Best Places to Visit in Vietnam on Your Next Holiday

Vietnam is one of those countries that sneaks up on you. You think you’re going for a few beaches or a cultural trip, but the moment you land, you realise it’s a world wrapped in layers. From towering limestone cliffs, floating markets, and lantern-lit streets to war history and street food that makes you weak in the knees and people who welcome you with warmth.

If you’re looking for Vietnam packages from India, here’s a guide to the best places you shouldn’t miss. Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or as a family, this country has something for every traveller.

1. Hanoi: The Old Charm and New Energy

The capital city of Hanoi is a lively blend of the old and new. The Old Quarter is where most travellers start; it’s packed with French colonial buildings, street vendors selling pho, and little shops selling everything under the sun.

Don’t miss Hoan Kiem Lake, especially in the morning when locals come out for tai chi. The Temple of Literature is another gem, a quiet corner that showcases Vietnam’s academic and cultural history. Hanoi feels chaotic at first, but spend a couple of days here and you’ll see its rhythm is infectious.

2. Ha Long Bay: The Natural Wonder

If there’s one place that instantly makes you realise why Vietnam is special, it’s Ha Long Bay. Imagine sailing on emerald waters surrounded by thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically out of the sea. It looks like something straight out of a fantasy film.

The best way to experience Ha Long Bay is on an overnight cruise. You’ll kayak into hidden lagoons, explore caves, and wake up to misty mornings with cliffs all around you. For many travellers, the bay ends up being the highlight of their Vietnam holiday.

3. Sapa: The Hills and Rice Terraces

For a completely different side of Vietnam, head north to Sapa. Here, the mountains stretch endlessly, covered with terraced rice fields that look unreal when the sun hits them. Trekking in Sapa takes you through villages of ethnic minority groups like the Hmong and Red Dao, where you can see traditional life up close.

The cool mountain air, combined with the hospitality of the local people, makes Sapa one of the most authentic experiences in the country. It’s a little effort to get there from Hanoi, but completely worth it.

4. Hoi An: The City of Lanterns

Hoi An is the kind of place that feels like a postcard come alive. At night, the old town glows with colourful lanterns hanging over its narrow streets. During the day, you can cycle to nearby rice paddies or relax at An Bang beach.

The town is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, with well-preserved buildings that tell stories of its trading past. Don’t forget to get something tailored here, as Hoi An is famous for its custom-made clothes at surprisingly affordable prices.

And of course, the food here is unforgettable. Try the local dish called cao lau, which is only found in Hoi An.

5. Da Nang: The Modern Vibe

Da Nang often gets skipped because travellers rush from Hue to Hoi An, but it deserves attention. The city has a mix of beautiful beaches, modern bridges, and cultural spots. A quirky highlight is the Dragon Bridge, which literally erupts into flames on weekends.

Nearby, the Marble Mountains and the famous Golden Bridge (yes, the one held by giant stone hands) make for great day trips. It’s a wonderful base if you want a modern city experience with quick access to both cultural and natural sites.

6. Hue: The Imperial City

For history lovers, Hue is a must. Once the capital of Vietnam, it’s packed with palaces, pagodas, and tombs of emperors. The Imperial City, with its walled fortress and gates, gives you a glimpse into the country’s royal past.

A boat ride on the Perfume River adds to the charm, and the food here has its own distinct flavour, often described as “imperial cuisine”. Hue is slower than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but that’s what makes it special; it feels like stepping back in time.

7. Ho Chi Minh City: The Buzzing Metropolis

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the economic heart of Vietnam. It’s fast-paced, full of energy, and has a skyline that keeps growing taller every year. But the charm lies in its contrasts; you’ll find luxury malls sitting next to traditional markets and rooftop bars overlooking historic French architecture.

Don’t miss the War Remnants Museum if you want to understand the country’s difficult past, and the Cu Chi Tunnels just outside the city for a firsthand look at the underground world used during the war.

At night, the city comes alive with endless street food stalls, buzzing night markets, and live music spots.

8. The Mekong Delta: Life on the Water

The Mekong Delta is all about rivers, canals, and floating markets. Life here revolves around water, and the best way to experience it is by boat. Cai Rang floating market is one of the biggest, where vendors sell everything from fruits to noodles straight from their boats.

It’s slower, greener, and feels worlds apart from the chaos of big cities. Spending a night here in a homestay is highly recommended to soak in the peaceful side of Vietnam.

9. Ninh Binh: Ha Long Bay on Land

Often called the “inland Ha Long Bay”, Ninh Binh has limestone cliffs, rivers, and lush green paddies, but instead of sailing on the sea, you row through narrow waterways. The Trang An boat tour is especially stunning; it takes you through caves and past temples hidden among the karsts.

Ninh Binh is less crowded compared to Ha Long Bay, making it a great option if you want the beauty without the big crowds.

Planning Your Vietnam Trip

The beauty of Vietnam is how much variety it packs into one country, from mountains and beaches to history and food that will ruin all other versions of pho you’ve ever had. Many Indian travellers are now choosing Vietnam as a holiday destination because it’s budget-friendly, visa-friendly, and has a little bit of everything.

If you’re looking at Vietnam packages from India, you’ll find options that cover all the highlights mentioned above, often at very reasonable prices compared to Europe or other Asian destinations. Even if you’re starting specifically with Vietnam packages from Delhi, you’ll see plenty of choices with flights, accommodation, and sightseeing bundled together.

Recommended Travel Partner

There are many ways to plan your Vietnam holiday, you could do it yourself, hop between cities, and figure it out on the go. But if you want the comfort of a well-organised trip without worrying about logistics, going with a reliable travel company makes a big difference.

This is where Thrillophilia comes in. Their Vietnam itineraries are well thought out, covering both the famous attractions and some offbeat gems. What I’ve noticed in their trips is a good balance—enough structure so you don’t miss out, but also free time to explore at your own pace. They also have strong local connections, which means smooth transfers, good guides, and support if anything doesn’t go as planned.

Plenty of travellers already share positive Thrillophilia reviews, especially about how seamless their trips feel. And after seeing how well they handle destinations like Dubai and Singapore, it makes sense why Vietnam has become one of their most popular routes.

If Vietnam is on your radar, I’d recommend checking out their packages before booking elsewhere. It saves you from the stress of piecing everything together and lets you focus on what really matters, soaking in the landscapes, culture, and food of this incredible country.

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