Travelling to Vietnam blends the vibrancy and contrast of Southeast Asian culture, including its ancient and modern-day establishments, as well as its religious and secular nature. You may feel the energy and excitement of a large modern city such as Hanoi while trekking to hill tribe villages that are serenaded by the sounds of birds. You also find peace in either a cathedral-like cave in the jungle or the peaceful surroundings of a 19th-century feudal citadel’s temples/halls. In addition, visitors to Vietnam are able to taste the uniquely Vietnamese flavour combinations of sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness through fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants or a bowl of street-side bún chả (Vietnamese vermicelli with grilled pork). Together, these moments shape many of the best things to do in Vietnam for travellers seeking depth and variety.
Travelling in Vietnam is filled with unexpected delights, rich art, vibrant landscapes, and the genuine hospitality of the people. We asked the experts at Extraordinary Journeys Southeast Asia what to look for first when visiting Vietnam and compiled a curriculum of experiences, starting with riding a scooter around Ho Chi Minh City, cruising down the Mekong River, hiking in the mountains, or relaxing on the beach in a very relaxed and wonderful manner, all of which are considered some of the best things to do in Vietnam.
1. Explore Vibrant Hanoi
Hanoi, the country’s capital, offers an amazing opportunity to experience modern Vietnamese culture. This experience is often counted among the best things to do in Vietnam. Even if the concerto of street noise and the wave of motorbikes sputtering by may initially seem overwhelming, there is beauty in the turmoil. Explore the vibrant, colonial-era streets, stopping for a delicious Vietnamese egg coffee at one of the city’s many cafes or stopping for a fragrant bowl of bún chả and a local Bia Hoi beer on a terrace.
There are also peaceful green areas to relax in, including Hoan Kiem Lake, a forest-surrounded lake in the middle of the city where people frequently congregate to practice Tai Chi in the morning. With an art historian as your guide, you can learn about the vital role that artists had during Vietnam’s resistance, revolution, and reconstruction periods. You can also visit the Temple of Literature and the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts. Hanoi has a fascinating past.
2. Take a Private Boat Tour at Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most famous pictures of Vietnam. A private cruise here is widely considered one of the best things to do in Vietnam. It is therefore one of the most well-liked travel spots in the nation. However, an overnight voyage on a traditional, private charter junk is a romantic and intimate way to get away from the masses. You will also travel to lesser-known locations, such as nearby Bai Tu Long Bay.
3. Explore the Untamed North of Vietnam
In the verdant slopes of Sapa in northern Vietnam, lose yourself in the beat of rustic life. Immersing yourself in this landscape is among the best things to do in Vietnam. Here, you can walk to your heart’s content, stopping along the route to explore isolated hill tribal settlements and meandering through flowery meadows, woodland pathways and graceful rice terraces. The highlight of a trip here is the opportunity to interact with the ethnic minority hill tribes of the area, such as the Red Dao, and discover their artisan traditions.
At Topas Ecolodge, a sophisticated hilltop refuge that feels like a universe unto itself, you’re never far from nature. After a day of hiking, unwind with a massage or a plunge in the infinity pool while enjoying regional cuisine while taking in the expansive view of the surrounding mountains.
4. Learn the Art of Lantern Making
Hoi An is one of the most romantic cities in Vietnam, and that’s partly thanks to its atmospheric streets. Taking part in lantern making is one of the best things to do in Vietnam for cultural travellers. Pastel colonial buildings hem cobblestone lanes decorated with colourful lanterns that drape overhead and illuminate shopfronts. Many visitors purchase lanterns as keepsakes, but getting hands-on and learning about the craft of lantern making in a workshop with a local family gives more meaning to these beautiful souvenirs.
5. Cruise the Waterways of the Mekong Delta
Board a sampan, a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat, and weave your way through the Mekong Delta’s technicolour floating markets. This slow journey through river life ranks among the best things to do in Vietnam. Discover the most famous of the markets, Cai Rang, tasting local fruit and delicacies and watching this unique tradition along the river play out. You can also opt for a longer experience on the Mekong River, boarding a beautiful boat in Ho Chi Minh City and journeying to Vinh Long. You’ll get to observe life along the Delta and local cottage industries along the way, and then check in to the Legacy Mekong, a stunning hideaway on an island in the middle of the river.
6. Take a Zip Tour of Ho Chi Minh City Using a Scooter
Take a ride on a scooter and explore this energetic city like the people do. This is one of the best things to do in Vietnam to experience urban life firsthand. In addition to being Vietnam’s main commercial centre, Ho Chi Minh City is also a centre for art and design. Explore the city’s architectural attractions and pause to admire modern art at local galleries as you meander through winding lanes past skyscrapers and neon street art. Enjoy a drink at one of HCMC’s live music venues to cap off the tour.
7. Explore the World’s Biggest Caves
Go to Phong Nha if you want to experience adventure while in Vietnam. Cave exploration here is considered one of the best things to do in Vietnam for thrill-seekers. When Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, was found here in the 1990s, this once-sleepy frontier village gained notoriety. However, Phong Nha still has a lot of its rural, small-town charm, and going on a guided tour of the cave system is an amazing and unique experience. You can choose to go on multi-day treks to Hang En or Son Doong, or you can go on day walks to Paradise and Dark Cave.
8. Savour a Luxurious Beach Escape
Vietnam may not be known for its beaches, but there are some stunning locations along the coast that are worth spending a few days in the sun. Relaxing along the coast is one of the best things to do in Vietnam for slow travellers. You may reach Quy Nhon with a quick flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, near the central coast, where you can take a catamaran ride or snorkel through calm waters. Go island hopping in the southern Con Dao archipelago, situated at Six Senses Con Dao, or stay in a villa at Amanoi in Vinh Hy Bay, if you’re searching for a quiet and elegant getaway.
9. Hue’s Royal Treatment
Hue was the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century. Exploring Hue’s imperial past is one of the best things to do in Vietnam for history lovers, and touring its UNESCO-designated Imperial Citadel is a magical journey back to the nation’s final feudal realm. Explore magnificent palaces, pagodas, theatres, and historic tombs under the guidance of a knowledgeable guide. A princess from the House of Nguyen will be present to provide music and history enthusiasts with a memorable evening.
where you may have a traditional meal and discover local music and family artefacts. The princess and one of her coworkers will play exquisite royal-era instruments as the event comes to a close.
10. Trek the Mai Chau Hills
Go to Mai Chau if you want to experience some health and wellness while visiting Vietnam. This peaceful retreat is among the best things to do in Vietnam for nature and wellness seekers. At Avana Retreat, your home base here, immerse yourself in the verdant woodlands and picturesque rice terraces. You can visit nearby villages, take leisurely nature walks through a bamboo forest, or intensify your activities with strenuous excursions. There won’t be many tourists, and the only sounds breaking the stillness are birdsong and water buffalo bells.
For more travel inspiration, explore our latest blogs on Tripvarsity, including our guide to things to do in Phuket, and save up to 25% on hotel deals, flights, and experiences.
