Vietnam for first-timers, beach lovers and nightlife seekers: Where to go?

Vietnam attracts travelers with its terraced rice fields, ancient historical sites, idyllic beaches and energetic cities. In a guide to the country’s top destinations, Lonely Planet highlights places suited to first-time visitors, adventure seekers, history enthusiasts and those looking for sun and nightlife.

The renowned magazine affirmed that Vietnam is a magnet for visitors in search of unforgettable travel memories.

Hanoi: Best for first-time visitors

Vietnam’s historic capital is an ideal starting point for first-time visitors, offering convenient infrastructure, affordable accommodation, diverse dining options and a wealth of historical attractions.

Hanoi also serves as a gateway to the limestone islands and outcrops of Ha Long Bay and the forested trails of the mountainous northwest.

Visitors can explore the city’s many attractions, sample Vietnamese street food and relax at cozy cafes in the Old Quarter.

For budget-friendly nightlife, Lonely Planet recommends the bia hoi (draft beer) stalls around Bia Hoi Junction on Ta Hien Street.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park: Best for underground adventures

Home to Son Doong, the world’s largest cave by volume, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam, is a major draw for adventure travelers.

Access to Son Doong is strictly controlled, with expensive guided expeditions that must be booked months in advance.

However, the park contains numerous other caves that visitors can explore by climbing, crawling, boating or zip-lining at a fraction of the cost.

Phong Nha, Paradise and Tu Lan caves offer options for travelers on tighter budgets, while En Cave provides a more adventurous experience, with trekkers able to camp on an underground beach illuminated by natural light.

Hue: Best for imperial history

The former capital of the Nguyen dynasty preserves much of Vietnam’s imperial heritage despite the destruction suffered during the war.

The Imperial Citadel and Imperial Enclosure feature the remains of royal residences, temples, palaces and court buildings. Outside the city, the tombs of former emperors sit amid green compounds along the Perfume River.

Hue’s royal culinary traditions are another highlight. Visitors can sample bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup, and banh khoai, a crispy pancake.

Lonely Planet recommends renting a motorcycle or scooter to explore the imperial tombs and stopping at Thien Mu Pagoda.

Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay: Best for less-crowded cruises

Travelers seeking quieter alternatives to Ha Long Bay can head to Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong City or Bai Tu Long Bay in Quang Ninh City, both in the north, where limestone formations and islands create similarly spectacular scenery but generally attract fewer cruise boats.

Activities include kayaking among the karst outcrops and hiking through Cat Ba National Park on Cat Ba Island, the gateway to Lan Ha Bay.

Bai Tu Long Bay also offers beaches and seafood restaurants on Co To Island, making it an option for travelers looking to combine coastal scenery with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Phu Quoc: Best for beaches and family fun

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam is known for its blue waters, sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

The island also caters to families, with attractions including VinWonders theme park and the overwater cable car at Sun World Hon Thom. Travelers looking for a break from the busy tourist areas can explore the island’s inland jungles.

Direct flights connect Phu Quoc with regional hubs including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul. Lonely Planet also notes that eligible visitors can stay on the island for up to 30 days without a visa under its separate visa-exemption policy.

Hoi An: Best for old-world charm

Hoi An in the central region offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s trading past. Once a major Asian port, the town attracted merchants from Japan, Spain and North America, whose influence can still be seen in its historic architecture.

Hoi An Ancient Town features traditional shophouses, former tea warehouses, covered bridges, Chinese-style assembly halls and colorful Confucian and Buddhist pagodas.

Beyond sightseeing, visitors can join cooking classes to learn how to make local dishes such as white-rose dumplings and summer rolls, or have suits and gowns tailored at the town’s shops.

For a different experience, travelers can head inland and spend a night at a community homestay in Bho Hoong, a Co Tu minority village.

Ha Giang: Best for mountain views

Ha Giang, now part of Tuyen Quang Province in northern Vietnam, offers remote mountain scenery, rural villages and winding roads through dramatic limestone peaks.

Travelers can hike to local communities, see rice terraces tucked between mountains and motor over some of Vietnam’s most spectacular passes to take photos on routes linking Ha Giang town with Dong Van and Meo Vac.

Those planning to ride a motorcycle or scooter should ensure they have the appropriate driving license. Alternatively, they can book a tour or hire a local guide to drive them through the region.

Ho Chi Minh City: Best for nightlife

Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced, frenetic and fun, particularly after dark, when the pavements transform into a mobile buffet of street food stalls and roadside bars.

The southern metropolis also offers a mix of cultural influences, historical landmarks and dining experiences. Visitors can learn about the country’s wartime history at the War Remnants Museum, explore colonial-era architecture and sample Vietnamese drip coffee at local cafes.

For a change of pace, travelers can take a trip to Tay Ninh Province to visit the Cao Dai Holy See, a major religious complex associated with the Cao Dai faith.

Central Vietnam’s beaches: Best for sunseekers

Vietnam’s central coastline offers beaches with different atmospheres, from lively resort areas to quieter stretches of sand.

Da Nang and Nha Trang attract package tourists with their beach facilities and coastal attractions. Nha Trang also features Cham-era ruins, Buddhist shrines and seafood restaurants.

For a more relaxed seaside escape, Mui Ne is known for kitesurfing and sandy coves, while Doc Let Beach offers an 18-kilometer stretch of sand and opportunities to enjoy seafood.

Travelers seeking quieter beaches can also explore the coast between Hue and Da Nang, including Thuan An Beach.

Ba Be National Park: Best for lakes and forests

Ba Be National Park in Thai Nguyen Province, northern Vietnam, offers forested mountain scenery, tranquil lakes and trails leading to villages inhabited by Hmong, Tay and Dao communities.

Visitors can explore the area on foot or take boat and kayak trips across lakes surrounded by forest-covered limestone ridges.

The park is also home to wildlife including macaques, langur monkeys, black bears, pangolins and crested serpent eagles.

For travelers hoping to experience rural life away from the main tourist routes, family-run guesthouses in Pac Ngoi village provide homestay accommodation. The village can be reached by bus from Hanoi.