After the utterly disastrous American War, Vietnam has seen rapid development. Accessibility has significantly improved, and there is much to see in this prosperous nation. From the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City to the laid-back charms of Hanoi and the stunning splendor of Halong Bay, here is our guide to the top five attractions in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City serves as both the capital and the center of the southern Vietnamese economy. It is a thriving city with all the conveniences of living overseas, such as fine dining establishments, luxurious lodgings, and stores selling fashionable goods from elsewhere. Grand French colonial buildings provide easy access to old pagodas, contributing to the preservation of some of the Saigonese beauty of the city. Two intriguing cultural destinations are the War Remnants Museum and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum. Once referred to as the French Quarter, downtown District 1 is home to a variety of boutiques, excellent restaurants, and stylish pubs and cafés. Additionally, there are numerous sites that act as reminders of the colonial past of the city.

Explore the 9-day Vietnam tour.

Ha Long Bay
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the northern coast of Vietnam, is one of the country’s main tourist destinations. Its scenery is breathtaking and lovely. More than 3,000 limestone crags and partially submerged outcrops with tunnels dot the indigo-colored bay. The gliding Chinese-style junk boats and sampans with their soaring sails add to the splendor. For a true experience, stay overnight on a traditional sailing junk and visit one of the floating fishing settlements as part of Insight Guides’ Discover Vietnam tour.

Nha Trang
Situated on the southeast coast of Vietnam, the tourist town of Nha Trang offers a view of the South China Sea. The city is surrounded by mountains and offers a lengthy, palm-lined stretch of white sand beach in a stunning location. The true appeal, however, is out on the bay. Divers and snorkelers visit remote islands to get a close-up look at some of the country’s best coral reefs. With its laid-back atmosphere, Nha Trang is the perfect spot to take a break from traveling, relax, and soak up the sun. Our carefully planned itinerary, which is ideally located in the heart of Insight Guides’ Vietnam and Cambodia by Rail adventure, ensures that you may do precisely that.

Hanoi
This vibrant city serves as Vietnam’s political and cultural center. Hanoi is the best site to truly understand Vietnam in the twenty-first century because of its unique blend of historical elegance and contemporary luxury, as well as its complex past and plenty of modern energy and potential. The history of the Old Quarter dates back 700 years. The fact that it is called “36 Streets” refers to the 36 merchant guilds that were founded in the region in the fifteenth century. They are each located on a different street in an area with temples, pagodas, and old banyan trees. The nearby district of Ba Dinh is home to cultural icons such as the magnificent Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda, which was constructed in the eleventh century.

Hue
Hue is surrounded by the serene Perfume River, lotus lakes, and a maze of canals and moats. The Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was previously home to the Nguyen dynasty, whose kings and queens are now buried in elaborate mausoleums. To discover more about the mystery of the royal tombs in Hue, take a guided trip with Insight Guides’ The Wonders of Vietnam experience.