15 Incredible Things to Do in Vietnam

The siren song of Vietnam has brought many travelers to its shores in search of incredible landscapes, pearl-white beaches, chaotic and vibrant cities, and one of the warmest welcomes in the world.

The tough decision for travelers isn’t whether they should visit Vietnam; it’s how to choose what to do with so many incredible options. Should you start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)? Do you swap the big city experience for the beaches and seafood suppers of Phu Quoc island? Should you dive headlong into the history of a dozen rival empires or embrace the dynamic, modern Vietnam that has emerged from the aftermath of conflict?

No matter what you envision for your vacation, it’s important to accept that you’ll never cover everything in one trip and instead embrace it as a reason to return. Here are 15 incredible things to do that need to be on your Vietnam to-do list.

1. Embrace Past and Future Vietnam in Historic Hanoi

The vibrant capital of the former North Vietnam, and today the capital of the nation, Hanoi is where old and new Vietnam converge. Traces of the imperial past float through the city, where hawkers drift through the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter selling snacks from traditional yoke baskets, while surrounding buildings are lit up with advertising displays.

Exploring at street level is highly atmospheric and fantastic fun – mix days visiting wartime and imperial relics with evenings indulging in some of Asia’s finest food and late nights cooling off with local draught beer known as bia hoi.

2. Find Your Own Island in the Sun in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay

Halong Bay – the atmospheric sprawl of rocky coves and eroded karst islands to the east of Hanoi – is undoubtedly a must-see. However, to escape the cruise ship crowds, consider hiring a kayak to explore Lan Ha Bay near Cat Ba Island, where unique outcrops emerge from the water like the teeth of sea monsters. Alternatively, visit Bai Tu Long Bay to the north, offering lush jungle-capped islands and languorous beaches.

3. Get Your Fill of Imperial Cuisine in Hue

Hue, the former capital of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty, is rich in historic relics and tempting cuisine. This city is believed to be the origin of more than half of Vietnam’s estimated 3000 local dishes, such as bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and crispy banh khoai pancakes. You can indulge in the lavish imperial cuisine, once created for emperors, at various local restaurants.

4. Meet Vietnam’s Imperial Leaders in the Hue Tombs

The imperial tombs in Hue preserve the remains of Nguyen emperors and empresses, showcasing stunning architecture in tranquil settings. For an intimate experience, venture by motorcycle along the Perfume River to visit the extravagant mausoleums and discover the beauty of the hulking Thien Mu Pagoda.

5. Learn to Make Soups, Stir-fries, and Salads on a Cooking Course

Vietnamese cuisine is a fantastic souvenir, and cooking courses across the country let you prepare your own dishes. Classes usually begin with a market trip to source fresh herbs and ingredients, concluding with a banquet of the dishes you’ve cooked. Hoi An is known for its intimate cooking schools, providing an authentic culinary experience.

6. Unravel Vietnam’s Complex Religious History in My Son

My Son features UNESCO-listed Hindu temple ruins surrounded by jungle, providing insight into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry. Built by the ancient Champa civilization between the 4th and 14th centuries, these sacred structures share architectural similarities with Khmer temples found in neighboring countries.

7. Visit the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh

Explore the unique Cao Dai religion, founded in Tay Ninh, which melds elements of various faiths, including Buddhism and Catholicism. At the Cao Dai Holy See, witness vibrant ceremonies and the intriguing symbolism of this relatively new religion.

8. Rumble Through the Highlands by Motorcycle

A motorcycle is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore Vietnam’s stunning highlands. Rent a bike in Hanoi and venture into the picturesque hill country, encountering rural villages and breathtaking landscapes along the way.

9. See the American War Through Vietnamese Eyes

Pay homage to the resilience of the Vietnamese people by visiting sites that commemorate the American War. The Cu Chi Tunnels near HCMC and the Vinh Moc Tunnels near Hue offer sobering insights into the lengths to which ordinary citizens went to survive during conflict.

10. Visit Villages in the “Asian Alps”

Venture to the breathtaking highlands of Sapa, once the former French Hill station, surrounded by magnificent mountains and vibrant ethnic minority villages. For a serene experience away from the crowds, explore the quieter alternatives in Bac Ha or Ha Giang province.

11. Find a Perfect Cup of Coffee in the Central Highlands

The Southwest Highlands, particularly Dak Lak Province, is renowned for its robusta coffee beans. Visitors can tour local plantations, particularly during the coffee harvest season, and explore the vibrant coffee culture in Buon Ma Thuot.

12. Enter the World’s Largest Cave in Phong Nha

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world. This geological marvel includes a rainforest ecosystem and is accessible only via guided treks. The experience is both challenging and awe-inspiring.

13. Walk with the Ghosts of French Indochina in Ho Chi Minh City

HCMC, formerly Saigon, boasts a rich tapestry of historical sites from the colonial era to the American War, which you can experience through the atmospheric streets and charming cafes. Enjoy local coffee while taking in the stunning architecture of French colonial buildings.

14. Bask on Beautiful Beaches

Vietnam’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches. While Phu Quoc Island and Danang are popular, for unspoiled serenity, consider kitesurfing beaches around Mui Ne or the tranquil sands of the Con Dao archipelago.

15. Float on the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s rice bowl, featuring a patchwork of waterways and charming stilt villages. Travelers can explore this enchanting region on overnight cruises or day trips, immersing themselves in the local culture along the way.