Ten most scenic towns in Vietnam as named by The Travel

Da Lat, Hoi An and Sapa are three of the 10 most scenic towns in Vietnam voted by Canadian travel site The Travel.

"Being the capital, it’s not surprising that Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s most-visited cities alongside Ho Chi Minh and Ha Long. This metropolis is jam-packed with attractions that cater to tourists of varied tastes. However, it’s not alone in that distinction," it wrote.

According to the travel site, there are other Vietnamese cities and towns as alluring as the capital. "They offer endless opportunities for nature lovers, history buffs, foodies, and those who want to get active. Hilly, forested, and bordered by the sea to its east, Vietnam won’t disappoint travelers."

Da Lat

Da Lat, also called Vietnam's ‘Little Paris’, in Lam Dong province is the most charming town on any tour of Vietnam's Central Highlands.

"There’s a lot to take in in Da Lat, a city known for its lack of traffic lights. Tourists visiting this destination will be amazed to see how a city without stoplights can be peaceful - no traffic jams and hot-headed drivers. Its location in the highlands is perfect for a countryside escape," The Travel commented.

It noted "even though it is charming, it is one of the most overlooked places in Asia, according to CNN. Its downtown is already filled with surprises, more so when tourists explore its natural wonders, from Dambri Falls to Xuan Huong Lake. Da Lat is not too much for curious wanderers."

In January, Da Lat is one of five destinations to visit in Vietnam for Tet - Lunar New Year holiday, according to Booking.com, a global travel site.

In December, the town was on the list of Asia's 18 most underrated destinations tapped by CNN Travel's network of colleagues and contributors.

"With its fresh mountain air and pine forests in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Da Lat is a popular destination for local Vietnamese that isn't as well known among international travelers," the news channel wrote.

Hoi An

"The ancient town of Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s World Heritage Sites, praised by UNESCO for being an “exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port," The Travel wrote.

It suggested "Walking along this picturesque town is like literally stepping back in time. The city is one big playground for Instagram savvies as its colorful structures, and charming architecture offer endless snap opportunities. One of the top attractions is the Japanese Bridge, and museums await history buffs."

"Tourists can also rent bikes to get the most out of Hoi An, a place straight out of a picture book," it added.

In January, Hoi An ranked second in TripAdvisor's list of the world's 25 most trending destinations in 2023.

In July, the ancient town in central Vietnam was ranked 20th in Travel + Leisure readers' list of 25 best cities in the world for their mix of culture, food, and friendliness. Previously, in 2019, the magazine honored Hoi An, a UNESCO-recognised heritage site in Quang Nam province, as "the best city" in the world.

"Hoi An is a charming city with ancient roots, distinct architecture, a contagious energy, and arguably one of the best street food scenes on the planet. Most importantly, Hoi An is home to friendly people who are eager to share the best their city has to offer," Travel + Leisure commented on its website in July 2019.

Sapa

Sapa, a mountainous resort town in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, is one of northern Vietnam's top tourist attractions.

"Sapa (also spelled as Sa Pa) is one of the only spots in Southeast Asia where it snows, but whatever the season, this town welcomes visitors. It is also known for its terraced rice fields, a picture-worthy scenery that equals that of Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines," the travel site described.

"Located in a valley, Sapa is enveloped by hills and mountains, and it looks magical when misty or foggy. When tourists reach any of the peaks, they’ll have commanding views of the valley, elated to see a piece of heaven on earth," it added.

The climate of Sapa is cool all year round with unique indigenous imprints, including the culture of the two ethnic minorities in Sapa, namely the Mong and the Dao, combined with the European architectural space.

Last November, Sapa was named among Asia's 10 new winter wonderlands beyond Nepal by The Travel. In 2019, Sapa ranked sixth in the top 10 most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia by Rough Guides.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, about 95 kilometers from Hanoi's center, is home to the UNESCO world cultural and natural heritage site Trang An Landscape Complex.

Early February, the northern province was ranked seventh in the list of 10 world's most welcoming regions this year at the 11th annual Traveller Review Awards of travel site Booking.com.

"Not many tourists reach Ninh Binh, a tiny northern city but big on natural wonders. Dubbed “Ha Long Bay on Land,” its riverine landscape, matched with lush mountains make it an oasis," The Travel gushed.

It said: "A paddleboat tour is a must-try, and one of the attractions tourists will appreciate while afloat is the World Heritage Site of Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex. The landscape is so relaxing that while the boat snakes the river, tourists will almost reach zen. In Ninh Binh, even stolen shots look heavenly."

Last July, Ninh Binh was listed by Travel + Leisure among 12 coolest Asian film locations to visit. The U.S. travel site credits the listing to the province being a filming location for the 2017 blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island.”

"As the largest production ever shot in Vietnam ($190 million), Kong: Skull Island demanded filming locations as expansive as the budget. Trang An, Van Long and Tam Coc (Ninh Binh province), the iconic Ha Long Bay, and the entrance of the Tu Lan Caves were all featured," it noted.

Danang

The Travel commented that "What makes this coastal city tourist-friendly is its location near three World Heritage Sites: My Sơn Sanctuary, Hội An, and the Imperial City of Hue. Da Nang is the one."

Danang, a tourism hub in central Vietnam, boasts the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. The Golden Bridge in the central city has topped a list of the new wonders of the world by the U.K.’s Daily Mail newspaper.

"Da Nang or Danang welcomes those who want to make a splash with the pristine waters of the East Sea of Vietnam. This port city is home to the white-sand beach of My Khe that complements the blue sea, the cerulean sky, and the greenery of Son Tra Mountain," it noted.

In August, Danang, "a culinary powerhouse with an array of palate-pleasing delights", was listed among 18 great group trip locations, according to Travel + Leisure.

"The night market stalls overflow with fresh-hauled seafood, and the fragrant aroma of bun cha ca (noodles with fish balls) fills the air outside the cafes. Besides mouth-watering food, there are sandy beaches, the Marble Mountains, the Ba Na Hills, and the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort for a swish group stay," Lindsay Cohn wrote on the U.S. travel site.

Mui Ne

Mui Ne is the tourist center of Phan Thiet town in south-central Vietnam, known for beautiful beaches.

"Those who can’t get enough of beautiful Vietnamese beaches should head to the resorts of Mui Ne. Not only will they savor the pristine shores of this fishing town, but they can also explore its expansive dunes," The Travel wrote.

"This tropical destination is all about fun under the sun, with kite- and windsurfers challenging its playful waters while trekkers collect sand between their toes. The dunes in this coastal destination are colored red or white, but wherever tourists walk, they’ll have a satisfying outdoor escape," it added.

Tuy Hoa

Tuy Hoa is a town of the south-central province of Phu Yen. According to the The Travel, it’s always glowing in Tuy Hoa because it is the “city of oil lamps and braziers.”

"In the daytime, this provincial capital is splashed with sunlight, an enticing prospect for those who want to span the over the six-mile coastline of the Da Rang River. At nighttime, the fun never stops when the oil lamps lighten up the streets and alleys, luring tourists to paint the town red," it wrote.

"From its pristine shore to the bustling core, the charming Tuy Hoa won’t disappoint tourists of varied tastes," the travel site added.

Hue

Hue, home to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO heritage site in central Vietnam, "is a sightseer’s paradise and, in turn, an Instagram-savvy’s studio for the perfect snaps."

"For starters, it has a majestic citadel with its streak of colors inspiring tourists. Its riverbanks and hills will make trekkers busy, while pagodas, mansions, and markets will interest strollers. Foodies will also enjoy the city’s world-class flavors, which they can start savoring in Dong Ba Market," The Travel described.

"It Indeed, the hues of Hue are for everybody."

In October, Azerai La Residence in the former imperial capital of Hue has been voted among the 10 best hotels in Southeast Asia by readers of U.S. travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler.

The hotel ranked fourth in the magazine's Readers Choice Awards 2022, after The Athenee Hotel in Thailand's Bangkok, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok.

Phan Thiet

Phan Thiet, a town of Binh Thuan province, is located 200 kilometers north of HCMC, making it one of the easiest beach destinations to access.

"Phan Thiet is another top beach destination in Vietnam for serene beachcombing and worry-free sightseeing," The Travel wrote.

According to the Canadian travel site, "Co Thach is a white-sand beach where rocks abound, perfect for those who enjoy rummaging. Meanwhile, those who want to be away from the crowds can charter a boat to the charming Cu Lao Cau or Phu Quy islands."

"Another must-see destination is the Fairy Stream, a place of stalactites that do not need any fairies to be magical. Indeed, the fun never stops in Phan Thiet."

Ha Giang

Ha Giang is a province in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam, about 320 kilometers from Hanoi. It is one of Vietnam’s “Frontier Areas,” so those exploring this province are assured of superb natural wonders.

"Lying by the pristine Lo River, its capital city, also named Ha Giang, is a tiny pocket of urbanity in a landscape dominated by ruggedness. The city is the gateway to all things grand in the province and where adventures start," it said.

"Whether tourists want to hike to test their legs or join a motorbike journey, Ha Giang won’t disappoint them and might leave them wanting more," The Travel noted.