The recent years have seen Vietnam emerge as a must-see destination in Southeast Asia. Its landscapes are beautiful, beaches are pristine, and culture is richly influenced by both the west & the east. And just as each region has its own beauty to boast about in different seasons of the year, there’s a lot to experience in Vietnam in summer as well. And if you’re planning a holiday in Vietnam this summer, TDN give to you a list of best places to visit for a perfect summer vacay.
Beach & Islands For A Wonderful Summer In Vietnam
1. Halong Bay: Limestone mountains rising from emerald waters
Numerous boats docked at the Halong Bay
The UNESCO-listed world heritage site of Halong Bay needs to be on the itinerary of every traveler, especially if one is visiting Vietnam in summer or spring. The destination is most famous for the cruise tours past the towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. However, those visiting in summers can discover the bay in an entirely different way. Tourists can relax on the shores, visit the cool caves, swim in the glittering waters, or take a seaplane ride.
Don’t miss: Cruise tours in & around the Bay, parasailing, and swimming
2. Nha Trang: Hub for watersports
The Nha Trang City Beach in Vietnam on a summer morning
Nha Trang is renowned for its crescent-shaped coastline, pristine beaches, and turquoise bay. The bay is dotted with small islands and is surrounded by an array of hills. Those visiting this part of Vietnam in summer can also enjoy windsurfing, parasailing, undersea walking, and flyboarding.
Don’t miss: Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam, Po Nagar Tower, Vinpearl Land amusement park, scuba diving, and Long Son Pagoda
3. Con Dao: The mysterious group of islands
Exotic beach with white sand and green flora on Con Dao Island in Vietnam
The islands of Con Dao find their mention among the most mysterious islands in the world. Beautiful & primitive beaches, corals, forests, and other attractions of the archipelago are perfect for a summer Vietnam trip. The famous Six Senses Con Dao resort here adds to the charm of this beautiful Vietnamese destination.
Don’t miss: French Tiger Cages at Phu Tuong, Bãi bi?n ??t D?c beach, Mi?u An S?n Buddhist temple, and B?o Tàng Côn ??o museum
4. Phu Quoc: The most beautiful beach destination in Vietnam
Wooden chairs and umbrellas on white beach in sunset time at Phu Quoc island in Vietnam
Phu Quoc is yet another beach destination for a summer in Vietnam. The largest island in Vietnam can be accessed by ship or plane. Its Khem Beach, Sao Beach, Ham Ninh fishing village, splendid corals, and unique seafood dishes make it a perfect summer getaway.
Don’t miss: Fish Sauce factory, Cau Prison, scuba diving, and snorkeling
Other similar destinations for a holiday in Vietnam in summer: Vung Tau and Phan Thiet
Other Places To Visit In Vietnam In Summer
5. Hoi An Ancient Town: The canal town
A beautiful view of the boat and shore of the canal in Hoi An Ancient Town
The ancient coastal town of Hoi An is known for its Chinese temples, Japanese-design bridges, pagodas, old canal, and French colonial houses that reflect a perfect blend of the eastern & the western influence. Those planning to spend a summer in Vietnam must visit Hoi An for its scarcely crowded beaches and quaint cafes by the river.
Don’t miss: An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach, Museum of Ceramics, Fujian Assembly Hall, and Central Market.
6. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park: Large caves and underground rivers
Camping at the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
The Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is a world heritage site & a biosphere that is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The national park also encompasses some of the largest karst mountains, caves, and underground rivers in Asia. Camping inside these caves by the banks of an underground river is a wonderful experience for those planning a holiday in Vietnam in summer.
Don’t miss: Trekking and mountain biking on Ho Chi Minh Highway
7. Sa Pa: Indochina’s Rice Roof
An aerial view of the lush Sa Pa valley in Vietnam
And in case you wish to beat the heat in Vietnam in June and other summer months, you can head to the rice fields of Sa Pa valley. Its terraced-rice cultivation, colorful countryside, and pleasant year-round temperatures make it an ideal summer retreat.
Don’t miss: Fansipan Mountain, local market, bike ride through Muong Hoa Valley, and night halt at one of the homestays
8. Mai Chau: Rice fields, waterfall, and serenity
The green valley of Mai Chau in Vietnam
For those who fear that Sa Pa might be a little too crowded because of its popularity as a summer destination, Mai Chau serves as a perfect alternative. Tourists visiting this destination in Vietnam in summer can take a dip in the waters at the base of the waterfall, cycle around the rice fields, and stay in one of the homestays. In fact, Mai Chau offers everything that Sa Pa does, minus the large number of tourists.
Don’t miss: Chieu Cave and Go Lao waterfalls
9. Da Lat: The destination of eternal spring
A beautiful shot of the gorgeous Valley of Love at Dalat in Vietnam
Da Lat, also known as the City of Love is another delightful destination to visit in Vietnam in Summer. Its climate has been rightfully tagged as eternal spring due to the year-round pleasant temperatures. Stunning lakes, waterfalls, and lush green valleys with vibrant flower beds make this city an idyllic holiday retreat, especially for those eyeing the summer window.
Don’t miss: Explore the Xuan Huong Lake, Lake of Sorrow, Valley of Love, and Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street
10. Ninh Binh: River delta bisecting the rice fields
River cutting through the paddy fields of Ninh Binh in Vietnam
The former capital of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is like a canvas strategically painted with all hues that the country has to offer. It is often termed as the Halong Bay on rice paddy fields. Tourists visiting this scenic destination in Vietnam in summer can witness the beauty of the vast stretches of rice fields as they take a boat trip in the Red River Delta to explore the caves.
Don’t miss: Bai Dinh Pagoda, Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, and Cuc Phuong National Park
Still contemplating whether or not to visit Vietnam in summer? Trust us! Visit the abovementioned places in Vietnam and we assure you that your summer vacation will be every bit of what you hoped it to be.