The truth is, Vietnam deserves a fairer look into its beauty than just a trip to Ha Long Bay, a bowl of noodle soup and a cup of coffee. The landscapes are majestic, the history and culture are fascinatingly rich, and the people are amazingly friendly. Whether you are a gourmand, a history addict, a mountain hiker, a trek lover or a leisure traveler, the country certainly has immense options for experience seekers—take a look at 25 stunning photos on The Culture Trip to get a dose of inspiration before traveling to Vietnam.

Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem and alternative to Ha Long bay | Kenznguyen / Pixabay

Rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai | © Nguyen Anh Tuan/Flickr

Sunset in Phu Quoc Island | © Lenny K Photography/Flickr

Hoi An Ancient Town | © Khánh Hmoong/Flickr

Morning in Bac Son Valley, north of Vietnam | © Hoang Giang Hai/Flickr

Vietnam’s mountain view | tpsdave / Pixabay

Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi | © Khánh Hmoong/Flickr

Sunset in Co Thach Beach, home to a majestic landscape with colourful rocks covered in moss | © Lê Anh Khoa/Flickr

Tam Coc Rice Valley in Ninh Binh | © Hoang Giang Hai/Flickr

H’Mong King Palace in Dong Van stone plateau | © Khánh Hmoong/Flickr

Fishing boats in Phan Thiet, a coastal port city in southeast Vietnam | ©

Life on the railway line in central Hanoi | © Esin Üstün/Flickr

Sunset in Mekong delta | © Jos Dielis/Flickr

Street food market in Ho Chi Minh City | © William Cho / Flickr

A cluster of electric wires in Ho Chi Minh City | © Soreen D/Flickr

The Imperial City of Hue | © Chris Hoare/Flickr

Never pho – get this | © DeaShoot/Flickr

The Cao Dai’s followers | © Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/Flickr

Bai Dinh Temple in Ninh Binh | © Jean-Paul Navarro/Flickr

Boat rides around Tam Coc rice terraces | © Tuan Mai

Old grocery shop in Hanoi | © Khánh Hmoong/Flickr