Skip to Content

15 Photos To Inspire You To Travel To Vietnam

Whichever part of the country you choose, North or South, Vietnam has so much to offer.

Ha Giang Heaven's Gate Vietnam

A very rich culture with strong influences from its neighbouring countries, ancient and modern history we all need to learn about, some of the best food in the planet, and some of the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes I have ever set my eyes on.

I spent one month travelling through Vietnam, and I could have easily spent another month or even longer. Vietnam has so much to offer that I left a lot of things I would like to come back to explore some day.

And to give you some inspiration and show you why I think you will love visiting this captivating country, I have put together some photos from my trip.

I had real trouble picking only 15. This post almost ended up being a never-ending photo album of places you will want to see and experience yourself.

Sunrise on the Mekong Delta

So I woke up to this on my first day on the Mekong Delta. I stayed at Hometravel Mekong Can Tho in Cân Thó and as soon as I stepped out of my room I was greeted by this view. What a way to start the day!

Mekong Delta Vietnam
Sunrise on the Mekong Delta

Book your Mekong Delta Tour

Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown (Cholon)

One of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is visiting Cholon, once one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world.

Even though it is not immediately obvious that you are in Chinatown, if you look around you will see that it is dotted with Chinese-style buildings and temples.

Then Hau Temple Ho Chi Minh City HCMC Vietnam
Incense burners in Thien Hau Temple

Other Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

The Charming Ancient City of Hoi An

Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. With its well-preserved old town covered in lanterns, you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

It’s cute, it’s quaint and it comes alive when the lanterns are switched on at night. And there are so many things to do in Hoi An, that you could easily spend a few days here.

Hoi An Temple Vietnam
The best way to explore Hoi An is by bike
Hoi An Lanterns Vietnam
Hoi An lanterns wherever you look

The Hai Van Pass

Made famous by the Top Gear TV programme, the Hai Van Pass is a mountainous stretch of road with incredible views over the South China Sea. Hai Van Pass means the Pass of Ocean Mist. You couldn’t get any more mystical than that!

Hai Van Pass Vietnam
Looking South from the Hai Van Pass

Fishing villages near Hue

I made the journey between Hoi An and Hue on the back of a bike with Hue Easy Rider Tours. Just before arriving to our destination, we took a detour to one of the fishing villages nearby just in time to see the fishermen landing their catch.

Hue Fishing Village Vietnam
Fishermen returning with their daily catch just outside Hue

While you are in Hue, don’t miss exploring the Imperial Walled City, including the Royal Tombs. Here is a Hue Royal Tombs guide to help you plan.

The Caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong-Nha-Ke Bang has Asia’s oldest karstic mountains which are riddled by enormous cave systems. The most popular with visitors are Phong Nha Cave, Dark Cave and Paradise Cave.

Paradise Cave Phong Nha Vietnam
One of the chambers within the colossal Paradise Cave

The Streets of Hanoi

Chaotic, noisy and at times overwhelming, Hanoi has a charm that few Asian capitals have. With a touch of French influence – they call it the Paris of the East – and the street food and bia hoi (beer brewed in the last 24 hours) is not to be missed.

Hanoi is stunning to visit any time of the year, but in particular it’s one of the best places to visit in Asia in September.

Ta Hien Street Hanoi Vietnam
Ta Hiên Street is where people congregate in the evenings
Hanoi Train Street Vietnam
The train goes through Train Street twice a day and residents have to clear everything out of the way!

Halong Bay

What can I say about Halong Bay that hasn’t already been said? It is such a breathtaking sight that there are no words that could describe it, so I’ll let this photo speak for itself.

And it’s not just breathtaking, but it’s a great experience for solo, group and family adventures.

Halong Bay Vietnam
The view from my cabin first thing in the morning

The Mountains of Sapa

You come to Sapa to trek and to meet people from the local ethnic Hmong group. I joined Mama Chi and her daughter Cu, who led me and my friends on a trek through the mountains to her homestay. The greenest mountains I have ever seen!

Sapa Vietnam Rice Terraces Paddies
The mountains of Sapa, carved with rice paddies
Hmong Girl Sapa Vietnam
In Sapa, you will find some of the friendliest faces in Vietnam

Remote Ha Giang

Ha Giang is the northernmost province in Vietnam and has some of the most dramatic landscapes I have seen.

It changes at every twist of the road from rice paddies to karstic plateaus, from conical mountains to bamboo-lined river valleys. A spectacular and not a very well trodden part of the country…. Yet!

Ma Pi Leng Pass Ha Giang Vietnam
Morning mist over the mountains at Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ha Giant North Pole Vietnam
The view from the North Pole of Vietnam, the northernmost point in the country from which you can see China

Start Planning Your Trip

Like this post? Pin and save for later

Photos of Vietnam that will Ignite Your Wanderlust
Photos of Vietnam that will Ignite Your Wanderlust

Janja

Monday 13th of August 2018

Such amazing photos. Vietnam is on top of my travel list and hopefully I will get there soon. It seems like it has a great mixture of vibrant cities and wonderful nature, which is something I am always looking for in my travel destinations. ♡

Teresa

Monday 27th of August 2018

Thank you so much Janja! Vietnam is incredible and I hope you get the chance to visit. It's got a bit of everything too, so you'll never be bored :)

Tina Reiser

Saturday 4th of August 2018

I really want to go to Vietnam one day, it looks so beautiful!

Teresa

Sunday 5th of August 2018

It’s a wonderful country. Possibly one of my favourites and I can’t wait to go back ?

Rachael

Friday 8th of June 2018

Vietnam has been on my list for so long but now that I'm living in Australia it's within easy reach so it'll definitely be happening soon! You're right, these photos did make me want to visit. I love the one of the mist over the mountains! :)

Teresa

Saturday 16th of June 2018

Thanks Rachael! I'm so happy you liked the photos. The one with the mist over the mountains is in possibly the most beautiful area I have ever seen :)

Andrew Nguyen

Tuesday 5th of December 2017

I'm a bit sad because you left out the town where I grew up called Dalat. You should pay Dalat a visit when you head back to Vietnam.

Teresa

Thursday 7th of December 2017

Hi Andrew. I actually visited Dalat and absolutely loved it! But I didn't get great weather so I couldn't take and great photos, that's why I didn't include it in this post ?

Sophie

Thursday 7th of September 2017

I live in Vietnam I love this country and the people, your photos are stunning thank you for sharing

Teresa

Thursday 7th of September 2017

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I love Vietnam and I'm really glad that came through on my photography. It's a very special country and I wish I'd had more time there, but I know I will come back :)