Vietnam Travel Guide
The Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide: From Ha Long Bay to Hoi An, and Beyond
Vietnam is one of those rare places where every corner feels alive — the hum of scooters in Hanoi, the scent of street food sizzling on Saigon’s sidewalks, the surreal limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, and the lanterns glowing along Hoi An’s riverfront.
Whether you’re here for the culture, the food, or the natural beauty, Vietnam has a way of taking you by surprise — in the best way possible. This guide covers the best places to visit in Vietnam, when to go, top experiences, and why traveling with Gagago makes it even better.
Top Places to Visit in Vietnam
1. Hanoi — The Heartbeat of the North
Vietnam’s capital is a mix of old-world charm and modern chaos. Get lost in the Old Quarter, sip egg coffee in a tucked-away café, and visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to understand the country’s deep history.
But don’t leave without watching the Thang Long Water Puppet Show, a centuries-old art form that tells Vietnamese folk stories through music and puppetry — it’s surprisingly captivating.
And of course, catch a glimpse of the famous Hanoi Train Street, where trains squeeze through a narrow lane just inches from locals’ doorsteps — one of the most unique sights in Asia.
🛵 Don’t miss: A local street food tour — you’ll eat like a king for under $10.
2. Ha Long Bay — Vietnam’s Natural Wonder
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay is every bit as breathtaking as it looks — emerald waters dotted with towering limestone cliffs and hidden caves that seem straight out of a dream.
Spend your days cruising through the islands, kayaking into quiet lagoons, and swimming in crystal-clear coves. If you can, stay overnigh — waking up to mist drifting between the cliffs is something you’ll never forget.
For the best experience, choose a 2-day, 1-night cruise instead of a quick day trip. You’ll have time to explore beyond the crowded spots, visit floating fishing villages, and even try sunset tai chi on deck.
💡 Gagago Tip: Bring a light jacket — mornings can be cool on the water — and pack motion-sickness pills if you’re sensitive to boats. If you prefer a quieter route, consider Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, which offer the same scenery with fewer tourists.
3. Ninh Binh — “Ha Long Bay on Land”
If you want all the jaw-dropping landscapes of Ha Long Bay without the crowds, Ninh Binh is where you go. Just two hours south of Hanoi, this region feels like stepping into a painting — rivers winding through emerald rice paddies, limestone mountains rising out of the mist, and water buffalo grazing quietly by the roadside.
Start your day climbing the Mua Cave viewpoint for panoramic views of the Ngo Dong River — it’s a workout, but the 500 steps are worth every drop of sweat. Then take a Tam Coc or Trang An boat ride, where local women row with their feet through a maze of caves and karst cliffs. It’s peaceful, surreal, and one of the most photogenic experiences in Vietnam.
Beyond the famous boat rides, don’t miss Bich Dong Pagoda, hidden inside a limestone mountain, or the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which gives you a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past. Rent a bike and wander through the countryside — it’s the best way to see local life up close.
💡 Gagago Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft golden light and fewer boats. If you can, stay overnight — when the day-trippers leave, Ninh Binh becomes pure magic.
4. Hoi An — The City of Lanterns
Hoi An might just be the most magical town in Vietnam. With its mustard-yellow colonial houses, colorful lanterns swaying over cobblestone streets, and the soft glow of candles floating down the Thu Bon River at night, it feels like stepping into another era.
Start your day exploring the Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with tailor shops, art galleries, and hidden cafés overlooking the water. You can have a custom outfit made in 24 hours — a Hoi An tradition you’ll actually want to pack home.
In the afternoon, rent a bike and ride through the rice fields to An Bang Beach, or take a coconut boat ride through the palm-lined canals of Cam Thanh Village, where locals spin their round bamboo boats and sing as they row. It’s touristy, yes — but undeniably fun.
As the sun sets, join a lantern-making workshop and learn how locals handcraft the town’s most iconic symbol. After dark, stroll by the riverfront as hundreds of lanterns light up the night — one of the most photogenic scenes in Vietnam.
5. Phong Nha — Vietnam’s Cave Kingdom
If you’re into adventure and nature, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park should be high on your Vietnam list. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the world’s largest and most spectacular caves — including Son Doong, Paradise Cave, and Phong Nha Cave itself.
Explore the Phong Nha Cave by boat as you drift through ancient rock formations lit in ethereal colors, or hike through lush jungle trails to reach the more remote Dark Cave, where you can zipline across rivers and wade through a natural mud bath (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds).
Even if you’re not a hardcore explorer, the scenery alone — emerald rivers, limestone mountains, and quiet rural villages — is reason enough to visit.
💡 Gagago Tip: Stay a couple of nights in Phong Nha town, a relaxed riverside base surrounded by homestays and small cafés. Visit between February and August for the best weather and dry cave conditions.
6. Hue — Vietnam’s Imperial City
Before you reach Hoi An, make a stop in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Once home to the Nguyen Dynasty, this quiet riverside city still holds the grace of its royal past — think crumbling temples, dragon-adorned gates, and moats lined with lotus flowers.
Start at the Imperial Citadel (The Purple Forbidden City), a sprawling complex of palaces, shrines, and courtyards that tell the story of Vietnam’s last emperors. Then cruise down the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest and most beautiful temples.
If time allows, explore the royal tombs scattered outside the city — Khai Dinh Tomb and Tu Duc Tomb are particularly ornate and photogenic. And don’t leave without trying bun bo Hue, the spicy noodle soup that locals swear by.
💡 Gagago Tip: Hue is halfway between north and south Vietnam — perfect for breaking up the journey between Ninh Binh and Hoi An. Rent a motorbike or take the scenic Hai Van Pass route for one of the most beautiful drives in the country.
7. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) — Vietnam’s Energy Hub
Scooters buzz nonstop, street food fills the air with mouthwatering aromas, and rooftop bars light up the skyline. Start your day at the War Remnants Museum for a powerful look at history, browse Ben Thanh Market for local coffee and souvenirs, then head to Bui Vien Walking Street at night — Saigon’s answer to Bangkok’s Khao San Road — for live music, neon lights, and endless energy.
Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels to explore Vietnam’s wartime underground network, and if you have extra time, venture south to the Mekong Delta for floating markets and palm-fringed canals.
💡 Gagago Tip: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and choose the Ben Duoc site for a quieter, more authentic experience.
Food You Can’t Miss in Vietnam
Vietnamese food alone is reason enough to visit. From iconic dishes like pho, banh mi, and bun cha to fresh spring rolls and flavorful street food, every bite tells a story of Vietnam’s culture.
The best meals are often found at local street stalls — tiny plastic stools, sizzling woks, and unforgettable flavor. Eat where the locals eat — big taste, no regrets.
When to Visit Vietnam
Wondering when to visit Vietnam? Because the country stretches over 1,000 miles from north to south, the weather can vary a lot depending on the region. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your trip:
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay): The best time to visit is October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier — perfect for trekking and sightseeing.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue): The ideal months are February to August, offering plenty of sunshine for beaches and exploring ancient towns.
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): It’s warm year-round, but the dry season from December to April is the most comfortable for travel.
Why Join Gagago’s Vietnam Group Trip
If Vietnam travel has been on your bucket list, this is your moment. From cruising the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay and exploring lantern-lit Hoi An, to discovering the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, and drifting along the Mekong Delta’s canals, these are the best things to do in Vietnam — and you can experience them all with Gagago’s Vietnam group trip.
Our Vietnam group tours are designed for solo travelers, adventure seekers, and culture lovers who want to explore Vietnam beyond the tourist trail, meet like-minded people, and experience the country safely, authentically, and in style.
👉 Join our Vietnam group trip today and experience the ultimate Vietnam itinerary — from north to south, nature to culture.
💬 Questions about your Vietnam trip? Message us anytime — we’ll help you plan an unforgettable journey through Vietnam travel hotspots, hidden gems, and local experiences.
