A trip to Vietnam isn’t just a vacation, it’s a journey into a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet fast-growing cities. Every landscape and every corner of Vietnam tells a different story.
From the colorful chaos of Hanoi to the peaceful rice terraces of Sapa, from the emerald bays in the north to the tropical beaches in the south… Vietnam offers unforgettable scenery and experiences!
You’ll find friendly people, delicious food, and affordable prices, making it a destination for everyone.
When to go: the best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam’s climate varies a lot from north to south but is mainly tropical and influenced by monsoons. Here’s a general breakdown depending on the area:
- North (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): cooler climate. Winters (November to April) are dry; summers (May to October) are hot and humid
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): dry from February to August; heavy rains between September and November
- South (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong, Phu Quoc): warm all year round with dry season from December to April
If you plan to visit the whole country, the best time to go is from February to April, when the weather is generally good everywhere.
Top 10 places to visit in Vietnam
Choosing only 10 spots in such a fascinating country is hard—every corner deserves to be explored. But here’s our list of must-sees:
Hanoi
The capital is the perfect starting point to dive into the local culture. In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll find a maze of narrow streets, buzzing motorbikes, and mouth-watering street food stalls.
Don’t miss Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Hanoi is also the ideal base for day trips to Sapa or Halong Bay.
Halong Bay
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its limestone islets rising from emerald-green waters. Treat yourself to a cruise, even overnight, to admire the stunning scenery, visit caves and floating villages. Adventurous types can also explore the rock formations by kayak.
Halong Bay is without doubt one of the most iconic destinations in Vietnam.
Sapa
This mountain town in northern Vietnam is surrounded by rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. A perfect spot for trekking through green landscapes and discovering local culture.
You’ll meet Hmong and Dao minorities living in colorful traditional villages.
Sapa has a cool climate year-round, with cold winters, ideal for nature lovers and authentic travel experiences.
Ninh Binh
Often called “the inland Halong Bay,” Ninh Binh is magical with its limestone cliffs, ancient temples, and boat rides through lush rice paddies and natural caves.
Take a rowboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc, climb to the Hang Mua viewpoint for a breathtaking view, and visit the postcard-perfect Hoa Lu temple complex.
Hue
The former imperial capital still has a regal atmosphere.
Its Citadel, home to the Forbidden City and the Nguyen dynasty tombs, is another UNESCO site.
The city is crossed by the Perfume River, which turns golden at sunset, perfect for a romantic stroll.
Hoi An
Possibly the most charming city in Vietnam. Its beautifully preserved Old Town is famous for colorful lanterns that light up every evening.
Hoi An is also known for its talented tailors who can craft custom outfits in just a few hours, and for its delicious local dish, Cao Lau, reminiscent of Japanese ramen.
Looking for some beach time? An Bang Beach is just a short ride away.
Da Nang
A modern city on the central coast with white sandy beaches and amazing temples. It’s the perfect mix of culture and relaxation.
Check out the Marble Mountains, Dragon Bridge, and the famous Golden Bridge held up by giant hands, ideal for your Instagram feed!
Da Nang is also a great base for visiting Hoi An or the My Son Sanctuary.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
This vibrant, cosmopolitan city is Vietnam’s economic hub. You’ll find a mix of skyscrapers, lively markets, and French colonial architecture.
Must-sees include the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market.
It’s also the starting point for trips to the Mekong Delta or the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Mekong Delta
Rivers, canals, floating villages… the Mekong feels like a magical world from a fairy tale.
A boat tour is the best and most fascinating way to explore the area.
Floating markets, coconut plantations, stilt houses, you’ll experience Vietnam’s rural life up close and enjoy southern cuisine.
Phu Quoc Island
If your ideal vacation includes sea and relaxation, Phu Quoc will win you over.
This tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand has white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts.
Between swims, you can go snorkeling, visit pepper farms or fish sauce factories… or simply unwind in one of the many spas.
Top 10 experiences not to miss in Vietnam
- Ride a cyclo through Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Enjoy a freshly made Pho at a local food stall
- Walk across the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills
- Take a Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An
- Trek among the rice fields in Sapa
- Explore Halong Bay’s caves by kayak
- Visit the vibrant floating markets in the Mekong Delta
- Travel overnight by train from Hanoi to Hue
- Relax with a traditional massage or spa treatment
- Swim in the turquoise waters of Phu Quoc
How to stay connected in Vietnam: internet options abroad
Staying connected in Vietnam is a must. It helps you translate signs, book tickets, skip lines, check Google Maps and read restaurant reviews so you avoid tourist traps.
What are the main options for getting internet in Vietnam?
- International roaming: activated by your usual provider. Convenient, but expensive and limited in data
- Local SIM cards: available at airports or in local phone stores, but setup and registration can take time
- Vietnam eSIM: the most convenient solution. Buy it before your trip and get flexible, affordable plans
Why choose a Vietnam eSIM?
You can organize your data plan before leaving, and activate the eSIM as soon as you arrive—no roaming fees, no hassle.
No need to swap your physical SIM. eSIM technology is built into the latest smartphones and lets you install a data plan by simply scanning a QR code.
Before buying, make sure your phone is compatible, check our list of supported devices.
At eSIM.sm, you can buy your virtual SIM in just a few clicks.
Go to the dedicated Vietnam eSIM page, pick the plan that fits your needs, and complete your purchase.
You’ll instantly receive a QR code to scan (or follow the manual setup). Just activate it when you arrive and enjoy fast, reliable internet.
Useful tips for traveling in Vietnam
- Cash is still the most common payment method. Always carry some Vietnamese dong—higher-end places may accept cards
- Traffic is hectic, especially in big cities—be careful when crossing the street!
- Street food is tasty and mostly safe. For peace of mind, stick to stalls with lots of locals
- Mosquitoes can be annoying in tropical areas—repellents are highly recommended
- Avoid tap water, and drink only sealed bottled water
- Not every place has strong WiFi, especially in rural areas—another great reason to get an eSIM!
