Vietnam Travel Route: 15 Places from Halong Bay to Phu Quoc
Explore Vietnam's top attractions across 15 iconic destinations, from the limestone karst landscapes of Halong Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang to cultural landmarks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This comprehensive route covers northern mountain towns like Sapa, central heritage sites including Hue and the Mekong Delta, and southern beach destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Tam Coc
- End
- Hue
- Stops
- 15
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Tam Coc — Scenic destination in northern Vietnam.
- Phu Quoc — Scenic island in the Gulf of Thailand.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang — Picturesque karst region near Laos border with 400 million-year-old mountains, hundreds of caves, and Son Doong Cave.
- Ho Chi Minh City — Major southern city along the Saigon River, formerly known as Saigon. Home to Saigon Skydeck and Reunification Palace.
- Saigon Skydeck & Reunification Palace — Former presidential residence offering panoramic city views from its observation deck, showcasing modernist architecture and Vietnam's political history.
- Mekong Delta — Agricultural region in southern Vietnam made fertile by canals and streams fed by the Mekong River.
- Nha Trang — Coastal city in south-central Vietnam.
- Thien Mu Pagoda — Official symbol of Hue, an important Buddhist landmark.
- Temple of Literature — 11th century temple and major cultural landmark in Hanoi.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — Major attraction in Hanoi alongside the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
- Halong Bay — Scenic northern bay with limestone karsts and islands.
- Dalat — Charming town in the South Central Highlands known for relief from the heat with lush landscapes.
- Saigon Skydeck — High-rise observation deck with 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Sapa — Remote mountainous town in northwest Vietnam known for culturally diverse population and terraced landscapes.
- Hue — Central Vietnam city on the Perfume River, former imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty with the Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Dalat for relief from heat due to its year-round cool weather in the South Central Highlands.
- Transport
- Explore Tam Coc by rowboat to travel alongside rice paddies, limestone cliffs, and float through three river-carved mountain tunnels.
- Tip
- In Phu Quoc, spend time sunbathing on beaches, scootering around fishing villages, visiting pearl farms, and trekking to waterfalls.
- Tip
- Visit Son Doong Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang, one of Earth's largest caves with its own hidden jungle, microclimate, and underground river.
- Tip
- Go to Saigon Skydeck for a 360-degree view of Ho Chi Minh City from the top of the building.
- Tip
- Visit Reunification Palace to see the replica tank outside that commemorates when a tank broke through its gates during the fall of Saigon.
- Tip
- Explore the Mekong Delta's colorful floating markets, fruit orchards, rice paddies, bird sanctuaries and quaint villages by boat.
- Where to stay
- Nha Trang offers resorts, palm trees and amusement parks with roller coasters and wave pools along its beach.
- Transport
- Join organized tours from Sapa to experience mountain hikes, rice paddies, waterfalls, and local tribal customs in remote villages.
- Tip
- In Hoi An's Old Town, browse hundreds of tailor shops selling custom clothing, shoes, bags and souvenirs along narrow, winding lanes.
- Tip
- Take day cruises through Halong Bay to swim, explore caves, and visit remote uninhabited islands among limestone outcrops.
- Tip
- Visit the 11th century Temple of Literature in Hanoi as a must-do activity showcasing the city's incredible temples.
Video on this route
12 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam - Travel Video