Where to Stay in Vietnam: The Best Cities and Spots For Instagram-Worthy Snaps

Vietnam is that one country you think you’ll just “drop by” in Southeast Asia, then boom, you end up extending your trip because it’s just that addictive. From chaotic cities that never sleep to peaceful countryside escapes, this destination has become one of the hottest places to visit in Southeast Asia for 2025.

If you’re a Filipino planning a trip, the big question is: where should you actually stay in Vietnam? Don’t stress. We’ve narrowed it down to the best spots depending on your budget, mood, and travel style. Consider this your quick Vietnam travel guide.

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Hanoi is the capital and, honestly, the best place to start. It’s history, culture, nightlife, and chaos all rolled into one. In the Old Quarter, you’ll get lost in narrow alleys filled with food stalls, motorbikes, and shops selling everything you never knew you needed.

You’ll find war museums, French colonial buildings, and even Uncle Ho himself in the mausoleum. For foodies, this is heaven: steaming bowls of pho, egg coffee, and bia hoi corners where a glass of beer costs less than ₱50. The nights are loud, busy, and buzzing, but that’s the magic of Hanoi.

• Solaria Hanoi Hotel

• Little Charm Hostel

• Pentstudio Airbnb

Also read: 15 Best Coffee Shops in Hanoi for Delicious Brews and Brunch

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If Hanoi is chaos, Hoi An is calm. This UNESCO World Heritage town is postcard-pretty, full of lantern-lit streets, temples, and tailors who can whip up custom suits in a day. At night, the whole riverside glows, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy things to do in Southeast Asia.

It’s a family-friendly destination, but also a great reset if you’ve been bouncing around busy cities. You can spend the morning at the beach, the afternoon shopping for handmade crafts, and the evening feasting on cao lầu noodles while boats float past the river.

• The View Boutique Hoi An

• Bed Station Hostel & Pool Bar

• Tra Que Mansion

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Da Lat is cool in every sense of the word. Tucked in the highlands, it’s a mountain town filled with French villas, pine forests, and waterfalls. The air is fresh, the weather is sweater-friendly, and the vibe is pure romance.

It’s a favourite for couples but also a playground for adventure junkies. Coffee shops here are some of the cutest in Vietnam, while outdoor lovers can try canyoning, hiking, or chasing waterfalls. It’s the side of Vietnam you won’t see in the usual Southeast Asian travel itineraries, which makes it even more special.

• Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa

• Tigon Dalat Hostel

• Villa đà lạt Trung Nghĩa 1

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Saigon, as locals still call it, is Vietnam’s biggest city and your wallet’s new bestie. It’s fast, modern, and always awake. You’ll see skyscrapers towering over French colonial buildings, while scooters swarm the streets like schools of fish.

Street food here is unmatched. You can eat three meals a day on the street and still not spend more than a few hundred pesos, making it one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. At night, backpacker streets explode with neon lights, bars, and cheap cocktails. For history buffs, the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum are must-visits.

• The Leaf Signature Hotel

• Meander Saigon Hostel

• The Passion Lux Airport Hotel Apartment

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Up north, Sapa is all about rice terraces, misty mountains, and landscapes that look straight out of a painting. The scenery here is perfect for anyone who wants to slow down and trade city chaos for fresh mountain air.

Trekking is the main attraction, with routes that take you through villages of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities. You’ll meet the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people, who are known for their colourful clothes and handmade crafts. Beyond the hikes, it’s a cultural immersion that deserves a spot on your things to do in Southeast Asia list.

• MT House With Mountain View - Sa Pa Trekking Tour

• SaPa Fansipan View Homestay & Trekking

• Mường Hoa Valle Home

Also read: Best Time to Travel to Vietnam from the Philippines: A Complete Guide

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Vietnam is one of those countries where you can keep coming back and still find something new. For Filipinos, it’s close, affordable, and endlessly exciting, whether you want a quick long weekend in Ho Chi Minh, a lantern-filled holiday in Hoi An, or a mountain escape in Sapa.

If you’re mapping out your Southeast Asian travel plans for 2025, don’t skip Vietnam. It’s not just one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia, it’s the kind of trip that might just end up being your new core memory.

Featured image credit: Booking.com