Sanctuary

Today, one-day My Son tours from Da Nang or Hoi An are a popular addition to a Central Vietnam itinerary. Hidden within a valley surrounded by mountains, My Son Sanctuary takes visitors into the world of the ancient Champa civilization.

The complex of Cham towers is particularly atmospheric in the early morning, when temperatures are more comfortable and the light works well with the reddish brick architecture.

Half a day is enough for a dedicated visit, while a full day works well if My Son is combined with other attractions around Hoi An.

The South Central Coast

This is one of the more interesting choices on The Times' list for travelers who want to move beyond Vietnam's better-known coastal routes. The coastline between Quy Nhon and Phan Rang features small bays, rocky headlands, fishing villages and scenic coastal roads.

It is better viewed as a multi-stop region rather than a single destination. Allowing three to five days gives travelers enough time to combine Quy Nhon, Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan and several beaches along the route.

Road travel has a clear advantage here because the journey itself is part of the experience. Trains work well for selected longer sections, while a private car offers greater flexibility for stopping at viewpoints, beaches and local villages.

Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi offers a very different experience from the better-known Ha Giang Loop. The Times highlights the area for its extensive terraced rice fields covering mountain slopes, as well as its lower visitor numbers compared with some of Ha Giang's more established tourist routes.

September and October are usually the most impressive months for viewing the rice terraces. However, the mountain roads are long and winding, so Hoang Su Phi is not a destination to squeeze into an already tight schedule.

Allow at least two days, or preferably three if you want to combine the area with visits to local villages.

Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien shows another side of Vietnam's natural beauty, one that has little to do with mountains or beaches. Located in southern Vietnam, the national park protects an important lowland tropical forest ecosystem and provides habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.

Travelers who want a genuine forest experience should allow two days rather than trying to visit as a day trip. Activities should be planned according to the season and current guidance from park management, particularly when taking wildlife-watching routes.

Cat Tien works naturally as an extension of a Ho Chi Minh City itinerary rather than being inserted into a busy Central Vietnam route.

Con Dao

Con Dao is known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, tropical forests and protected marine environment. The Times also highlights the turtle nesting season, which runs from May to October.

For a simple beach escape, three days and two nights is usually enough. Travelers interested in nature can stay longer and consider snorkeling, diving or other activities permitted within the protected area.

Con Dao works particularly well as a relaxing final chapter to a Vietnam trip rather than as another stop in a fast-moving itinerary.

Ban Gioc Waterfall and Angel Eye Mountain, Cao Bang

Cao Bang offers some of the most striking karst scenery in northern Vietnam, with blue-green rivers, agricultural valleys and dramatic limestone mountains. Ban Gioc Waterfall is the region's major attraction, while Angel Eye Mountain adds another distinctive geological feature to the landscape.

Allow two to three days to combine Ban Gioc with Nguom Ngao Cave, Khuoi Ky Stone Village and historical sites along the route.

September and October are particularly appealing for the combination of rice-field scenery and generally more favorable conditions for exploring the mountain roads.

Which of These Beautiful Places in Vietnam Should You Visit?

For first-time visitors to Vietnam, Hanoi, Hue, Phong Nha and the Da Nang-Hoi An area provide a strong balance of culture, nature and relatively straightforward transportation.

Mountain lovers should look toward Sapa, Hoang Su Phi or Cao Bang. Travelers focused on beaches can consider the Quy Nhon-Phan Rang coastal route or Con Dao. For history and heritage, Hue and My Son offer particularly rich experiences.

If avoiding heavily visited destinations is a priority, Hoang Su Phi, Cat Tien and Con Dao are generally better choices than Vietnam's busiest tourism centers.

How to Plan a Vietnam Trip from North to South

Trying to visit all 11 destinations in a single trip is not a practical approach. A realistic 10-15 day Vietnam itinerary could begin in Hanoi, continue to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay, then fly to Central Vietnam to combine Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, My Son and Phong Nha.

With three weeks or more, travelers can extend south to Ho Chi Minh City and then consider Cat Tien or Con Dao.

Sapa, Hoang Su Phi and Cao Bang are better treated as separate northern branches. Their road distances make it difficult to combine all three into a short itinerary without spending too much of the trip in transit.

Another important consideration when planning a Vietnam travel itinerary for 2026 and 2027 is Vietnam's recent administrative restructuring. Quang Binh and Quang Tri were merged into the new Quang Tri Province, while Da Nang and Quang Nam were merged into the expanded Da Nang City.

How to Travel Around Vietnam Comfortably

Domestic flights are the most practical option for longer journeys such as Hanoi to Da Nang or Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. Trains are worth considering when the journey itself is part of the experience and travelers are not working with an extremely tight schedule.

Private limousines have a clear advantage in Central Vietnam, where many major destinations are only a few hours apart by road. The Da Nang-Hoi An-Hue-Phong Nha route is particularly suitable for families and groups of friends because travelers can go directly from one hotel or destination to the next without dealing with another airport transfer, baggage handling or additional connections.

For international travelers looking to build a North-to-South trip around their own schedule and interests, Truong Sa Tourist Vietnam DMC can assist with private tours, tailor-made Vietnam itineraries, airport transfers, Fast Track VIP services and transportation between destinations.

In Central Vietnam, private limousine services can be arranged for routes connecting Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue and nearby destinations. This can be particularly useful when several destinations need to be connected efficiently without making the itinerary unnecessarily complicated.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Beautiful Places in Vietnam

What is the most beautiful place in Vietnam?

There is no single objective answer. The Times' selection covers very different destinations, from Hue and Hanoi to Phong Nha, Hoang Su Phi, Con Dao and Cao Bang. The right choice depends largely on whether you prefer nature, culture, history or beaches.

Which part of Vietnam is the most beautiful?

Northern Vietnam is particularly strong in mountains and terraced rice fields, Central Vietnam stands out for heritage sites and coastal landscapes, while Southern Vietnam offers tropical forests and islands. For that reason, combining several regions often provides a more complete experience than focusing on just one.

How many days do you need to travel around Vietnam?

Around 10-15 days is enough to experience several major destinations. Two to three weeks is more comfortable if you want to combine North, Central and South Vietnam without spending too much time moving from place to place.

What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

There is no single best season for the entire country. Northern Vietnam is often particularly attractive in autumn, while Central and Southern Vietnam follow different weather patterns. Beaches and islands should be planned according to the conditions in their specific region.

What are the best places to visit in Vietnam for first-time visitors?

Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City provide a practical foundation for a first Vietnam trip. If you have more time, Phong Nha is an excellent addition for travelers who enjoy nature and want to experience a less urban side of the country.