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Exploring Vietnam: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

03 March 2025 | Latest News

Exploring Vietnam: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

While Vietnam is known for its rustic war that took place years ago, today, it stands as one of the most beautiful holiday destinations. Located in Southeast Asia, this country stretches along the South China Sea. Popular for its emerald rice paddles, misty mountain peaks, and wild city cities that hum with life, Vietnam welcomes everyone.

It is a country of contrasts where the charm of the ancient temples tells a story and where every bowl of pho carries the warmth of generations. Whether you are a thrill seeker, adventure lover, history geek or wish to simply enjoy the joy of watching the world go by the roadside cafe, this is a hotpot of cultures. This blog will guide you in detail about what to explore in Vietnam. Tourists can book Vietnam holiday packages to have an ultimate vacation escape.

Best Places to See in Vietnam

This section will discuss what are some of the best places you must visit on your vacation trip to Vietnam this year. Let’s have a closer look at each of the places:


1.   Hanoi

Hanoi is the bustling capital city of Vietnam. This city is a must-see spot for anyone who wishes to shuffle through the history pages of the past. Founded a thousand years ago on the ben of Red River, Hanoi is popping with museums, delicious street food, markets and much more.

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site- Thang Long-Hanoi Monuments, this country is a dream come true for history geeks. Visitors can stroll around the leafy-tree-lined streets to witness the architectural marvels. Having a strong influence of the West with a blend of traditional Vietnamese styles, Hanoi is filled with elegant colonial buildings dating back to French colonial times.

Visitors can stop by The Hanoi Opera House, which was built inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris. Moreover, they can wander through the Old Quarter streets to shop at the flea market. Food lovers can hit their way to JOMA to enjoy a hearty beef soup. For thrill-seekers, the Hanoi 1990s serves dishes on tables that is blink away from the trains.

Travellers can avail of Vietnam holiday packages to fly to this beautiful capital city. Hanoi airport is the second busiest airport in the country. This city can easily get to the city via bus or train. The Temple of Literature is another site to visit for a history class. This historic place was built in 1070 and was the first national university in Vietnam for educated scholars and Confucius (Chinese philosopher).

2.   Hoi An

After a noisy-traffic-littered trip in Hanoi, visitors must view Hoi An. Like the capital city, this place dates back to 2000 years. Having on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hoi An should be on the bucket list of tourists.

Hanoi is popular for being a significant seaport in South Asia. Traders from Japan, Spain and North America used to fill the pockets of the merchants with gold. Moreover, this place is the hub of tailors and craft shops, Chinese temples and beautifully lit lantern streets.

Tourists can visit the Japanese Covered Bridge in the ancient town of Hoi An. Moreover, foodies can enjoy learning about Vietnamese cuisines, such as white rose dumplings and summer rolls. Traditional markets and local cooking classes offer an opportunity to dive deeper into the flavours of Hoi An.

With its laid-back atmosphere, guests can enjoy a relaxed time. They can enjoy a boat ride at the Thu Bon River to see the magnificent sunset. The well-preserved streets lined with yellow houses offer a picturesque destination to have a walk in the evening.

3.   Halong Bay

Halong Bay is the site for every party lover. Studded with limestone pillars, this spot creates a cinematic landscape of Vietnam. Located in the northeast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its emerald-green waters, towering karsts, and hidden caves.

With over 1,600 islands and islets scattered across the bay, the beauty of this place is unmatched. The islands are topped with rainforests, which presents the rich biodiversity of the country.

This place is perfect for adventure seekers. Visitors can lie down on the calm shores. Moreover, they can take a swim in the shimmering emerald water. Tourists who love uncovering mysteries can visit the cool caves not only to beat the summer heat but also to peek at what is inside. Some of the popular caves are Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and Dau Go Cave. Apart from swimming, guests can go kayaking in the blue lagoons for a peaceful retreat.

For an unforgettable experience, visitors can book an overnight cruise. Watching the sunrise over the bay while floating on calm waters is a magical sight. Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh catches from the local fishing villages. Night squid fishing is another fun activity to try.


4.   Ho Chi Minh City

The city of Ho Chi Minh, locally known as Saigo,n is a site packed with busy life and heavy traffic. Being a metropolis, this spot has a pulsating rhythm, making it fun-paced. Saigon takes its cultural influence from nearby Cambodia.

Draped in a stunning array of fairy lights, this place is a haven for party lovers. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling bike ride to explore the city’s historic vibes. They can head towards the War Remnants Museum to learn about the struggles of heroes who lost their lives in the war against the superpower America. Moreover, they can use Cu Chi Tunnels to gain insight into the sobering Vietnamese history.


For those interested in architecture, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Saigon Central Post Office are must-visit spots. These iconic buildings reflect the city’s colonial past and offer a glimpse into French influences on Vietnamese culture. Travellers can also explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where they can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.

Food lovers can leap towards Banh Mi Huynh Hoa- a famous spot in the city serving crispy baguettes filled with delicious meats, pickled vegetables, and sauces. For tourists looking for a hearty meal, The Lunch Lady is a preferred choice that serves Vietnamese noodle soups like bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and hu tieu (pork and seafood noodle soup).

What is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?

This section will explore what is the best time to visit Vietnam. Being a diverse land, this country mixes with mist, rain and scorching heat all together. Let’s have a deeper look:


November to April

The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April, when the weather is cool and dry. During these months, travellers can explore cities, beaches, and historical sites without worrying about heavy rain or extreme heat. Northern areas like Hanoi and Sapa have pleasant temperatures, making them perfect for sightseeing and trekking. Central cities such as Hoi An and Da Nang also experience mild weather, while the south, including Ho Chi Minh City, remains warm and sunny.


May to August

From May to August, the weather gets hot and humid. This is the best time for beach lovers, as places like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang offer great conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Although temperatures are high, this season is good for budget travellers since flight and hotel prices drop due to fewer tourists.

September to October

The rainy season from September to October brings frequent showers, especially in central Vietnam. However, this season has its beauty. The rice fields in Sapa turn golden, creating breathtaking landscapes. Halong Bay appears misty, giving a magical feel to boat tours. Though some areas experience heavy rain, the showers are often short. This is a great time to explore Vietnam without large crowds.

Final Words

This blog has guided you about what to explore in Vietnam. From the lively capital city of Hanoi to the party lovers' spot Ho Chi Minh, this country is filled with excitement, history and relaxation. Vietnam leaves no stone unturned to make visitors' stay memorable. With Vietnam holiday packages, tourists can have the best time of their lives. Are you looking for the best travel deals? Reach out to Virikson Holidays to get personalised travel bundles at a wallet-friendly price.

About the Author

Juli Wagner, a veteran travel writer and advisor, is highly known for her quest to explore the spectacular locales of the globe. Being in the travel industry for years, she has inspired many people with her articles and stories. Her writings not only offer actionable advice but also ignite the spark of adventure in her readers.

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