Everyone should visit Vietnam at some point and feel their beautiful chaos.
Vietnam is an incredible Asian destination with something for everyone. From bustling cities to charming villages, beautiful natural landscapes, and rich cultural sites, Vietnam offers many activities in its diverse regions.
So, is Vietnam worth visiting? Hell yes!
To help with your trip planning for this destination, here is our ultimate list of the 25 best things to do in Vietnam, which covers most of the country’s most popular locations and things to do.
25 best things to do in Vietnam
1. Learn about the war in Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Vietnam’s history, particularly its conflict with America that concluded in 1973, is among the top experiences you can have in this country.
We recommend to visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Here, you will find tanks and army vehicles parked outside the entrance and all memories from the war.
2. Visit the War Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh
We recommend visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels with an informative tour guide. With these tours, you can go underground to explore the tunnel system and walk around the forest to learn more about the area.
Remember that these spaces are really cramped, so if you’re claustrophobic, it might not be the best fit for you!
3. Embark on a Boat Tour in the Mekong Delta
If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City, we recommend a half-day or full-day visit to the Mekong Delta.
Immerse yourself in the local culture of the Mekong Delta on this guided tour from Ho Chi Minh City. Experience sampan riding along scenic waterways, tour a coconut farm, and visit Vinh Trang pagoda.
Consider staying one day if you want to be part of the daily life of river-dwelling communities.
4. Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Dive deep into the vibrant Vietnamese culture within the captivating Old Quarter neighbourhood.
With 36 streets named after the crafts sold or created there, this area pulsates with energy. You can also opt for the cozy ambience of local coffee shops, where you can observe the bustling scene comfortably.
The Old Quarter serves as Hanoi’s bustling heart, blending lively streets and markets, serene green spaces, and delightful architectural contrasts that seamlessly fuse the past and present.
5. Explore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hue
Constructed upon the remnants of an ancient Chinese fortress in the 11th century, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel is one of the world’s oldest cities. Its construction marked a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s quest for independence from the Dai Viet.
Within the Imperial Citadel, a plethora of captivating sights await exploration. The Doan Mon (main gate), crafted from wooden hammer bricks and adorned with five arched stone gates, is a testament to the grandeur of the era. The primary entrance was exclusively dedicated to the king, while the remaining gates were reserved for mandarins.
6. Hire and Ride a Motorbike
Sapa is a well-known destination for people worldwide who enjoy a good ride, stunning landscapes, clean air, welcoming locals, and enchanting terraced fields.
But why should you travel around Sapa by motorbike? As you ride, exploring on a motorbike lets you see the amazing sights of terraced rice fields. Plus, the routes are amazing! (and renting a bike is just really cheap).
7. Visit and Shop at floating markets on the Mekong
Make sure to include a visit to the vibrant Mekong Delta floating markets on your Vietnam bucket list. These bustling markets, set on muddy waters, offer a firsthand look at the Vietnamese way of life. It’s an eye-opening adventure you won’t want to miss!
8. Visit the Breathtaking Waterfalls in Da Lat
Da Lat is a very interesting city in the sense that it is outside of the normal North and north-to-south itineraries (check a sample of 10 places and things to do in Vietnam in 10 days in Vietnam here)
Most tours to the Dalat countryside and the Elephant Waterfalls include a visit to many places of interest on the way in which you will experience the daily life of the Vietnamese people of the Central Highlands.
9. Discover the Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town ranks among Vietnam’s top tourist destinations thanks to its picturesque, old-world ambience. This charming district features timeless stone houses and a wide array of shops offering everything from delicious Vietnamese cuisine to souvenirs and gifts for loved ones back home.
10. Visit the Golden Bridge in Da Nang
The Golden Bridge is a 150-metre-long pedestrian bridge in the Ba Na Hills Resort near Da Nang, Vietnam.
Is the Golden Bridge in Da Nang a Must-See? Absolutely! This remarkable architectural masterpiece, coupled with the breathtaking views of Da Nang, truly justifies the trip.
11. Visit Son Doong Cave in Phong Nha: The World’s Largest Cave
Make sure to include Phong Nha on your trip to explore as many caves as possible! But if you can only pick one, visit Hang Son Doon, which is incredibly impressive!
Son Doong is known as the biggest cave in the world by how much space it takes up, and it’s also the largest cave in Vietnam. It was found by Ho Khanh, a man from the Phong Nha jungle, in 1990.
Inside the cave, there are beautiful blue water pools and a river. The cave walls have lush green plants growing on them because of holes that let sunlight in. The cave is like something from a dream; you can take guided tours to explore it and see its incredible beauty up close.
12. Visit the Temple of Literature in Hanoi
Do you know that Hanoi has a whole temple dedicated to Confucius? It was built a long time ago, in the 11th century. This Temple of Literature celebrates scholars and all the important things Vietnamese people have done.
Surprisingly, it was even the first university in Vietnam! You can see many statues of Confucius and his students, along with cool pagodas and a pond called the Well of Heavenly Clarity.
13. Explore the Con Dao Islands
Con Dao is like paradise, with beautiful blue waters, golden beaches, and unique places to snorkel and dive. It’s strange, though, because only a few tourists go there, unlike other beach spots in Vietnam. But if you go, you’ll have a really great time.
14. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh
The cathedral was built in the late 1800s It’s made of bricks and looks like the buildings in Europe from around that time. They even brought materials from France to build it.
Inside, you can see colourful glass windows, fancy tiles with designs carved into them, and a statue of the Virgin Mary.
15. Relax at My Khe Beach
One of the most beautiful places in Da Nang is probably My Khe Beach. It used to be called China Beach, and during the Vietnam War, American soldiers were flown in by helicopters to relax there. But nowadays, people come for its clean white sand, blue water, and sunny weather.
Many hotels and cafes are close to My Khe Beach, so it’s a popular spot for tourists and locals who want to enjoy relaxing at the beach.
16. Explore My Son
More than 1,600 years ago, the Chan people in Vietnam began making Hindu temples near Duy Phú village. Some of these temples are still in a green valley near Cat’s Tooth Mountain.
These temples are called My Son, and even though they are now ruins. According to WikiTravel, My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South-Central Vietnam and is believed to be the longest-inhabited archaeological site in Indochina.
it’s an incredible trip back to check out the area’s history.
17. Visit the Mui Ne (Sand Dunes)
The beach just south of the fishing village of Mui Ne has strong sea breezes, it has become a well-liked spot in Vietnam for kite- and windsurfing.
A visit to Mui Ne would only be whole with heading to the renowned sand dunes located a short distance north of the town.
18. Explore the Natural Wonders of a UNESCO World Heritage Bay (Halong Bay)
The stunning beauty of this bay, known for its towering limestone formations, has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status it truly deserves.
With more than 1,600 islets, these limestone structures have endured 500 million years of tropical rains and are covered in lush jungle growth. Some of these islets even hide secret caves, inviting tourists to join guided tours and uncover their magnificent wonders.
In the heart of the bay, 775 of these formations are scattered across a mere 127 square miles (330 square kilometres). Visitors can explore the bay’s islands, caves, and floating villages in this captivating area on a traditional Vietnamese junk boat.
19. Go Kayaking in Halong Bay
Kayaking through Halong Bay should be a must-do bucket item for every traveller choosing Vietnam as a destination.
Most Halong Bay cruises offer kayaking tours, and we recommend taking advantage of this experience!
Some of the best spots to don’t miss while kayaking are Luon Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village or Ba Hang Fishing Village.
20. Relax at Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc is a stunning island known for its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking sunsets, and pristine sandy beaches.
The ideal time for a visit is between November and March, when the weather is exceptionally delightful, boasting an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and clear skies.
21. Hike through Cat Ba Island
A trip to Cat Ba Island is a sure winner. The scenery is breathtaking, and nearby Lan Ha Bay provides a fantastic alternative to the crowded Halong Bay, boasting its mesmerising beauty.
The Lookout Tower Trail is a well-liked and moderately easy trek. Climb for about an hour until you reach a weathered shelter offering a panoramic view of Cat Ba’s untouched nature.
For a more challenging adventure, consider hiring a guide and taking on the Cang Viet Hai Trail – an 18km route with varying terrain that demands good fitness. Be ready to conquer steep, slippery paths and navigate through dense tangles of tree roots blocking the way.
22. Try the best and most affordable beer
One of the must-try experiences in Vietnam is to explore how affordable local beer can be! It’s quite good, and you can often get a glass of beer for less than 50 cents in numerous places.
Hoi An or Hanoi are excellent destinations for discovering budget-friendly and delicious beer!
23. Try street food in Vietnam
You can discover the most affordable and tastiest Vietnamese cuisine at traditional open-air night markets or even at any point of the day in small shops or even on the street!
For generations, Vietnamese cuisine and dishes have been handed down from mothers to daughters. And you can savour it in every ingredient and dish you try.
Depending on your location in Vietnam, you can savour various local dishes. Explore the top 10 things to do in Vietnam, each with the best food recommendations for that specific area.
24. Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class
If you love Vietnamese food so much and want to take it to the next level, you should take a Vietnamese cooking class while travelling.
You can find cooking classes in almost every big town or city in Vietnam. But to make it even better, pick one that starts by going to a local market to buy fresh ingredients before you start cooking.
25. Get Yourself a Relaxing Body Massage
Like Thailand, you can find massage parlours all over Vietnam, which are much cheaper than other places worldwide.
Be sure to haggle over the price because the initially advertised price may not be the final one you can get. Prices begin at just $3; you can get an essential foot massage for less.
