Where to go in Vietnam: Best places to visit

Vietnam is one of those destinations where choosing where to go can be harder than deciding whether to go.

Do you want buzzing city streets and incredible food?

A slower holiday surrounded by limestone mountains?

Beach days?

Old towns and lantern-lit evenings?

Or a little bit of everything?

Vietnam has all of it.

From Ho Chi Minh City's energy in the south to Hanoi's old-world charm in the north, there is a destination for almost every type of traveller.

And the best part?

You don't necessarily have to choose just one.

If you're planning a Vietnam holiday from Singapore, here are some of the places worth putting on your list.

1. Ho Chi Minh City – For Food, Energy & City Life

If you like your holidays with a little energy, Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to start.

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The city moves fast.

Scooters fill the streets, cafés are everywhere and food stalls tempt you at almost every corner.

You can explore Ben Thanh Market, visit historic landmarks, wander through different neighbourhoods or simply stop for Vietnamese coffee and watch the city go by.

It is also a good choice for travellers who want food to be a major part of their holiday.From pho and banh mi to Vietnamese coffee and local street food, there is plenty to discover.

Best for: First-time visitors, food lovers, couples and city explorers.

2. Hanoi – For History, Culture & Old-World Charm

If Ho Chi Minh City feels energetic, Hanoi offers a different side of Vietnam.

The capital has a more traditional feel, particularly around the Old Quarter, where narrow streets, local shops and cafés create a completely different atmosphere.

Take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the city's historic sites or spend an afternoon discovering Vietnamese food.

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Hanoi is also an excellent starting point if you want to explore some of northern Vietnam's most famous landscapes.

Best for: Culture lovers, history enthusiasts, foodies and first-time visitors.

3. Da Nang – For Beaches & Easy Family Holidays

Want a Vietnam holiday that feels a little more relaxed?

Look at Da Nang.

The coastal city combines beaches, mountains, sightseeing and easy access to nearby attractions, making it particularly appealing for families and travellers who don't want to spend their entire holiday rushing between cities.

You can enjoy time by the beach, visit the Marble Mountains or make your way to the famous Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.

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And because Da Nang sits between several popular destinations, it can work well as part of a wider Vietnam itinerary.

Best for: Families, couples, beach lovers and travellers who want a balanced holiday.

4. Hoi An – For Lanterns, Food & Slow Travel

Then there is Hoi An. This is where Vietnam slows down a little.

The ancient town is known for its colourful lanterns, historic buildings, riverside setting and relaxed atmosphere. Walking through the old streets in the evening is one of those experiences that feels very different from exploring a major city.

It is also a great destination for food lovers and travellers who enjoy cultural experiences.

If you're travelling as a family, Hoi An can give everyone a chance to take things slower after a few busy sightseeing days.

Best for: Couples, families, culture lovers and slow travellers.

5. Ha Long Bay – For the Scenery

Some destinations are about the atmosphere.

Others are about the view.

Ha Long Bay is definitely the latter.

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Its famous limestone islands rising from the water create one of Vietnam's most recognisable landscapes.

A cruise is one of the most popular ways to experience the bay, giving you the chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery rather than simply ticking another attraction off your list.

For families, couples and photographers, it can be one of the highlights of a Vietnam trip.

Best for: Families, couples, nature lovers and scenic escapes.

6. Nha Trang – For a Beach-Focused Getaway

If your idea of a holiday involves more beach time and less sightseeing, Nha Trang is worth considering.

The coastal city is known for its beaches and resort atmosphere, making it easy to build a more relaxed itinerary around swimming, food and time by the sea.

It can also work well for travellers who want to combine Vietnam's cultural experiences with a few days of downtime.

Best for: Beach lovers, families and relaxed holidays.

So, Which Part of Vietnam Should You Visit?

That depends on the kind of holiday you're looking for.

• For your first Vietnam trip: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
• For beaches: Da Nang or Nha Trang
• For culture and charm: Hoi An
• For dramatic scenery: Ha Long Bay
• For food: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
• For families: Da Nang, Hoi An or a combination of destinations

And if you're struggling to choose?

You don't necessarily have to.

One of the biggest advantages of Vietnam is that you can combine different experiences into one trip.

You could start with the energy of Hanoi, slow things down in Hoi An and finish with a few relaxed days by the coast.

The right combination simply depends on how much time you have and what you want from the holiday.

How Many Days Do You Need in Vietnam?

For a short getaway, 4–5 days can work well if you focus on one area or city.

With around 7 days, you have more flexibility to combine destinations without making every day a travel day.

If you have 10 days or more, you can start looking at a broader Vietnam itinerary covering different regions.

The key is not trying to see the entire country in one trip.

Vietnam is long, and travelling between regions takes time.

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A well-planned itinerary should give you enough time to actually enjoy each destination.

Plan Your Vietnam Holiday From Singapore

So, where should you go in Vietnam?

Maybe it's the street food and energy of Ho Chi Minh City.

Maybe it's Hanoi's historic charm.

Maybe it's the beaches of Da Nang, the lanterns of Hoi An or the scenery of Ha Long Bay.

Or maybe it's a combination of them all.

Whatever your travel style, Vietnam makes it surprisingly easy to build a holiday around what you actually enjoy.

 At Fayyaz Travels, we can help you put the pieces together — from flights and accommodation to transfers, sightseeing and customised itineraries.

Ready to discover your Vietnam way?

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Frequently asked questions

1. Where should I go in Vietnam for the first time?

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ha Long Bay are some of the most popular choices for first-time visitors. The best option depends on whether you prefer culture, food, beaches, scenery or a combination.

2. What are the best places to visit in Vietnam?

Some of the best-known destinations include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay and Nha Trang. Each offers a different experience, so combining two or more can create a more varied holiday.

3. Is Vietnam good for a family holiday?

Yes. Vietnam offers a mix of beaches, food, cultural experiences, sightseeing and outdoor activities, making it suitable for families with different interests and ages.

4. How many days do you need in Vietnam?

Around 5–7 days works well for a focused Vietnam holiday, while 10 days or more gives you more time to combine destinations across different regions.

5. Which part of Vietnam is best for beaches?

Da Nang and Nha Trang are popular choices for beach holidays. Da Nang is particularly useful for travellers who want to combine beach time with cultural and sightseeing experiences.

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6. Is Vietnam a good holiday destination from Singapore?

Vietnam is a popular short-haul option from Singapore, particularly for travellers looking for a mix of food, culture, sightseeing, beaches and value. It also offers enough variety for repeat visits.