Top Things to See in Vietnam:
A Guide to Hanoi, Sapa & Halong Bay
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
Beaches, breathtaking rice terraces, towering mountains, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! Discover the hottest destinations in Southeast Asia’s rising star.
Vietnam combines a fascinating culture, rich geography, stunning beaches, breathtaking rice terraces, and massive mountains — and it’s home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is among the most captivating, culturally rich, and beautiful countries in Asia. Now, with direct flights available, you can experience one of the most diverse and extraordinary nations on the planet.
Hanoi: A Lake in the Heart of the City
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of Far Eastern culture and Western urban life. Here, you’ll find countless street stalls selling local food and vendors wearing traditional conical hats, carrying their goods on bicycles — alongside massive shopping malls and dozens of Western brands everywhere you look.
The city’s culture is impossible to miss; even a short stroll down the street reveals the blurred boundaries between East and West. The main attraction is the large Hoan Kiem Lake, at the center of which stands a small pagoda. Around the lake stretches a lively urban park that is bustling at almost every hour of the day — especially in the early morning, when locals come to play badminton and practice tai chi.
Beyond its cultural charm, Hanoi is also a great place for bargain shopping. Street stalls are packed with affordable branded goods, many of which are manufactured right in Vietnam.
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Sapa: Breathtaking Rice Terraces
The charming village of Sapa is one of the most authentic and unique places Southeast Asia has to offer. It is best known for its stunning rice terraces that cascade down the mountainsides all the way to the valley below. Sapa sits atop the mountain, overlooking dozens of small indigenous villages scattered throughout the valley. The locals are descendants of Mongolian tribes, and upon arrival, you’ll immediately notice their distinct and beautiful facial features.
The people of Sapa are accustomed to visitors and are exceptionally welcoming. The area is very tourist-friendly — most locals even speak a fair level of English. Education is highly valued in this region of Vietnam, and many backpackers who arrive here choose to stay for several weeks or even a month and a half, volunteering to teach English to children in the local schools.
Sapa is not just a collection of lush green rice terraces; within a short drive, you’ll also find several spectacular and towering waterfalls that add even more charm to this magical destination.
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Two Villages That Offer Peace and Tranquility
The two villages of Tan Van and Y Linh Ho are located down the mountain from Sapa, and both offer homestay accommodations — but at a first-class level. Tan Van is a tiny village with just one school, yet it’s one of the most popular tourist spots in the Sapa region. You can reach it by renting a motorbike in Sapa and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way. The rice terraces of Sapa accompany you all the way down to the valley, where these two neighboring villages provide a peaceful retreat — a serene escape from the more touristy atmosphere of Sapa.
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
Halong Bay is recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and it truly lives up to that title. It’s one of the most breathtaking and unique landscapes you’ll ever see — a bay made up of hundreds of islands that are, in fact, towering limestone cliffs rising dramatically from emerald-turquoise waters.
According to local legend, these islands were created by an ancient dragon, and the bay was meant to protect Vietnam from sea invaders. There’s so much to explore in Halong Bay, and most travelers experience its beauty through a two- or three-day cruise. The waters here are calm and still, so you can rest assured you won’t suffer from seasickness — not even a hint of it.
The sunsets here look as though they were taken from another world — on certain days, they appear almost otherworldly. If you make your way to a high vantage point, you’ll truly grasp the magnificence of this place and check off one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World from your bucket list.
A Giant Stalactite Cave
Since we’re already talking about Halong Bay, one of its most famous attractions — and a site no visit to the bay is complete without — is its massive stalactite cave. Across the many islands scattered throughout the bay, there are numerous caves, but one in particular is open to the public and is especially easy to reach.
The cave was accidentally discovered by a local fisherman sailing through the bay. Inside, it’s illuminated with colorful lights, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Photography enthusiasts will love the consistent lighting, which provides perfect exposure for stunning, souvenir-worthy photos. Although the cave has been slightly altered by man-made walkways, transforming it from a raw natural wonder into a more accessible site, this takes nothing away from its breathtaking beauty.
Saigon: The Queen of Urban Life
Saigon, known locally as Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in Vietnam and the country’s economic capital. This vast metropolis, named after the general who unified the nation during the Vietnam War in the 20th century, lies in southern Vietnam and is one of the busiest cities in all of Southeast Asia. How busy? Crossing the street — even at a crosswalk — can feel nearly impossible amid the hundreds of motorbikes swarming the roads.
Compared to its northern sister, Hanoi, Saigon is far more urbanized and modern. The city has a rich and turbulent history: during the Vietnam War, it served as an American stronghold until it was taken by the North Vietnamese army. The War Remnants Museum offers a fascinating and emotional look into this chapter of history, as does the Reunification Palace, which holds great symbolic value. Regardless of your age or travel style, both are must-visit sites that reveal the deep culture and powerful stories behind this city.
Beyond its history, Ho Chi Minh City is also one of the liveliest destinations in Southeast Asia, famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, buzzing energy, and endless charm.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels were one of the most extensive wartime infrastructures during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. This vast underground network stretches for nearly 300 kilometers (186 miles)! The tunnels were built and operated by the Viet Cong fighters from the northern division, who used them as a base of operations before the unification of Saigon.
Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a heritage site open to visitors, offering guided tours that provide detailed explanations about the daily lives of the soldiers, their ingenious combat tactics against American forces, and the eventual unification of Vietnam. Beyond the guided tour, visitors can crawl through sections of the tunnels to experience the conditions firsthand, simulate battle situations, and explore a grand temple dedicated to General Ho Chi Minh, revered as one of Vietnam’s most outstanding leaders.
The Floating Market in the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, located near Ho Chi Minh City, is a vast and fertile region where the mighty Mekong River, which originates high in China’s Himalayas, empties into the sea. This area is filled with lush rice fields, authentic villages, and small towns. The entire region exudes a calm, peaceful atmosphere — a sense of serenity that seems to embrace every traveler who arrives here.
Many visitors to the delta embark on a river cruise that typically lasts one or two days, during which they visit local villages and the famous floating market in the town of Cai Be. The market is made up of hundreds of boats selling all kinds of goods, including colorful tropical and exotic fruits. To advertise their produce, vendors hang samples from tall poles on their boats — a creative “floating display window.” On the riverbank stands an impressive cathedral, adding a unique cultural charm to the scene.
Because this area attracts many tourists, it’s essential to stay alert and beware of pickpockets and petty theft while visiting.
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Final Thoughts
Vietnam is a land of contrasts — a place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with rapid modernization, and where breathtaking natural wonders meet bustling urban energy. From the tranquil rice terraces of Sapa to the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City, every corner of the country offers something unique and unforgettable.
Whether you’re exploring mystical caves in Halong Bay, wandering through Hanoi’s charming old quarters, or cruising along the serene waters of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam will capture your heart with its warmth, colors, and authenticity. It’s a destination that invites you not only to see, but to feel — to connect with its people, its stories, and its timeless beauty.
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