International Magazine Votes 5 Most Beautiful Cities In Vietnam

Vietnam is a country known for its incredible beauty, and with some of the most stunning cities in Southeast Asia, it’s no wonder why travelers are eager to explore this diverse and vibrant nation. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to the hidden beaches of Nha Trang, there are countless breathtaking sites to discover throughout Vietnam.

Photo: Screenshot

Before starting your trip to Vietnam, visitors need to apply for an entry permit. The easiest way to get permission to legally enter Vietnam is to apply for a Vietnam e-visa. Normally, an e-visa will allow a single entry and stay within 30 days from the time the visa is valid. The application process is simple and there is no need to visit the embassy in person.

Visitors simply fill out an online form, pay the processing fee and receive their approved electronic visa (eVisa) via email. The process of declaring eVisa information only takes a few minutes and the door to Vietnam tourism has opened.

1. Ho Chi Minh City

Photo: Kayak

Vibrating with energy, innovation, and traffic – lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC's dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past as well as its future.

Home to its rich cultural history, Top Ho Chi Minh is known for its vibrant markets, traditional food, and architectural wonders. Visitors may take a cooking class to experience the national cuisine firsthand, explore the Old Quarter by taking a tour of its ancient streets, or visit the many beautiful monuments around town.

Photo: Kevin & Amanda

For those looking to explore the highest points in Top Ho Chi Minh City, there are bike rides along the backstreets and to nearby villages, river cruises to take in the skyline from the water, or hikes up Lake Mountain for views across the city.

Ho Chi Minh City has consistent temperatures year-round, and the weather is generally warm. Heatwaves hit the city from April to May, welcoming the rainy season from May to November. Slightly cooler temperatures emerge in December and January.

2. Dalat

Da Lat is a must-see for any traveler looking for an authentic Vietnamese experience. This charming mountain town is full of green valleys, winding lakes, and diverse wildlife. Known for its temperate climate and lush landscape, Da Lat has become one of the country’s leading tourist destinations.

Photo: Saphir Dalat Hotel

In the midst of the breathtaking nature of Lam Vien Highlands, outdoor enthusiasts will definitely be thrilled by various activities like zip lining across the Datanla waterfall, climbing Lang Biang, and camping at Cu Lan village. It’s a perfect escape from the hectic city life by laughing out loud in front of the waterfall, feeling joyful after conquering the mountain, and gathering around the campfire.

At year-end, visitors can enjoy the Dalat Flower Festival. It takes place biannually around Xuan Huong Lake, showcasing thousands of flower species from many regions of the country as well as neighboring countries. Besides, there are plenty of interesting activities like street marching, group weddings, and wine festivals.

Da Lat boasts a variety of architectural styles – from classic French colonial to modern-day architecture – all of which can be seen as you explore the city’s streets and cafés. Da Lat’s colorful markets and delicious street food offer some of the most delectable cuisines found throughout Vietnam.

3. Hanoi

Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Wandering these tree-lined lanes past crumbling colonial facades will transport you back in time. However, today's Hanoi is about much more than in the past. The ancient city is being invigorated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and cool art galleries. When the sun goes down, you have your pick of watering holes, from sophisticated rooftop bars to buzzing beer.

Photo: Brown Eyed Flower Child

Hanoi is a vibrant city in Vietnam full of life, from busy alleyways to heritage sites. Hanoi stands out due to its mix of traditional Vietnamese culture while embracing modern times.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers visitors a peek into Hanoi life as it has been for centuries, with winding streets filled with street vendors, old temples, and locally owned businesses. Hanoi’s most spectacular sights include the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple, Hoa Lo Prison, a former French prison converted into an iconic tourist attraction, and Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Hanoi Lake.

4. Nha Trang

Photo: Vinpearl

Perched on a pristine stretch of the southern coast, Nha Trang is a playground for sunseekers. Days here are spent dining on delicious seafood, snorkeling around stunning islands, and partying on the sand after dark. Nha Trang lays claim to some of the country's finest luxury resorts and thrilling watersports. Despite the development boom, colorful fishing villages and serene riverside restaurants are just a stone's throw away.

Nha Trang is a coastal city in South Central Vietnam. It is one of the most stunning and popular resort cities in the country and features miles upon miles of beach, jungles, and rainforest intermixed with rich culture.

Its crystal blue waters and pleasant climate make Nha Trang a popular destination for adventurers looking to explore the country. There is plenty to do in Nha Trang: visitors can take boat tours to explore nearby islands, tour ancient Cham temples, or relax by one of Nha Trang’s many popular beaches.

The rainy season in Nha Trang takes place from September to December, but the southern coast is less prone to heavy storms than its northern counterparts. In fact, Nha Trang gets the most sunshine in the country, meaning travelers can arrive at any time of year and still enjoy their coastal visit.

5. Hoi An

Photo: Salt in our hair

Hoi An is a provincial city with an area of about 63.55 square kilometers. It is located in the downstream area of Thu Bon River in the coastal plain of Quang Nam Province. It is 28 kilometers away from Da Nang City to the Southeast and about 50 kilometers away from Tam Ky City to the Northeast. Thanks to its location, Hoi An possesses both ecological and geographical diversity.

The beautiful Hoi An Old Town, located by the river, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of over 1,000 years of combined culture. Hoi An is host to a range of cultural attractions, including wooden Chinese houses, old-fashioned tea shops, and ancient pagodas.

Hoi An offers the perfect balance between city life and nature – you can explore the streets during the day and admire Hoi An’s abundance of ancient temples at night.

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