Vietnam is a treasure trove of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the terraced hills of Sapa, the country’s landscapes shift dramatically over its 1,600-km length. Rich history—from ancient imperial capitals to wartime legacies—and a world-renowned street-food culture make Vietnam a top destination for first-time explorers and seasoned nomads alike.
This guide to things to do in Vietnam highlights must-see destinations and experiences, practical tips, and sample itineraries to help you craft an unforgettable journey. Let’s dive in.
1. Cruise Ha Long Bay’s Emerald Karsts
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is synonymous with things to do in Vietnam. Its 1,600+ limestone islands rise from jade waters, forming surreal seascapes. Key activities:
- Overnight Junk Cruises: Spend one or two nights aboard a traditional wooden boat. Wake up to mist-shrouded karsts, kayak through hidden lagoons, and explore caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave).
- Kayaking & Bamboo Boats: Get closer to the cliffs and floating fishing villages for authentic insights into local life.
- Lan Ha & Bai Tu Long Bays: Escape the crowds with quieter cruises in adjacent bays—equally dramatic scenery but fewer tour boats.
Insider Tip: Book a mid-week departure and choose a small, boutique boat for a more personalized experience.
2. Trek the Rice Terraces of Sapa
Sapa, in the misty northwest, is famous for its terraced rice paddies and ethnic-minority villages. Top things to do in Vietnam here include:
- Village-to-Village Treks: Hike from Lao Chai to Ta Van and Cat Cat villages, staying overnight with Black H’Mong or Red Dao families for cultural immersion.
- Fansipan “Roof of Indochina”: Take the world’s longest tri-cable car to the summit or challenge yourself with a two-day trekking route.
- Colorful Markets: On weekends, Bac Ha and Can Cau markets burst with hill-tribe costumes, silver jewelry, and fresh produce.
Best Time to Visit: April–May for lush green paddies, September–October for golden harvest hues.
3. Embark on the Ha Giang Motorbike Loop
For off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Ha Giang Loop is a top choice for things to do in Vietnam:
- Ma Pi Leng Pass Viewpoints: Navigate steep switchbacks for panoramic vistas over the Nho Que River canyon.
- Ethnic Homestays: Spend nights in stilt houses with H’Mong, Tay, and Dao communities—enjoy home-cooked meals and starlit skies.
- Dong Van Karst Plateau: Explore a UNESCO Global Geopark with lunar-like rock formations and remote villages.
Planning Tip: Allow 3–5 days, rent a reliable motorcycle, and carry maps or a GPS device.
4. Venture into Phong Nha–Ke Bang’s Caves
Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park shelters some of the world’s largest and most spectacular caves:
- Sơn Đoòng Expedition: The planet’s largest cave, requiring permits and a multi-day guided trek with jungle camps.
- Paradise & Dark Caves: Day-trip options include marble-walled Paradise Cave and adventure-packed Dark Cave with zip lines and mud baths.
- Underground Rivers: Glide by boat through Son Doong’s 7 km river tunnel, surrounded by towering stalactites.
This subterranean world ranks among the most exhilarating things to do in Vietnam for adventure travelers.
5. Stroll the Lantern-Lit Streets of Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Town’s UNESCO-protected heritage makes it one of the most romantic things to do in Vietnam:
- Japanese Covered Bridge & Merchant Houses: Wander narrow lanes lined with 16th-century architecture and colorful lanterns.
- Custom Tailoring: Have bespoke clothing or leather shoes made in 24–48 hours at one of hundreds of tailor shops.
- Culinary Workshops: Join a cooking class—shop at the morning market, then learn signature dishes like cao lầu and white rose dumplings.
- Cycling to Nearby Beaches: An Bang Beach, only 5 km from the town, offers sunrise yoga sessions and fresh seafood shacks.
Evening Highlight: Release a paper lantern on the Thu Bồn River during the monthly Lantern Festival.
6. Discover the Imperial Heritage of Hue
Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, offers deep historical insights:
- Imperial Citadel (Đại Nội): Explore palaces, courtyards, and the Forbidden Purple City, once home to Nguyen emperors.
- Royal Tombs on the Perfume River: Visit ornate mausoleums of Minh Mạng, Khải Định, and Tự Đức—each blends architecture with landscaped gardens.
- Thien Mu Pagoda & Dragon Boat Rides: Experience spiritual life and sunset cruises on the Perfume River.
- Hue’s Royal Cuisine: Sample region-specific dishes like bún bò Huế, bánh khoái, and vegetarian spreads at temple kitchens.
Hue is a must-visit among things to do in Vietnam for history buffs.
7. Dive into Hanoi’s Old Quarter & Street Food
Vietnam’s capital pulses with energy in its historic heart:
- Old Quarter Walking Tour: Meander through 36 streets once dedicated to specific crafts—silversmiths, herbalists, and more.
- Street-Food Delights: Join a motorbike tour or DIY crawl: phở bò, bún chả, bánh cuốn, and egg coffee are local must-tries.
- Cultural Stops: Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Ngọc Sơn Temple, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison Museum.
- Water Puppet Theater: Enjoy a traditional performance accompanied by live music and narrative about rural life.
Sampling street fare and landmarks ranks high on every things to do in Vietnam list.
8. Unwind on Phu Quoc and Nha Trang Beaches
Vietnam’s coastline delivers sun, sand, and sea:
- Phu Quoc Island: White sands at Long Beach and Ong Lang; snorkeling in An Thoi archipelago; night market seafood feasts.
- Nha Trang: Dive into Hon Mun Marine Park, relax in Thap Ba mud baths, or take the cable car to Vinpearl Land amusement park.
- Mui Ne & Phan Thiet: Renowned for kitesurfing, rolling red and white sand dunes, and fresh coastal cuisine.
Beach-lovers will find these among the most relaxing things to do in Vietnam.
9. Drift Along the Mekong Delta’s Waterways
The Mekong Delta’s labyrinth of canals and rice paddies is a must for things to do in Vietnam lovers of slow travel:
- Floating Markets: Early-morning visits to Cai Rang or Phong Điền markets reveal boat-to-boat commerce in action.
- Orchard-Island Homestays: Cycle through fruit orchards, tour rice-noodle workshops, and sample tropical fruits.
- Bird Watching & Canal Tours: Explore Tram Chim National Park at dawn to spot sarus cranes and migratory waterfowl.
A delta exploration introduces a different, water-woven side of things to do in Vietnam.
10. Cool Off in the Highlands of Da Lat
Da Lat’s temperate climate contrasts nicely with Vietnam’s tropical lowlands:
- Waterfall Circuit: Visit Pongour, Datanla, and Elephant Falls—accessible by motorbike or e-bike.
- Flower & Coffee Farms: Tour high-altitude plantations, pick fresh blooms, and taste premium Arabica.
- Adventure Sports: Canyon swings, zip-lining, and mountain-biking in Lang Biang National Park.
- Unique Architecture: Wander the “Crazy House” and French colonial villas scattered across the plateau.
Da Lat is a refreshing detour and one of the most diverse things to do in Vietnam.
11. Join Colorful Festivals & Local Performances
Timing your trip for a festival adds magic to your things to do in Vietnam:
- Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): Family gatherings, festive markets, and lion dances light up the country in late January or February.
- Hue Festival: Biennial arts, music, and street-performance extravaganza in the former imperial capital.
- Hoi An Lantern Festival: On each full-moon night, the Ancient Town turns off neon lights and floats thousands of lanterns on the river.
- Local Pilgrimages: Cultural events like Vesak in pagodas or tribal New Year celebrations in the highlands.
Festivals immerse you in Vietnam’s living traditions.
12. Learn Traditional Crafts in Rural Villages
Hands-on craft workshops rank among the most authentic things to do in Vietnam:
- Silk Weaving in Hue: Observe artisans dye and weave fabric once reserved for emperors’ robes.
- Lacquerware in Hoi An: Paint and polish your own keepsake in a riverside studio.
- Dong Ho Folk Painting in Bac Ninh: Try woodblock printing techniques, from carving to color registration.
- Bamboo Basket Weaving in Ninh Bình: Join village families to craft utilitarian baskets and furniture.
Craft villages offer meaningful cultural exchanges.
13. Savor Vietnam’s Culinary Delights
Vietnamese cuisine is integral to things to do in Vietnam:
- Iconic Dishes: Phở, bánh mì, bún chả, cao lầu, and bánh xèo vary by region in flavor and preparation.
- Street-Food Markets: Explore bustling stalls in Saigon’s Bến Thành or Hanoi’s Đồng Xuân market.
- Fine Dining: Modern Vietnamese tasting menus at upscale restaurants in major cities.
- Coffee Culture: Sample cà phê sữa đá, egg coffee, and unique local beans at sidewalk cafés.
Food tours and cooking classes are essential for culinary enthusiasts.
14. Practical Travel Tips for Vietnam
- Visas & Entry: Most visitors use e-visas or visa-on-arrival; apply 2 months in advance.
- Health & Safety: Drink bottled water, pack insect repellent, and insure for adventure activities.
- Transport Apps: Download Grab and local train/bus booking apps for seamless travel.
- Money Management: Carry small VND notes for markets, use ATMs in cities, and keep cards secured.
- Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi for reliable data.
- Cultural Respect: Remove shoes before entering homes and temples; dress modestly and ask before photographing people.
Customize based on interests—add extra beach days in Phu Quoc or festival stops in Hue.
This comprehensive guide to things to do in Vietnam covers iconic highlights, off-the-beaten-path adventures, cultural experiences, and practical tips. From misty highlands and underground caves to lantern-lit towns and bustling street-food scenes, Vietnam delivers a tapestry of experiences.
See more post: Vietnam Travel Guide: Expert Advice for Self-Guided Adventures
