1. Hoi An

Hoi An was by far my favorite place in Vietnam. With its small town vibes and streets lit by the most colorful lanterns, this is definitely a place to spend a few days.

Must see/do:

Try the street food

Visit the beach

Take a cooking class

2. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever experienced. Its vast expansion of islands is something one must see to believe. The only downside of visiting is that because it is so mystifying - it is incredibly touristy.

Must see/do:

Walk through cool caves

Kayak around an island

Stay overnight on a cruise

3. Hanoi

One of the nicer cities in Vietnam, Hanoi has a little bit for everyone. From a nice lake, you can relax and people-watch by, to temples with an abundance of history behind them, to the delicious egg coffee and bun cha at every corner.

Must see/do:

Visit the Temple of Literature

Try egg coffee

Eat at Bun Cha Huong Lien (where Obama ate bun cha)

4. Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta is definitely an experience. With boat markets (people selling fruits on boats that you can ride up to) and coconut groves, this is an incredible opportunity to see how certain foods are prepared and to get a taste for different fruits around Vietnam.

Must see/do:

Drink from then eat a coconut

Ride in a small boat

5. My Son

Make sure to get a tour guide! Ours was beyond informative and described all the beliefs surrounding certain ruins in incredible detail. I noticed other people without a tour guide who seemed a bit confused, even trying to linger around us to hear him tell us the stories.

6. Ho Chi Minh City

Must see/do:

Try Pho

Eat at Anan (a roughly $20 meal 8-course meal that is beyond delicious)