Southeast Asian countries are known for their unique, culture-rich, and legendary travel destinations. One country you definitely shouldn't miss is Vietnam. From iconic bays to golden bridges, here are six must-visit places in Vietnam for you!
Located in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the country. In fact, it’s been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the world’s most historic locations. Hạ Long Bay is famous for its towering hills and clusters of boats floating on bright green waters.
Here, visitors can explore the bay by boat, paddle a kayak, and visit floating villages. In these villages, locals go about their daily lives by fishing and selling seafood dishes to tourists.
To get to Hạ Long Bay, you have several transport options, from local buses and travel shuttles to private vehicle rentals. Among these options, shuttle buses are the most popular with tourists because they’re practical and often included in travel packages from Hanoi.
Besides being a place of worship, Sapa Church is also a unique tourist destination in Vietnam. According to Vietnam Discovery, this church was built in 1902 by French settlers who came to the Ham Rong mountains. Interestingly, the church was constructed using tall, stacked white stones, showcasing classic French architecture. It looks particularly stunning and atmospheric in the early morning fog.
Sapa Church is located in Lao Cai Province. You can take a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, which takes about 8 hours. Since the church is in the city center, you can continue your journey by taxi, bus, or simply on foot.
Ta Van Village is known as one of the hidden gem travel spots in northern Vietnam. If you love peaceful holidays with a strong local vibe, this village might be the perfect place for you. In Ta Van, you can walk through bamboo forests and visit waterfalls. Locals also often invite tourists to explore their rice fields. Even more fascinating, the village preserves a traditional batik art form similar to that of Indonesia, and you can try drawing batik patterns with the villagers.
Ta Van is located on the outskirts of Sapa. To get there, you can take a bus from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Once you arrive in Sapa, you can book a taxi or rent a vehicle to reach the village, which is around 11 to 12 kilometers away.
Phú Quốc Beach is a popular travel destination in Vietnam for those looking for a tropical getaway. This beach is known as the “Pearl Island” thanks to its turquoise waters and soft, golden-white sand.
Here, visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, water sport, and enjoying authentic Vietnamese seafood. Phú Quốc is also famous for its unique fish sauce production, making it a must-visit spot for seafood lovers.
Most tourists reach Phú Quốc by domestic flights since they’re faster and more convenient. From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly directly to Phú Quốc International Airport (PQC). The flight from Hanoi to Phú Quốc typically takes around 2.5 hours.
Hội An is one of the oldest towns in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. Here, you’ll find many historical buildings and landmarks that were once bustling trade hubs for Southeast Asian and East Asian merchants from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
At night, the town hosts a colorful lantern show along the Thu Bon River, where the lights float gently on boats. Visitors can also take a sampan boat ride and shop along the riverside.
To reach Hội An from Hanoi, the fastest and most practical way is by domestic flight. The journey usually takes around 1 to 2 hours. However, since Hội An doesn’t have its own airport, you’ll land at Da Nang International Airport. From there, you can continue your trip by city bus.
In the city of Da Nang, you’ll find this legendary golden bridge. Known as the “Hand Bridge,” it’s designed to look like it’s being held up by two giant hands, giving you the feeling of walking in the sky. According to Vietnam Airlines, the bridge spans nearly 150 meters and stands 1,414 meters above sea level!
To visit the Golden Bridge from Hanoi, you can take a taxi to Da Nang. From there, hop on the cable car system that’s open for tourists daily from 8 AM to 10 PM.
So there you have it—some of the most legendary travel destinations in Vietnam. Not only are they stunning, but they’re also rich in culture and history, making your holiday truly unforgettable. To make sure your trip to Vietnam stays safe, comfortable, and protected, don’t forget to get Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia to go along with it!