Where to Visit in Vietnam for the First Time: A First-Timer’s Guide

Wondering where to visit in Vietnam for the first time? This vibrant country offers a mix of lively cities, peaceful countryside, rich culture, and unforgettable food. This guide will help you discover the top destinations and start your first Vietnam trip with confidence.

Essential Northern Vietnam

The North is Vietnam’s cultural cradle, a region of dynastic history, colonial charm, and landscapes that defy imagination. 

Hanoi – The Cultural Heart

Hanoi, the vibrant capital, is a cultural hub perfect for immersing in Vietnam’s history and daily life:

• Old Quarter: A maze of 36 ancient streets named after traditional trades, filled with French colonial architecture, bustling motorbikes, and vibrant markets like Dong Xuan.

• Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university, built in 1070, dedicated to Confucius, with serene courtyards and intricate pavilions showcasing scholarly heritage.
• Hoan Kiem Lake: A tranquil oasis in the city’s heart, home to Ngoc Son Temple and the iconic red Huc Bridge, perfect for morning walks or evening strolls.

• Street Food Scene: Savor pho (beef noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and egg coffee at historic cafes like Giang or modern spots like Cong Caphe.
• Historical Sites: Visit Hoa Lo Prison for insights into Vietnam’s colonial and war history, or explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for a deep dive into the country’s 54 ethnic groups.

Hanoi’s rich history, culture, and cuisine make it a must for first-timers. Spend 2–3 days exploring the city and nearby spots like Ninh Binh. Consult Lonely Planet’s Vietnam travel guide for more Hanoi attractions.

Halong Bay – Natural Wonder

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its surreal landscape of over 1,600 limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, a must-see for any first-time visitor:

• Overnight Cruises: Traditional junk boats offer 1-2 day trips with activities like kayaking through quiet lagoons, exploring Sung Sot Cave, and swimming at Ti Top Island with panoramic views after a 400-step climb.
• Lan Ha Bay: Located just south of Halong, Lan Ha offers similar landscapes with fewer crowds. Cruises often include kayaking, biking on Cat Ba Island, and hiking in Cat Ba National Park, home to rare langurs.
• Floating Villages: Visit Cua Van or Vung Vieng by bamboo boat (5-10 USD) to experience life on water, meet local fishermen, and learn traditional pearl farming and fishing methods.

Halong Bay’s otherworldly beauty is a global icon, making it a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Sapa

About 370 km from Hanoi, Sapa is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam for first-timers planning a Vietnam tour:

• Terraced Rice Fields: Muong Hoa Valley’s emerald terraces shine from May to October, with vibrant rice fields covering rolling hills. A 6 km trek from Sapa to Y Linh Ho reveals stunning views of these UNESCO-listed landscapes.

• Ethnic Minority Villages: Sapa is home to H’Mong, Dao, Tay, and Giay groups. Visit Bac Ha (Sundays) or Coc Ly (Tuesdays) markets for handmade crafts. Ta Van and Cat Cat offer homestays (20–40 USD) with meals and local activities like embroidery or rice planting.
• Trekking Routes:  Reach Fansipan by cable car (30 USD) or a 2–3 day guided trek. Trails to Ta Phin and Sin Chai pass waterfalls and bamboo forests. Local guides cost 15–50 USD per day and add cultural depth.

• Sapa Market and Cultural Sites: Sapa Market offers local produce, street food like thang co, and handicrafts. Nearby, Sapa Museum (free entry) showcases ethnic cultures, and Ham Rong Mountain has gardens and views over town and surrounding peaks.

Sapa is ideal for hikers and nature lovers, with mountains, rice terraces, and local wildlife.

Central Vietnam Highlights

Central Vietnam captivates with its rich history, preserved architecture, and stunning coastlines, making it ideal for those deciding where to visit in Vietnam for the first time.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is pure magic. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, its riverside center has been immaculately preserved, showcasing a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences:

• Ancient Town: Hoi An’s car-free streets are lined with yellow merchant houses, Chinese halls, and the ornate Quan Cong Temple. At night, silk lanterns light up the Thu Bon River, creating a magical scene ideal for strolling and photos.
• Japanese Covered Bridge: A 400-year-old architectural masterpiece built in 1593 by Japanese merchants, this iconic bridge features a small pagoda and intricate details symbolizing Hoi An’s multicultural past.
• Cultural Experiences: Hoi An is known for tailor shops like Yaly Couture, offering custom outfits from 50 USD in 24 to 48 hours. Cooking classes at places like Morning Glory teach local dishes like cao lau and banh xeo. 
• Nearby Attractions: Bicycle tours (2-3 hours, 10-20 USD) to Tra Que vegetable village allow visitors to engage in organic farming, learn about local herbs, or enjoy a foot massage with fresh mint. 
• Art and Craft Workshops: Hoi An’s artisan scene includes lantern-making workshops (15-25 USD) where visitors craft their own silk lanterns, or pottery classes in Thanh Ha village (3km away) to create traditional ceramics, offering hands-on cultural immersion.

Hoi An’s charm and culture make it a top pick for first-timers. It’s ideal for a 2–3 day stay to explore its heritage and nearby sights.

Hue Imperial City

Hue, the former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), is a treasure trove of Vietnam’s royal heritage, offering a profound journey into the country’s historical and cultural past:

• Imperial Citadel: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sprawling complex in the heart of Hue houses the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for emperors.

• Royal Tombs: Located 7–10 km from the city center, these royal tombs are architectural gems. Khai Dinh stuns with its ornate East-West design, Tu Duc offers peaceful lakes and poetic charm, and Minh Mang impresses with grand symmetry amid pine forests.
• Perfume River: A scenic lifeline of Hue, the river is best explored via dragon boat rides to Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story tower built in 1601, symbolizing the city’s spiritual heart. Evening boat trips often feature nhac cung dinh, a UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage, performed by local musicians in traditional attire.
• Culinary Scene: Hue’s cuisine is renowned for its refined flavors, rooted in royal traditions. Savor bun bo Hue or banh khoai at local favorites like Hanh Restaurant. Dong Ba Market offers street food like che and local delicacies, alongside handicrafts such as conical hats.

• Cultural Performances and Museums: The Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, near the Citadel, displays Nguyen Dynasty artifacts, including bronze cannons and royal robes. Traditional performances at the Hue Traditional Craft Village or Hue Festival showcase ca Hue and royal dances, enriching the cultural experience.

Compact and ideal for 1-2 days or a Hoi An day trip, it offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past.

Da Nang & My Khe Beach

Da Nang, a modern coastal city, serves as a dynamic hub for Central Vietnam, blending urban sophistication with natural beauty and cultural landmarks:

• My Khe Beach: A 10 km stretch of pristine white sand, consistently ranked among Asia’s finest beaches, offers gentle waves ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or water sports like jet-skiing and paddleboarding. 

• Dragon Bridge: A 666m-long architectural marvel spanning the Han River, this bridge is shaped like a golden dragon, symbolizing prosperity. On weekends at 9 PM, it hosts fire-breathing and water-spouting displays, drawing crowds for a spectacular show that highlights Da Nang’s modernity.

• Marble Mountains: Just 9 km south of the city, these five limestone hills named after the elements feature caves, pagodas, and stairways with sweeping coastal views. Thuy Son (Water Mountain) is the most visited, known for Huyen Khong Cave’s natural skylights and altars.
• Cultural and Historical Sites: The Cham Sculpture Museum showcases the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts, offering a glimpse into the Champa civilization. Nearby, Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula features a 67-meter Lady Buddha statue with peaceful views of the city and sea.

Southern Vietnam Essentials

Southern Vietnam pulses with a vibrant mix of urban dynamism and rustic authenticity, offering a captivating finale for first-time visitors exploring where to visit in Vietnam for the first time. 

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is Vietnam’s vibrant economic hub, blending colonial charm with modern skyscrapers and deep history:

• Historical Landmarks: The red-brick Notre-Dame Basilica (1880s) and its twin spires mark a French colonial legacy. The War Remnants Museum presents powerful exhibits on the Vietnam War, while the Reunification Palace, site of Saigon’s fall in 1975, showcases preserved wartime architecture and command bunkers.

• Ben Thanh Market: A vibrant landmark in central Saigon, packed with stalls selling crafts, silk, conical hats, and street food like banh xeo and hu tieu. Open daily from morning to late night, it’s ideal for souvenir shopping and tasting local flavors.
• Cu Chi Tunnels: Cu Chi Tunnels, located 1.5 hours from the city, offer a gripping look into Vietnam War history. Visitors can crawl through sections of the 250km tunnel network, see hidden trapdoors, and learn guerrilla survival tactics.

• Nightlife and Dining: Nguyen Hue Walking Street transforms into a lively pedestrian zone at night, lined with trendy cafes, street performers, and vendors selling fresh sugarcane juice. For panoramic views, rooftop bars like Chill Skybar or EON51 offer cocktails against a glittering city skyline. 
• Cultural Experiences: Take a cyclo tour (5-10 USD/hour) through Saigon’s lively streets, passing landmarks like the Central Post Office. In the evening, enjoy the A O Show (30-50 USD) at the Opera House, combining bamboo acrobatics with traditional music.

Mekong Delta (Day Trip)

The Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” is a lush network of rivers and islands showcasing rural life and waterway traditions. Close to Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a perfect day trip for first-time visitors seeking a peaceful escape.

• Floating Markets: Vendors sell fruits and herbs from boats, hanging goods on poles for display. Take a 30–45 minute motorboat tour (5–10 USD) for an up-close experience while enjoying a cà phê sữa đá. 

• Fruit Gardens: In Vinh Long, My Tho, and Cai Be, visit orchards to taste fruits like rambutan and durian. Spots like Ba Duc Garden also host đờn ca tài tử folk music. Tours last 1-2 hours and blend flavor with culture.

• Traditional Crafts: Workshops in Ben Tre and Tan Phong demonstrate the making of coconut candy, rice paper, and puffed rice. Visitors can observe or join in (5-10 USD, 30-60 mins), gaining insight into the Delta’s cottage industries that support local livelihoods.
• Canal Rides: Explore narrow canals in Tra Su, An Binh, or Xeo Quyt via sampan boats rowed by locals. These peaceful journeys (30-60 mins) reveal daily life along the river stilt houses, fish farms, waving children, and birdsong replacing city noise.

The Mekong Delta’s rural charm contrasts Saigon’s energy, ideal for photography and immersion via a day tour.

Practical First-Timer Guidance

Crafting a Vietnam itinerary for first-time visitors requires balancing time, interests, and logistics to explore where to visit in Vietnam for the first time. Here are practical frameworks and tips for a seamless journey:

Recommended Itinerary Frameworks:

• 7 Days: Hanoi (2 days: Old Quarter, Temple of Literature) → Halong Bay (1 day: overnight cruise) → Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (2 days: War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market) → Mekong Delta (1 day: floating markets) → Departure.
• 10 Days: Add Hoi An (2-3 days: Ancient Town, Japanese Covered Bridge) via Da Nang for cultural immersion.
• 14 Days: Include Hue (1-2 days: Imperial Citadel, royal tombs) and Sapa (2-3 days: terraced fields, ethnic villages) for history and adventure.

Transportation Tips:

• Domestic Travel: Domestic flights (Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, 30-100 USD) connect Hanoi, Da Nang, and HCMC efficiently. Overnight trains (Hanoi-Hue, 12 hours, 50-70 USD) offer scenic, budget-friendly options, while buses (Hue-Hoi An, 2.5 hours, 5-15 USD) suit short routes.
• City Mobility: Use the Grab app (1-3 USD/ride) for convenient, affordable rides in cities.
• Tours vs. Independent: Organized tours (e.g., Vietravel for Halong Bay, Mekong Delta) simplify logistics; independent travel suits flexible explorers but requires planning.

Best Time to Visit:

• Weather: November-April is ideal (Hanoi: 15-25°C; HCMC: 25-35°C) with dry, mild conditions. Avoid June-August for Halong Bay’s rains and September-October for Central Vietnam’s typhoons.
• Highlights: Sapa’s terraces shine May-October; Tet (January-February) brings festive vibes but crowds.

Vietnam is a country that captivates with its rich culture, history, and diversity. We at Absolute Asia Travel hope this guide gives you the confidence to start planning your trip. With our local expertise, we’re here to craft a personalized journey that makes your first visit truly unforgettable.