1. Top 6 Biggest Cities in Vietnam

Vietnam's centrally controlled cities are settlements of significant importance in terms of politics, economy, and culture that are under the direct control of the Vietnamese central government. These five major cities represent the heart of Vietnam's urban experience, each offering unique characteristics that define different regions of the country.

1.1. Hanoi – The Cultural Capital of Vietnam

Hanoi serves as Vietnam's political and cultural heart. A harmonious blend of history and modernity creates a timeless atmosphere where French colonial architecture stands alongside traditional Vietnamese temples, and street vendors serve steaming bowls of pho next to contemporary cafes.

As the capital city, Hanoi boasts the highest concentration of cultural sites per square kilometer in Vietnam, with over 600 temples, pagodas, and historical monuments. The city's 36 ancient streets of the Old Quarter each specialized in different crafts and trades, creating a maze-like commercial district that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Many of the quarter’s streets are best enjoyed on foot (Sources: Pexels)

Things to do in Hanoi:

• Take peaceful moments by the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals exercise and couples enjoy romantic evening strolls around the tranquil waters.
  Experience the enchanting traditional water puppet shows, where ancient Vietnamese folklore comes alive through skilled puppetry performed on water.
  Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university dating back to 1070, with its beautiful courtyards and ancient stelae honoring doctoral graduates.
  For a fun family activity, rent paddle boats at Truc Bach Lake, where you can leisurely explore Hanoi's largest freshwater lake while enjoying views of Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city's oldest Buddhist temple, built in the 6th century.

Discover Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi's most famous landmark and the perfect spot for walks in Vietnam's cultural capital (Source: Pexels)

Attending a water puppet show in Hanoi is a unique and unforgettable experience (Source: Canva)

Step into the spiritual heart of Hanoi with Tran Quoc Pagoda, a site of deep devotion (Source: Pexels)

Pedaling on Truc Bach Lake is a pleasure for visitors of all ages (Source: Pexels)

What to Eat in Hanoi: In Hanoi, some of the most memorable experiences are found in a bowl. From time-honoured “pho” recipes passed down through generations to smoky, vibrant “bun cha” — the dish that once welcomed a U.S. president — each bite carries a story. And for something distinctly Hanoian, there’s “ca phe trung”: a velvety egg coffee that blurs the line between drink and dessert.

Pho is the famous dish of Hanoi in the world (Source: Pexels)

The golden, fluffy egg foam melts seamlessly into the deep, aromatic coffee (Source: Pixabay)

1.2. Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s Economic Powerhouse

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest municipality in Vietnam, making it the undisputed megacity of Southeast Asia. This bustling metropolis pulses with gleaming skyscrapers. The city never sleeps, with motorbikes weaving through traffic at all hours and street food vendors serving customers until dawn.

Ho Chi Minh City, famously known as the city that never sleeps, dazzles with its towering skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife (Source: Pexels)

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Explore the GothicRevival Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the adjacent Central Post Office, both masterpieces of French colonial architecture.
  Immerse yourself in the controlled chaos of Ben Thanh Market, where bargaining is an art form.
  Take evening cruises along the Saigon River to see the city's skyline illuminated against the tropical sky.
  Stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a lively pedestrian boulevard framed by colonial architecture, dazzling LED fountains, and buzzing with music, street performances, and cafés packed with locals and travelers alike.

Ben Thanh Market is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, located in the most crowded and convenient area (Source: Pexels)

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a timeless icon in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Pexels)

“Banh mi Huynh Hoa” combines a crispy baguette, savory meats, rich pâté, fresh herbs, tangy pickles, and bold sauces into one perfect bite (Source: Pexels)

1.3. Da Nang City – Vietnam’s Most Livable Coastal City

Situated along central Vietnam's stunning coastline, Da Nang has earned recognition as the country's most modern and livable city. Located in the central region between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, this coastal gem serves as the perfect base for exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Da Nang successfully balances beachfront relaxation with urban convenience, offering pristine beaches within minutes of modern shopping centers and excellent restaurants. The city's infrastructure rivals that of developed Asian cities, with clean streets, efficient public services, and a growing expat community that has embraced the relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Things to do in Da Nang City:

• Spend days lounging on the white sands of My Khe Beach, where crystal-clear waters meet perfectly maintained shorelines.
  Explore the mystical Marble Mountains, ancient limestone formations filled with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries.
  Witness the spectacular Dragon Bridge light show every weekend, when the bridge breathes fire and water while spanning the Han River that divides the city.
  Take a day trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, where UNESCO World Heritage architecture and traditional lantern-lit streets create one of Asia's most romantic settings.

My Khe Beach in Danang is famous for its blue waters and white sand (Source: Pexels)

The mystical and spiritual atmosphere inside Marble Mountains (Source: Canva)

The Dragon Bridge dazzles at night with its ever-changing colors (Source: Pexels)

The ancient and serene beauty imbued with the colors of time in Hoi An Ancient Town, with its shimmering lantern-lit streets (Source: Pexels)

1.4. Hai Phong City – Gateway to Northern Seaside Escapes

Hai Phong serves as northern Vietnam's primary port city and industrial center. Positioned along the northeastern coast, the city's port facilities handle much of northern Vietnam's international commerce, creating a bustling waterfront atmosphere.

Things to do in Hai Phong City:

• Discover Do Son Beach, a charming seaside resort that has been attracting visitors since French colonial times with its gentle waves and fresh seafood restaurants lining the shore.
  Marvel at Du Hang Pagoda, an architectural gem from the 17th century that crowns Bach Dang Hill, where you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the bustling port city.
  Adventure to Cat Ba Island, where the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay await exploration through kayaking, cave tours, and luxury overnight cruises that reveal hidden lagoons and towering limestone.

Do Son offers a unique blend of beach and cultural heritage (Source: Pexels)

Cat Ba is a captivating blend of lush mountains, turquoise waters, and untouched biodiversity (Source: Pexels)

Local Flavors: If you’d like to experience the distinctive northern coastal cuisine, start with "banh da cua" (crab noodle soup), a Hai Phong specialty featuring fresh crab meat in a rich, tomato-based broth. You can either sample spicy seafood dishes that reflect the city's fishing heritage. Explore traditional street food markets where vendors serve regional snacks like “banh mi cay” (spicy bread) and “che dua dam” (Vietnamese coconut dessert).

A steaming bowl of banh da cua, bursting with flavors from rich crab broth, chewy red rice noodles, and fresh Vietnamese herbs

A refreshing bowl of che dua dam, where silky coconut milk, crunchy jelly, and shredded young coconut come together in a sweet

1.5. Hue City – Vietnam’s Imperial Past

Nestled in central Vietnam along the banks of the Perfume River, Hue served as the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.

Hue's imperial legacy creates an atmosphere unlike any other Vietnamese city, where every street corner whispers stories of emperors, court intrigue, and ancient ceremonies. The city's role as the former capital means it houses Vietnam's most significant collection of royal architecture, from the imposing Imperial Citadel to elaborate royal tombs scattered throughout the countryside.

Explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue, a grand UNESCO site where ancient palaces and walls reflect the glory of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty (Source: Pexels)

Things to do in Hue City:

• Explore the vast Imperial Citadel complex, where the restored Thai Hoa Palace demonstrates the sophistication of Nguyen Dynasty architecture.
• Visit elaborate royal tombs, including those of Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Khai Dinh, each reflecting the personality and artistic preferences of different rulers.
  Take the scenic Perfume River and Truong Tien Bridge that connect major historical sites while offering perspectives on Hue's natural beauty.

Best Season to Visit: Plan visits during spring (February - April) when cooler weather makes exploring extensive outdoor sites more comfortable, and the imperial gardens display their most vibrant colors.

Visitors can purchase combo tickets to explore multiple sites within the Hue Imperial Complex, including the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc (Source: Canva)

The tomb is a majestic fusion of Eastern and Western styles and marks the final chapter of Vietnam’s imperial Nguyen Dynasty (Source: Canva)

Truong Tien Bridge gracefully spans the Perfume River, a poetic symbol of Hue, where history, romance, and gentle waters meet in perfect harmony (Source: Pexels)

1.6. Can Tho City – Capital of The Mekong Delta

Can Tho's identity is inseparable from the Mekong River system, where life revolves around the rhythm of rising and falling waters. The city offers visitors authentic experiences of delta culture, where floating markets, riverside communities, and agricultural traditions create a way of life completely different from Vietnam's urban centers.

The famous Cai Rang Floating Market represents one of Vietnam's most authentic cultural experiences, where wholesale trading happens entirely on boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties. Walk along Ninh Kieu Wharf at sunset, where the Can Tho Bridge creates dramatic silhouettes against the Hau River.

Cai Rang Floating Market bursts to life at dawn, with boats piled high with fruits, local treats, and the vibrant rhythm of river trade in the Mekong Delta (Source: Pexels)

Ninh Kieu Wharf is the beating heart of Can Tho, where the Mekong's gentle currents meet lively promenades, colorful boats, and riverside charm (Source: Pexels)

Things to do in Can Tho City:

• Visit traditional rice paper villages where families demonstrate production techniques passed down through generations.
• Explore fruit orchards via narrow canal boats, sampling tropical fruits like dragon fruit, rambutan, and pomelo directly from trees.
• Experience homestays in traditional stilt houses, where families share authentic delta cuisine and stories of river life.

Local Cuisine: Savor "ca loc nuong trui" (grilled snakehead fish), a Mekong Delta specialty prepared with local herbs and served with rice paper and fresh vegetables. Try “banh xeo”, crispy pancakes filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, paired with fresh herbs and sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. Sample tropical fruits at their peak ripeness, including varieties rarely exported beyond the delta region.

Enjoy the authentic charm of Can Tho’s fruit gardens, where you can pick and feast on ripe tropical fruits straight from the trees (Source: Pexels)

Discover Can Tho’s food paradise, where savory and sweet delights from grilled specialties to colorful desserts (Source: Pexels)

2. Other Top Tourist Smaller Cities in Vietnam Worth Visiting

Beyond the five major municipalities, Vietnam boasts numerous smaller cities that have earned recognition as premier tourist destinations. Each destination provides unique attractions that make them essential stops for travelers seeking to explore Vietnam's diverse geography and rich cultural heritage.

2.1. Phu Quoc Island City – Vietnam’s Island Paradise

Phu Quoc's development has been carefully planned to preserve natural beauty while introducing luxury amenities. The island's fish sauce production, pepper cultivation, and pearl farming provide authentic local experiences alongside beach relaxation. Recent infrastructure developments, including an international airport and modern resorts, have positioned Phu Quoc as Vietnam's most accessible tropical escape.

Things to do in Phu Quoc City:

• Experience the romanticKiss Bridge at Sunset Town, where couples can walk across illuminated pathways suspended over the sea.
  Take the Hon Thom Cable Car, one of the world's longest over-water cable car systems, offering breathtaking aerial views of the archipelago.
  Dive into adventure with snorkeling and sea walking experiences, where you can explore vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside colorful marine life.

When to Go: Visit during the dry season from November to April for clear skies, calm seas, and optimal beach conditions. This period offers the best weather for water activities, island hopping, and outdoor adventures.

Kiss Bridge is an impressive architectural masterpiece located right in Sunset Town, Southwest of Phu Quoc Island (Source: Sun World Hon Thom)

Snorkeling at Thom Island offers an unforgettable experience, immersing you in crystal-clear waters teeming with coral reefs and tropical fish (Source: Pexels)

2.2. Ninh Binh City – Nature And Heritage Combined

Ninh Binh City serves as the gateway to one of the country's most spectacular natural and cultural landscapes. The region's network of caves, underground rivers, and ancient temples creates a unique environment where nature and spirituality intertwine.

Things to do in Ninh Binh City:

• Take peaceful boat rides through Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, where skilled local rowers navigate through limestone caves and pristine waterways.
  Explore the romantic Tam Coc (Three Caves), where bamboo boats drift past rice paddies and through natural cave tunnels.
  Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the political center of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries, where ancient temples honor the country's first emperors.
  Marvel at Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple complexes, featuring massive bronze statues and panoramic views of the surrounding karst landscape.

What to Taste: Sample Ninh Binh food such as "com chay" (crispy rice), a local specialty served with goat meat and fresh herbs, tender mountain goat, and "oc buou nuong” (grilled snails), a regional delicacy paired with rice wine and aromatic herbs.

Thuy Dinh Pavilion and Phoenix Mountain are a stunning photo spot, best captured while sitting on the boat (Source: Pexels)

Tam Coc is renowned for its stunning landscapes of towering limestone peaks, lush rice paddies (Source: Pexels)

Don’t miss the chance to try Ninh Binh’s delicious specialties

2.3. Ha Giang City – Gateway to The Legendary Loop

Positioned in Vietnam's far north near the Chinese border, Ha Giang City serves as the launching point for one of Southeast Asia's most spectacular motorcycle journeys.

This city serves as the essential starting point for the iconic Ha Giang Loop, a 350-kilometer circuit through Vietnam's most rugged and culturally diverse northern provinces. The journey offers unparalleled access to remote villages, mountain passes, and landscapes that remain largely unchanged by modernization.

Things to do in Ha Giang City:

• Navigate the legendaryMa Pi Leng Pass, where the road clings to cliff sides above the Nho Que River with views that stretch to the Chinese border.
  Visit ethnic minority villages where traditional architecture, clothing, and customs provide insights into cultures rarely encountered elsewhere.
  Explore the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark featuring ancient fossils, limestone formations, and geological wonders.

When to Visit: Plan autumn visits (September - October) to witness golden rice terraces cascading down mountain slopes in perfect harvest conditions. Spring months (March - May) offer blooming buckwheat flowers, ethnic festivals, and comfortable temperatures for motorcycle adventures through high-altitude regions.

Nho Que River stands out with its stunning emerald-green waters, a rare gem in Vietnam (Source: Pexels)

Ma Pi Leng was officially recognized as a National Scenic Monument in 2009 (Source: Pexels)

Many archaeological relics show that the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark has great potential for prehistoric and protohistoric cultural relics (Source: Pexels)

2.4. Ha Long City – Gateway to Ha Long Bay

Located in Quang Ninh Province on Vietnam's northeast coast, Ha Long City provides access to one of the world's most recognizable natural wonders, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World. The bay is home to nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets rising dramatically from emerald waters, forming a surreal seascape of towering karsts, hidden caves, and floating villages.

This coastal city has developed a comprehensive tourism infrastructure, including luxury cruises, cable cars, amusement parks, and seaplane tours, while maintaining its role as a working port and vibrant fishing community. Ha Long’s maritime activity is bustling, with cargo shipping, fishing fleets, and tourist boats coexisting in a dynamic harbor that connects northern Vietnam to regional trade and tourism routes. It is always rank

Ha Long Bay enchants with its emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts, creating one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world (Source: Pexels)

Things to do in Ha Long City:

• Take a cruise on a traditional junk boat through Ha Long Bay’s 1,600 limestone islands and islets, each uniquely shaped by nature.
• Go sea kayaking through hidden lagoons, floating villages, and mysterious caves like Luon Cave or Dark & Bright Cave.
• Enjoy a scenic seaplane tour to admire the bay’s majestic landscape from above, a rare aerial perspective of this natural wonder.
• Visit Sun World Ha Long Park, featuring the Queen Cable Car, Dragon Park, and mountaintop viewpoints over the bay.
• Relax at Bai Chay Beach or enjoy a stroll along the Ha Long coastal promenade with vibrant cafes and seafood restaurants.

Sail through the stunning seascape of Ha Long Bay aboard a luxurious 5-star cruise, where world-class service meets unforgettable views (Source: Pexels)

2.5. Quy Nhon City – Coastal Serenity with Fewer Crowds

Situated along central Vietnam's coast in Binh Dinh Province, Quy Nhon represents Vietnam's emerging beach destinations that offer pristine coastlines without the development pressures of more established resort areas.

Quy Nhon's beaches remain largely undeveloped, providing pristine coastlines where traditional fishing boats share the shore with small-scale, sustainable tourism development. The city's Cham heritage sites and fishing industry create authentic cultural experiences rarely found in heavily touristed areas. Discover Bai Xe Beach and Eo Gio Beach, pristine coastal areas featuring white sand, clear blue waters, and dramatic rock formations perfect for photography and swimming.

Culinary Picks: Savor Quy Nhon food street such as "nhum bien" (sea urchin), a local delicacy served raw or grilled with traditional seasonings, “banh xeo tom nhay" (jumping shrimp pancakes), where live shrimp are incorporated into crispy rice flour pancakes.

Snap your unforgettable photos with Bai Xep’s breathtaking coastal scenery

It’s best to visit Eo Gio during the dry season to enjoy the most pleasant weather, clear skies, and calm, beautiful seas (Source: Khánh Tour Quy Nhơn)

2.6. Nha Trang City – Beach Bliss And Island Fun

The city's perfect crescent-shaped bay, protected by offshore islands, creates ideal conditions for beach activities, water sports, and marine adventures year-round.

Nha Trang boasts a stunning 6-kilometer stretch of golden sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a tropical climate, making it an ideal destination for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports. The city's rich marine ecosystem, with coral reefs and calm, warm waters, creates ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling, especially around sites like Mun Island, part of a marine protected area. Dive centers offer guided excursions and certification programs, making underwater exploration accessible for all levels.

Things to do in Nha Trang City:

• Visit the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, 8th-century Hindu temples that overlook the city and bay, offering insights into the region's Cham cultural heritage.
• Experience VinWonders Nha Trang, a world-class amusement park featuring roller coasters, water attractions, and entertainment shows on Hon Tre Island.
• Explore Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, where coral reefs and diverse marine life create some of Vietnam's best diving and snorkeling opportunities.

What to Eat: Indulge in fresh seafood, including grilled lobster, steamed crab, and barbecued fish served at beachfront restaurants. Try "nom sua" (jellyfish salad), a refreshing local delicacy mixed with herbs and peanuts. Sample "hau nuong" (grilled oysters) topped with scallions, peanuts, and chili sauce.

With temperatures averaging 26-28°C, Hon Tre Island boasts a warm tropical climate ideal for year-round travel (Source: Pexels)

Indulge in the freshest seafood in Nha Trang, where ocean-to-table dishes like grilled lobsters, steamed oysters (Source: Pexels)

2.7. Da Lat City – Vietnam’s Highland Getaway

Perched in the Central Highlands of Lam Dong Province at 1,500 meters elevation, Da Lat offers a temperate climate that earned it the nickname "City of Spring". Da Lat's cooler climate and scenic beauty made it a favored retreat for French colonials and Vietnamese royalty, resulting in unique architecture and landscaped gardens that create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in tropical Vietnam.

Things to Do in Da Lat City:

• Visit Dalat Flower Garden to admire colorful displays of orchids, roses, and hydrangeas, showcasing why Da Lat is known as the "City of Flowers".
• Explore the Valley of Love, a romantic lakeside park with pine forests, swan boats, and heart-themed sculptures.
• Take a cable car ride to Truc Lam Zen Monastery, offering panoramic views of Tuyen Lam Lake and the surrounding mountains.
• Discover the surreal architecture of the Crazy House, an artistic guesthouse resembling a fairytale treehouse.
• Stroll through the Da Lat Night Market for local street food, handmade goods, and a lively atmosphere.
• Enjoy a boat ride or lakeside walk at Xuan Huong Lake, a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city.

Local Delicacies: Sample Da Lat's famous avocado ice cream, made with locally grown avocados and served in creative presentations. Try "banh trang nuong", grilled rice paper topped with egg, scallions, and dried shrimp, often called "Vietnamese pizza". Taste locally produced strawberry wine, made from fresh Da Lat strawberries and available at night markets and specialty shops.

Da Lat, the dreamy "City of Mist", captivates visitors with its cool climate, pine forests, and romantic charm floating gently in the morning fog (Source: Pexels)

Unwind in peaceful serenity by Xuan Huong Lake, where pine-lined paths, calm waters, and cool mountain air offer the perfect escape in the heart of Da Lat (Source: Pexels)

The 12 cities in Vietnam above offer distinct experiences that showcase the country's incredible diversity. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, beach relaxation, adventure activities, or authentic local experiences, each destination provides unique memories that define the perfect Vietnamese journey. Visit the Vietnam Airlines Travel Guide for detailed itineraries, flight bookings, and expert travel tips to plan your unforgettable Vietnam adventure.