Vietnam has a way of staying with you.
It’s not just the postcard beaches, misty mountains, or lantern-lit nights it’s the way the air smells of coffee in the morning, the way strangers smile at you on the street, and how every meal feels like a small celebration.
I’ve explored this country from its northern peaks to its southern shores, and if you’re planning your Vietnam adventure in 2025, here are seven cities I think you’ll fall in love with each for its own unforgettable reasons.
Famous Cities of Vietnam
Planning a Vietnam trip in 2025? Discover 7 must-visit cities from Hanoi to Sapa, with travel tips, top attractions, and local food recommendations for an unforgettable journey.
1. Hanoi – The Timeless Capital
The first time I walked through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, I felt like I’d stepped into a moving painting scooters weaving through narrow streets, vendors balancing baskets of fresh herbs, the smell of pho broth simmering somewhere nearby.
Why I Love It: Hanoi blends chaos and charm in the best way possible. You can sip egg coffee in a tucked-away café one minute and wander through ancient temples the next.
Must-Do Moments:
- Get lost in the Old Quarter’s maze of streets.
- Watch the sunrise over Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Visit the Temple of Literature for a quiet escape from the buzz.
Eat This: Pho, bun cha, and of course, that famous egg coffee.
2. Ho Chi Minh City – The Southern Powerhouse
If Hanoi is about slow romance, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is all energy. It’s loud, it’s bright, and it never seems to sleep. Standing in the middle of Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night, surrounded by music and laughter, you feel the city’s heartbeat.
Why I Love It: The contrasts sleek rooftop bars overlooking tangled alleys, French colonial churches standing beside glass skyscrapers, luxury malls just steps away from sizzling street food carts.
Must-Do Moments:
- Shop (and snack!) your way through Ben Thanh Market.
- Visit the War Remnants Museum for powerful history.
- End the day with a sunset view from a rooftop.
Eat This: Banh mi, fresh spring rolls, com tam (broken rice with grilled pork).
3. Hoi An – The Lantern-Lit Heritage Town
If there’s one city in Vietnam that feels like a fairy tale, it’s Hoi An. By day, it’s all mustard-yellow walls and bougainvillea spilling over balconies. By night, thousands of colorful lanterns glow along the river.
Why I Love It: The pace here is slower. You’ll find yourself wandering just for the joy of it stopping for tailor fittings, sitting by the river with a drink, or cycling through the rice paddies.
Must-Do Moments:
- Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge at sunset.
- Time your visit for the full moon Lantern Festival.
- Spend an afternoon at An Bang Beach.
Eat This: Cao lau noodles, white rose dumplings, banh bao vac.
4. Da Nang – The Coastal Gateway
Da Nang feels like a breath of fresh air. Wide, clean beaches stretch for miles, and the mountains rise just beyond them. It’s a city where you can spend your morning swimming, your afternoon exploring caves, and your night watching a bridge breathe fire.
Why I Love It: The balance it’s lively without being overwhelming, and the nature is just as impressive as the city itself.
Must-Do Moments:
- Walk across the Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands.
- Climb the Marble Mountains for panoramic views.
- Watch the Dragon Bridge’s weekend fire and water show.
Eat This: Mi quang, banh xeo, and fresh seafood BBQ by the shore.
5. Hue – The Imperial Heart of Vietnam
Hue whispers history. The Perfume River glides past royal palaces, ornate tombs, and pagodas that have stood for centuries. You can feel the echoes of Vietnam’s imperial past in every corner.
Why I Love It: It’s peaceful. Even in its busiest spots, Hue has a calm dignity that’s rare to find.
Must-Do Moments:
- Explore the Imperial Citadel.
- Take a boat cruise on the Perfume River at sunset.
- Visit the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh a stunning blend of styles.
Eat This: Bun bo Hue, nem lui, banh khoai.
6. Nha Trang – The Beach Capital
Nha Trang is all about sunshine and salt water. The beach is long, the waves are gentle, and the promenade comes alive at night with music, street performers, and food stalls.
Why I Love It: It’s got that classic seaside holiday vibe, with a Vietnamese twist.
Must-Do Moments:
- Spend the day on Long Beach.
- Take a boat to Hon Mun Island for snorkeling.
- Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers for a touch of history.
Eat This: Nem nuong, bun ca sua (jellyfish noodle soup), fresh lobster.
7. Sapa – The Mountain Escape,
Sapa feels like another world cooler air, mist-covered valleys, and rice terraces cascading down the hillsides. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to mountain views and fall asleep to the sound of rain on your roof.
Why I Love It: The treks. Walking through local villages, you meet people from Vietnam’s hill tribes, see their daily life, and realize just how diverse this country really is.
Must-Do Moments:
- Ride the cable car to Fansipan Mountain.
- Trek through Muong Hoa Valley.
- Visit Cat Cat Village for traditional crafts.
Eat This: Salmon hotpot, grilled skewers, thang co (for the adventurous).
Final Thoughts
Vietnam isn’t just a place you visit it’s a place you feel.
Each of these seven cities offers its own rhythm, its own flavors, and its own way of making you fall in love. In 2025, with improved travel connections and new experiences blooming across the country, there’s never been a better time to go.
So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and let Vietnam surprise you.
FAQs for 7 Must Visit Cities in Vietnam
1. When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
From my experience, the sweet spot is November to April. The weather is cooler, less humid, and you’ll avoid the heavy summer rains. That said, each region has its quirks Sapa is gorgeous in September during harvest season, and Hoi An is magical year-round.
2. How many days do I need to explore these 7 cities?
If you want to really enjoy them without rushing, I’d say at least 1–2 weeks. You can do it faster, but you’ll spend more time in transit than soaking in the atmosphere.
3. What’s the easiest way to travel between cities?
For longer distances, domestic flights are quick and affordable. For shorter hops, I love taking the overnight trains you save on hotel costs and wake up somewhere new. Buses are also an option, but I only recommend them for day trips or short rides.
4. Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Vietnam?
Yes! But you’ll need to learn a magic phrase: “Ăn chay” (pronounced “An chai”) it means vegetarian. Most cities have Indian restaurants in Vietnam too, which is a lifesaver when you’re craving home-style curry and naan.
5. Do I need cash, or can I use cards?
Cash is king, especially in markets, small cafes, and rural areas. Big hotels, malls, and some restaurants take cards, but I always keep small bills (VND) handy for street food and taxis.
6. How safe is Vietnam for solo travelers?
Honestly? I felt safe everywhere I went. People are friendly and helpful. Just use the same common sense you would anywhere watch your belongings in crowded spots, and don’t flash valuables.
7. Any must-try local experiences in 2025?
- Hoi An’s Lantern Festival (full moon nights)
- Riding the cable car to Fansipan Mountain in Sapa
- A street food tour in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
- Snorkeling at Hon Mun Island in Nha Trang
- Watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire in Da Nang