Lonely Planet's Best of Vietnam is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Immerse yourself in history in the warren-like lanes of Hoi An Old Town; cruise through shimmering seas past karst limestone peaks in Halong Bay, and kayak through ethereal caves or trek verdant rainforest mountains in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. All with your trusted travel companion. Discover the best of Vietnam and begin your journey now!
Inside Lonely Planet's Best of Vietnam:
Full-colour images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, art, food, sport, landscapes, wildlife Free, convenient pull-out Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City maps [included in print version], plus easy-to-use colour maps to help you explore Covers Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hoi An, Hue, Mui Ne, Dalat, Cat Tien National Park, Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao Islands, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc
The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Best of Vietnam, our easy-to-use guide, filled with inspiring and colourful photos, focuses on Vietnam's most popular attractions for those wanting to experience the best of the best.
Looking for a comprehensive guide that recommends both popular and offbeat experiences, and extensively covers all the country has to offer? Check out Lonely Planet's Vietnam guide.
About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.
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As borders continue to open up, more and more people are planning their overseas vacations again. This, after most of us were unable to travel for two years due to the pandemic-induced lockdowns. Now that several territories are accepting tourists anew, one may opt to visit Vietnam, which is just a neighboring country of the Philippines.
From its delectable local cuisine to its breathtaking tourist attractions, you will never run out of things to do in Vietnam. We’ve compiled in this article the things you must do if you’re visiting the country for the first time.
- Go to Ha Long Bay
- Explore Phong Nha
- Indulge its popular rice noodle soup
- Discover the history of Ho Chi Minh
- Bask in the glory of the Ban Gioc Waterfall
- Explore Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge in Da Nang
- Cruise the Mekong Delta
- Check out the Cu Chi Tunnels
1. Go to Ha Long Bay
If you are planning to go to Vietnam for the first time, it’s a must that you go and see Ha Long Bay. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of the – if not the most -- visited destinations by tourists. The place is most famous for its ancient limestone pillars and beautiful, tiny islets which you can marvel at while you cruise the bay onboard a traditional junk boat. When you’re at Ha Long Bay, you should also get a closer look at the impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations of “Heaven Palace” when you explore Thien Cung Cave.
Go to Ha Long Bay through Dragonfly Cruise
Address: 37a Hang Thung str, Hoan Kiem dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
Contact Information: +84 964 760 469
2. Explore Phong Nha
If you haven’t tried cave-hopping and you’re keen to know what it is, then Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the right place for you when you’re in Vietnam. Aside from the majestic mountain views outside the caves, there are also equally amazing rock formations inside the caves that could take your breath away. In addition to the sightseeing, there’s also an opportunity to swim and go cliff jumping at the Ma Da Crystal Lake.
Phong Nha
Address: Phong Nha, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam
3. Indulge its popular rice noodle soup
Visiting Vietnam is not all about going into its most popular tourist destinations. To fully immerse yourself in a Vietnamese vacation, it’s a must that you try their local delicacies particularly the phở or the rice noodle soup.This hot bowl is made up of chewy rice noodles in savory broth with slices of beef and vegetable garnishes. While this staple food may be found almost everywhere in Vietnam, you will never go wrong when you decide to have it at Pho Vu Phuong.
Indulge its popular rice noodle soup
Address:120 Nguyễn Thái Bình, District 1, Ho Chi Minh
Contact Information: +84 8 3991 8295
4. Discover the history of Ho Chi Minh
Explore Ho Chi Minh for the busy city that it is. A full day tour of Saigon would give you an insight about Vietnam’s abounding history, fascinating culture and the appealing daily life of the locals. Among the nicest places to see in the area include Chinatown, Thien Hau Temple, War Remnants Museum, General Post Office, Opera House and more.
Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Address: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
5. Bask in the glory of the Ban Gioc Waterfall
The Ban Gioc Waterfall is arguably one of the most beautiful and largest waterfalls in the world. Located in the Cao Bang province in Northern Vietnam, this body of water is very much like the Niagara Falls because it sits on the border of two countries as well: Vietnam and China. The waterfalls is so visually impressive that it is one of the most awe-inspiring sights not just in Vietnam but in Southeast Asia.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Address: TL 211, Đàm Thuỷ, Trùng Khánh, Cao Bằng, Vietnam
6. Explore Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge in Da Nang
It can be argued that the Golden Bridge in Vietnam has generated quite a fuss in recent years due to its unique architectural design. It features two, huge stone hands which appear to be holding the bridge atop the majestic greenery sights. It measures 150 meters in length and 12.8 meters in width. Thanks to its remarkable design, the Golden Bridge has become a popular destination and has attracted a lot of tourists to the Da Nang region.
Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort
Address: An Son Hamlet, Hoa Ninh Ward, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang 84-511 Vietnam
7. Cruise the Mekong Delta
Spend a day in awe of the wonderful waterways of the Mekong Delta. Located in the southern part of Vietnam, it is a stunning maze of rivers, islets, and small villages with rice paddies and fruit plantations. When you decide to visit this attraction, you can go on a relaxing Mekong Delta boat cruise to see iconic fishing villages with stilt houses and rice paddies.
Cruise the Mekong Delta
Address: Between Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia in southwest Vietnam
8. Check out the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels played an important role for the communist guerilla troops known as Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Built by local fighters during the armed conflict, the underground tunnels were used by soldiers as a hiding place and a means to transport goods or supplies. Located northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, the hidden underground world of the complicated network of tunnels has evolved to become a major tourist attraction in Vietnam. Have an unforgettable experience as you explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and get to know what life was like for the Viet Cong soldiers.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Address: 60 kilometers Northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
What to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City?
5 Safety Travel Tips in Ho Chi Minh City.
Be careful when traveling by taxi. ... .
Buying things in the market. ... .
Do not leave money or valuables in your hotel/hostel. ... .
Do not carry any valuables in an open pocket. ... .
Let's smile. ... .
Socializing with the locals. ... .
Talking to other travelers. ... .
Bag-snatching thieves and pickpocketing..
How many days is ideal for Ho Chi Minh?
If you are a first-time traveler to Vietnam, you may ask yourself how many days in Ho Chi Minh City are enough to see everything you have planned. Depending on the number of attractions you want to visit and whether you want to extend your trip elsewhere, two to four days should be adequate for an enjoyable trip.
What is the best thing about Ho Chi Minh City?
There are plenty of museums showcasing the country's dark wartime history and classic colonial architecture built by former French rulers. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a popular tourist destination due to its fascinating culture, sleek skyscrapers, ornate temples and Chinese pagodas.
What you Cannot miss in Vietnam?
Top Ten Things Not to Miss in Vietnam.
Get some glad-rags: Hoi An is famous for its tailors and the ideal place to get some swanky clothes made up on the cheap. ... .
Get on track: ... .
Visit the Mekong Delta: ... .
Get on your bike: ... .
Just relax: ... .
Get back to nature: ... .
Grab some cheap eats: ... .
Experience Saigon like a local:.