Photos

12 amazing places to visit in Vietnam through the eyes of a Westerner

Translated by KIM OANH • Jul 15, 2025 10:23

DNO - British journalist Claire Boobbyer, a frequent visitor since 2004, selected 12 top destinations in Vietnam for their culture, nature, and memorable experiences.

1(1).jpg — Claire calls Hanoi a “living museum” where tradition meets modern life. She highlights the Old Quarter’s narrow alleys, street food, and French villas, suggesting food tours and visits to sites like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.

2(1).jpg — Vietnam’s northernmost province of Ha Giang stuns with limestone mountains, terraced fields, and ethnic villages. Claire calls its scenery like another planet.

Ha Long Bay is world-famous, but Claire recommends the quieter Bai Tu Long for its untouched beauty, like a hidden limestone fortress, ideal for kayaking and visiting fishing villages.

4(1).jpg — A few hours from Hanoi, Pu Luong is a peaceful eco-escape with rice fields, fruit gardens, and Muong villages which are perfect for trekking, rafting, and nature stays.

Hue - the former imperial capital is rich in culture, with royal tombs, temples, and quiet gardens. Claire highlights its traditional cuisine and nearby historic sites.

A vibrant mix of modern and historic, Da Nang offers sandy beaches, luxury resorts, the Cham Museum, the Dragon Bridge, Ba Na Hills and the iconic Golden Bridge.

This charming old town is known for its yellow walls, lantern-lit streets, street food, and custom tailoring. Despite its fame, Hoi An keeps a calm, timeless atmosphere.

Bustling with energy, Ho Chi Minh city of 9 million offers a true local vibe. Claire suggests a motorbike ride and sampling street food like pho, bánh mì (bread), and iced coffee.

With floating markets, fruit gardens, temples, and peaceful river life, the Mekong Delta offers an authentic look at southern Vietnam’s daily rhythm.

Da Lat - a quirky highland city surrounded by pine forests, lakes, and French villas. Highlights include the colonial-era train station, cozy cafés, and creative art spaces.

Once a prison island, Con Dao is now a quiet escape with sea turtles, coral reefs, forest trails, and meaningful historical sites like Hang Duong Cemetery. Claire says Vietnam always surprises with new views, flavours, and experiences. Its warmth, energy, and diversity keep her returning.

Translated by KIM OANH