Summer is the time when everyone looks for a destination to escape the sweltering heat, relax, and cherish meaningful moments with loved ones. Vietnam, with its long coastline, majestic mountains, cool plateaus, and many famous tourist sites, is the perfect choice for your vacation journey. Below are 15 must-visit domestic destinations this summer, from lively coastal cities and romantic highlands to pristine pearl islands. Let’s discover them with Vietnam Travel Group!
Where to Travel in Summer? Northern Vietnam – Fresh and Majestic Nature
Ha Long Bay – A masterpiece wonder in the North Sea
If you seek a cool place with unique landscapes for your summer vacation, Ha Long Bay is the top choice. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, Ha Long captivates every visitor with the majestic beauty of thousands of limestone islands rising above the clear blue sea. Every summer, Ha Long comes alive with 5-star cruise tours, kayaking trips exploring mysterious caves like Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, or simply enjoying the sunset from the ship’s deck – an enchanting experience. Just about 160 km from Hanoi, traveling to Ha Long is very convenient by bus, limousine, or private car, suitable for young groups and families alike.
Vịnh Hạ Long - Top điểm đến đẹp nhất thế giới (Ảnh: vndiscovery.com.vn)
Ninh Binh – A fairy tale land in the Northern plain
Ninh Binh has long been a favorite destination for nature lovers and culture explorers. In summer, this land boasts a unique beauty with green mountains mingling with golden rice fields. It is also the ideal time to visit Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Mua Cave, or Bai Dinh Pagoda – famous tourism symbols of the ancient Hoa Lu capital. Visiting in April – May, you can witness the butterfly season at Cuc Phuong forest, perfect for trekking and nature discovery. Especially, Ninh Binh’s climate is not too hot in summer, making it convenient for light trips from Hanoi – about 2 hours by motorbike, car, limousine, or train.
Ninh Bình - Hành trình về miền di sản (Ảnh: vietnamcambodgecircuit.blogspot.com)
Moc Chau – Cool green highland amidst scorching summer
When the city’s sweltering heat becomes unbearable, Moc Chau – a beautiful plateau in Son La province – is the perfect “sun escape” for nature lovers. Called a miniature Dalat, Moc Chau attracts visitors with fresh air, endless green tea hills, the white foaming Dai Yem waterfall, and the peaceful Ban Ang pine forest. From May to August is plum and peach season, where you can pick fresh fruits directly in the garden and deeply feel mountain life. Moc Chau is about 200 km from Hanoi, accessible by bus or adventurous motorbike trips via National Highway 6 – an inspiring route for travel souls.
Mộc Châu - Địa điểm chữa lành tuyệt đẹp (Ảnh: vntrip.vn)
Cat Ba – A resort paradise in the heart of the Northern Gulf
Located about 60 km from Hai Phong city center, Cat Ba Island has long been famous for its wild beauty, pleasant climate, and jade-clear sea water. Not as bustling as other tourist cities, Cat Ba offers peaceful spaces with long beaches, majestic limestone mountains, and rich marine-forest ecosystems. Summer is the best time to enjoy Cat Ba with exciting activities like swimming at Cat Co beaches, visiting Lan Ha Bay, kayaking, exploring Monkey Island, or wandering in Cat Ba National Park. Visitors can travel by car, high-speed boat, or ferry-bus combos, very flexible for short trips or family vacations.
Đảo Cát Bà - Hòn đảo hoang sơ xinh đẹp tại Hạ Long (Ảnh: vntrip.vn)
Ha Giang – Summer journey to the northernmost radiant land
If you love majestic mountain passes, peaceful villages, and sunlit plateau spaces, Ha Giang is a must-visit summer destination. This borderland always holds a grand yet poetic beauty with terraced fields, the jade-green Nho Que river quietly flowing through Tu San canyon, the spectacular Ma Pi Leng pass, and the rustic H'Mong villages. June – July is also the off-season blooming of tam giác mạch (buckwheat flower) and lush rice in Lung Cu, Yen Minh, Dong Van communes. Though far, the trip to Ha Giang is worth the unique experiences, accessible by sleeper bus from Hanoi or motorbike if you seek adventure.
Hà Giang - Địa điểm phải đến ít nhất một lần trong đời (Ảnh: vietnamonline.com)
Where to Travel in Summer? Central Vietnam – The beauty between tradition and modernity
Da Nang – A dynamic and colorful coastal city
An indispensable summer travel spot, Da Nang wins visitors with the perfect mix of nature and modernity. The city features the charming My Khe Beach, Ba Na Hills with the “Golden Bridge in the clouds,” top entertainment complexes, and iconic constructions like Dragon Bridge and Love Bridge. Summer in Da Nang becomes even more vibrant with sea festivals, lively atmosphere, and a variety of experiences from luxury resorts to Central Vietnam’s cuisine exploration. From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other major provinces, travelers can easily fly directly to Da Nang or choose trains and buses for a full journey experience.
Đà Nẵng - Thành phố đáng sống bậc nhất Việt Nam (Ảnh: danangfanstaticity.com)
Hoi An – Ancient beauty in the heart of summer
Just 30 km from Da Nang, Hoi An is a perfect stop for those loving peace, old charm, and ancient architecture. Walking through the old town with mossy tiled roofs, colorful lanterns, and gentle Hoai River, you feel time slow down. Summer is the best time to explore Thanh Ha pottery village, Tra Que vegetable village, or relax at An Bang and Cua Dai beaches. Evening scenes with lantern-lit streets, drifting flower boats, and Hue folk songs create an emotional experience. Hoi An is easily connected from Da Nang, ideal for couples, families, or foreign tourists who love Vietnamese culture.
Hue – Dreamy summer in the ancient capital
Hue always brings a gentle and poetic feeling – an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and cultural depth. In summer, Hue wears a graceful look with the purple of royal jacarandas and golden sunlight on the Perfume River. It is perfect to explore the Imperial Citadel, Khai Dinh tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, or visit Dong Ba market to savor unique royal cuisine. In the evening, try a dragon boat ride to listen to Hue folk songs and release lanterns – unforgettable peaceful moments. Hue is conveniently accessible by train, car, plane, or combined trips from Da Nang – Hoi An.
Huế - Chốn ngàn năm lưu dấu lịch sử cố đô (Ảnh: vnconsulate-fukuoka.org)
Nha Trang – Vibrant and charming coastal city
Known as the “Pearl of the Far East,” Nha Trang has long been an ideal summer destination for domestic and international tourists. With its long white sandy beaches, clear blue sea, and year-round sunny climate, it attracts beach activities, coral diving at Hon Mun and Hon Tam islands, or fun at VinWonders Nha Trang – the island’s entertainment paradise. Also, don’t miss Ponagar Tower, mud baths, and fresh seafood – typical experiences of Central Vietnam’s coastal city. Nha Trang is served by Cam Ranh airport with domestic and international flights, very convenient to start a perfect summer vacation.
Nha Trang - Thành phố biển năng động (Ảnh: coedo.com.vn)
Da Lat – Cool summer in the heart of the plateau
Amid blazing summer, Da Lat keeps its gentle and cool charm thanks to fresh highland air and poetic natural scenery. The “city of a thousand flowers” welcomes visitors with pine-shaded streets, blooming hydrangea gardens, peaceful Tuyen Lam lake, majestic Datanla waterfall, and cozy mountain cafes. Summer is also ideal to visit strawberry farms, pick fruit, or simply stroll the Da Lat night market to feel a lively yet relaxed rhythm. You can fly to Da Lat from many big cities or take a bus along mountain passes to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Thành phố ngàn hoa Đà Lạt (Ảnh: vinwonders.com)
Phu Yen – Pristine beauty captivating travelers
Phu Yen – the peaceful land of Central Vietnam – has gradually become a favored destination in recent years due to its wild, rustic beauty and friendly locals. Summer is perfect for admiring the spectacular Ganh Da Dia rock formations, watching sunrise at Mui Dien – the first place to welcome sunlight on mainland Vietnam, or exploring Bai Xep – the famous filming site of “Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass.” Don’t forget to try the oceanic bigeye tuna eyes specialty and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Bai Mon, Xuan Dai Bay, or Dam O Loan. Phu Yen has Tuy Hoa airport and a scenic coastal road, ideal for gentle yet emotional summer trips.
Phú Yên - Vẻ đẹp hoang sơ tự nhiên (Ảnh: vietnam-travelonline.com)
Vinh Hy – The hidden gem of Central Vietnam’s sea
About 40 km from Phan Rang city, Vinh Hy is among the most beautiful bays in Vietnam, notable for its jade-green water, pristine rocky beaches, and untouched natural landscape. Less crowded than other famous spots, Vinh Hy offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, or glass-bottom boat trips to admire the ocean depths. Especially, visitors can combine visits to Nui Chua National Park – a sea turtle sanctuary with one of the country’s richest ecosystems. Vinh Hy suits those who love slow travel, nature exploration, and seek truly private moments in summer.
Vịnh Vĩnh Hy - Địa điểm hot nhất hè này (Ảnh: sacotravel.com)
Where to Travel in Summer? Southern Vietnam – Clear blue seas and rich cuisine
Phu Quoc – Tropical paradise in the South
Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s famous pearl island – is the perfect summer vacation spot with blue seas, white sands, and luxury resorts. Not only attractive with beautiful beaches like Bai Sao, Bai Dai, and Ganh Dau Cape, the island also has Sun World Phu Quoc, the world’s longest Hon Thom cable car, and Duong Dong night market full of local cuisine. Summer is ideal for diving, fishing, visiting pepper gardens, pearl farms, or exploring the ancient fishing village of Ham Ninh. With direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, or Da Nang, Phu Quoc blends luxury resorts and wild nature, suitable for all types of travelers.
Phú Quốc - Thiên đường nghỉ dưỡng mùa hè (Ảnh: newstarland.com)
Con Dao – Reflective space in a sacred land
Con Dao is not only a beautiful archipelago with wild beaches and jade-clear waters but also a place bearing the heroic history of the nation. Summer in Con Dao offers tranquility and peace, perfect for nature, spirituality, and historical exploration. Visitors can visit Hang Duong Cemetery, Vo Thi Sau’s tomb, explore Con Dao prison, or trek in Con Dao National Park to see sea turtles and rare animals. With direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, or combined ferry trips from Vung Tau, Con Dao is a summer destination worth experiencing at least once in life.
Côn Đảo - Hòn đảo hoang sơ xinh đẹp (Ảnh: ticotravel.com.vn)
Vung Tau – Familiar and convenient weekend destination
Located near Ho Chi Minh City, about 2 hours by car, Vung Tau has long been a familiar beach getaway for Southern residents, especially in summer. This coastal city boasts beautiful beaches like Bai Sau, Bai Dau, Bai Truoc, and famous landmarks like the Jesus Christ statue, old lighthouse, Ho May tourist area, and Nghinh Phong Cape. Additionally, Vung Tau attracts with diverse cuisine including Banh Khot, fresh seafood, and romantic sea-view cafes. It is an ideal choice for short trips, weekend relaxation, or family and friends gatherings to “cool off” during the hot summer.
Vũng Tàu - Biển xanh vẫy gọi (Ảnh: xaydungso.vn)
Conclusion – Which summer journey will you choose?
Summer is a wonderful time to set off, explore new lands, breathe fresh air, and renew yourself after busy days. From vast blue seas to cool green highlands, from tranquil ancient towns to wild pearl islands – each destination carries its own color and story for you to create unforgettable memories. Make this summer perfect with Vietnam Travel Group – your trusted companion on every trip.
