Heading to Vietnam?
Get ready for a whirlwind tour of a country packed with incredible culture, amazing landscapes, and fantastic adventures.
Here's our list of the top 20 things to do in Vietnam to make sure your trip is the thrill of a lifetime.
Welcome to the best of Vietnam!
Cultural experiences
1. Visit Hoi An Ancient Town
Why? A beautifully preserved town with accessibility to stunning beaches. Nearly all of the town is made up of historical architecture, with two main sections serving for 400 years as an international trading port.
Getting there: Hoi An is a short taxi ride from Da Nang airport.
Tip: Try to attend the Lantern Festival, held on the 14th of each lunar month, when the town is lit up by glowing paper lanterns and celebratory processions.
2. See the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City
Why? The museum offers a stark reminder of the many wars fought in Vietnam, and their impact on the people of the nation.
Getting there: The museum is in District 3. You can get a bus or taxi from anywhere in the city to take you.
Tip: Prepare for a moving experience; it’s a profound visit that’s best followed by some quiet reflection.
3. Water Puppet Show in Hanoi
Why? The traditional art form of water puppetry originated in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam. Showcases combine puppeteers standing in waist-deep water with pyrotechnics and a live traditional orchestra.
Getting there: The play is centrally located at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Try and book tickets in advance to avoid tourist crowds.
Nature escapes
4. Sail around Ha Long Bay
Why? The area's spectacular karst topography – similar to that of the better-known Guilin, in China, or Krabi, in Thailand – has led to this being one of the country's natural wonders and most visited areas.
Getting there: Book an overnight or multi-day cruise from Hanoi – travel agencies across the city will be able to sell you a package.
Tip: Get up early on a one or two-night cruise to see the islets at dawn.
5. Track the rice terraces of Sapa
Why? Ancient landscape of stepped rice paddies, beyond which are the high peaks of the Hoang Lien Son range. Read more on how to explore Sapa, one of the best hill walks in Vietnam and visit local communities.
Getting there: Take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then jump on a bus to Sapa.
Tip: It would be best to have a tour guide from one of Sapa’s ethnic minorities. They’ll be able to guide you through the region and introduce you to local communities.
Local cuisine
6. Eat street food in Hanoi
Why? The streets of the capital are paved with com binh dan stalls and pho joints where thrifty locals fill up on breakfast, lunch or dinner for pennies.
Getting there: Explore the Old Quarter, the historic heart of Hanoi, where you’ll find the best street vendors.
Look for stalls with a high turnover of locals – the more people eating the better the food.
7. Take a Vietnamese cooking class in Hue
Why? The regional differences in Vietnam’s cuisine are intricate and complex; a cooking class in Hue will give you an insight into the local diet.
Getting there: Many of the restaurants and guesthouses in the ancient former capital put on classes
Tip: To give you a measure of how much tourists have influenced local diets, request a class that includes a visit to the market to see where people buy ingredients.
8. Seafood feast in Nha Trang
Why? The seafood here is particularly delicious, with the added bonus that many restaurants set up on the beach for a dining experience like no other.
Getting there: Ride a taxi or motorbike to the densely packed strip of seafood joints along the beachfront.
Tip: Head to a restaurant that sits right on the water early in the evening to take in the sunset while you dine.
9. Weasel Poo Coffee in Dalat
Why? The self-styled coffee capital of Vietnam, Dalat is home to numerous cafes where you can sample coffee grown in the surrounding highlands.
Getting there: The best cafes are clustered around the central market area, no more than a short walk from most of the city’s hotels.
Try the weasel coffee but remember to check its provenance!
Historic Experiences
10. Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion, near Ho Chi Minh City
Why? Get your hands dirty learning about guerrilla warfare and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people during the war.
Getting there: Operators in Ho Chi Minh City run daily tours, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Tip: Be prepared – the tunnels are tight and narrow.
11. Imperial City, Hue
Why? The massive walled complex was the home to the Nguyen emperors and offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past.
Getting there: Located centrally in Hue, it’s best reached by taxi or – better yet – bicycle.
Tip: Purchase your tickets early in the morning to avoid both the heat and the masses.
Nature Encounters
12. Snorkeling, Phu Quoc
Why? The tropical island of Phu Quoc is surrounded by a shimmering sea full of colorful coral reefs.
Getting there: Many island resorts can arrange trips or head to the main town where you can join a small group tour.
Check visibility before booking – the best time to snorkel is between November and March.
13. Birdwatching, Tram Chim National Park
Why? It’s one of the best spots in all of Southeast Asia to observe wetland birds in their natural habitat.
Getting there: Tram Chim is in the Mekong Delta, not too far outside of Ho Chi Minh City.
Tip: Visit during the dry season (December-May) for optimal birdwatching opportunities.
Relax and Recharge
14. Spa Day, Hoi An
Why? After a long day sightseeing, a Vietnamese massage will leave you feeling relaxed and at peace amid Hoi An’s calming ambiance.
Getting there: Spas are abundant in the Old Town.
Tip: Opt for a spa that uses locally sourced ingredients for a truly authentic experience.
15. Yoga Retreat, Mui Ne
Why? With its serene beaches and chilled-out atmosphere, Mui Ne is the perfect destination for a rejuvenating yoga retreat.
Getting there: Most of the beach hotels offer classes, or you can head to one of the dedicated retreat centers.
Seek out a retreat that offers more than just yoga – meditation or tai chi classes will help to balance mind, body, and soul.
Urban Escapes
16. Street Art Tour in Ho Chi Minh City
Why? Get lost in the colorful world of street art in Vietnam’s largest city, with works from local and international artists.
Getting there: Tour-led options are available, or explore parts of Districts 1 and 2 alone.
Tip: An illuminated tour in the evening can be particularly beautiful.
17. Shopping at Ben Thanh Market
Why? From souvenirs and handicrafts to fresh food and street eats, this city center market has it all.
Getting there: Ben Thanh Market is accessible from all corners of the city by bus, taxi, or even on foot.
Tip: Bargain hard – haggling is standard procedure.
18. Rooftop Bar Hopping in Hanoi
Why? See a different side to Hanoi’s night scene, starting with the many rooftop bars serving up city vistas and beers aplenty.
Getting there: Start around the Old Quarter, where several rooftops are clumped close together.
Watch out for any dress codes; some of the swankier establishments may require more than your usual backpacker attire.
19. Sandboarding in Mui Ne
Why? Mui Ne’s red and white sand dunes not only make for striking sights, but the slopes are just waiting to be boarded.
Getting there: A four-hour bus from Ho Chi Minh City drops you right at their feet.
Tip: Avoid midday sun; morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit.
20. Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
Why? Quieter than the better-known Ha Long Bay, the scenery at Lan Ha Bay is every bit as spectacular, only with calmer waters, perfect for some kayaking.
Getting there: Book a trip from Cat Ba Island.
Tip: Check the weather before setting off; flatter waters are both safer and more enjoyable.
Summary:
Any one of these top 20 experiences promises a unique opportunity to engage with Vietnam’s culture, nature, and people.
Whether you’re after relaxation, thrills, or historical insights, Vietnam offers a wealth of experiences to be had, as varied as they are memorable.
Start planning your Vietnamese adventure today – and marvel at what you’ll find each step of the way!