BEST Cities to Visit in Vietnam

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Now, Vietnam’s cities are as diverse as its landscapes. From historic capitals to beachside playgrounds and misty mountain towns, each city offers a completely different experience. When I say that I left a little piece of my heart there, I mean it!

These are the places that shaped my time in Vietnam and kept pulling me back for more!

1. Hanoi

Hanoi was my introduction to Vietnam – and nothing could have prepared me for it! The city feels old in the best possible way, layered with centuries of history, French colonial architecture, and everyday life spilling onto the streets.

I lived near the Old Quarter and woke up daily to vendors calling out, scooters squeezing through impossible gaps, and the smell of pho simmering before sunrise. These things will never leave my memory bank, ever!

Hanoi isn’t polished, by any means, but there is plenty to do here. It’s intense, but once it clicks, it’s addictive. There’s a quiet romance here too, lakeside walks at dusk, incense drifting from temples, and tiny cafes hidden down narrow alleys. Hanoi made me slow down, observe, and learn to appreciate the beauty in chaos. And boy is it chaotic!

Best Things to Do in Hanoi

• Take a street food walking tour through the Old Quarter; it’s the easiest way to understand the city and eat incredibly well.
• Explore the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum for a deeper look into Vietnam’s history.
• Walk Hoan Kiem Lake early in the morning when locals practice tai chi; it’s completely free and strangely calming.
• For a day trip, head to Ninh Binh for limestone karsts and river boat rides in Trang An and Tam Coc.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

• Hostel: Hanoi Buffalo Hostel is lively, social, and perfectly positioned in the Old Quarter, making it easy to meet other travellers through organised events that the hostel hosts. Beer nights, pub crawls, and socialising with people from all around the globe are on the cards!
• Hotel: Media Central Hotel & Spa is a stylish boutique hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, just steps from Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s known for its excellent location, friendly staff, and rooftop bar. It’s also ideal for exploring the city on foot, within close proximity to local attractions!
• Airbnb: Secret Nest in the Old Quarter is compact but stylish, ideal for travellers who want to be immersed in daily Hanoi life from the moment they step outside. Location, location, location!

Best Time to Visit Hanoi

October to April is ideal, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Winter evenings can be surprisingly cold, while summer months bring heavy heat and rain. Autumn is especially beautiful, with clearer skies and comfortable walking weather.

2. Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon)

Next up is Ho Chi Minh City. Think of it as Vietnam at full throttle! I arrived expecting chaos and found ambition instead. The city buzzes with young entrepreneurs, rooftop bars, endless cafes, and a sense that anything is possible. It’s modern, loud, and constantly evolving, yet history still sits just beneath the surface.

From war museums to colonial architecture, the past never feels far away. One minute you’re dodging traffic, the next you’re sipping cocktails above neon-lit streets. Saigon doesn’t slow down, and that’s exactly why it’s so exciting. Plus, HCMC is a backpacker hub with plenty of places to meet people, buy motorbikes, find weed, ya know!

Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit the War Remnants Museum for a powerful and sobering look at Vietnam’s history.
• Take a motorbike street food tour, one of the best experiences in the city
• Explore Ben Thanh Market, then wander the Nguyen Hue walking street at night.
• For a day trip, head to the Cu Chi Tunnels with a guided tour. This is a properly epic day out that gives you some insight into the war and the guerrilla tactics which were used!

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

• Hostel: Saigon Rooftops Hostel offers a social atmosphere without feeling chaotic, making it ideal for meeting travellers while still getting decent rest. ¡Esto es muy importante!
• Hotel: Jan Hostel, as much as the name suggests, is NOT a hostel! In fact, it’s a very stylish hotel with hostel-like rates. Winning? I’d say!
• Airbnb: This quiet apartment in Quan 1 has all the charm thanks to the building it’s located in, built back in the 1960s. It’s also private and quiet, which are two luxuries in Vietnam, trust me!

Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

December to April is the dry season and the most comfortable time to visit. Temperatures stay high year-round, but humidity is lower during these months. May to October brings frequent afternoon rain, though showers are usually short and rarely disrupt full days of exploring.

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3. Hoi An

Hoi An made the list for its atmosphere alone. After weeks in busy cities, arriving here felt like someone turned the volume down. Lantern-lit streets, mustard yellow buildings, and slow-moving rivers create a sense of calm that’s hard to replicate elsewhere in Vietnam. Plus, there are some epic beaches to relax at and have a dip, like An Bang beach, one of my favourites.

I stayed here longer than planned, settling into a rhythm of early morning walks and quiet evenings by the water. Yes, it’s popular, but there’s a reason. Hoi An offers beauty without stress, and it’s one of the few places where doing very little on your itinerary feels completely right. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a bowl of Cau Lau noodles. You’ll thank me later!

Best Things to Do in Hoi An

• Explore the Old Town on a guided walking tour to understand its trading history.
• Join a lantern-making or cooking class and learn how to make some of the delicious local dishes.
• Cycle through surrounding rice fields for a free and peaceful local experience.
• Visit An Bang Beach and have a dip, relax on a deck chair, and have a fresh coconut.
• Take a half-day trip to the My Son ruins and explore Cham temples and have a little history lesson too.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

• Hostel: The Cuckoo’s Nest Hostel and Bar was built by travellers for travellers. It seamlessly blends hotel-level comfort with a social hostel vibe. Surrounded by rice fields (I was sold already), but the infinity pool, and relaxed energy are just the cherry on the cake!
• Hotel: La ALBA An Bang Beach Villa gives you the best of both worlds – a pool and the ocean, a hop and a skip away. If that’s not enough, the sun terrace or lush gardens might do just enough to pull you in.
• Airbnb: This peaceful getaway by the rice paddies is the escape that you didn’t know you needed! Peaceful and serene, it’s a quiet escape to come back to and relax after the hustle and bustle of the city.

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

February to April offers the best weather in Hoi An, with warm temperatures and low humidity. Summer is hot but manageable with beach time and dips throughout the day. Or grab yourself a spot with a pool!

October and November can bring flooding, making travel and sightseeing more difficult. After all, it depends on your travel style, when you’re able to travel, and your budget.

4. Da Nang

Da Nang stands out as one of Vietnam’s most liveable cities, and there are plenty of great places to stay here, whether you’re a short-term or long-term visitor. I arrived planning to stay a few days and ended up staying weeks. The city balances urban comfort with easy access to nature, beaches on one side, mountains on the other. It’s clean, spread out, and noticeably calmer than Hanoi or Saigon.

Think morning swims, afternoon cafes, and sunset river walks became routine. Da Nang will win you over through simplicity and space, plus it has the ocean and is basically halfway along Vietnam’s coastline. Here, comfort definitely meets convenience, with a few little extras nuggets!

Best Things to Do in Da Nang

• Visit the Marble Mountains for caves and panoramic views, best done with a guided tour.
• Walk the Dragon Bridge at night when it breathes fire on weekends. Trust me, it’s epic! And it’s free!
• Relax on My Khe Beach for a free beach day. Sun, sea, and salt equals bliss!
• Explore the city on a food tour and satisfy those delicious street food cravings.
• Take a day trip to Ba Na Hills for a ride on Asia’s longest cable car, as well as a walk along the iconic Golden Bridge

Where to Stay in Da Nang

• Hostel: Rom Casa Hostel is stylish, social, and close to the beach, making it ideal for both relaxation and meeting people.
• Hotel: Palazzo Boutique Hotel, four words: bang for your buck! I mean, ocean views, rooftop pool, epic food. What more do you want!?
• Airbnb: May Home is one of Da Nang’s epic beachfront condos that is spacious, boasts modern design, has banging ocean views, and is a stone’s throw from the sand. It’s the whole package.

Best Time to Visit Da Nang

If you’re looking to spend most of your time on the beach, then March to August offers the best beach weather, with warm temperatures and clear skies. September to November sees heavier rain, and Danang can be downright miserable when it rains. And here, often when it rains, it POURS!

Winter months, on the other hand, are cooler and quieter but still offer perfect conditions to explore the city. If you’re anything like me, you’ll kinda enjoy the quieter vibes because Danang does heave in the peak tourist season.

5. Hue

Hue had to make the list because it just casually happens to be Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Here, history feels heavy, and there is plenty of depth and atmosphere. There are also some pretty epic things to see, like the abandoned water park that you can (sort kinda legally explore for a few thousand Dong paid to a guy manning the gate, and an old tiger fighting arena. Think Gladiator vibes but much smaller, and no tigers.

I also found myself slowing down and staying here a while, spending hours wandering tombs, citadels, and riverbanks. Hue isn’t flashy or fast-paced, but it’s one of the most culturally significant cities in the country. It rewards travellers who take their time, so relax, take it slow, and let the good times roll!

Best Things to Do in Hue

• Explore the Imperial Citadel with a guided tour to fully understand its scale and symbolism.
• Visit royal tombs by bicycle for a free and immersive experience.
• Take a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, especially near sunset.
• Join a Hue-specific food tour to sample regional dishes you won’t find elsewhere.
• Ride a motorbike along the Hai Van Pass on a guided day trip, one of the most scenic routes in Vietnam.

Where to Stay in Hue

• Hostel: Shark Hostel is pure backpacker energy. It’s social without trying too hard, easy to meet people, and run by staff who actually care about your experience. Nights turn into shared dinners, spontaneous plans, and memories that stick long after you leave.
• Hotel: Hue Sweethouse 1 Homestay in the heart of Hue feels like you’re staying with family. Warm hosts, genuine local insights, and a welcoming vibe make it truly unforgettable. It’s peaceful, personal, and perfect for travellers who want culture, comfort, and stories, not just a place to sleep.
• Airbnb: Private room in townhouse? Why not! A hop and a skip to the Perfume River, modern comforts, local bars and walking streets. What’s not to love?

Best Time to Visit Hue

February to April is the most comfortable period, with mild temperatures and low rainfall. The summer months are hot and humid. October and November often bring heavy rain and flooding, which can significantly impact travel plans.

6. Nha Trang

Nha Trang is all about that coastal life, for better or worse, and believe me, it’s a lot of fun! This is Vietnam’s most built-up beach city, unapologetically geared toward sun seekers, divers, and travellers who want lazy days followed by lively nights. There’s also a thriving hostel scene in Nha Trang for backpackers wanting to party and live it up at the beach.

I spent my time swimming most mornings, eating seafood with my feet in the sand, and hopping between islands just offshore. While it lacks the charm of places like Hoi An, the payoff is convenience, warm water, and a social atmosphere that’s easy to slip into. Nha Trang is honestly more about that beach town energy as opposed to more traditional places like Hue and Hoi An. But it was still a blast and a great place to access Da Lat from.

Best Things to Do in Nha Trang

• Island hopping and snorkelling tours are the main draw, with half and full day options available.
• Visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers for a dose of history and sweeping river views.
• Spend a free afternoon on Tran Phu Beach, especially early morning or near sunset.
• Explore local seafood markets independently to see daily catches.
• Try a mud bath experience at Thap Ba. Strange at first, but genuinely relaxing and unique to the area!

Where to Stay in Nha Trang

• Hostel: The Alley hostel is all about good vibes and making friends, with a lively yet welcoming energy to match. It’s the kind of place where beach days turn into bar crawls and new connections become solid mates. That’s hostel life for you!
• Hotel: Azura Gold Hotel & Apartment is all about standout comfort meets panoramic city and ocean views. The stylish, spacious vibe, coupled with warm service, makes it a home base you’ll actually look forward to returning to after beach days and island adventures.
• Airbnb: This epic sea view apartment is one for the books. You’ll be ooh’ing and aaah’ing all day long as you stare at the ocean and wonder how you got so lucky. Plus, there’s everything you need within walking distance. Talk about convenience!

Best Time to Visit Nha Trang

January to August is the best period, with hot temperatures and calm seas ideal for swimming and snorkelling. September is hit or miss, while October and November often bring heavy rain and storms that can disrupt boat trips. December marks the transition back to drier weather.

7. Da Lat

Da Lat feels like Vietnam’s pressure release valve. Cool temperatures, pine forests, and misty mornings make it feel worlds away from the rest of the country. After weeks of coastal heat and city humidity, arriving here felt refreshing.

I had my motorbike whilst here and honestly loved riding through the rolling hills, visiting coffee farms, and chasing waterfalls. Da Lat is a great spot for creatives, adventurers, and anyone craving fresh air and space. It’s slower, quieter, and one of the easiest places in Vietnam to hit that reset button. I ended up staying here in Da Lat longer than I expected, both times I’ve visited!

Best Things to Do in Da Lat

• Canyoning at Datanla Waterfall is the standout adventure and best booked with certified guides.
• Visit local coffee farms on a guided countryside tour and get your caffeine kick!
• Wander the Da Lat Night Market for cheap eats and people watching, completely free.
• Explore nearby waterfalls independently by motorbike.
• Visit the historic Art Deco Da Lat Train Station and take a ride on the vintage trains.
• Join an Easy Rider tour for a guided day trip through mountain roads and rural villages.

Where to Stay in Da Lat

• Hostel: Dalat Family Hostel feels like you’ve been adopted by the coolest, most welcoming crew in town, where genuine connections are the order of the day. It’s the perfect base for exploring Da Lat’s hills, markets, and waterfalls.
• Hotel: Dalat Wind Hotel is all about making you feel right at home in Da Lat’s cool mountain air. With warm service and a relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect retreat after days exploring waterfalls, forests, and winding highland roads.
• Airbnb: Garden bungalow feels like a rural escape in the heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful greenery, promoting those zen vibes. At the same time, it’s close to just about everything. Win, win?

Best Time to Visit Da Lat

November to March is the best time to visit, with dry weather and cool daytime temperatures. April is still pleasant. May to October is the rainy season, but misty mornings and fewer crowds add to Da Lat’s charm.

8. Ha Long City

Ending off the list is none other than Ha Long City. While the city itself isn’t the main event, it earns its place because it provides direct access to one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes, Ha Long Bay. This recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site is nothing short of absolutely spectacular! And staying here allowed me to experience Ha Long Bay early in the morning, before the cruise crowds rolled in.

While doing a day trip is epic, I would absolutely recommend hopping on a 3-day, 2-night cruise of the bay

Watching limestone karsts rise through the mist at sunrise felt surreal. The city is functional rather than charming, but if your priority is maximising time on the bay rather than treating it as a rushed day trip from Hanoi, Ha Long City makes sense. It’s a gateway city, but an effective one if used properly.

Best Things to Do in Ha Long City

• An overnight cruise (or multiple nights) through Ha Long Bay is the highlight!
• Visit Sun World Ha Long for cable car views over the bay.
• Walk the waterfront promenade at sunset for a free local experience.
• Explore nearby fishing villages on guided boat tours and visit a pearl farm.
• Kayaking through limestone caves is often included in cruise itineraries and is worth prioritising.

Where to Stay in Ha Long City

• Hostel: Lola’s House is legendary for its warm, family-style atmosphere that turns a simple stay into a full experience. Think shared meals, rooftop hangs, and genuine hospitality make it a must when visiting Ha Long.
• Hotel: Ha Long Essence Hotel is a standout choice in Ha Long Bay, with stunning water views and a vibe that is both energising and welcoming. It’s the perfect home base for cruising the bay, watching sunrise over the karsts, and starting every adventure with style and comfort.
• Airbnb: This modern high-rise apartment overlooking the bay had me hooked from the moment I saw the rooftop pool overlooking the bay. It’s also all the space and privacy you need before or after cruises.

Best Time to Visit Ha Long City

March to May and September to November offer the best balance of weather and visibility. Summer months can be hot with sudden storms, while winter is cooler and misty, atmospheric for photos but less reliable for clear views.

While public transport in Vietnam is often the preferred method of travel, renting a car is also a great option for moving between cities. It just gives you the freedom to move at your own pace and stop off wherever you want without being bound by travel schedules.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, hiring a motorbike is another super fun option, as it is the most common way for locals to move around!

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Here are some of the most commonly asked questions I get when it comes to the best cities to visit in Vietnam:

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Vietnam’s cities tell the country’s story better than anything else. Each one offers a completely different lens, from historic capitals to coastal playgrounds and mountain retreats. And living here taught me that Vietnam rewards curiosity and patience.

No two cities feel the same, and that’s exactly why exploring them is so addictive. Whether you’re here for food, history, beaches, or adventure, Vietnam has a city that will surprise you! And around every corner is a new sight, smell, and bowl of some form of rice noodles. I came here for the noodles and the cigarettes, and the cigarettes are done!

Safe travels! Soak it all up!