25 Best Places to Visit on a Vietnam Getaway

Aerial view of Ho Chi Minh City Aerial view of Ho Chi Minh City

25 Best Places to Visit on a Vietnam Getaway

Wish to consider a staycation in Vietnam’s most vibrant cities during your holidays? Wondering where to go and what to eat on a local getaway in Vietnam?

Consider visiting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh—two of Vietnam’s most dynamic cities. As Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi is ideal for those looking to uncover Vietnam’s unique heritage and culture, while Ho Chi Minh City is perfect for locals and expats seeking the thrills and spills of a modern-day cosmopolitan city.

If you are looking to explore Vietnam’s top local places of interest, consider these  recommendations from the team helming Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s Vietnam hotels.

  1. Top Local Places Of Interest In Hanoi
  2. Top Local Places Of Interest In Ho Minh Chi City

 

Where to Stay for Your Hanoi Staycation

Begin your Vietnam getaway at Hanoi, and consider staying somewhere convenient and accessible.

 

Premier Suite Bedroom Premier Suite Bedroom

 

Soak in stunning views of the West Lake at Pan Pacific Hanoi, an oasis of calm in Vietnam’s bustling capital city. Centrally located, book into the Premier Lakeview Room to enjoy a visual feast of Hanoi’s West Lake after a busy day of activities. 

 

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Pacifica buffet Pacifica buffet

 

Amongst the hotel’s dining options are two restaurants offering international (Pacifica) and Cantonese (Ming) cuisine, as well as a rooftop bar (The Summit) with unparalleled views of the city. Relax after a day out with a dip at the all-season swimming pool with natural daylight as you reflect on your local travel adventure in Hanoi. 

 

Top Local Attractions in Hanoi

Steeped in culture, history and food, the capital city of Vietnam is known for its attractions such as the Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Old Quarter. Beyond these destinations, consider making a stop at these beloved locations.

 

Admire the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural

 

Ceramic Mosaic Mural

Address: 11 Hang Voi, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam

 

Start your Vietnam vacation with some art appreciation—an astonishing four kilometres of it! The Ceramic Mosaic Mural boasts a world record for its length. Splashed across the mural are art expressions ranging from ancient legends and landmarks, to milestone events and iconic places in Vietnam.

 

Get directions to Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural

 

Revisit History at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The exterior of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long The exterior of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

 

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Address: 8 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Phone Number: +84 2438455128
Opening hours:                  7:30am to 10:30am (Tuesday to Thursday), 7:30am to 11am (Saturday and Sunday), Closed on Monday

 

Pay respects to one of the most influential leaders in Vietnamese history—Ho Chi Minh (aka Uncle Ho), Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and former president. Modelled after Lenin’s Mausoleum in Russia, Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved and laid in a glass case for all visitors to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see.

Get directions to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

 

Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The exterior of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long The exterior of Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

 

Ceramic Mosaic Mural

Address: 19C Hoang Dieu, Dien Ban, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Phone Number: +842437345427

 

Explore the complex of ancient palaces, grand pavilions, and majestic gates, at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Dating back to the 7th century, its unique reflection of South-East Asian culture in its architectural style granted it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010.

 

Get directions to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

 

Hungry to see more Hanoi attractions? Here are more must-visit Hanoi hot spots.

 

Top Places to Dine Like a Local in Hanoi

Hanoi is known for its street food culture and world-renowned Vietnamese coffee. For expats or domestic travellers, consider these dining places in your Hanoi getaway itinerary.

 

Slurp it Up at Pho Gia Truyen

 

Gia Truyen

Address: 49 Bat Dan, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam                                     
Opening hours: 6am to 10:30am and 6pm to 8:30pm daily

 

Hunt down the city’s best pho at Gia Truyen, an open-air restaurant serving hot bowls of beef pho. While the noodles are nice and silky—and the beef lean and tender—the star of the dish is the big bowl of umami-rich broth that warms your stomach and your soul!

 

Get directions to Gia Truyen

 

Sink Your Teeth into Crab Meat Rolls

Bun Cha Dac Kim

Address: 67 Duong Thanh, Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Opening hours:

10am to 8:30pm daily

 

 

Dig into the best nem chua be (crab meat rolls) at Bun Cha Dac Kim. For just VND 90,000, you can get two pieces of crab meat rolls with a bowl of bun cha (grilled pork with noodles)—a generous serving enough for two. Pair it with fresh lettuce and herbs to add a refreshing crunch to your palate.

 

Get directions to Bun Cha Dac Kim

 

Savour a Cup of Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Vietnamese Egg Coffee Vietnamese Egg Coffee

 

Giang Cafe

Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam 
Phone Number: +84 91 700 2299
Opening hours: 7am to 10:30pm

 

If you love Vietnamese coffee, you would adore the highly fortifying Vietnamese egg coffee (ca phe trung). There is no better place to have a cup of these nourishing beverages than the cafe that invented it—Giang Cafe. There are two versions to try —the hot version is rich and thick with butter and cheese, while the cold version resembles a dessert of coffee ice cream. Enjoy! 

 

Get directions to Giang Cafe

 

Enjoy Coffee With a Spicy Twist

 

Loading T Cafe

Address: 8 Chan Cam, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone Number: +84 90 334 2000
Opening hours: 8am to 10pm

 

Enjoy coffee with an extra cinnamon-laced kick at Loading T Cafe. Instead of merely sprinkling cinnamon powder over the coffee, the cafe roasts cinnamon sticks with their coffee beans, giving their coffee a strong cinnamon-accented twist to its flavour. 

 

Get directions to Loading T Cafe

 

Can’t get enough of Hanoi’s top dining treats?  Check out this Hanoi Food Guide on best places to eat Like a local.

 

Top Places for Photography in Hanoi

From historical structures to nature parks, shutterbugs would delight in Hanoi’s wondrous sights.

 

Admire Traditional Vietnamese Architecture

Temple of Literature Temple of Literature

 

Temple of Literature

Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Temple of Literature, Dong Da, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam 
Opening hours:

8am to 4:30pm

 

Step into centuries of Vietnamese history at the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Mon), one of Hanoi’s most picturesque attractions. Built way back in 1070 and dedicated to the Chinese sage Confucious, the vast ancient site is a prime example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture—look out for a quaint lake, pavilions, courtyards, and passageways that create picture-perfect opportunities. 

 

Get directions to Temple of Literature

 

Drink in the Sight of the an Ancient Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda at dusk Tran Quoc Pagoda at dusk

 

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Address:             D. Thanh Nien, Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam     
Opening hours:

8am to 4pm

 

Pagodas make excellent photography subjects, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda—the oldest Buddhist temple in the city—is no exception. Standing out on a small island on the West Lake, the pagoda is perfectly composed against its breathtaking environment. The magic hour to capture its beauty is dusk, when the orange hues create a perfect backdrop while casting a lovely reflection in the shimmering water. 

 

Get directions to Tran Quoc Pagoda

 

Reminisce on Vietnam’s Wartime Past on a Bridge

Long Bien Bridge Long Bien Bridge

 

Long Bien Bridge

Address: Ngoc Thuy, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam     

 

With its frayed look and the iconic Red River in the background, the historic Long Bien Bridge is a must-visit for any Vietnam photography enthusiast. Bombed on several occasions during the Vietnam War with the Americans, the cantilever bridge survived to serve as a symbol of the resilience of the Hanoian people.  

 

Get directions to the Long Bien Bridge

 

Check out more unforgettable places to take your Hanoi pictures.

 

Where to Stay for Your Ho Chi Minh City Getaway

Venture down South to Ho Chi Minh City and begin your Saigon adventure at the right staycation venue.

 

Premier Room Premier Room

 

Treat yourself to comfort and convenience at PARKROYAL Saigon, located near major city attractions such as the famous Ben Thanh Market. Check into the Premier Balcony Room with a balcony overlooking the hotel’s tranquil outdoor pool—perfect for a heavenly dip in the evenings. 

 

Garden Brasserie Garden Brasserie

 

After a tiring day out, return to the hotel and feast on a sumptuous international buffet of fresh seafood, barbecued meats and a mix of gourmet delights at Garden Brasserie. If you feel peckish after, pop by the Lotus Bar for some light bites and cocktails as you enjoy live music performances.

 

Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City at Night

With non-stop energy pulsing through this exuberant Vietnamese city, Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) is known for its vibrant nightlife with something for everyone.

 

Eat Your Way Through the City’s Street Food

Street food in Ho Chi Minh Street food in Ho Chi Minh

 

Start your Ho Chi Minh City night adventure with a food tour that allows you to sample the city’s best Vietnamese noodles, BBQ meals, pancakes and street delights. Pair these local fares with thirst-quenching local beers—ideal for quenching your thirst in the time-honoured Vietnamese fashion. 

 

Jive to Live Music

 

Sax N Art Jazz Club

Address:  28 D. Le Loi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 
Phone Number: +84 83 822 8472
Opening hours:  9pm to 12am

 

Fang Pub

Address:  13 Ho Xuan Huong, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 
Phone Number: +84 90 240 2666
Opening hours:  6pm to 1am

 

Enjoy live music during your local vacation? Ho Chi Minh City has an exciting live music scene. Enjoy anything from smooth jazz at the Sax N Art Jazz Club to heavy rock at Fang Pub. The former welcomes jazz musicians worldwide, while the latter feature local bands that play both local and international rock music. 

 

Get directions to Sax N Art Jazz Club

Get directions to Fang Pub

 

Go on a Dinner Cruise

 

There is no better way to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline at night than to take a cruise on the iconic Saigon River. For an unforgettable experience, upgrade your cruise journey with a romantic dinner on board the vessel. To book yours, click on the link here.

 

Check out what other activities to do in Ho Chi Minh at night here

 

Top Places for Photography in Ho Chi Minh

Bustling streets, beautiful colonial buildings, and chaotic traffic encapsulates the enterprising spirit of Ho Chi Minh. Everywhere you turn, there is beauty and poetry waiting to be captured on camera. 

 

Marvel at the Vivid Pink of Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church Tan Dinh Church

 

 Tan Dinh Church

Address:  289 Hai Ba Trung, Phuong 8, Quan 3, Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh
Phone Number:   +84 83 829 0093
Opening hours: 8am to 11am, 2pm to 4:30pm (Tuesday to Saturday)

 

No budding photographer should miss capturing the stunning salmon pink of the Tan Dinh Church, which dates back to 1876. While its facade shines with intricate carvings of Gothic and Renaissance influences, its interior is spectacular too, with the elaborate Italian high altar and side altars taking the spotlight. 

 

Get directions to Tan Dinh Church

 

Capture the Grandeur of the City Hall

View of Ho Chi Minh City Hall View of Ho Chi Minh City Hall

 

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Address:  86 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe, Quan 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone Number:   +84 28 3829 6052

 

Architecture fans would delight in snapping pictures of the City Hall building in Ho Chi Minh City—an architectural masterpiece still standing from 1908 to the present. To appreciate its full beauty, stand a distance away with your wide angle lens on. Illuminated by the floodlights, the building makes for a stunning night-time sight too. 

 

Get directions to Ho Chi Minh City Hall

 

Savour the Surreal Beauty of the Crescent Walk

Starlight Bridge at night Starlight Bridge at night

 

Crescent Walk

Address:   Tan Phu, District 7, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam                       

 

Take a stroll on the paved promenade of Crescent Walk and wait till twilight to whip out your camera. The water streams by the side of the Starlight Bridge connecting the Walk to the Ho Ban Nguyet Park lights up at night with changing rainbow coloured hues, creating an otherworldly sight—perfect for your Instagram account! 

 

Get directions to the Crescent Walk

 

Top Historic Sites to Visit in Ho Chi Minh

Known for its rich and storied past, Ho Chi Minh city has no shortage of historical sites.

 

Get Up Close to Military Relics at the War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum War Remnants Museum

 

War Remnants Museum

Address:                28 Vo Van Tan Street, 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (corner of Vo Van Tan St. and Le Quy Don St.)
Phone Number:   +84 8 3930 5587
Opening hours:                  7:30am to 12pm, 1:30pm to 5pm daily

 

Brace yourself for a graphic look at the effects of US military action on Vietnamese civilian victims at the War Remnants Museum. Military buffs would appreciate the exhibits of captured US military relics, weapons and vehicles, proudly displayed around the museum’s garden. 

 

Get directions to War Remnants Museum

 

Explore the Ben Dinh Tunnels Museum

 

Ben Dinh Tunnels Museum

Address Ben Dinh Hamlet, Pham Van Coi, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam                                                     
Phone Number
+84 28 3794 6442
Opening Hours
8am to 4pm daily

 

Experience a sliver of how guerilla patriots lived at the Ben Dinh Tunnels—a labyrinthine network of underground tunnels dug by the Viet Cong to battle the US troops. Only 0.8 metre wide and 1.2 metres tall, be prepared to hunch and squeeze to explore the 50 metres open to visitors. The walk exits to a dramatic display of a disabled M-41 tank and a bomb crater, ending your walk with a snapshot to remember.

 

Get directions to the Ben Dinh Tunnels Museum

 

Behold the Emperor Jade Pagoda
The roof of the jade Emperor Pagoda The roof of the jade Emperor Pagoda

 

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Address:  3 Mai Thi Luu Street, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
Phone Number:  

8am to 5pm daily

 

Visit one of the most important shrines in Ho Chi Minh City―Emperor Jade Pagoda. Built in 1909  in honour of the supreme Taoist god (King of Heaven), its crowning glory is the exquisitely built roof, encrusted with detailed tilework and intricate carvings. 

 

Get directions to Emperor Jade Pagoda

 

Wish to explore more historic Ho Chi Minh City sites? Check out the top 8 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

 

Need more recommendations for your Vietnam getaway? Read more about what to do in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, or get in touch with our teams at Pan Pacific Hanoi and PARKROYAL Saigon. We look forward to hosting you soon.

 

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