Where to Go in Vietnam: 7 Favorite Destinations for American Travelers

Where to Go in Vietnam: Top 7 Destinations Americans Love

You’ve probably heard about Vietnam’s legendary landscapes, jaw-dropping street food, and fascinating history. But when it comes to planning your itinerary, the big question is: Where should you go?

Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.

At Vietnamtour.travel, we’ve arranged thousands of custom tours for travelers from the U.S., helping them explore the country in comfort, safety, and style. Based on our 15+ years of local experience and real guest feedback, here are the top 7 destinations Americans LOVE in Vietnam — and why.

🏙️ 1. Hanoi – History, Charm, and Culture

Best for: First-time travelers | Foodies | Culture lovers

Vietnam’s capital is a dynamic mix of French colonial architecture, ancient pagodas, booming cafes, and moped-filled markets.
American travelers often describe Hanoi as “the cultural heart” of the country — a place where east and west merge in the most photogenic, flavorful ways.

Top experiences:

• Explore the atmospheric Old Quarter by cyclo
• Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and museums
• Join a guided street food tour (pho, bun cha, egg coffee!)
• Watch a water puppet show

📌 Stay 2–3 nights. It’s the perfect intro to Vietnam.

⛵ 2. Ha Long Bay – Bucket-List Cruises & Breathtaking Views

Best for: Couples | Nature seekers | Photographers

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for over 1,600 islands and towering jungle-covered limestone cliffs.
A luxury or boutique overnight cruise lets you wake up surrounded by emerald waters and jaw-dropping scenery.

Top highlights:

• Kayak into hidden coves and sea caves
• Sunset cocktails on the deck of a private cruise
• Visit floating fishing villages
• Starlit squid fishing (yes, it’s a thing!)

👉 Stay 1–2 nights on board. Ask us for routes that avoid crowds.

🏞️ 3. Sapa – Mountains, Rice Terraces & Ethnic Culture

Best for: Adventure enthusiasts | Cultural seekers | Hikers

Way up north, Sapa offers misty mountain views, handcrafted textiles, and deep cultural experiences with minority communities like the Hmong, Tay, and Dao people.

You don’t have to trek like a backpacker — we organize soft hikes, jeep tours, or even eco-lodge stays with foot massages and peaceful views.

Why Americans love it:

• It’s wildly photogenic
• It’s authentic, not over-commercialized
• The people and traditions are unforgettable

⛰️ Comfortable for families, couples, or seniors too — with private guidance.

👑 4. Hue – Vietnam’s Imperial Past

Best for: History lovers | Peace seekers | Architecture fans

Once the royal capital of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is full of citadels, palaces, and poetic riverside ambiance. Many American travelers are surprised by how quiet, graceful, and emotionally resonant Hue feels.

Must-sees:

• The Imperial City (UNESCO)
• Royal Tombs of emperors
• Perfume River dragon boat ride
• Taste “royal cuisine” once reserved for emperors

Hue is low-key, deeply cultural, and a great stop between northern and central Vietnam.

🌟 5. Hoi An – A Fairytale Come to Life

Best for: Everyone — seriously.

If we had to choose one place Americans consistently fall in love with, it’s Hoi An.

🎉 From its lantern-lit alleys and historic homes to custom tailoring shops, cooking classes, rice paddies, and nearby beaches, Hoi An has something for every traveler.

Top activities:

• Take a sunset boat ride with floating lanterns
• Join a local-style cooking class
• Get fitted for handmade clothes or shoes in 24 hours
• Visit ancient temples, assembly halls, and street markets

🏖️ Minutes from the beach — great for families & couples alike.

🌇 6. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Bold, Fast, and Flavorful

Best for: Urban explorers | Foodies | History buffs

Saigon is Vietnam’s most energetic city, famous for mixing colonial charm with skyscrapers, strong coffee, motorbikes, and incredible nightlife.

It’s where the past and present collide — from the War Remnants Museum to modern craft breweries, from ancient temples to rooftop lounges.

What Americans love here:

• Cu Chi Tunnels (guided tours with history context)
• Fusion food, street eats, and local coffee culture
• Shopping at lively markets or boutique stores
• Easy extensions to the Mekong or Cambodia

🛶 7. Mekong Delta – Life Along the River

Best for: Rural charm | Nature lovers | Slow travel

The Mekong River feeds millions and flows through the southernmost part of Vietnam — offering palm-lined canals, floating markets, and slow rides on wooden boats.

It’s a peaceful break away from the cities — and an up-close look at local agriculture, river life, and cottage industries.

Unforgettable moments:

• Private sampan boat ride under low-hanging coconut trees
• Visit to coconut candy or honey farms
• Tasting tropical fruits fresh from the orchard
• Meet locals in stilt-houses and floating communities

🚤 Optional overnight stays in eco-lodges or 5★ resorts available!

✨ Bonus: Other Places Americans Ask About

If you have extra time or specific interests, consider:

• 🏝 Phu Quoc Island – for tropical beach resorts & diving
• 🚴 Tam Coc / Ninh Binh – serene scenery & ancient temples (“Ha Long Bay on land”)
• 🎨 Da Lat – cool weather, pine forests, flower farms
• 🇰🇭 Cambodia Add-ons – Angkor Wat is just a 1-hour flight away!

🧳 Want to See Them All? Let Us Help You Plan It.

All 7 of these destinations can be easily combined into 10–16 day private itineraries, depending on how much time you have.

With Vietnamtour.travel, we build complete, fully personalized private tours for U.S. travelers. You tell us what you love — food, culture, history, nature — and we’ll create a seamless journey filled with wow moments (and zero stress).

📞 Let’s Start Your Vietnam Journey Today

Here’s what’s included when you book with Vietnamtour.travel:

✅ Expert itinerary planning by locals
✅ Airport pickups, private transport, & domestic flights
✅ English-speaking guides who go beyond the script
✅ Hotel choices from boutique to 5★ resorts
✅ Local SIM + 24/7 customer care while in Vietnam

📩 Ready to plan a trip that’s 100% yours?

👉 Contact us now for a free custom itinerary

Let us show you why Americans are falling in love with Vietnam — one private tour at a time.

Amidst countless options, you are probably looking for a travel company that truly understands Vietnam to turn your dream of exploring this S-shaped land into a reality. We, a local travel company in the heart of Vietnam, are proud to be natives of this land, carrying within us a love and deep understanding of every corner and every unique cultural aspect. Different from international travel companies, we don’t just offer tours; we share the most authentic and intimate experiences with Vietnamese life and people. You will discover famous destinations such as the majestic Ha Long Bay, the poetic ancient town of Hoi An, or the serene Imperial City of Hue from a local’s perspective

We understand that when setting foot in a foreign country, dedicated and timely support is extremely important. Therefore, our support team is always ready 24/7 throughout your journey in Vietnam, answering all your questions and assisting you in every situation. Moreover, with full licenses to organize domestic and international tours issued by the Vietnamese government, you can be completely assured of our prestige and service quality. Contact us today for the most professional and dedicated consultation, and let’s plan an unforgettable and complete trip to Vietnam together

Contact us today to receive a free consultation and start designing your dream tour, Where to Go in Vietnam !

At Vietnamtour.travel, we’re dedicated to making your journey seamless and memorable. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including Hotel booking, Car rental, Visa assistance, and Airport fast-track services, ensuring all your travel needs are covered.

Beyond the essentials, we specialize in a diverse array of tourism types tailored to your interests. Whether you’re looking for a Private, custom-designed tour, a relaxing Beach and island getaway, an enriching Cultural exploration, the vibrant energy of Urban tourism, or an authentic Agricultural and rural experience, we have something for everyone. We also expertly handle MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), providing professional solutions for corporate events.

Contact Us Now Where to Go in Vietnam 

WhatsApp 1 : +84 965 251 618
WhatsApp 2 : +84 989 248 646
Email: info@vietnamtour.travel
support@vietnamtour.travel
Website: www.vietnamtour.travel
• Hanoi Office: No. 3, Ngo 225 Luong The Vinh Street, Trung Van Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
• Ho Chi Minh City Office: Room 503, 5th Floor, C4 Building, Gia Khang Apartment Complex, 38 Street, Ward 14, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City