Vietnam continues to capture the attention of international travelers with its remarkable mix of historic cities, dramatic mountains, tropical forests, spectacular caves and beautiful coastline.
In a list published on August 30, 2026, British newspaper The Times selected 11 of the most beautiful places in Vietnam, highlighting not only well-known destinations such as Hanoi, Hue and Sa Pa, but also quieter corners of the country that remain beyond many classic travel routes.
From ancient heritage to remote rice terraces and pristine islands, here are the 11 destinations featured in the list.
1. Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital is a fascinating contrast of history and everyday life.
At its heart, the Hanoi Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets filled with local shops, street-food stalls, cafés and historic buildings. Exploring it on foot is one of the best ways to experience the rhythm, flavors and character of the city.
2. Sa Pa
With mist-covered mountains, deep valleys and spectacular rice terraces, Sa Pa remains one of Northern Vietnam’s most recognizable landscapes.
For travelers who want to go beyond the town itself, trekking through surrounding villages and spending time with local ethnic communities offers a deeper look at life in Vietnam’s northern highlands.
3. Hue City
Vietnam’s former imperial capital offers a quieter and more graceful side of the country. Tree-lined streets, the Perfume River, lotus ponds and historic royal architecture give Hue its distinctive atmosphere.
Beyond the Imperial City and royal tombs, Hue is also a wonderful destination for discovering traditional cuisine, local villages and the cultural heritage of Central Vietnam.
4. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park – Quang Tri (formerly Quang Binh Province)
Home to one of the world’s most extraordinary limestone and cave landscapes, Phong Nha – Ke Bang offers experiences ranging from relaxing boat journeys into Phong Nha Cave to walks through Paradise Cave and more adventurous cave expeditions.
Underground rivers, immense chambers and impressive stalactites reveal an entirely different side of Vietnam beneath the mountains.
5. My Son Sanctuary – Da Nang (formerly Quang Nam Province)
Hidden in a lush valley near Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary preserves the remains of an important religious and cultural center of the ancient Champa Kingdom.
Its centuries-old red-brick temple towers surrounded by forest make My Son one of Central Vietnam’s most atmospheric historical sites.
6. Son Tra Peninsula – Da Nang
Just a short journey from central Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula feels surprisingly removed from the busy city.
Tropical forest, hidden beaches, small bays and scenic mountain roads make it an easy nature escape. The peninsula is also famous as a habitat of the rare red-shanked douc langur.
7. Cat Tien National Park – Dong Nai
For wildlife and tropical forest, Cat Tien offers a completely different Vietnam experience.
Travelers can explore dense rainforest and discover an ecosystem filled with birds, butterflies, primates and other wildlife — an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to slow down and listen to the forest.
8. Hoang Su Phi – Tuyen Quang (formerly Ha Giang Province)
For a quieter mountain experience, Hoang Su Phi offers vast rice terraces cascading down steep hillsides, winding mountain roads and remote villages.
It is particularly appealing to travelers looking for beautiful landscapes and a slower journey away from Vietnam’s busier tourist destinations.
9. Cao Bang
Cao Bang combines some of Northern Vietnam’s most dramatic scenery with rich cultural and historical heritage.
Highlights include the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, the enormous natural arch of Nui Mat Than (Angel Eye Mountain), Khuoi Ky stone village and the historic Pac Bo area.
10. The South-Central Coast from Quy Nhon to Phan Rang
Rather than a single destination, The Times highlights the scenic stretch of Vietnam’s south-central coastline from Quy Nhon to Phan Rang.
The route is known for its rocky peninsulas, crescent-shaped bays, soft sandy beaches and clear blue waters. It is an ideal journey for travelers who enjoy taking things slowly — following the coast, stopping at quiet beaches and fishing villages, or simply pausing to enjoy the sea views.
For a different perspective, traveling by train also offers beautiful views of coastal and mountain landscapes along sections that are less accessible by road.
11. Con Dao
White-sand beaches, turquoise water and tropical forest give Con Dao a wonderfully unspoiled character.
Beyond relaxing on the beach, visitors can swim, snorkel and discover the islands’ protected marine environment. Between approximately May and October, Con Dao is also known for its green sea turtle nesting season.
Discover a Different Side of Vietnam
Vietnam is not simply Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City. Travel a little farther and you can find remote mountain communities, vast rice terraces, tropical forests, enormous cave systems and quiet stretches of coastline that remain far removed from the country’s busiest tourist centers.
Whether you are visiting Vietnam for the first time or returning to discover somewhere new, these 11 destinations offer plenty of inspiration for your next journey.
At Viet Orchid Travel, we believe the best way to discover Vietnam is through its people, culture and everyday life. Our private, tailor-made journeys combine beautiful destinations with meaningful local experiences — from exploring traditional villages and tasting regional cuisine to meeting local communities and discovering places beyond the usual tourist routes. Each journey is designed around your interests and travel pace, allowing you to experience Vietnam in a more personal and authentic way.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vietnam and helping you experience the country in your own way. We hope your next journey will be filled with memorable places, local encounters and wonderful moments along the way in Vietnam.
Source: This article is based on information published by Báo Văn Hóa (published September 8, 2026), reporting on The Times (UK)’s selection of the 11 most beautiful places in Vietnam for 2026.
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