Top Places to Travel in Vietnam: A 2026 Insider's Perspective

The top 8 places to travel in Vietnam in 2026 include Hoi An (ancient trading port with monthly lantern festivals), Ha Long Bay (limestone karsts rising from emerald waters), Hanoi's Old Quarter (36 ancient streets with exceptional coffee culture and street food), Phong Nha-Ke Bang (home to Son Doong, the world's largest cave), and underrated gems like Dalat's highland retreat and Con Dao's pristine islands. Having lived in Vietnam for several years now, I've moved beyond the typical tourist highlights to discover places that offer deeper, more meaningful experiences.

The country continues to evolve, with new destinations opening up while classic spots maintain their appeal. For expats and digital nomads considering Vietnam, explore our guide to Da Nang for insights on one of the best cities for long-term living.

The Must-Visit Classics

Hoi An

This ancient trading port deserves every bit of its reputation. The combination of perfectly preserved architecture, exceptional food, riverside ambiance, and genuinely friendly locals keeps drawing me back month after month. I live just 30 minutes away in Da Nang, and I still find excuses to visit weekly.

Visit during the monthly full moon festival when the Old Town turns off electric lights and illuminates entirely by lanterns and candles. The atmosphere is magical. For a deeper experience, take a basket boat ride in the coconut palm forest or cycle through the surrounding villages where farmers still tend rice paddies by hand.

Ha Long Bay

The limestone karsts remain genuinely spectacular, rising dramatically from emerald waters. Yes, it's touristy, but some places earn their fame for good reason. The key is booking a quality cruise that explores beyond the most crowded areas - Bai Tu Long Bay to the north sees fewer boats and offers equally stunning scenery.

Kayaking through hidden lagoons at dawn, when mist still clings to the karsts, makes the entire trip worthwhile. Budget at least two nights on the water to truly appreciate the bay's scale and beauty.

Hanoi's Old Quarter

The capital's historic heart rewards patient exploration. Don't rush through - spend days wandering the 36 ancient streets, each traditionally dedicated to a specific trade. The coffee culture here is exceptional, with egg coffee shops hidden in narrow alleyways, and the street food scene is arguably Vietnam's finest.

Wake early for tai chi by Hoan Kiem Lake, then lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets. The best experiences come from simply following your nose and curiosity.

The Underrated Gems

Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Home to Son Doong, the world's largest cave, this national park offers adventures ranging from easy cave tours to multi-day underground expeditions. Even if you can't secure (or afford) Son Doong permits, the Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave are genuinely impressive. The surrounding karst landscape is otherworldly.

Stay in the town of Phong Nha itself, where excellent hostels and homestays have created a backpacker paradise with a community feel that's increasingly rare in Vietnam.

Dalat

Vietnam's highland retreat offers cool weather that feels almost European, French colonial architecture slowly being reclaimed by nature, and stunning flower gardens. The surrounding area has waterfalls, coffee plantations, and silk factories worth exploring. The local coffee is exceptional - this is where much of Vietnam's arabica is grown.

Con Dao Islands

Once a notorious French prison colony, these remote islands now offer pristine beaches, excellent diving, and fascinating dark history. The prison museum is haunting but essential. Sea turtles nest here, and the diving rivals anywhere in Southeast Asia. Getting here requires effort, which keeps the crowds away.

The Foodie Destinations

Hue

The former imperial capital has refined its cuisine over centuries, creating Vietnam's most distinctive regional food culture. Royal dishes developed for emperors sit alongside vegetarian Buddhist food perfected in local pagodas. Bun Bo Hue, the spicy beef noodle soup, is transcendent here - nothing elsewhere compares.

Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon's incredible diversity shows in its food scene, from legendary street vendors who've perfected single dishes over decades to innovative modern restaurants pushing Vietnamese cuisine forward. The street food tours here cover more ground than you could in months of solo exploration.

Planning Tips for 2026

Avoid major holidays - Tet (late January/early February) and summer school holidays - when domestic tourism peaks and prices triple. The shoulder seasons of March-April and September-November offer the best combination of weather and manageable crowds. Book popular experiences like Ha Long cruises and Son Doong expeditions well in advance, but leave room for spontaneity elsewhere. Vietnam rewards those who wander.