17 Instagrammable Places in Vietnam [Personal Experience!]

Looking to spice up your content with some Instagrammable places in Vietnam?

With a 2,000-mile coastline, charming ancient citadels and emerald mountains, Vietnam is easily one of my favorite travel destinations in the world. Traveling here means I get to immerse myself in its rich cultural nuances and scenic landscapes.

Of course, there’s also a bunch of Instagrammable places in Vietnam that I can’t wait to share with you! Let’s capture the essence of your journey here in Vietnam with enviable photos that will freshen up your feed, shall we?

This guide is a collection of my secret spots all over the country with stunning photo ops, complete with some helpful tips and tricks for your journey. Let’s curb your wanderlust cravings, one photo at a time!

17 Instagrammable Places in Vietnam [Personal Experience!]

1. Crazy House, Da Lat

2. Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, Cao Bang

3. Red & White Sand Dunes, Mui Ne

4. Imperial City of Hue

5. Pongour Waterfall, Da Lat

6. Sapa Town, Lao Cai

7. Benh Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

8. Mua Cave, Ninh Binh

9. Domaine de Marie Church, Da Lat

10. Mooc Springs, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

11. Hoi An Ancient Town

12. Heaven’s Gate, Sapa

13. Ly Son Island

14. Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City

15. Golden Bridge, Da Nang

16. Bai Tu Long Bay

17. Long Beach, Cam Ranh

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Instagrammable places in vietnam — Photo credits: **@armypalakorn**

1. Crazy House, Da Lat

If there’s any place that makes me feel like I’m Alice in Wonderland, this is it! With a whimsical design that resembles a giant Banyan tree, the architecture of Crazy House is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Inspired by Antoni Gaudí, the architect Nga manifested her wildest imagination with sculpted elements of nature. Get your poses ready for photos while you’re here! Don’t miss this bizarrely fascinating spot as one of the top 5 places in Vietnam!

You can even book a stay at this unique landmark for a night or two to enjoy the expressionist architecture to the fullest. Each of the rooms here have different themes based on animals, it’ll be a stay to remember for sure!

2. Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, Cao Bang

Far off the beaten track, witnessing this magical waterfall in all its glory made my 8-hour-long journey all worthwhile. 360 km from Hanoi, the Ban Gioc-Detian Falls sits between the border of Vietnam and China while feeding into the Quay Son River.

With its 53-meter height and 300-meter span, it is certainly the most beautiful place in Vietnam in my books. To get a closer look at the falls, I even rented a raft at $2 per pax for a 10-minute boat ride to capture the mighty falls.

Pro tip: The best time for photos at the waterfall is during lunchtime when the dam upstream opens to allow the full flow of water, making the scenery even more impressive. Make sure you have your camera ready when the time comes!

Now, go forth and embark on an adventure of chasing waterfalls for an extraordinary experience.

3. Red & White Sand Dunes, Mui Ne

My first taste of the desert was at Mui Ne, a quiet little fishing town 200 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. It has become a popular destination thanks to the vast and pristine sand dunes that overlook Vietnam’s Southern coast.

For the best experience, I’d recommend going on a sunrise trip to the sand dunes. The thrilling Jeep adventure was just as unforgettable as the breathtaking sunset upon arriving.

To take your Instagram game to the next level, you can even splurge a little more on a hot air balloon tour. The scenery of the sand dunes from up there is out of this world, guaranteed to get a lot of likes and following for your photos.

Pro tip: Go on a real adventure and explore this charming spot with a rented motorbike. It will only cost you as little as $6 per day.

4. Imperial City of Hue

A historical symbol of the Nguyen Dynasty, it is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. This charming ancient palace is definitely at the top of my list of Instagrammable places in Vietnam.

There were once lavish palaces inside the Citadel walls, complete with manicured gardens and ornate pagodas. But they have since suffered much damage during the war. Nonetheless, it still took my breath away admiring a piece of history that stood against time.

Walking around exploring the citadel can get quite warm in the Vietnamese heat, so make sure you slather on adequate sunscreen and hydrate frequently!

Pro tip: On Thursdays, the Imperial City of Hue opens at 8:00am and closes at 10:00pm, allowing visitors to experience it in a whole new way by nightfall. Plan your trip ahead if you wish to check out this spot at night!

5. Pongour Waterfall, Da Lat

Hunting for Vietnam Instagram spots with a wow factor? Give this majestic waterfall a visit! Dubbed as ‘the greatest waterfall of the south’, the Pongour Waterfall is located 50km away from Da Lat City.

The cascading falls form a fascinating landscape that left me mesmerized. The water stream gushes over 7 separated levels of rock, providing a strong visual experience like no other, which also means you’ll be able to get plenty of stunning shots here!

Pro tip: The rainy season from mid-April to the end of September provides ample amounts of rainwater. Come during this season to enjoy an even more spectacular view of the falls.

6. Sapa Town, Lao Cai

As one of the most Instagrammable places in Vietnam, there is no other spot like Sapa Town. Deep in the valley of lusciously green paddy fields with a mountainous backdrop, your time here will stay with you long after your trip ends.

The rustic views, laid-back vibes and friendly locals made my short trip here more enjoyable that I could ever imagine. The cool local weather all year round is certainly a relaxing treat for someone like me who prefers the cold.

Pro tip: Book yourself a stay at one of the mountaintop lodges like Topas Ecolodge to wake up to the best views every morning. Time to get yourself a cuppa as you pose for pictures with the stunning scenery!

7. Benh Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

A bustling market is the quintessential Asian experience, and you’ve never been to Ho Chi Minh City if you haven’t visited this iconic wet market.

It is the oldest surviving market that dates back as early as the 17th century, making it a must-see spot in this dynamic city. I shopped for all my souvenirs here as it sells everything from basic necessities, souvenirs, food to clothing at a bargainable price.

Pro tip: Give your Instagram feed a pop of color when you snap cool shots of the fruit stalls with fresh produce stacked neatly in heaps.

8. Mua Cave, Ninh Binh

A popular choice for travelers in Ninh Binh, the locals describe this spot as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, as it offers similar picturesque views of the limestone cliffs while being on land.

I hope you didn’t skip cardio because the 500 steps at Mua Cave Viewpoint is not for the faint-hearted. But you’ll be rewarded with the most enchanting view at the top, a perfect spot for selfies!

While you’re here, set yourself up at Mua Caves Ecolodge because I’m convinced there’s no better place to stay while you’re in Ninh Binh!

Pro tip:

A special time to visit this location is in May or June when the paddy fields turn golden yellow during harvest season. Just imagine how glorious the landscape would look then!

9. Domaine de Marie Church, Da Lat

With a peachy-pink exterior, this church that sits on a hill in Da Lat has a feminine charm about it. The building is a harmonious fusion of French and Vietnamese architecture, designed as an isosceles triangle with small arched windows.

From the grounds of the church, I discovered that you could also catch a glimpse of a romantic view overlooking the city. It’s definitely one of my favorite spots for photos in Da Lat, partly thanks to the hill the church is located on.

10. Mooc Springs, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

As one of the best Instagrammable places in Vietnam, this enchanting eco-trail needs no introduction.

The sound of bird chirping and spring water flowing through the rocks at Mooc Springs was like music to my ears. I will never forget how clear and blue the spring water was, it was mesmerizing to watch it flow gracefully down the stream.

Enjoy the fresh air amidst the flora and fauna, as you kick back and relax while immersing yourself into the beauty of nature here at Mooc Springs.

Looking for a place to stay? Phong Nha Farmstay is absolutely it! Soaking in their outdoor pool while watching the sunset over some cocktails is the best experience ever.

11. Hoi An Ancient Town

Update your Instagram feed with refreshing photos of the living museum that is Hoi An Ancient Town. It served as a trading port back in the 17th century, complete with a well-preserved building complex and water canals for easy transportation of goods.

What really captivated me was the oriental grace embodied by this far eastern port. It is a cultural melting pot of Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese merchants that settled around the port once upon a time.

As for the best photo spot in town, the Japanese Covered Bridge definitely takes the cake! Be sure to get a photo of yourself with the Japanese Covered Bridge that is featured on the nation’s 20,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote.

Pro tip: Go the extra mile for the ‘gram and rent an Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese costume) as you explore the town taking photos. It’s a surefire way to create more magical memories.

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12. Heaven’s Gate, Sapa

If you want to enjoy a moment of bliss amongst the clouds, this is the place to be! Come embrace the majestic view of the Fansipan mountain at the highest pass in Vietnam for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The scenery changes with each season, you’ll be able to enjoy views of beautifully blooming cherry blossoms and golden yellow paddy fields during different months of the year. You might even catch a super rare glimpse of snow during the colder months!

13. Ly Son Island

This lesser-known gem off the south central coast is surely one of the most amazing Instagrammable places in Vietnam. The island is enriched with pristine coastlines and untamed wilderness, making it a great destination for adventure-seekers.

Thanks to the dormant volcanoes in the area plus the local dishes that are served with ample of garlic, it is dubbed the ‘kingdom of garlic and volcanoes’, which I found rather amusing.

The weather at this beachy location also stays warm all year around, so it’s time to get that tan on while you’re here!

Pro tip: Go on an island adventure as you hunt for cool photo spots by renting a motorbike for only $6.50 per day!

14. Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City

This next spot is a real treat for fans of architecture, you wouldn’t want to miss this 131-year-old building in the heart of the city!

The Saigon Central Post Office has a huge clock placed prominently at the top of the main entrance. It boasts pastel yellow exterior with white trims and dark green shutters at the windows.

As I walked into the building, the stunning interior got me even more awe-struck. The colonial architecture was a beautiful mix of Gothic and Renaissance style. Take your time to take it all in with your eyes before you snap away on your camera.

Pro tip: Send a postcard home from this historical post office to make it extra meaningful!

15. Golden Bridge, Da Nang

Looks familiar? This is the tourist hotspot you’ve been seeing all over Instagram the past few years! It’s been the buzz online ever since its initial opening back in June 2018.

At the height of 1,400 meters above sea level, the Golden Bridge is a 150-meter-long pedestrian bridge in the Ba Na Hills Resort that overlooks the lush green terrains of Da Nang.

I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the brilliant sunset during my visit in the late afternoon. I highly recommend you do the same to catch a glimpse of the view you’ll never be able to see anywhere else.

However, it can get quite crowded during those particular hours, so brace yourself for the crowd!

16. Bai Tu Long Bay

Sharing similar geological features of stiff limestone cliffs lined with lush greenery, Bai Tu Long Bay is a more secluded area 7.6 km away from Ha Long Bay.

I first visited Bai Tu Long Bay in the summer on a 3-day cruise and I can honestly say it’s the best money I’ve spent during my time in Vietnam. Being on the cruise lets you bask in the scenic views while enjoying the sea breeze all day, every day, until the end of your trip.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap breathtaking photos throughout your cruise. However, the phone signal in that area is non-existent, so you’ll have to wait until you get off the cruise to post your enviable photos online.

17. Long Beach, Cam Ranh

Get your bikini’s and sunscreen, ‘cause we’re going to the beach! The perfect beach vacay you’ve been waiting for is right here in Long Beach, Cam Ranh.

The 10-kilometer stretch of sandy white shore at Long Beach promises an absolutely stunning panorama, so feast your eyes and be sure to take lots of photos while you’re sunbathing to the sounds of the crashing waves.

FAQ

Picking The Best Camera For Your Trips

Traveling light is key for a more enjoyable journey. Thanks to the ever-changing tech scene, we can now capture ultra-clear photos with our mobile phones. Most of them come with great camera features that would suffice when it comes to capturing your travel memories. Remember to get a phone with a larger memory space so you can store all your photos because trust me, there will be a lot of them after a memorable trip.

If you’d like to take it up a notch, mirrorless cameras are also a great, compact option that wouldn’t feel too much of a burden when you’re out and about hunting for the best photo spots.

Photo Hacks For Solo Travelers

If you’re struggling with taking good pictures while traveling alone, I have a few tips that might come in handy for your travels:

1. Make Use Of Reflective Surfaces Or A Mirror

Be on the lookout for a mirror or reflective surfaces such as a body of water that will help you take photos of yourself easier. This clever trick produces really cool shots that are bound to make your followers swoon.

2. Bring Along A Tripod

Who needs an Instagram boyfriend when you have a trusty tripod? Go ahead and invest in a sturdy tripod that will make your life easier while documenting your travels. Trust me, it’ll make all the difference for your photos!

3. Use Wide-Angle Lens For Close-Up Shots

Get more within each shot when you use a wide-angle lens with your phone or camera. It’s a genius hack that helps you get the perfect selfies while maintaining beautiful background of any spot you’re at.

Keeping Your Valuables Safe When Traveling

As a solo female traveler, I’ve heard of terrifying encounters with snatch thieves from other fellow travelers.

To avoid finding yourself in these unwanted scenarios and keep your belongings safe, you should always keep an eye on your valuables and never leave them unattended.

It also helps to keep your valuables out of sight plus stay alert of your surroundings when you’re out and about.

Go the extra mile to safeguard your belongings during your travels with an anti-theft backpack. Designed with security in mind, they are made with slash-proof materials and features such as hidden pockets or zippers.

Cheap Places To Live In Vietnam

Hau Giang.
Soc Trang.
Tra Vinh.
Ha Nam.
Dong Thap.

Beautiful Cities On Vietnam

Hoi An.
Nha Trang.
Can Tho.
Vung Tau.
Chau Doc.
Bac Ha.

Ready to check out all the best Instagrammable places in Vietnam?

A picture is worth a thousand words, but nothing beats seeing it with your own eyes. Embark on your own journey of exploration and capture the sweet memories of your travels with the click of a button.

Now book your flights, pack your bags and do it not just for the ‘gram, but for an adventure of a lifetime! Share with us in the comments your experience at the magical locations featured in this list.

I would also love to hear all about the other great spots you’ve discovered on your journey.