VietNam is an S-shaped country famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the misty mountains in the north to the tropical beaches in the south, VietNam is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. This Vietnam travel guide is designed for travelers looking for natural wonders, bustling cities, and authentic local cuisine. In this article, we introduce five must-visit destinations in VietNam, along with detailed travel tips, hotel recommendations, and a well-planned Vietnam itinerary to help you experience the country to the fullest.
1. Phu Quoc-Vietnam’s Island paradise
According to Agoda’s latest travel report, Phu Quoc has emerged as the top destination for international travelers in 2025, with accommodation searches surging by an impressive 266% compared to 2024. Climbing from third place last year, Phu Quoc now ranks as Vietnam’s most searched destination among overseas visitors, highlighting its rapidly growing global appeal.
In the first two months of 2025 alone, Phu Quoc welcomed approximately 1,413,419 visitors, including 320,888 international tourists—representing a year-over-year increase of 52.7% and nearly 30% of its annual tourism target. These strong tourism figures reflect the island’s successful recovery and its rising status as one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Further strengthening its reputation, Phu Quoc was recently named Vietnam’s only destination in the top five fastest-growing tourism destinations in Southeast Asia by Travel Off Path. Additionally, Singapore-based CNA listed Phu Quoc among its 25 must-visit destinations for 2025.
With consistent recognition from leading international travel platforms and media outlets, Phu Quoc continues to solidify its position on the global tourism map. Renowned for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, warm hospitality, and diverse travel experiences, Phu Quoc is quickly becoming a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia for international travelers.
2. Hue – the imperial heart of Vietnam
Recent tourism data shows that Hue welcomed nearly 1.5 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, marking a strong 62% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth included more than 666,000 international tourists, up almost 50%, along with nearly 600,000 overnight stays—an increase of 27%, highlighting Hue’s rising appeal as a leading cultural destination in Vietnam.
Tourism revenue in Hue surpassed 2,600 billion VND during this period, representing year-over-year growth of over 52%. Key international source markets for Hue tourism include France, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Italy, Taiwan (China), Australia, Canada, and Thailand, reflecting the city’s strong global connectivity.
As the host of the National Tourism Year – Hue 2025, the city has planned more than 160 cultural, tourism, and entertainment events. These include eight major events organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and central agencies, 62 activities led by Hue City, and 102 supporting events hosted by provinces and cities across Vietnam.
With a dynamic calendar featuring the National Tourism Year and the Hue Festival 2025, Hue aims to attract between 4.8 and 5 million visitors in 2025. International travelers are expected to account for 38–40% of total arrivals, while projected tourism revenue is estimated to reach 10,800 to 11,200 billion VND, reinforcing Hue’s position as a must-visit destination in Vietnam.
3. Da Nang – A modern coastal city surrounded by natural beauty
Da Nang was recently featured by the renowned American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller as one of the world’s must-visit destinations for 2024. As the only Vietnamese destination recognized in the Asia category, Da Nang ranked second among the top 11 best places to visit in Asia, further strengthening its international profile. With continued global recognition and the launch of new tourism initiatives, Da Nang is expected to remain one of the most attractive travel destinations in Vietnam in 2025.
Beyond tourism, Da Nang’s economic growth has been equally impressive. According to the latest data, the city recorded a GRDP growth rate of 11.36% in the first quarter of 2025—the highest quarterly increase in the past five years. The service sector grew by 10.07%, while industry and construction saw a significant surge of 17.6%. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries increased by 2.61%, and net product taxes rose by 10.82%, reflecting the city’s balanced and sustainable development.
This strong performance placed Da Nang fourth among Vietnam’s 63 centrally governed provinces and cities in terms of economic growth. The city’s economic output at current prices in Q1 2025 reached approximately VND 38,935 billion, an increase of VND 5,213 billion compared to the same period in 2024.
At the same time, Da Nang tourism continues to show robust momentum. During the first three months of 2025, local accommodation establishments welcomed more than 2.53 million visitors, representing a year-over-year growth of 19.2%. With its modern infrastructure, pristine beaches, iconic attractions, and dynamic city life, Da Nang remains a must-visit destination in Vietnam for both domestic and international travelers.
4. Hanoi – timeless charm in the capital city
Located along the iconic Red River, Hanoi is a top travel destination in Vietnam, known for its unique blend of ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter. As the country’s political and cultural capital, Hanoi offers visitors an authentic travel experience that reflects both Vietnam’s rich history and its dynamic modern lifestyle.
According to recent tourism estimates, Hanoi welcomed approximately 7.30 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025, representing an 8.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth included around 1.85 million international travelers, up 17.4% year over year, and about 5.45 million domestic tourists, marking a 6% rise. Tourism revenue during this period reached an estimated VND 29,930 billion, reflecting an 11.3% annual increase.
On the global tourism map, Hanoi continues to strengthen its destination brand and international appeal. In the first five months of 2025, international arrivals to Hanoi recorded stable growth, driven by key source markets such as Japan, South Korea, China, France, and the United States.
Despite ongoing challenges in the global and domestic economy, Hanoi’s tourism industry has demonstrated strong recovery and sustainable development. With increasing visitor numbers, growing tourism revenue, and enhanced international recognition, Hanoi remains a must-visit destination in Vietnam for both domestic and international travelers.
5. Ho Chi Minh City – the beating heart of southern Vietnam
A series of signature cultural events held in the first quarter of 2025—including Lunar New Year celebrations, the Ao Dai Festival, and the Vietnam–Japan Festival—played a key role in driving tourism growth in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly among international travelers. These large-scale events have strengthened the city’s position as one of the most dynamic travel destinations in Vietnam.
During the first half of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed an estimated 3.8 million international visitors, marking a strong 44% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and achieving 45.4% of its annual tourism target. This impressive performance highlights the city’s growing appeal in the global tourism market.
Domestic tourism also recorded positive results, with more than 18.3 million domestic visitors, representing a year-over-year increase of 7% and reaching 40.7% of the 2025 plan. Total tourism revenue for the first six months of 2025 is projected at VND 117,937 billion, up 27.3% from the same period last year and accounting for 45.4% of the full-year target.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the city’s tourism industry is transitioning from recovery to accelerated growth. By adapting to new market conditions, enhancing regional cooperation, and promoting sustainable tourism development centered on both residents and visitors, Ho Chi Minh City aims to support its broader economic and social development goals for 2025 and beyond.
Have you traveled to Vietnam? Which cities and destinations did you explore? Share your experiences in the comments below! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest Vietnam travel guides, sustainable tourism insights, luxury travel tips, exclusive interviews, and inspiration for the best places to visit around the world.
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