Visited Countries Map

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding multi-stop trips, combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Da Lat, Sapa, Ha Giang, Nha Trang, Con Dao, and Phu Quoc. The official Vietnam tourism site highlights northern, central, and southern regions; food, nature, culture, cities, beaches, adventure, wellness, family travel, golf, festivals, visa requirements, e-visa applications, health and safety, transport, and 2026 events including the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival.

UNESCO lists nine World Heritage properties in Vietnam: the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, Complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son-Kiep Bac Complex, Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago, Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Hin Nam No National Parks, and Trang An Landscape Complex. For first-time visitors, the most efficient heritage route is Hanoi and Ninh Binh, then central Vietnam for Hue, Hoi An, and My Son, with Ha Long/Cat Ba or Phong Nha added for landscapes and caves.

The U.S. State Department advisory issued June 24, 2026 lists Vietnam at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, while noting that petty crime is common in popular tourist areas and that unexploded ordnance remains a risk, especially around construction sites and unmarked ground objects. It says a visa is required before travel, except for stays of 30 days or less on Phu Quoc only, and notes that passports need six months' validity beyond arrival and one blank page. It also warns that renting a moped or motorbike without a Vietnamese driver's license is illegal and may void travel insurance after an accident.

A good first visit takes 10 to 14 days; two weeks allows Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long or Cat Ba, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City without rushing. Weather varies by region: northern Vietnam has cooler winters, central Vietnam is vulnerable to autumn storms and flooding, and the south is generally warm year-round with wetter and drier seasons. Visitor Tip: Build the itinerary around weather by region, not just a national forecast, and avoid motorbike rentals unless you understand the licensing, insurance, and traffic risks.

• Official tourism, State Department, and UNESCO pages were accessible during research.
• The official Vietnam tourism food page did not resolve cleanly in automated browsing, so the main official portal was used for planning categories and current links.
• Flooding, typhoon, cave-tour, cruise, and visa details should be verified close to travel, especially for central Vietnam and Ha Long/Cat Ba.