North Vietnam offers tourists the excitement of Hanoi with its bustling streets, zipping motorbikes, and rich cultural and religious treasures. Hanoi is also an iconic starting point for many Vietnam vacations; it is the perfect gateway into highland villages such as Sapa. The remote villages in the Northern Highlands are situated in a complex natural environment which offers insight into the traditional lives of Vietnam’s smaller ethnic groups. Undeniably, a drive through villages of colorfully dressed tribespeople or hiking past stunning rice terraces are worlds apart from the hustle of Hanoi. 

Toward the South China Sea from Hanoi awaits the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. This beautiful bay is home to hundreds of limestone islands, fishing villages, and houses on stilts. Nearby is Ninh Binh (Ha Long Bay on Land in Tam Coc), which was recently added to UNESCO’s Natural Heritage list with its truly stunning scenery of limestone mountains.

Central Vietnam is equally rich in history. Here, the ancient Nguyen Dynasty ruled from the Imperial City of Hue. Further south is Hoi An, a principal trading port during the Champa Kingdom of the 7th century. Hoi An boasts fascinating cultural influences from China and Japan as the town was the dynamic commercial hub of its golden age.

Despite fast-paced developments, Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest metropolis, still hides architecture dripping with French colonial charm wrapped within chaotic streets. From north to south, there are many more iconic destinations that are definitely a must- visit in Vietnam.