Vietnam destination guide

Compare 12 regions by stay length, weather, transport and travel style.

Vietnam’s capital built around Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, French Quarter and West Lake; strong for walking, cafés and street food.

Southern gateway for District 1 landmarks, markets, cafés, rooftops and day trips toward the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi.

Central-coast base for My Khe Beach, the Han River, Son Tra Peninsula and Marble Mountains, combining beach time with city sightseeing.

Heritage town of lantern-lit streets, the Thu Bon River, beaches and cycling routes through nearby rice fields.

Coastal city for the urban beach, island trips, mud baths and Po Nagar Cham Towers.

Island base for beaches, southern-island boat trips, cable-car attractions and the Duong Dong night market.

Mountain destination for terraced rice fields, villages, trekking and Fansipan.

UNESCO-listed seascape best explored by licensed cruise or day boat; weather can affect sailings.

Former imperial capital centred on the Citadel, royal tombs and Perfume River.

Karst-and-river landscape for Trang An, Tam Coc and Hang Mua viewpoints.

Highland city known for cool weather, Xuan Huong Lake, gardens, cafés and waterfalls.

Mekong Delta hub for Cai Rang floating market, Ninh Kieu Wharf and river travel.