15 top rated tourist attractions in Vietnam

From tunnels and mausoleums, to islands and postcard-perfect views, here are our 15 best tourist attractions in Vietnam.

1. Halong Bay

Top of many travellers’ lists when they visit Vietnam, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where hundreds of verdant limestone karsts emerge mystically from emerald-coloured waters.

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

These tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City stretch for 120km underground. They’ve been used during wars over the decades and nowadays make for a fascinating place for visitors to explore and learn a little more about Vietnam’s history.

3. Phu Quoc

Vietnam’s largest island is also its most popular, with its idyllic sandy beaches, palm trees and seaside lifestyle. It’s a place to explore coral reefs, get the adrenalin pumping in water sports and explore protected jungle.

4. Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

This former centre of ancient Hanoi was a political centre of Vietnam for 800 years. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a place to explore Vietnamese palaces and fascinating relics of past times.

5. Mekong Delta

Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’ in the south of the country produces a large proportion of the country’s food. The network of waterways and floating markets make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam too.

6. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Known by locals as ‘Uncle Ho’, the most well-known political figure in Vietnam is preserved in a glass case in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi. Thousands of people visit to pay their respects.

7. Hai Van Pass

This mountain pass in between Hue and Da Nang is famous for the spectacular views as the road wraps around the cliffs along the coastline. Many people choose to ride on motorcycles along this stretch of road to make the most of it.

8. Hang Son Doong

One of the newer tourist attractions in Vietnam is Hang Son Doong – the largest cave in the world. Found in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the cave is 5km long, 150m wide and 200m high, and has its own river, jungle and microclimate.

9. My Son

This temple city near Hoi An is now in ruins, and is a beautiful sight to behold with its combination of centuries-old architecture and lush jungle surroundings. There are around 20 temples that are still possible to explore.

10. Hue Imperial City

A former capital of Vietnam in the middle of the country, Hue is home to this walled fortress that was once home to Vietnam’s emperors. There are several interesting and historic buildings to explore here.

11. Temple of Literature

One of Hanoi’s greatest attractions is the Temple of Literature, an 11th century temple dedicated to Confucius. The pretty spot is important in Vietnamese history too, as it was the site of the country’s first university.

12. Notre Dame Cathedral

This cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City was built in the 19th century and is a grand sight in the heart of the city. The interior is well worth a look, while the outside is where many people gather for festivals throughout the year.

13. Japanese Covered Bridge

The City of Hoi An is full of an international array of architecture that makes the city a top tourist attraction in Vietnam. One of the most fascinating spots is the 18th century wooden Japanese bridge, which has a number of intricate carvings still visible to this day.

14. Nha Trang

Those who want beach time and lots of fun in Vietnam love to visit the coastal city of Nha Trang. With 6km of beach, water sports galore and abundant beach bars that stay open until the early hours, it’s easy to see why.

15. Sapa

It’s becoming more popular for visitors to Vietnam to venture away from the cities and coastal resorts, and head into the countryside in the north of the country. This centres on the town of Sapa, which is surrounded by mountains, rice paddies and traditional ethnic communities.