Where to Go in Vietnam: A Complete 2026 Destination Guide

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, featuring Hanoi's 36 ancient trade streets, Da Nang's modern beach lifestyle, and Saigon's 9 million people compressed into a country roughly the size of New Mexico. After relocating from Minneapolis to Da Nang for retirement, I have had the opportunity to explore much of this beautiful country over several years. Here is my honest assessment of where to go based on what you are looking for in 2026.

Northern Vietnam: Mountains and Culture

Hanoi

The capital city rewards those who take time to get beyond the tourist highlights. Yes, the Old Quarter is fascinating with its 36 ancient streets each dedicated to a specific trade, but the real charm lies in the quieter neighborhoods where daily life unfolds at a gentler pace - morning tai chi by Hoan Kiem Lake, egg coffee in hidden alleyways, street food vendors perfecting single dishes over generations.

Budget at least 3-4 days, more if you appreciate history and food. Hanoi has layers that reveal themselves slowly, and rushing through misses the point entirely.

Sapa and the Northwest

The terraced rice fields around Sapa rank among Asia's most spectacular landscapes. Visit during harvest season (September-October) for golden terraces cascading down mountainsides, or in spring for the planting season's flooded paddies reflecting the sky. The ethnic minority villages - Hmong, Dao, Tay - offer cultural experiences increasingly rare in modernizing Asia.

Multi-day treks with homestays provide the deepest experience. The town itself has become touristy, but the surrounding countryside rewards those willing to walk.

Ha Long Bay

Despite the crowds and overtourism concerns, Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts rising from emerald waters remain genuinely awe-inspiring. The scale is difficult to comprehend until you are there - over 1,600 islands and islets creating a seascape that feels otherworldly.

For a less touristy experience, consider Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay instead of the main Ha Long routes. Same geology, fewer boats, more authentic fishing village atmosphere. Book quality cruises rather than budget day trips - the experience difference justifies the cost.

Central Vietnam: History and Beaches

Da Nang

My adopted hometown offers the perfect balance of beach lifestyle and modern convenience. The city has invested heavily in infrastructure - clean streets, good hospitals, reliable utilities - making it one of Vietnam's most livable cities for expats and retirees. The beach is beautiful, the food scene keeps improving, and the cost of living remains reasonable despite development.

Da Nang works as a base for exploring the region. The airport connects to everywhere, Hoi An is 30 minutes south, Hue 2 hours north, and the Marble Mountains provide culture without leaving the city limits.

Hoi An

Just 30 minutes south of Da Nang, Hoi An's ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that lives up to its reputation. The tailoring shops where you can have custom suits made in 24 hours, the riverside restaurants spilling onto the waterfront, the lantern-lit streets at night - it creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Vietnam.

Stay overnight to experience Hoi An after the day-trippers leave. The evening transformation when lanterns illuminate and locals reclaim the streets is the real magic.

Hue

The former imperial capital offers a different kind of beauty, with its massive citadel, elaborate royal tombs, and refined cuisine that reflects centuries of court influence. Hue deserves more than a quick day trip - the atmosphere is contemplative, the history deep, and the food scene distinctive.

Allow at least two nights to appreciate the imperial city properly.

Southern Vietnam: Energy and Islands

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam's largest city pulses with energy around the clock. The food scene is incredible - every cuisine imaginable represented, from street stalls perfecting single dishes to innovative restaurants pushing Vietnamese cuisine forward. The historical sites - War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels - provide essential context for understanding modern Vietnam. The entrepreneurial spirit is palpable everywhere.

Saigon is not for everyone. The heat, traffic, and intensity exhaust some visitors. But for those who thrive on urban energy, it is intoxicating.

Phu Quoc

This island off the southwest coast has developed rapidly, transforming from backpacker secret to full-fledged resort destination. Options now range from budget bungalows on quiet beaches to luxury resorts with infinity pools overlooking stunning sunsets. The water is warm, the seafood fresh, and the pace as relaxed or active as you choose.

Development has impacted the island's character - this is no longer off-the-beaten-path - but the beaches remain beautiful and the snorkeling and diving are excellent.

Mekong Delta

The river delta region offers a glimpse into agricultural Vietnam that the cities cannot provide. Floating markets, fruit orchards, rice paddies stretching to the horizon, and a pace of life connected to seasonal rhythms rather than urban schedules. Day trips from Saigon touch the surface; overnight stays reveal more depth.

Planning Your Route for 2026

Most first-time visitors follow the classic north-to-south route, spending 2-3 weeks covering major destinations by a combination of flights and overnight trains. This works but risks superficiality - you see everything without experiencing anything deeply.

For a more rewarding approach, focus on one region and explore it thoroughly. Two weeks in central Vietnam - Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and side trips - provides deeper understanding than racing through the entire country. You can always return for other regions, and Vietnam rewards return visits with layers you missed the first time.