Vietnam's cities each do one thing brilliantly, and a first trip usually strings a few of them together down the map. The two anchors are Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south, with the imperial centre in between. This is a guide to the best cities in Vietnam to visit and what each is really good for, so you can build a route around the ones that suit you. For a spot by spot view, pair it with our best places to visit in Vietnam guide.
The best cities at a glance
| City | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hanoi | Old Quarter atmosphere, street food and the north |
| Hue | Imperial history and the citadel |
| Hoi An | Lantern lit old town, tailors and beaches |
| Da Nang | Modern beach city and central hub |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Energy, history and the south |
Hanoi: the atmospheric north
Hanoi is the thousand year old capital and the soul of Vietnam. The tangled Old Quarter, the lakes, the street food and the coffee culture reward slow wandering, and it is the launch pad for Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa. Give it three days. It is where most first trips begin, and it grows on people the longer they stay.
Hue: the imperial city
Hue was the seat of the Nguyen emperors, and its walled Citadel and riverside royal tombs are the best history in the country. It is quieter and more reflective than Hanoi or Saigon, and it makes a natural stop between the north and Hoi An. One full day covers the highlights.
Hoi An: the prettiest town
Hoi An is the most charming place in Vietnam, a lantern lit trading town of yellow walls and tailor shops, closed to most traffic and glowing at night. It has beaches nearby and some of the best food in the country. It is not really a city and all the better for it, and it is a favourite for couples. See our Hoi An lantern festival guide.
Da Nang: the modern hub
Da Nang is the fast growing beach city of the centre, with a long sandy shore, an international airport and the Golden Bridge in the hills nearby. It is more about comfort and convenience than old world charm, and it works as the transport hub and beach base for the central region. Read our guide to things to do in Da Nang.
Ho Chi Minh City: the energetic south
Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many, is the commercial engine of Vietnam, louder, faster and more modern than Hanoi. You get the War Remnants Museum, French colonial landmarks, rooftop bars and the Cu Chi tunnels a couple of hours out. It is the gateway to the Mekong Delta and the usual end of a north to south trip.
How to choose
For a first trip, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the two anchors, with Hoi An the essential stop in the centre and Hue the best add on for history. Link them north to south with short internal flights, and use our Vietnam itinerary guide to turn these cities into a ready made route.
Would rather someone else handled the bookings? A Vietnam tour package covers hotels, transfers and tours in one plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best city to visit in Vietnam?
Hanoi, for most first trips. Its Old Quarter, street food and access to Ha Long Bay make it the richest single base, and it is the natural start of a north to south route. Ho Chi Minh City is the livelier southern counterpart.
Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City better?
They suit different tastes. Hanoi is older, more atmospheric and better for northern scenery, while Ho Chi Minh City is faster, more modern and the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Most first trips visit both, one at each end of the country.
Which cities should I visit in Vietnam?
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as the anchors, Hoi An in the centre for its old town and food, and Hue if you want imperial history. That combination covers the north, centre and south on a ten day trip.
Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Yes, it is one of the highlights of Vietnam. The lantern lit old town, riverside setting, tailors and nearby beaches make it a favourite, especially for couples and anyone who wants to slow down between the bigger cities.
More Vietnam travel guides
- Vietnam Travel Guide: Visa, Money, Transport and Tips
- 12 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam: North to South
- Vietnam Itinerary: How Many Days and Sample 7 to 15 Day Routes
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