Rough Guides, one of the most respected travel guides, has just released the top 10 most beautiful places in Viet Nam, as voted by its readers. There will be some surprises and possibly a few snubs. But we can't name every single place that we love right?

1. Hoi An

The winner: this centuries-old ancient town tops the list thanks to its 'heady mix of wooden-fronted merchant houses, graceful bridges and ornate temples'.

Photo from VnExpress Photo Contest/Le Tien Dung

2. Sa Pa

The northern highlands region as a whole is so charming. And this little town is clearly the jewel of the crown.

Photo from VnExpress Photo Contest/Vu Ngoc Hoang

3. Ha Long Bay

We probably don’t have to explain about this choice. Just look at the picture.

Photo from the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism

4. The Mekong Delta

We think many places of the Delta deserve their own entries in this list. But it's still great when Rough Guides readers love the region for its culinary offerings and unspoiled bucolic beauty.

Photo from VnExpress Photo Contest/Pham Tri Long

5. Ho Chi Minh City

Last year the city was ranked 18^th on a global list of fastest growing tourist cities by MasterCard. The southern metropolis offers visitors diverse choices, from the buzzing daily life and delicious coffee to festivals and sporting events.

Photo from VnExpress Photo Contest/Y Ho Nhu

6. Ha Giang

Known as the country’s best place for motorcycle riding, the beauty of mountains and valleys seems so much closer from the saddle.

Photo from VnExpress Photo Contest/Tran Anh Tuan

7. Phu Quoc

It is hard not to be enchanted by this magnetic island of the south. Travelers from around the world fly in to enjoy its sun-kissed beaches and amazing (and cheap) seafood.

8. Da Nang

The coastal city, Viet Nam’s rising star in tourism, is usually praised for its friendliness and high-quality services. With icons such as the Dragon Bridge, the Han River and the Marble Mountains, Da Nang is another great choice in central Viet Nam, aside from the next-door Hoi An.

Photo from VnExpress Photo Contest/Chu Ngoc Anh

9. Da Lat

The central highlands city is known for its 'French Colonial-era villas' and 'a cool and temperate climate'. The website forgets to mention its incredible street food.

Photo from VnExpress Photo Contest/Nguyen Ngoc Luan

10. Cat Ba

The island has managed to keep a relatively low profile even though it's right there in Ha Long Bay. With a national park covering half of the island, Rough Guides describes it as 'a paradise for travelers who come here to hike, climb and kayak (the waters and coral reefs are protected too)'.

Cat Ba National Park. Photo from Vuonquocgiacatba

(Source: VNExpress International)