Vietnam's capital city, which dates back over 1000 years, is steeped in history, with streets going back to the 14th century in its meandering Old Quarter. You'll be transported back in time as you stroll through these tree-lined streets past decaying colonial buildings. 

Today's Hanoi, on the other hand, is much more than a throwback to the past. Modern cafés, world-class restaurants, and hip art galleries are bringing new life to the historic city. When the sun sets, you may choose from a variety of drinking establishments, including refined rooftop bars and bustling beer bars.Try the street food: For a true taste of Hanoi, head to the Old Quarter's street cooks.

• Try the street food: For a true taste of Hanoi, head to the Old Quarter's street cooks.

• Take a stroll in the Old Quarter

• Take a look at the café culture in Hanoi.

• Take a look at the art scene: The country's most important collection, including ancient Cham antiquities and impressionist paintings, is housed at the exquisite Fine Arts Museum.

• Join the locals at Hoan Kiem Lake.

Hoi An

Hoi An is the most picturesque city in Vietnam, with much of antique buildings still standing. The old town area is a delight to explore, with well-preserved merchant buildings dating back to Hoi An's 15th-century trade centre heyday, when the town was a significant meeting point for Japanese and Chinese merchants who flocked here for the native silks.

Many of the ancient merchant homes have been exposed to the public, allowing you to get a sense of what life was like back then. Tan Ky House, built in the 17th century and featuring outstanding architectural and ornamental characteristics, is the greatest.

• Get lost in the Old Town

• Farms and fishing boats deliver fresh-picked vegetables, seafood, herbs, and fruit to the markets daily

• Cycling around the countryside

• Go to the beach

• My Son is awe-inspiring: My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 40 kilometers south of Hoi An

Hue

This city was formerly the imperial capital of Vietnam, and much of its fascinating history can still be found here. The Imperial City is encircled by the Citadel, which serves as the focal point. 

Unfortunately, most of it was destroyed by American bombs during the war, but there is still enough to give you a sense of the city's past glory. Hue is also known for its fiery food, so try some of the city's take on classic Vietnamese meals. It's also included in Culture Trip's custom-designed small-group Vietnam tour.

• Learn about Vietnam's Imperial Dynasty

• Eat as if you're a king.

• Investigate the city's Buddhist origins.

• The rice paddies are a great place to go for a bike ride.

• Examine colonial history once more.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc – far down in the south of Vietnam – is great for slipping into low gear, grabbing for a seashore drink, and toasting a copper sun as it lowers into the sea. Surrounded by turquoise waters and rimmed by the type of white-sand beaches, Phu Quoc will make sun-seekers collapse to their weak knees.

Grab a bike and tackle the red-dirt roads if you want to take it up a notch: the island is quite tight, with stretches of natural, unspoiled rainforest amid some recent, less tranquil additions (a Vietnamese version of Disneyland and the world's longest oversea cable car, for example).

• Take a look at Phu Quoc's Beaches.

• Riding a motorcycle around Phu Quoc

• Visit Phu Quoc Night Market

• Take the Phu Quoc Cable Car to the island of Phu Quoc

• Watch starfishes

• Snorkelling or scuba diving

Dalat

Dalat was previously chosen as a summer resort by Vietnamese emperors and French colonials due to its year-round temperate weather and exquisite beauty of misty valleys, abundant pine trees, and colorful flowers. 

This lovely village in Vietnam's South Central Highlands is becoming a favorite resort for honeymooners, weekend vacations, and those seeking escape from the heat.

Outside of the city, there are beautiful lakes, flower gardens, plantations, and mountains with beautiful waterfalls and hiking and mountain bike paths. The Valley of Love, a breathtakingly gorgeous valley with pine woods and lakes where travellers may go pedal boating and canyoning, is a must-see.

• Take a walking tour: The city of à Lt revolves on Xuân Hng Lake. Nearby, the central market's stalls are brimming with fresh flowers and vibrant foods. Churches, art-deco hotels, and the attractive train station all feature colonial architecture.

• Play a round of golf with your friends

• Hike, cycle, or go waterfall-hunting

• Get a taste of the local coffee culture

• Take a train ride

Ha Long

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's most picturesque places, with 1,600 limestone spires soaring from its blue seas.

Only a few kilometers away, Bai Tu Long Bay has the same jaw-dropping splendor but only a fraction of the visitors. Explore uncrowded caverns and secluded beaches while feasting on super-fresh, delectable seafood.

Boat cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay, like those to Halong Bay, depart from the packed port in Halong City. According to locals, they are similar to those found in Halong Bay.

• Take a trip around the bay

• Visit a floating village

• Go for a paddle in a kayak

• Crawl into a cave

• Make an attempt at rock climbing

Conclusion

As you can see, Vietnam has a wealth of amazing locations to visit and things to do! It’s impossible to run out of where to go in Vietnam.

While this post just touches the surface of the amazing locations to visit in Vietnam, it unquestionably covers almost all of the must-see destinations to include on your Vietnam tour! Have you been to Vietnam before? What is your favourite destination in Vietnam to visit?