Thinking of visiting Vietnam soon? Here are my unbiased recommendations of where to visit that will make your trip an unforgettable one.

1. Halong Bay

This destination is a definite must-see as its a UNESCO World Heritage site and undeniably the most prominent tourist destination in Vietnam. The incredible range of limestone mountains and karsts landscapes is simply breathtaking and is a historical landmark of the country. I recommend taking a private boat tour across Halong Bay, where you can view the various karsts, such as the iconic ‘Kissing Chicken Rock’ while in the comfort of the boat.

2. Ni binh boat tour

If you could only do one activity in Vietnam, this would be it. This tour was easily my favourite experience of my Vietnam trip and one I will truly never forget. The boat will take you directly into various caves, such as the Sang Cave, Nan Ruou, Toi Cave, etc. You will be able to view the caves up close and admire the stunning interior of the caves. The boat tour lasted 2 hours in total and it was such a peaceful experience with tons of photo opportunities. This tour is very worth it and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to visit Northern Vietnam.

3. Cat Cat Village

Want to avoid overly touristed locations and yearn to experience true Vietnamese culture instead? This village does just that as it offers a glimpse into the lives of the H’mong people, showcasing their ethnic dances, traditional food such as corn wine, etc. This location serves as an authentic cultural experience, where you will be immersed in their customs and practices. The views are also stunning, with paddy fields and a beautiful waterfall.

4. Fansipan

Located in Sapa, Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam and IndoChina, towering at 3143 meters above sea level. You can take a cable car up to the 2100m level where there is a huge Buddha statue. Afterwards, to go up to the peak, you can either travel by foot (600+ steps) or you could pay for the Funicular. I chose to go by foot and even though the journey was exhausting, the view from the peak was truly breathtaking and worth all the effort.

5. Cafes (Egg coffee!) 

Vietnam’s coffee does NOT disappoint and it is a must try. There are countless amounts of cafes lining the streets of Hanoi so you would be spoilt for choices. A more specific recommendation would be egg coffee, which is Hanoi’s speciality drink. The egg coffee is incredibly smooth, rich and the egg adds a distinct but unique flavour which you simply cannot miss!

From the friendly locals to the healthy and fresh food, I had a pleasant experience in Vietnam. I hope that my recommendations will aid you while planning your itinerary and that you will love Vietnam just as much as I do! Do share with me your experience in the comments 🙂