(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam has stunning landscapes ranging from terraced fields and majestic mountains in the north, picturesque valleys in the Central Highlands, and blue beaches in the south. Its architecture and cuisine are worth mentioning, too. Here are the top 10 famous places in Vietnam that foreign tourists should visit at least once in their lives.
1. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, recognized by UNESCO as a natural world heritage, is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. From a birds-eye view it looks like an enormous colored painting.
 Ha Long Bay from above (Photo: halongbay.com.vn) |
 Spending the night on a cruise is an amazing experience for tourists visiting Ha Long bay. (Photo: My Tra/ VOV5) |
2. Sapa
Sapa not only attracts visitors with its beautiful and majestic natural landscape, but also with the unique culture of its indigenous people. Climbing Mount. Fansipan, taking pictures in terraced fields, or staying in a homestay with the minority groups are visitors’ favorite activities.
 Fansipan – the highest peak in Indochina (Photo: ngoisao.net) |
 Golden terraced rice field in Sapa (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)
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3. Hanoi
The noise, motorbike culture, people, history, and the cuisine of Hanoi are what makes it special for many foreign tourists.
 Hang Dau booth from above (Photo: qdnd.vn) |
 Late American chef Anthony Bourdain enjoyed a bowl of Bun oc (snail vermicelli soup) on the sidewalk in Hanoi. (Photo: afamily.vn) |
4. Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists. It offers natural and cultural heritages including Trang An eco-tourism area, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Mua Cave, Cuc Phuong forest, Bai Dinh pagoda, and the Hoa Lu Citadel. Ninh Binh is known as “Ha Long Bay on land”.
 Trang An wharf where the journey to discover beautiful scenery begins. (Photo: Vietsensetravel.com) |
 Tam Coc (Photo: Đào Minh Tiến/ sodulich.hanoi.gov.vn) |
5. Son Doong Cave
Son Doong Cave is as high as a 40-story building and wide enough for a Boeing 747 to fly over. The cave, located in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province, was discovered in 2009. Son Doong is currently the largest cave in the world, with rich vegetation and surreal scenery.
 Inside Son Doong Cave (Photo: oxalisadventure.com) |
 Enormous stalactite inside Son Doong Cave (Photo: oxalisadventure.com) |
6. Hue
Hue is one of the cities imbued with Vietnam's history, with relics from the 19th century Nguyen Dynasty. Its complex of monuments was recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage. For many foreign tourists, this is a must-see destination in Vietnam.
 Hue Citadel from above (Photo: Le Hieu/ zingnews.vn)
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 Trang Tien bridge crosses Huong River. (Photo: Duy Sinh/ zingnews.vn) |
7. Da Nang
Da Nang is one of the busiest cities in Vietnam with a wide range of tourist attractions including My Khe beach - one of the 6 most beautiful beaches on the planet (voted by Forbes magazine), Ba Na Hills with many entertainment activities, Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains, Han River, and Dragon Bridge.
 My Khe beach in Da Nang (Photo: danangaz.com)
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 Ba Na Hill (Photo: danangfantasticity.com) |
8. Hoi An
Hoi An was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1999. It was one of the 10 most attractive tourist cities in Asia, listed by Smart Travel Asia magazine. The nostalgia, peace, and beautiful natural scenery of Hoi An are what keep foreign tourists coming.
 Hoi An ancient town (Photo: Vo Rin/ VnExpress) |
 Hoi An by night. (Photo: austinvietmartyrs.org) |
9. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the two largest economic and cultural centers in Vietnam. The Notre Dame Cathedral, City Post Office, Independence Palace, and Ben Thanh market are some of its popular tourist destinations.
 The Notre Dame Cathedral (Photo: VOV)
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 The Independence Palace is surrounded by greenery (Photo: Vietnamnet.vn) |
10. Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam. Known as "Pearl island", Phu Quoc is a beach paradise for tourists. The Long Beach (Bai Dai) is on the list of top 5 clean and beautiful beaches in the world voted by ABC News.
 Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s biggest island. (Photo: To Quoc News) |
 The Long Beach (Bai Dai) in Phu Quoc island. (Photo: titangroup.vn) |