19 Things To Do In Vietnam For A Memorable Vacation

Are you a nature enthusiast, history buff, foodie, or adventure freak? Whatever you seek from your travel, Vietnam is one of those places stored in it. There are so many things to do in Vietnam that you must create a to-do list!

Vietnam is one of the most complex and beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia. Its diverse regions, each with its distinct charm, provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Your trip could begin with cruising through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, trekking through the terraced rice fields of Sapa, or immersing yourself in the history and culture of Hoi An and Hue—all such diversity of places in just one country!

So, here we come with 20 of the best things to do in Vietnam to help you plan an extraordinary journey.

Best Things To Do In Vietnam: Be Absorbed By The World Of Nature

1. Cruise Through The Stunning Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. The place is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands. These islands are topped with lush rainforests. This seascape is also dotted with grottos and caves, a heaven view for anyone. The best way to explore this beauty is to take a boat cruise. You have many options to choose from luxurious ships to traditional junk boats. These cruises stop at various islands, caves, and floating villages. Take advantage of the caves. The place has numerous caves, each with unique formations and stories. The ones to take advantage of are Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) Cave, where you can marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites.

Many cruises offer kayaking excursions if you are more into the authentic experience. It is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. These will allow you to paddle through the serene water and get up close to the limestone karsts. Swimming in the bay's clear, calm waters is also a refreshing experience.

2. Trek Through The Terraced Rice Fields Of Sapa

One of the thrilling things about exploring the northern highlands is Sapa, a stunning place with terraced rice fields and ethnic culture. You will meet some minority groups, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay peoples, and learn about their unique customs, traditional dress, and handcrafted goods. Moreover, the place has some beautiful and majestic peaks, some of the highest in Indochina. The best thing to do in Vietnam's Sapa is to go on a trek. These terraced rice fields are a marvel of agricultural ingenuity, creating a patchwork of vibrant green and golden hues across the hillsides.

Each step of the trek will provide you with amazing views and a chance to witness the local farming methods up close. This thrilling activity in Vietnam is going to leave you amazed. To enjoy the top view of the mountains, you can even take a cable car to the top of Fansipan, Vietnam's highest peak. The ride will give you stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

3. Explore the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta, often called the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam, is a vast and intricate network of rivers, swamps, and islands. The region has lush landscapes, vibrant floating markets, and unique local culture. The best thing to do in Vietnam's Mekong Delta is to take a boat to the floating markets, such as Cai Rang and Cai Be. The entire boat tour will allow you to experience the trade of fresh products and local goods. The lively environment of the cities will make your heart filled with positivity.

Later, you can move to explore the charming village and fruit orchard along the delta. Here, you can visit the traditional homes of the locals. Sample some delicious tropical fruits and learn about local handicrafts and farming practices. For an authentic experience, consider staying with a local family in a homestay. These stays have many vegetarian restaurants in Vietnam. In this way, you can learn about the daily life of the Mekong Delta's residents and enjoy home-cooked meals.

4. Relax on the top beaches In Vietnam (Nha Trang or Phu Quoc)

Beaches are places where you can relax and have an adventure. Nha Trang and Phu Quoc are two of the finest beaches in Vietnam. Each beach will offer unique coastal experiences; Nha Trang is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. These beaches have soft sand and warm waters, perfect for a day out and swims. Beyond the beaches, the best thing to do on Vietnam's Nha Trang island is to explore the nearby islands like Hon Mun. You can even snorkel on this island, visit an amusement park in Vietnam (Vinpearl land), or stay at the resort just off the coast. Multiple options make the place a mixture of fun and relaxation.

Phu Quoc, the idyllic island, is a haven for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. Phu Quoc's beaches, like Sao Beach and Long Beach, are celebrated for their white sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for lounging and swimming. The island also offers fantastic snorkelling and diving experiences around the An Thoi Archipelago, where vibrant coral reefs and marine life abound. Enjoy a serene escape with luxurious beachfront resorts and tranquil spa experiences. The best thing to do in Vietnam is to take a traditional spa. Both beaches have resorts that offer rejuvenating treatments while overlooking stunning ocean views.

Best Things To Do In Vietnam: Immerse Yourself In Culture And History

5. Stroll Through The Ancient Town Of Hoi An

Hoi An is another beautifully preserved ancient town in Vietnam. Exploring the entire village is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. The City has charming streets with historic architecture, traditional shops, and vibrant lanterns. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can just stroll through the town's narrow, lantern-lit street, where colonial-era buildings and traditional wooden houses perfectly blend Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Remember to visit landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and ancient temple to experience the town's historical and traditional significance.

Plan your trip to this beautiful town during its monthly Lantern Festival. The streets come alive with colourful lanterns, traditional music, and local crafts. The festival creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll, especially capturing the photo of the year! The town is also known for its unique culinary delights, including dishes like Cao Lau (noodles with pork and herbs) and Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich). So, the best thing to do in Vietnam is to explore the local eateries and markets to savour these traditional flavours.

6. Learn About The Vietnam War At The Museum

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a sobering and educational experience that offers profound insights into the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. This museum in Vietnam houses a vast collection of artefacts, photographs, and exhibits documenting the Vietnam War's impact on the country and its people. The exhibits include military equipment, personal stories, and graphic images that provide a poignant look at the war's consequences.

The detailed explanations and historical context help you to understand the events leading up to the war, the global political climate, and the lasting effects on Vietnam and its citizens. The museum also highlights the resilience and recovery of the Vietnamese people. This is one of the best things to do in Vietnam, as you will experience it, and it encourages reflection on the horrors of war and the importance of peace. The place will add more to your history book exploration checklist!

7. Visit The Imperial City In Hue

Hue, one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam, is a city of palaces, temples, walks, and gates. These beautiful places have served as the political, cultural, and religious centres of the Ngyugen Dynasty. As you explore the City, you will witness how beautifully a large moat and thick stone walls surround the place. There, you will find the Citadel, which has numerous historical buildings, including the Thai Hoa Palace, with its ornate golden throne room, and the Halls of the Mandarins, adorned with intricate decorations. Just walking around these palaces is a must-have thing to do in Vietnam.

The complex contains various museums and galleries showcasing artefacts from the Nguyen Dynasty, including royal garments, ceramics, and personal items of the emperors. These exhibits will take you through Vietnam's last imperial family's opulent lifestyle and rich cultural heritage. The Imperial City is not just any historical place in Vietnam; it also features beautifully landscaped gardens and lakes. Take a peaceful walk in the gardens or just go for a family picnic with your family to get absorbed in the peacefulness of the environment.

8. Experience The Bustling Atmosphere Of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, often called Saigon, is Vietnam's largest City and a vibrant metropolis that perfectly blends the old and new. Its bustling streets, historical landmarks, and modern attractions make it an exciting thing to do in Vietnam. However, the place is more known for its shopping experience. This is the best place for you to get souvenirs of your family! Just take a cab to the Ben Thanh Market, a bustling hub where you can find whatever you need, from fresh produce and local delicacies to souvenirs and traditional crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and practice your bargaining skills. When you finish the shop-hop, visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. This stunning French colonial-era cathedral in the City's heart is a must-do thing to do in Vietnam. Its distinctive red brick façade and twin bell towers make it a prominent feature of Ho Chi Minh City's skyline.

Nearby, you can also explore the Saigon Central Post Office, another architectural gem designed by Gustave Eiffel. Later, wear the best dresses ever and experience the nightlife, especially with the most visited nightclubs in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City becomes vibrant at night with a dynamic and vibrant scene, especially at Bui Vien Street in the backpacker district. The streets have lively bars, restaurants, and street food vendors. We suggest booking one of the City's rooftop bars for panoramic views and cocktails. The vibe, environment, people, and everything give you one of the best nights of your lives!

9. Take A Cooking Class To Learn About Vietnamese Cuisine

The best thing to do in Vietnam is to try their finger-licking delicious food and then take the recipe home! The cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavours, and balanced dishes. So, take a cooking class to return this flavour to your home. This will be a great way to immerse yourself in the country's culinary traditions. Join a cooking class led by local chefs who will teach you to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes such as pho, spring rolls, and banh xeo (savoury pancakes). The classes also include visiting a local market to select fresh ingredients.

The fun doesn't end here. After the class, savour your prepared dishes and enjoy a meal with fellow participants. Many cooking schools provide recipe booklets so you can recreate the dishes at home and share your newfound culinary skills with friends and family.

10. Visit The Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels, located just outside Ho Chi Minh City, are an extensive network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. The locals call this place a reflection of the ingenuity and resilience of Vietnamese soldiers. The Cu Chi Tunnels stretch over 120 miles, including living quarters, kitchens, storage facilities, and hospitals. We suggest you include a guided tour to explore this place in your Vietnam tour package. The guide will take you through sections of the tunnels, where you can see the narrow, claustrophobic spaces that soldiers lived and fought in. The site includes various exhibits and displays that explain the significance of the tunnels in the Vietnam War. You'll learn about the tactics and strategies used by the Viet Cong, as well as the challenges they faced while living underground.

Some tours offer the opportunity to crawl through a small section of the tunnels, giving you a firsthand experience of what life was like for the soldiers. Additionally, you can see recreated booby traps and other defence mechanisms used to protect the tunnels from enemy forces. These activities are one of those things to do in Vietnam that will give you goosebumps from just the imagination of the past.

Best Things to Do in Vietnam: Get ready for the Adventure and Relaxation

11. Ride A Motorbike Through The Countryside

One of the best ways to experience Vietnam's stunning landscapes and rural charm is by riding a motorbike through the countryside. This mode of travel offers a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations at your own pace. Vietnam has many riding routes, like Ha Giang Loop in the northern highlands, known for its rugged mountains and ethnic minority villages, and the Hai Van Pass, which offers breathtaking coastal views between Hue and Da Nang. These things to do in Vietnam are among the most preferred activities among travellers!

The rides are more than just scenic landscapes. It will take you to rural, authentic parts of Vietnam, where you can interact with locals and experience authentic Vietnamese culture. Stop at small villages, enjoy home-cooked meals, and witness traditional farming practices. These encounters offer a deeper understanding of rural life in Vietnam. This will indeed be one of the best things to do in Vietnam. The winding roads, lush landscapes, and sense of discovery make it a memorable adventure. Take a tour guide if you think you might forget the lanes and streets. Rentals are very readily available in Vietnam; you get them quickly!

12. Go On A Cycling Tour

Not all days of the trip need to be in a rush; the rentals, sightseeing, and the significant architecture. Vietnam is also a place that offers you an opportunity to slow down. One of the relaxing things to do in Vietnam is to go on a cycling tour. These cycling tours will take you to rural areas and give you a close-up view of Vietnam's traditional lifestyle. Pedal past rice paddies, fruit orchards, and small villages where you can observe daily activities, meet friendly locals, and even stop for tea or a meal with a local family.

Just like biking, cycling routes are suitable for different levels of experience. Popular routes include the Mekong Delta, with its flat terrain and lush landscapes, and the countryside around Hoi An, where you can ride along quiet paths lined with coconut palms and vegetable gardens. All the Physical exercise, fresh air, and beautiful scenery will give you a different perspective on tripping! Go for guided Vietnam city tours, often including support vehicles and planned stops, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

13. Indulge In A Spa Treatment

Yet another way to relax and rejuvenate in Vietnam is to visit traditional spas. These spa treatments use natural ingredients and age-old techniques. Herbal baths, rice scrubs, and hot stone massages are relaxing therapies designed to soothe both body and mind. You can easily find many high-end resorts and hotels in Vietnam with world-class spas.

The best places to visit in Vietnam for a Spa are Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc; you can enjoy beachfront massages, hydrotherapy, and holistic wellness programs with stunning natural beauty. If you're in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, numerous urban spas offer various treatments. These serene oases provide a welcome escape from the City's hustle and bustle, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate in a peaceful environment.

14. Explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park And The Caves

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to some of the world's most spectacular and extensive cave systems. The place is a heaven thing to do in Vietnam. Start your tour with the Phong Nha Cave. The cave is accessaible by baot. Marvel at its impressive stalactites and stalagmites as you glide through the underground river that winds through the cave's vast chambers.

The best thing to do in Vietnam's cave is to explore Paradise Cave. This underground cave is known as Thien Duong Cave in Vietnamese; with its breathtaking formations and immense size, it stretches over 31 kilometres. You can explore the first kilometre, where illuminated walkways highlight the cave's natural beauty. Just after you finish it, explore the largest cave in the world - Son Doong Cave. This challenging journey takes you through enormous underground spaces, lush jungles, and subterranean rivers. But remember, these places need guidance. Always get a trained and experienced tour guide to explore these caves!

15. Hike Through The Jungles Of Cat Ba Island

The time to explore the most significant island and the best things to do in Vietnam! Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Halong Bay, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its lush jungles and rugged terrain offer numerous hiking opportunities, especially at the Cat Ba National Park. This park covers most of the island and boasts various trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. The popular hike to Ngu Lam Peak will give breathtaking panoramic views of the island's forested hills and limestone karsts.

As you hike through the dense jungles, watch for the endangered Cat Ba langur, a rare primate native to the island. The park is also home to many other species of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and insects, making it a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Remember to trek through the off-beaten path to discover hidden waterfalls, caves, and remote villages.

Best Things to Do in Vietnam: Unique Experiences

16. Stay In A Floating Homestay On The Mekong Delta

To experience the most unique staycation of your trip, stay at the floating homestays on the Mekong Delta. This immersive stay allows you to connect with the culture and environment of one of Vietnam's most iconic regions. Floating homestays are traditional houses built on stilts over the water, providing a distinctive and genuine experience. This is the most added activity in the Vietnam honeymoon packages. You'll be able to see how locals adapt their daily lives to the river's ebb and flow, from fishing to cooking.

This stay will give you an authentic experience of Vietnam. You can share meals with your hosts, learn about their traditions, and perhaps even participate in their daily activities, such as fishing or gardening. This cultural exchange is both enriching and memorable. While staying in a floating homestay, you'll have the experience of exploring the surrounding waterways, especially at night. Take a boat tour through the maze of canals and rivers, visit floating markets, and witness the delta's water, making it one of those things to do in Vietnam that is out of the box!

17. Attend A Water Puppet Show In Hanoi

Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form from the 11th century. Watching a water puppet show in Hanoi is a delightful thing to do in Vietnam. Get to the heart of Hanoi, where you will find the most renowned Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The shows feature wooden puppets controlled by skilled puppeteers standing in waist-deep water, with stories often based on Vietnamese folklore and rural life.

Live traditional music and narration accompany the puppet performances. Instruments like drums, wooden bells, horns, and bamboo flutes add to the atmosphere, while the stories are narrated in a way that's easy to follow, even for those who don't speak Vietnamese. The colourful and animated nature of the water puppet shows makes them enjoyable for all ages.

18. Explore The Hill Tribes Of Sapa

Sapa, located in the northern highlands of Vietnam, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and ethnic diversity. The best thing to do in Vietnam is to know its roots, history, traditions, and culture by exploring the indigenous tribes of Sapa. Engage with the local hill tribe communities to learn about their unique customs, traditional clothing, and crafts. Many villages have homestays, where you can stay with a local family, enjoy home-cooked meals, and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. The place also has some traditional sports in Vietnam that you should try!

But to reach there, you need to trek. Sapa is famous for its terraced rice fields; trekking through these fields offers spectacular views and the opportunity to visit remote villages inhabited by numerous ethnic groups, such as the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people. The markets in Sapa and surrounding areas are vibrant gatherings where hill tribe people come to trade goods, socialize, and buy necessities. These markets are great places to see traditional attire, buy handmade crafts, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

19. Enjoy A Coffee Ceremony In Dalat

Dalat, located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, is known for its cool climate and coffee plantations. Tour one of the many coffee plantations around Dalat to see how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed. This is one of those outdoor activities in Vietnam that is peaceful and quiet. Here, you will learn about the different varieties of coffee beans and the meticulous methods used to produce high-quality Vietnamese coffee.

Experience a traditional Vietnamese coffee ceremony, where you'll see the unique preparation techniques, including using a Phin filter. Taste the rich and robust flavours of Dalat's coffee, often served with sweetened condensed milk, for an authentic Vietnamese coffee experience - one of the best things to do in Vietnam! The coffee ceremony provides a moment of relaxation and reflection, allowing you to appreciate the cultural significance of coffee in Vietnam. It's also an opportunity to learn about the history of coffee cultivation and its impact on local communities.

So, What Are The Best Things For You To Do In Vietnam?

With an extensive list, it's clear that Vietnam offers many incredible experiences catering to every traveller. Vietnam's sheer beauty and diversity make it challenging to narrow down the best things to do in Vietnam. Each destination and activity offers its unique charm and allure, ensuring that your time in Vietnam will be unforgettable. However, one thing is sure: The memories you create here will stay with you long after you return home. Take the time to be a part of the local culture, engage with the warm and welcoming people, and soak in the stunning scenery.