7 most Instagrammable places in Vietnam you can’t miss (+ bonus Hanoi café guide).
Ahh Vietnam… the crazy street scenes, the breathtaking natural beauty, and some pretty epic adventures too.
For travellers searching for the most Instagrammable places in Vietnam, this country delivers it all: bustling cities, lantern-lit towns, and landscapes so dramatic they feel almost unreal.
The challenge, of course, is knowing where to find the best photo spots in a destination overflowing with them.
On my recent trip, I experienced everything from the buzzing scooters of Saigon to the golden beaches of Da Nang, and of course the legendary Ha Long Bay—where no photo could ever capture the magic of being there.
In this blog, I’ll share the 7 most Instagrammable places in Vietnam from my journey—along with what to expect, how to get there, and the best time to visit.
And because no Vietnam adventure is complete without egg coffee, I’ve included a bonus guide to Hanoi’s most Instagram-worthy cafés.
Ancient Hoi An.
Hanoi Train Street.
A great place to begin our search for the most Instagrammable spots in Vietnam is the world-famous Train Street in Hanoi.
This narrow residential street has become an icon of the city, where a working railway line runs directly between rows of local houses and cafés.
When the train passes just inches from doorsteps, the atmosphere is awesome and is a truly unique feature of Hanoi.
The street is lined with quirky cafés that offer the perfect viewing spot, through the day and night!
Daytime is chilled at Train Street.
I grabbed a Vietnamese coffee and enjoyed the chilled vibes on my first visit through the daytime.
My camera was set up to capture the perfect shot of the train thundering past.
I recommend a day visit if you want to experience more of a quiet vibe, and want to feel the typical Hanoi cafe culture in a unique setting.
To feel the true energy of Train Street, aim to visit around train schedule times in the late afternoon or evening when the light is softer and the street cafés glow with lanterns.
A quirky corner.
To get to this iconic Hanoi Instagram spot, you can take a short walk from the city’s Old Quarter, following the tracks until you reach the bustling café-lined section of Train Street.
You will see bright lights and hear the fun atmosphere as you approach.
I could see straight away why Hanoi is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Visiting Hanoi Train Street.
Opening hours: The street itself is always open, but cafés along the tracks usually run from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM. The trains typically pass in the afternoon and evening, so it’s worth checking with a local café for the updated schedule.
Cost: Free to visit. Most cafés will ask you to buy a drink (around £1–£2), which is great value for a front-row seat to this unique experience.
Best spot for Instagram shot: Grab a seat at a trackside café or on a small balcony overlooking the line. The most iconic photos are taken as the train approaches, with the narrow street full of energy and locals tucking everything neatly out of the way just in time.
Picture Perfect Vibes.
Sapa Rice Fields.
Tucked away in the far north of Vietnam, Sapa is one of the country’s most breathtaking and authentic Instagram spots you can visit.
Famous for its cascading rice terraces carved into the mountainsides, this region felt like I was stepping into another world.
In terms of aesthetics, it actually reminded me of Pai in Thailand, and places in Bali.
One of my most memorable experiences in Vietnam was waking up in a traditional hill tribe homestay.
As the sun rose over the terraced fields, the mist lifted to reveal the most beautiful nature.
Views for days.
It was peaceful, authentic, and honestly one of the most photogenic mornings of my trip.
The views are unbeatable—every corner of Sapa offers a different angle for Vietnam travel photography.
It still feels relatively untouched as well, which made it feel even more special!
Dreamy days in Northern Vietnam.
Trekking through the rice fields takes you past quiet villages, grazing buffalo, and locals in traditional dress, creating the perfect backdrops for some epic photos.
For the most spectacular photos, I suggest you time your trip during the harvest season when the terraces turn golden.
Whether you hike, take a motorbike tour, or simply relax with a coffee overlooking the valley, Sapa is a place that has still stayed with me!
Visiting Sapa.
Best time to visit: The rice terraces are most stunning during late September to early October when they turn golden before harvest. May–June is also beautiful when the fields are lush green.
How to get there: From Hanoi, you can take an overnight train or sleeper bus (approx. 6–8 hours) to Sapa.
Best spot for Instagram shot: The Muong Hoa Valley viewpoint or trekking trails around Cat Cat Village offer sweeping panoramic shots of the terraced hills.
Some Instagram worthy scenery.
Beautiful Ninh Binh.
Another unmissable stop on the hunt for the most Instagrammable places in Vietnam is the stunning region of Ninh Binh, often called ‘Ha Long Bay on land’.
I couldn’t wait to see the dramatic limestone karsts towering over the stunning rice paddies and winding rivers, creating some of the most cinematic scenery in the country.
It’s a photographer’s dream, that’s for sure!
The landscapes here are so diverse that you’ll want to capture every angle, making Ninh Binh one of the top spots for Vietnam travel photography.
An iconic Instagram location in Vietnam.
One of my highlights was the climb to the top of Hang Múa viewpoint—500 steep steps that reward you with breathtaking panoramic views across the valley.
It reminded me of the iconic Nam Xay Viewpoint in Vang Vieng in Laos, another picturesque stop on my South East Asia trip.
From up here, you can see the Tam Cốc river snaking through the rice fields, tiny boats drifting peacefully below.
It was bliss!
For a slower pace, take a traditional sampan boat ride through Tam Cốc or Tràng An, gliding under limestone caves and past floating lotus flowers. There are plenty of popular day trips here…
The best time to visit is early morning, when the light is soft and the crowds haven’t yet arrived. Getting here is easy: Ninh Binh is just a two-hour drive or train ride from Hanoi, making it a perfect day trip or overnight stop.
It’s easy to see why Ninh Binh is considered one of the most beautiful—and most Instagrammable—destinations in Vietnam.
Ninh Binh (Hang Múa & Tam Cốc).
Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid the crowds and capture the mist over the limestone karsts.
Cost: Entry to Hang Múa viewpoint is around £3–4, while Tam Cốc boat rides cost around £6–8 per person.
Best spot for Instagram shot: The Hang Múa viewpoint (500 steps up) is unbeatable, offering jaw-dropping views across the rice fields and rivers.
An Imperial vibe.
Ha Long Bay.
No list of Instagrammable Vietnam destinations would be complete without the legendary Ha Long Bay.
Known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from the sea, it’s one of the most iconic natural wonders in Southeast Asia…
And definitely one of my favourites!
Sailing around the beautiful islands was an awesome experience, but for the best views I recommend hiking up to the viewpoint on top of Ti Top Island.
It offers fantastic panoramic views of the Bay and all of the cruise ships which are parked up.
Views from the famous viewpoint.
One of the best days on my Vietnam itinerary was the exceptional day we spent cruising around the naturally aesthetic region.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s crown jewels.
It is honestly so amazing!
Ha Long Bay is an ideal day trip to break up your Hanoi itinerary, as it is located only 2-3 hours away from the Vietnamese capital.
For those who want to slow the pace, an overnight cruise is the perfect option. You’ll have more time to soak in the views, kayak between the islets, or simply relax as the bay reveals its beauty hour by hour.
It’s a place that truly takes your breath away and remains one of the most unforgettable Instagrammable Vietnam destinations I’ve ever visited.
Ha Long Bay.
Best time to visit: October–April for cooler, drier weather and clearer skies for photos.
How to get there: Around 2.5–3 hours by car/bus from Hanoi. Many travellers opt for a day cruise or overnight boat tour.
Best spot for Instagram shot: From the deck of a traditional junk boat at sunset, or—if you can—capture a drone shot of the emerald waters dotted with limestone islands.
A picture perfect setting.
Hoi An Ancient Old Town.
If there’s one place in Vietnam that feels like it was designed for Instagram, it has to be Hoi An Ancient Town.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is bursting with colour—golden-yellow walls, vibrant lanterns strung across narrow streets, and riverside cafés that glow beautifully at night.
It’s just picture perfect… And it has an endearing charm!
I found wandering around the ancient site with no plan worked best, with pretty architecture, blending beautifully with nature, and the local culture to create a photographer's dream.
One of my favourite photo spots in Vietnam.
As the sun goes down, the atmosphere becomes even more magical.
The Thu Bon River fills with glowing boats, lanterns reflect across the water, and the whole town feels like a scene from a storybook.
I loved sitting by the river and taking in the iconic surroundings in one of my favourite restaurants eating a bun cha.
An ancient temple in Hoi An.
The Old Town also carries an imperial elegance in its ancient pagodas and temples, where curved roofs and intricate carvings showcase centuries of history.
The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge is another must-see, with its ornate wooden structure and lantern-lit charm that looks stunning both day and night.
There are many colourful scenes in Hoi An.
But what really makes Hoi An unforgettable for me, are the colourful streets themselves.
Bougainvillea flowers spill over golden walls, lanterns hang in every shade imaginable, and local art galleries add splashes of creativity to the alleys.
Every corner literally feels like it’s been designed with photographers in mind, making Hoi An one of the most vibrant Instagrammable Vietnam destinations you’ll come across.
Hoi An Ancient Town.
Best time to visit: Evening, when the town is glowing with colourful lanterns. If possible, plan around the monthly Lantern Festival (held on the 14th day of the lunar month).
Cost: Free to wander the streets, though entry tickets to some heritage houses and temples cost around £4–5.
Best spot for Instagram shot: Along the Thu Bon River, with lantern-lit boats drifting by and the yellow walls of the Old Town glowing at dusk.
Bright vibes.
The Golden Bridge of Ba Na Hills.
High in the mountains above Da Nang sits one of Vietnam’s most iconic modern landmarks—the Golden Bridge of Ba Na Hills.
This striking structure looks like something from a fantasy film, with two enormous stone hands lifting a golden walkway into the sky.
It’s no surprise that it has become one of the most photographed attractions in the country.
I found walking across the bridge to be a surreal experience.
Very much in the clouds, the quirky theme park is located very high up in the mountains, therefore, you should be very selective about when to visit Da Nang, and its famous funfair.
Instagram worthy.
Surrounded by cool mountain air and sweeping views over the forested hills, it felt like stepping into another world.
Early in the morning, when the mist rolls over the mountains, the bridge looks especially magical and makes for unforgettable photos.
The Golden Bridge is part of the larger Ba Na Hills resort complex, which also includes gardens, French-inspired architecture, and a cable car ride that offers more panoramic views of central Vietnam.
The iconic bridge.
Most travellers combine a trip here with a wider visit to Da Nang.
If you’re planning your trip, you can check out my detailed Da Nang itinerary for tips on exploring the city and surrounding attractions.
Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills (Da Nang).
Best time to visit: Arrive early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid heavy crowds and harsh light.
Cost: Access is included in the Ba Na Hills theme park ticket (approx. £25–30 per adult).
How to get there: About 45 minutes from Da Nang by car or organised shuttle bus. You’ll take a cable car up to the bridge.
Best spot for Instagram shot: Midway across the bridge with the giant stone hands holding the golden walkway in frame.
A close up on a misty day.
Tan Dinh Church (The Pink Church) in Saigon.
Vietnam is full of colourful and unique architecture, from golden pagodas to lantern-filled towns, but one of my favourites has to be the striking Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City…
Better known as the Pink Church!
With its bubblegum-pink façade, towering spires, and white Gothic detailing, this church looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
Against the backdrop of Saigon’s busy streets, it’s a surprising splash of colour and one of the most photogenic buildings I visited in Vietnam.
The Instagram worthy church.
I loved how the intricate white trim and bold pink walls stood out dramatically against the bright blue sky. It’s a spot that makes you stop in your tracks, and it’s no wonder it’s become one of the most popular Instagrammable Vietnam destinations.
Whether you admire it from the street or step inside to appreciate its peaceful interior, the Pink Church is a must-see for anyone exploring exploring Ho Chi Minh City.
Beyond the Pink Church, Vietnam is full of eye-catching and colourful architecture. Here are a few more that deserve a spot on your Instagram feed:
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi – A neo-Gothic masterpiece with striking twin bell towers, often compared to Notre Dame in Paris.
Bitexco Financial Tower, Ho Chi Minh City – A modern skyscraper with a unique lotus-inspired design and a skydeck offering sweeping city views.
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) – Ancient gates, palaces, and temples from the Nguyen Dynasty, showcasing regal Vietnamese architecture.
Cao Dai Temple, Tay Ninh – Vibrant and eclectic, blending influences of Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity with bright colours and murals.
Dragon Bridge, Da Nang – A modern landmark shaped like a dragon that breathes fire at night—epic both in photos and in person!
Entering the unique church.
Tan Dinh Church (The Pink Church), Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening hours: Open daily, usually 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Cost: Free entry, though donations are welcomed.
Best spot for Instagram shot: A straight-on shot of the bubblegum pink façade framed against a bright blue sky is a classic. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Hanoi’s Cafes are awesome Instagram spots also.
While the famous Train Street and Old Quarter might get most of the attention, Hanoi’s café scene deserves a spotlight of its own.
The capital is packed with quirky, photogenic coffee shops that double as perfect backdrops for your feed. From vintage interiors to hidden rooftop views, these cafés show a different side of Hanoi’s culture.
One of the most unique experiences is trying egg coffee—a Hanoi specialty that looks as good as it tastes.
You’ll find the original at Café Giảng, where the rich, frothy coffee has been perfected since the 1940s. For something more playful, head to The Note Coffee, famous for its colourful walls covered in thousands of handwritten sticky notes from travellers around the world.
A unique photo opportunity.
If you’re after views, there are plenty of rooftop cafés overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling streets below, offering the perfect mix of urban vibes and traditional charm.
And of course, the cafés along Train Street let you sip your drink just inches from the railway, giving you a front-row seat to one of Hanoi’s most Instagrammable experiences.
An iconic cafe in Hanoi.
Hanoi Café Guide.
What to try: Egg coffee at Café Giảng, coconut coffee at Cong Caphe, and a refreshing iced coffee on Train Street.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon into evening, when the city lights and café lanterns create a cosy atmosphere.
Best spot for Instagram shot: Inside The Note Coffee with its colourful post-it walls, or on a Train Street café balcony as the train rushes past.
A picturesque pagoda in Hoi An.
Which was my favourite Instagrammable place in Vietnam?
Photographing Vietnam as I travelled through the country was an absolute pleasure!
I had seen countless photos of Vietnam before my trip—Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, the rice terraces of Sapa, and the vibrant streets of Hanoi—but nothing compares to experiencing these places through your own lens.
Each destination on my list had its own charm, from dramatic landscapes to lively city scenes.
However, there is a clear winner for me. Hoi An Ancient Town captured my heart in a way no other place did. The combination of golden colonial walls, riverside lanterns, and the most delicious egg coffee ticked every box!
Every place I visited in Hoi An just felt surreal, which is the result of so many historical influences coming together.
For me, Hoi An was the perfect blend of beauty, history, and atmosphere—without doubt my favourite of all the Instagrammable Vietnam destinations.
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