Best Places to Visit in Vietnam: Top Destinations | 2025 Guide

Discover the best places to visit in Vietnam, from iconic Ha Long Bay to hidden gems like Phong Nha. Plan your perfect Vietnamese adventure.

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Destination: Vietnam
best places to visit in vietnam

Vietnam captivates travelers with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. Finding the best places to visit in Vietnam can be overwhelming with so many incredible destinations to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to misty mountains in the north, ancient towns in the center, or tropical beaches in the south, Vietnam offers diverse experiences for every type of traveler. As we move into 2025, Vietnam continues to evolve as a premier travel destination in Southeast Asia, with both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path gems waiting to be explored.

 Can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam – that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain.

Graham Greene

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate Vietnam’s most spectacular destinations, providing insider tips and practical advice to make your Vietnamese adventure unforgettable. From the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the terraced rice fields of Sapa and the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve curated the ultimate list of must-see locations for your Vietnam travel bucket list.

Ha Long Bay UNESCO site, one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for natural beaut

Image: Aerial view of Ha Long Bay with limestone karsts rising from emerald waters

Northern Vietnam: Mountains, Culture, and Natural Wonders

If you think Vietnam is just beaches and banh mi (don’t worry, we love both), wait until you head north — where misty mountains meet ancient traditions, and the landscapes look like something out of a fantasy film.

This region is where Vietnam’s soul really sings — in the quiet rhythm of rice terraces, the surreal beauty of Ha Long Bay, and the warm welcomes from ethnic minority villages tucked away in the hills. Whether you’re a sunrise chaser, culture nerd, or trekking enthusiast, Northern Vietnam has that main character energy you won’t forget.

And pro tip: having a Gohub eSIM means you can hike, cruise, and wander freely — while still staying connected (and posting those unreal views in real time). Let’s dive in!

Ha Long Bay – Vietnam’s Breathtaking UNESCO Showstopper

Let’s be real: Ha Long Bay isn’t just famous — it’s legendary. The moment you lay eyes on those limestone towers rising from emerald waters, you get it. It’s surreal. Like floating through a dream where dragons once danced (Vietnamese legends say so!).

Must-Do Experiences in Ha Long Bay:

  • Overnight Cruise – Trust me, waking up to sunrise over the bay while sipping hot coffee on the deck? Chef’s kiss.
  • Sung Sot Cave (“Surprise Cave”) – Yep, it lives up to the name. Giant chambers, jaw-dropping formations — you’ll feel like Indiana Jones.
  • Kayaking Through Hidden Lagoons – Paddle your way into peaceful corners boats can’t reach. Bonus: secret beaches!
  • Ti Top Island Viewpoint – Short hike, epic payoff. The 360° views of the bay are next level.
  • Floating Villages – A chance to meet local fishing communities living atop the sea. It’s humbling, eye-opening, and beautiful.
Person kayaking through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, surrounded by towering limestone karsts

Image: Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Insider Tip:
Visit in March–April or September–October — mild weather, fewer crowds. Winter can be foggy, summer’s hot and stormy. If you want those crystal-clear shots? Go shoulder season.

📱 Travel smarter:
Ha Long Bay is stunning — but patchy in cell coverage. Grab a Gohub eSIM before your trip for stable data (no roaming fees!) to navigate, snap & share, or translate menus on the go.

Sapa – Terraced Dreams in the Clouds

Imagine this: crisp mountain air, endless rice terraces cascading like green velvet, and the soft chatter of local hill tribes as you hike past water buffalo. That’s Sapa. It’s Vietnam’s northern gem — rugged, real, and ridiculously photogenic.

Lush green tea plantations and rolling hills in misty Sapa, Vietnam, showcasing the region’s scenic highland landscapes and terraced fields

Image: Lush green tea in Sapa

Top Things to Do in Sapa:

  • Trekking Through Rice Terraces – Trails range from breezy to beast mode. Either way, every step = a postcard moment.
  • Fansipan Peak – Whether you conquer it on foot or glide up via cable car, standing on the “Roof of Indochina” is a proud moment.
  • Ethnic Village Visits – Meet the H’mong, Red Dao, and Tay people. Learn their stories, try local food, maybe even learn a few phrases!
  • Homestay Experience – Ditch the hotel, stay with a family. Cook together, share tea, and soak in Sapa’s soul.
  • Cat Cat Village – Yes, it’s touristy — but still adorable. Waterfalls, traditional crafts, mountain views. Worth the wander.

Insider Tip:
Visit from September to November for golden harvest views, or May to August for lush green landscapes. Bring layers — mountain weather loves a mood swing!

📶 Stay connected in the wild:
Sapa may feel remote, but you don’t have to be off the grid. With a Gohub eSIM, you’ve got reliable data in your pocket for GPS, translation, and uploading those misty mountain Reels

Image: Terraced rice fields in Sapa with ethnic minority villagers in traditional dress.

Hanoi – The Soul of Vietnam, Steeped in Stories

Hanoi isn’t just Vietnam’s capital — it’s the country’s beating cultural heart. Every corner hums with history: ancient temples, mossy alleyways, echoes of French architecture, and the buzzing motorbike symphony that somehow just works.

It’s chaotic in the best way — where you can sip egg coffee in a hidden courtyard café, then stumble upon a 1000-year-old temple the next block over.

Must-Experience Hanoi Highlights:

  • Old Quarter Wandering – Get wonderfully lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where each street tells a story (and possibly sells noodles, silk, or souvenirs).
  • Hoan Kiem Lake – Watch tai chi at sunrise, then cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple and learn about the mythical turtle and the magic sword.
  • Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university from 1070. Peaceful, scholarly vibes. Great photo ops.
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – A powerful visit. Dress respectfully, and feel the history.
  • Water Puppet Theater – Yes, it’s touristy. But also charming, strange, and very Vietnamese.

Image: Hanoi highlights

Insider Tip:
Early mornings are gold — peaceful lake strolls, quiet cafés, and the city waking up with rituals older than the buildings. And in the evening? Head straight to street food heaven. Try bun cha and thank us later.

📶 Gohub travel hack:
Navigating Hanoi’s winding alleys can get confusing fast. Having a Gohub eSIM means instant access to Google Maps, Grab (ride-hailing), and Translate — no roaming, no stress.

Ninh Binh: “Halong Bay on Land”

If Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s drama queen (in a good way), then Ninh Binh is her poetic, introverted sister. Nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on land,” it trades ocean for endless rice paddies — but keeps those jaw-dropping limestone karsts.

Bé still remembers drifting through a cave in Trang An, the oar silent, the cave echoing like a cathedral… then popping out into sunlight surrounded by soaring cliffs. Magic.

scenic spots in Vietnam ninh binh best places to visit in vietnam

Image: Ninh Binh

Must-See Ninh Binh:

  • Trang An Grottoes – A peaceful boat ride through misty rivers and secret caves. Feels straight out of a Studio Ghibli film.
  • Tam Coc – Similar boat vibe, but the rowers use their feet. Yep. Talent and core strength in action.
  • Hang Mua Peak – 500 steps. A bit of a burn. But wow, the panoramic view from the top? Worth every drop of sweat.
  • Bai Dinh Pagoda – Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex. Epic architecture meets serene vibes.
  • Cuc Phuong National Park – Jungle trails, ancient trees, and endangered primates. Great for nature nerds.

Insider Tip:
Skip the day trip — stay a night in a riverside homestay. Sunrise fog over the paddies? Unreal. And once the crowds leave, it’s just you, the birds, and the breeze.

📶 Don’t go offline out here:
Ninh Binh’s beauty is remote, but with a Gohub eSIM, you can still stream your sunset time-lapses, book rides, and check opening hours — without Wi-Fi hunting or roaming charges.

Central Vietnam: Ancient Stories & Coastal Soul

This stretch of Vietnam is where history meets horizon. Think golden beaches, imperial citadels, glowing lanterns, and mind-blowing cave systems — all wrapped in the kind of laid-back vibe that makes you wanna stay “just one more day.”

Central Vietnam offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and coastal ease. You’ll walk through thousand-year-old temples one moment, then chill by the beach with a coconut in hand the next. Here’s where to go, what to do, and how to soak it all in.

Hoi An – Where Time Slows Down & Lanterns Light the Way

Step into Hoi An, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a living painting. The yellow-walled streets of this UNESCO-listed town glow with history — and at night, the lanterns take over. It’s romantic, atmospheric, and hands down one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for culture lovers.

Must-Do in Hoi An:

  • Stroll the Ancient Town – A mash-up of Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture, all somehow peacefully coexisting.
  • Lantern-Lit Nights – After sundown, the town glows in soft hues. Full moon nights? Absolute magic.
  • Tailor Time – Get a custom outfit whipped up in 24 hours. Seriously. Red carpet ready.
  • Cooking Class & Market Visit – Chop, sizzle, and sauce your way through a Vietnamese dish you’ll crave forever.
  • An Bang Beach – Rent a bike and escape to white sands and chill cafés.

Insider Tip:
Plan your visit during the Full Moon Lantern Festival — the lights go off, the candles float, and the vibe is straight-up fairy tale.

📶 Travel tip:
Wanna navigate like a local or post your new ao dai fit right away? A Gohub eSIM gives you instant internet to book bikes, translate menus, and upload lantern-lit selfies — no roaming blues attached.

Hoi An ancient town with colorful lanterns, one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for cultural experiences

Image: Hoi An Ancient Town at night with colorful lanterns

Phong Nha-Ke Bang – Vietnam’s Wild Underground Kingdom

For adventure junkies and nature nerds, Phong Nha is the holy grail. Home to the world’s largest cave, ancient jungle, and boat-access-only grottos, this place is both wild and wonderful.

Top Things to Do in Phong Nha:

  • Paradise Cave – 31km of jaw-dropping formations. You’ll say “wow” at least 47 times.
  • Phong Nha Cave by Boat – Float through an underground cathedral of limestone art.
  • Dark Cave Adventure – Ziplining, mud baths, and pure fun. Wear quick-dry clothes!
  • Son Doong Expedition – Only for the bold (and booked far in advance). It’s life-changing.
  • Jungle Treks – Spot rare monkeys, butterflies, and prehistoric trees.

Insider Tip:
March to August = best weather for cave access. The dry season keeps things safe and spectacular.

📱 Stay smart out there:
Cell signal can drop fast in the caves and forest, but your Gohub eSIM has you covered — perfect for downloading offline maps, contacting guides, or flexing your dark cave zipline vid in real time.

Interior view of Phong Nha-Ke Bang Cave in Vietnam, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and dramatic limestone formations illuminated by soft lighting.

Image: Interior view of Phong Nha-Ke Bang Cave

Da Nang – Coastal Chill Meets Urban Spark

With golden beaches, mountain views, and sleek city vibes, Da Nang is Vietnam’s modern playground. It’s the kind of place you come for a night — then stay a week.

Best Things to Do in Da Nang:

  • My Khe Beach – Long, clean, and laid-back. Forbes once called it one of the world’s best beaches.
  • Marble Mountains – Spiritual caves and secret tunnels tucked into marble peaks.
  • Golden Bridge – You’ve seen the photos: a golden walkway held up by giant stone hands. Surreal IRL.
  • Dragon Bridge Fire Show – Friday–Sunday nights, this bridge breathes literal fire. Bring your camera.
  • Son Tra Peninsula – Jungle hikes + rare red-shanked doucs (adorable endangered monkeys!).
Golden Bridge best destination to visit in vietnam

Image: Golden Bridge

Insider Tip:
Base yourself in Da Nang and day-trip to Hoi An, Hue, or the My Son ruins. The train to Hue? Coastal views for days.

📲 Pro move:
Stay flexible and connected with Gohub eSIM — book tickets, check bus times, and post your fire-breathing dragon pics without worrying about hotel Wi-Fi.

Hue: Imperial Heritage

If Hoi An is whimsical, Hue is royal. This former imperial capital is all about dynasties, temples, and soulful food. Less flashy, more profound — Hue is the place where Vietnam’s past still whispers.

historical sites in Vietnam hue best place to visit in vietnam

Image: Hue Imperial Citadel

Hue Highlights:

  • Imperial Citadel – A vast walled city once home to emperors. It’s moody, majestic, and must-see.
  • Royal Tombs – Lavish and peaceful, each tomb tells a different emperor’s story.
  • Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s spiritual icon, perched over the Perfume River.
  • Dong Ba Market – Bustling and gritty. Come hungry. Leave with spices and stories.
  • Perfume River Cruise – A calm float through Hue’s historic core, best at sunset.

Insider Tip:
Hue’s cuisine is legendary — refined, balanced, and full of royal flair. Don’t leave without trying bun bo Hue and banh khoai. Your taste buds will send postcards home.

📱 Connect like a royal:
Need Google Translate to decode the local menu? A Gohub eSIM keeps you linked up — even in the quiet corners of imperial tombs.

bun bo Hue

Image: Bun bo Hue

Southern Vietnam: Vibrant Cities and Tropical Paradise

If the north is poetic and the center is soulful, then the south is electric. This is where Vietnam hits the gas — neon nights, street food chaos, tropical beaches, and scooters weaving like dancers in a freestyle jam. From the modern madness of Ho Chi Minh City to the island calm of Phu Quoc, the south delivers bold flavors and unforgettable contrasts.

Ho Chi Minh City: Urban Energy and History

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest city and economic powerhouse, offering visitors a dynamic mix of history, culture, and modern development. It’s one of the best cities to visit in Vietnam for those seeking urban excitement.

Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City:

  • War Remnants Museum – Emotional, intense, and essential for understanding Vietnam’s past.
  • Cu Chi Tunnels – Crawl (literally) through history in the underground network used during the war.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral – French colonial elegance, still standing strong amid the chaos.
Notre Dame Cathedral to visit in hcm city
  • Ben Thanh Market – Souvenirs, snacks, and sensory overload — in the best way.
best place to visit in HCM city
  • Bitexco Tower Skydeck – For epic sunset views over a city that never sleeps.
Ho Chi Minh City skyline at night, featuring illuminated skyscrapers and the Saigon River reflecting city lights during sunset in Vietnam

Image: Ho Chi Minh City skyline at night

Insider Tip:
Don’t sleep on the city’s coffee scene. From egg coffee in vintage apartments to sleek third-wave cafés with slow-drip contraptions — Vietnamese coffee culture is an experience in itself. Bonus points if you sip while people-watching on a sidewalk corner.

📱 Navigate the hustle with ease:
Need to call a Grab, find a rooftop bar, or look up the difference between cà phê sữa đá and bạc xỉu? A Gohub eSIM keeps you connected instantly, so you’re never lost (unless you want to be).

Image: Ho Chi Minh City skyline at night with Landmark 81

Mekong Delta – River Rhythms & Floating Markets

This is Vietnam at its most organic — slow mornings on muddy rivers, sampan boats gliding past banana groves, and life unfolding on water like a floating stage. Nicknamed “Vietnam’s rice bowl,” the Mekong Delta is where the pace slows, the smiles get wider, and every turn brings something unexpected.

What to Do in the Mekong Delta:

  • Cai Rang or Cai Be Floating Markets – Boats packed with pineapples, coconuts, noodles — and even coffee vendors! It’s chaotic, colorful, and charming.
cai rang floating market- best places to visit in vietnam
  • Village Hopping by Boat – Cruise tiny canals shaded by palms and stop to chat with locals over tea and homemade sweets.
  • Rice Noodle Workshops – See how Vietnam’s famous bún is made, then try rolling some yourself.
  • Cycling in the Countryside – Flat terrain + friendly locals = perfect for exploring by bike.
vinh trang pagoda best places to visit in viet nam my tho

Insider Tip:
Start your day before the sun — floating markets are buzzing from 5–6 AM, and by 9, the boats start heading home. Bring your camera and your caffeine fix (don’t worry, there’s coffee on the river 😉).

📱 Stay smooth & searchable:
Whether you’re using Google Maps on a backroad, translating local phrases, or uploading that floating-market drone shot, Gohub eSIM gives you reliable signal in the most remote river bends.

Phu Quoc – Island Days, Sunset Nights

If you’ve been craving that postcard-perfect beach escape, Phu Quoc delivers. White sands. Turquoise waters. Hammocks strung between palms. Oh — and fresh seafood that tastes like it just jumped off the boat.

But beyond the resorts, this island’s still got that raw charm — jungle trails, quiet fishing villages, and vibrant local life if you know where to look.

What to Do in Phu Quoc:

  • Sao Beach – Powder-soft sand and waters so clear it feels filtered IRL.
  • Island-Hopping & Snorkeling – The An Thoi archipelago is a coral lover’s dream.
  • Trek Phu Quoc National Park – Explore the lush green heart of the island.
  • Fish Sauce Factories – Learn why this pungent liquid gold is a Vietnamese kitchen staple.
  • Phu Quoc Night Market – Feast on grilled squid, sea urchin, and all the seafood skewers your stomach can handle.

Insider Tip:
November to March is prime time — clear skies, calm seas, perfect swimming. Don’t forget to pack reef-safe sunscreen and a healthy appetite.

📲 Your digital travel buddy:
Island Wi-Fi can be patchy, but with a Gohub eSIM, you’ve got high-speed data to book tours, navigate trails, and post that dreamy sunset in real time.

🍜 Planning a foodie stop in Vietnam?
Then don’t skip our roundup of must-try Vietnamese dishes — seriously, you’ll want to screenshot that list and show it to every street vendor you meet.
(You’re welcome 😉)

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Vietnam

If you’ve ticked off the big names and crave something quieter, more intimate, and way more “local-vibes-only,” Vietnam’s lesser-known corners are waiting to wow you. Fewer crowds, deeper connections, and scenery that’ll leave your jaw somewhere in the South China Sea.

Lan Ha Bay – Halong’s Laid-Back, Low-Key Sister

Just south of the iconic Ha Long Bay lies Lan Ha Bay, a peaceful slice of paradise with the same dramatic limestone cliffs — but none of the cruise ship chaos. Think emerald waters, hidden beaches, and quiet fishing villages where time slows down.

This is where you go to float, breathe, and actually hear the sound of the sea.

Top Experiences in Lan Ha Bay:

  • Kayaking in Hidden Lagoons – Glide through calm waters into tucked-away coves you’ll have all to yourself.
  • Cat Ba Island – Trek through Cat Ba National Park, spot wild langurs, or chill on beaches far less crowded than the mainland.
  • Rock Climbing on Limestone Karsts – Epic views + adrenaline + pro guides = unforgettable.
  • Visit Floating Villages – Meet locals who’ve lived their entire lives on the water. Genuine, humbling, and beautiful.
  • Snorkeling Adventures – Clear, calm waters perfect for spotting coral and tropical fish.

Insider Tip:
Book a combo cruise that includes both Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay. You’ll get the iconic spots plus the secret serenity. Bonus: sunset in Lan Ha is next level.

📲 Stay connected in this quiet corner:
Even off the beaten path, you can stay effortlessly online with a Gohub eSIM — perfect for navigating Cat Ba hikes, messaging your homestay host, or sharing your secret lagoon location (or not, if you wanna gatekeep it 😉).

Lan Ha Bay hidden gem with fewer tourists, one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for tranquil experiences

Image: Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay with limestone karsts

Mai Chau: Peaceful Valley Retreat

Mai Chau, a picturesque valley about four hours from Hanoi, offers a peaceful alternative to the more touristy Sapa, with similar beautiful rice fields and ethnic minority villages.

Tucked in a quiet valley just four hours from Hanoi, Mai Chau is the kind of place where the air smells like rice fields and wood smoke, and the loudest sound you’ll hear is a cowbell in the distance.

Less famous than Sapa, but just as stunning, Mai Chau is home to the White Thai ethnic minority, who welcome you into their stilt houses like old friends. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply real — and honestly, that’s the magic.

🏡 What to Do in Mai Chau:

  • Stilt House Homestays – Sleep in traditional wooden houses, eat home-cooked meals, and wake up to mist rolling through the fields. Pure peace.
  • Biking Through the Valley – No traffic, just scenic flat roads winding through rice paddies and bamboo groves.
  • Trek Pu Luong Nature Reserve – A nearby gem with terraced hills, waterfalls, and sleepy villages tucked in green folds.
  • Watch Traditional Weaving – Local women create beautiful handwoven textiles — and yes, you can shop straight from the source.
  • Chieu Cave (“Afternoon Cave”) – A climb of 1,000 steps rewards you with sweeping valley views that’ll leave you breathless (in all the right ways).
Chieu Cave for climbing lover

Image: Chieu Cave

Insider Tip:
Stay overnight for a true local experience — sunset over the valley is dreamy, but sunrise from a stilt house balcony? Life-changing. Visit in late May or September for vibrant green or golden rice fields.

📶 Offline but not off-grid:
Mai Chau’s remote charm doesn’t mean digital silence. With a Gohub eSIM, you can still use Google Translate to chat with your host, map your cycle route, or post your sunset pic without relying on spotty Wi-Fi.

Con Dao Islands – Vietnam’s Wild & Whispered Secret

Once a place of exile, now a paradise of escape — the Con Dao Islands are where Vietnam keeps her most untouched beauty. Floating off the southern coast, this archipelago is still blissfully under the radar, making it one of the most pristine beach destinations in the country.

Come for the solitude, stay for the soft sand, coral reefs, and echoes of history in the island air.

🌊 Best Things to Do in Con Dao:

  • Dam Trau Beach – Possibly the most beautiful beach you’ve never heard of. Quiet, golden, and perfect for long, lazy swims.
  • Turtle Watching – From May to October, green sea turtles come ashore to nest. Watching this under a starlit sky? Unreal.
  • Con Dao National Park – Hike through dense forest to hidden coves and listen for rare birds along the way.
  • Historical Prison Sites – Step into the island’s sobering past at the infamous Con Dao Prison. It’s haunting, but important.
  • Snorkeling & Diving – Crystal-clear waters + vibrant coral = some of the best underwater experiences in Vietnam.
con dao best places to visit in vietnam

Image: Con Dao

Insider Tip:
For the best conditions — calm seas, high visibility, and golden light — visit between March and June. Flights are limited, so book early if you want that remote island dream without the crowds.

📱 Stay connected in paradise:
Con Dao might feel remote (in the best way), but with a Gohub eSIM, you’ve got full signal for offline maps, marine tour bookings, and sharing your beach hammock view with jealous friends back home — no roaming drama, just data that works.

Staying Connected in Vietnam with Gohub eSIM

Whether you’re kayaking through Ha Long Bay, biking through rice paddies in Mai Chau, or sipping egg coffee in a hidden alley in Hanoi — one thing’s for sure: a reliable internet connection makes travel smoother, safer, and way more fun.

That’s where Gohub eSIM comes in — your digital travel buddy that works instantly, no plastic SIM cards, no store visits, no roaming surprises. Just seamless connectivity from the moment you land in Vietnam.

Why Gohub eSIM is a Travel Essential:

  • Instant Activation – Download, scan, and you’re live! No need to hunt for a SIM kiosk after a long flight.
  • Flexible, Affordable Plans – Whether you’re in Vietnam for 5 days or 5 weeks, only pay for what you actually need.
  • Nationwide Coverage – From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc to Sapa — Gohub’s got your bars covered.
  • Navigate Like a Local – Pull up Google Maps, book a Grab, or find your homestay down a hidden alleyway.
  • Bridge Language Gaps – Use Google Translate, book tours online, or scan restaurant menus without needing Wi-Fi.
GoHub webpage showing the destination search bar with "Vietnam" selected to find eSIM plans.

Image: Screenshot of the GoHub eSIM webpage, highlighting the destination input field with “Vietnam” selected, illustrating how users can easily search for eSIM data plans.

📸 Bonus? You can upload your sunset cruise selfies, floating market Reels, and street food hauls in real time — because some travel moments are too good not to share.

Travel Smart, Travel Light

Gohub eSIM makes it easy to explore Vietnam stress-free. From finding off-the-grid gems to checking live train schedules or getting emergency help, it’s all in your pocket — no SIM swapping, no roaming anxiety, just smooth, smart travel.

🎒 Before you go:
Grab your Gohub eSIM for Vietnam and enjoy the journey, knowing you’ll always be just one tap away from everything that matters.

Practical Travel Tips for Vietnam

Thanks to its long, skinny shape, Vietnam’s weather changes wildly between regions. So instead of asking “When’s the best time to go?”, ask: “Which part am I exploring first?”

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Thanks to its long, skinny shape, Vietnam’s weather changes wildly between regions. So instead of asking “When’s the best time to go?”, ask: “Which part am I exploring first?”

Weather by Region:

  • Northern Vietnam(Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay):
    • Best Months: March–May & September–November
    • Think crisp mornings, blue skies, and golden rice terraces.
  • Central Vietnam(Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An):
    • Best Months: February–August
    • Dry, sunny beach days. Avoid September–January — that’s storm season.
  • Southern Vietnam(Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc):
    • Best Months: December–April
    • Dry, warm, and perfect for island hopping. Hello, Phu Quoc!
Scenic view of terraced rice fields in Sapa, Vietnam, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery

Image: Terraced rice fields in Sapa

Transportation in Vietnam

Getting around is easier than it looks — and half the fun is in the journey. Here’s how to move through Vietnam like a pro:

🚀 Travel Options:

  • Domestic Flights – Fastest way to go from north to south. Bonus: super affordable.
  • Trains – Scenic but slow. Take the Reunification Express if you’ve got time and wanderlust.
  • Buses – Budget-friendly and surprisingly comfy. Sleeper buses are a vibe.
  • Motorbikes – Great for short distances or countryside loops (Ha Giang anyone?). Just bring that international permit!
  • Grab App – Vietnam’s version of Uber. Works like a charm in big cities.

📲 Travel smarter:
Use your Gohub eSIM to book tickets online, compare transport apps, or find your homestay down a winding alley. No Wi-Fi? No worries.

Vietnamese Cuisine: A Food Lover’s Playground

If there’s one thing you should prepare your heart (and stomach) for — it’s Vietnamese food. Every region has its own flavor profile, and yes, you should absolutely eat your way from top to bottom.

Flavors by Region:

  • Northern:
    • Subtle, savory, herb-balanced. Think pho bo, bun cha, ca phe trung (egg coffee).
  • Central:
    • Spicy and bold. Try bun bo Hue, banh beo, and crispy banh xeo.
  • Southern:
    • Sweet, vibrant, and herb-happy. Must-eats: com tam, canh chua, and tropical fruit everything.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Pho – The OG noodle soup.
  • Banh Mi – Crispy baguette, endless fillings.
  • Goi Cuon – Fresh spring rolls, perfect for hot days.
  • Bun Cha – Smoky grilled pork with vermicelli, Hanoi-style.
  • Ca Phe Trung – Egg coffee that tastes like dessert. You’ll want a second.

📶 Pro foodie tip:
With your Gohub eSIM, you can hunt down hidden street food gems, check Google reviews, or use Translate to make sure you’re not accidentally ordering… pig’s ear (unless you’re into that).

Must-Try Dishes in vietnam

Image: Must-Try Dishes in vietnam

Cultural Experiences in Vietnam

Traveling in Vietnam isn’t just about seeing places — it’s about feeling them. Behind every bowl of pho and temple facade is a rhythm, a ritual, a story. And the best way to truly understand this beautiful country? Jump in with both feet.

Whether you’re clapping along at a water puppet show or shaping your own ceramic bowl in a dusty village workshop — Vietnam will leave a mark on your heart (and maybe your clothes — looking at you, lantern paint 😅).

Traditional Performances – Where Legends Come to Life

Some stories are too magical for words — so Vietnam tells them with music, movement, and puppets that dance on water.

Must-See Performances:

  • Water Puppet Show – Born from flooded rice paddies in the north, this charming art form uses wooden puppets to act out folk tales — right on the water’s surface. Whimsical, weird, and very Vietnamese.
  • Ca Tru – Elegant and haunting, this ancient sung poetry (UNESCO-listed!) is often performed in intimate, candlelit spaces. It’s Vietnam’s version of high art.
  • Traditional Music Nights – Listen for the haunting hum of the dan bau (monochord) or the delicate strings of the dan tranh. It’s like hearing the past sing to the present.
Traditional water puppet show, a cultural experience at one of the best places to visit in Vietnam

Image: Traditional water puppet show in Hanoi

🧠 Gohub tip:
Use your Gohub eSIM to find performance venues, book tickets online, or read up on the legends before you go — makes the show hit extra deep.

Cultural Workshops – Get Crafty With Vietnam’s Living Traditions

Why just buy a souvenir when you can make one with your own two hands? Vietnam’s got workshops that connect you directly to its culture — and trust me, getting glue and fish sauce on your shirt is part of the experience 😄

Hands-On Cultural Experiences:

  • Cooking Classes – From rolling fresh spring rolls to balancing the flavors in nuoc cham, local chefs will guide you step-by-step (and then feed you — best part).
  • Lantern Making in Hoi An – Create your own silk lantern in a little workshop tucked inside the Old Town. Bonus: the one you make always feels more magical.
  • Non La (Conical Hat) Making – Try your hand at crafting this iconic symbol of Vietnam — surprisingly tricky, but incredibly rewarding.
  • Pottery Villages – Head to places like Bat Trang near Hanoi to spin the wheel, shape your own creation, and learn techniques passed down through generations.
Vietnamese woman making a traditional Non La (conical hat) by hand using palm leaves and bamboo

Image: Non La (Conical Hat) Making

📲 Craft like a local, connect like a pro:
With a Gohub eSIM, you can book classes on the fly, watch tutorials in Vietnamese with subtitles, or post your handmade lantern to your story while it’s still drying.

Conclusion: Your Vietnamese Adventure Awaits

From mist-covered mountain trails in the north to golden beaches that melt into the sea in the south, Vietnam is more than just a destination — it’s a story waiting for you to step inside.

Whether you’re floating through UNESCO wonders like Ha Long Bay, wandering lantern-lit alleys in Hoi An, trekking into the depths of Phong Nha’s hidden caves, or simply soaking in a quiet sunset on Phu Quoc’s untouched sands — Vietnam invites you to experience, not just see.

And the best part? Some of the most unforgettable moments happen off the main trail. So mix it up: pair the classics with hidden gems like Mai Chau, Con Dao, or Lan Ha Bay. Get lost. Get found. Connect with the culture. And let Vietnam surprise you.

Travelers enjoying sunset on a beach in Phu Quoc

Image: Travelers enjoying sunset on a beach in Phu Quoc

Travel Smarter, Travel Connected

Before you set off on your journey, make sure you’ve got one thing ready: your Gohub eSIM.

With instant activation, nationwide coverage, and zero roaming fees, Gohub lets you stay focused on the adventure — not your signal. Whether you’re navigating twisty mountain roads, booking a last-minute tour, or FaceTiming from a beach hammock, your internet just works.

✨ Pro move: Don’t wait till you land. Get your Vietnam eSIM now and be connected the moment your plane touches down.

📸 Ready to Make Memories?

Your 2025 Vietnam adventure is calling.
The lanterns are waiting.
The noodles are hot.
And that next “wow” moment? It’s just around the corner.

See you on the road — with Gohub in your pocket.

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