FALL SALE: Save up to $1,058 on our small-group trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

The 10 Best Things to See and Do in Vietnam

| Hoang Anh / Unsplash

With its rich cultural heritage and fascinating history, combined with majestic natural landscapes and a world class culinary scene, it’s no surprise that Vietnam is among the most visited nations in Asia. It’s a huge country, with so much to see, but we’ve condensed the list down to 10 absolute must-have experience in Vietnam.

An alternative to Ha Long Bay

Natural Feature

Rice field and river Ngo Dong at TamCoc, Ninhbinh, Vietnam; famous for tourism at Vietnam. Ninhbinh city is located in the south than the capital Hanoi, Vietnam.
LouisNguyen / Shutterstock

Tam Coc, which literally means “Three Caves” is one of the set locations for the movie Kong: Skull Island. Sit on a sampan and make your way downstream, meandering through serene rice paddies and enjoying the sound of the water lapping at the side of the boat. The relaxation sets in after just a few minutes of looking across the horizon toward limestone outcrops.

Enjoy the old streets of Hoi An

Market

Colorful house in Hoi An, Vietnam
Aiph Doan / Unsplash

The beauty of Hoi An goes beyond its nickname “The Venice of Vietnam”. Every moment in this city paints a vibrant picture of Vietnamese culture; from the early morning when the locals set out their street businesses at a slow pace, to the late afternoon when tourists make their way to the riverbank for sunset drinks. In the evening, colorful lanterns turn the city aglow.

An Bang Beach

Natural Feature

A Vietnamese fisherman on his signature basket boat fishing at dawn, while the neighbouring city of Da Nang can be seen at a distance.
Chhandak Pradhan / Unsplash

Hoi An is justifiably celebrated for its old buildings, with different constructions painting a picture of architectural developments throughout the centuries. The ancient town, however, has embraced its natural beauty as well, especially when it comes to An Bang Beach. The essence of tranquillity and serenity makes this place a meditative experience, allowing visitors a break from the hectic touristy atmosphere in the main town.

Discover ethnic traditions in Ha Giang

Natural Feature

Yên Minh, Ha Giang, Vietnam
Danish Prakash / Unsplash

Instead of elbowing your way to the crowds of tourists in Sa Pa, head to Ha Giang, Vietnam’s far north province. Nothing beats the thrill of driving along a narrow road and passing through breathtaking slopes and valleys. Ha Giang’s identity is rooted in a well-preserved tribal culture that fortunately has not been disrupted by modern development.

Challenge yourself with a motorbike tour

Shop

Wandering around Hanoi Old Quarters, Vietnam
Son Vu Le / Unsplash

If you plan to travel to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, why not hop on a motorbike and lose yourself in the constant stream of traffic at the heart of the city, squeezing cars, scooters, and busses. Though it sounds risky, driving around the city like this can allow you to catch a glimpse of everyday, fast-paced local life.

Eat bun cha like Obama

Restaurant

Vietnam’s street food scene has no shortage of distinctive flavors – from Vietnamese beef noodle pho to banh mi, popular dishes which has made their way all around the world. More recently bun cha, a dish of charcoal-grilled pork patties and pork slices served with rice vermicelli, has dominated the scene, partly due to the fact that Obama ate them during his visit to Hanoi in 2016.

Get lost in Hanoi's Old Town

Architectural Landmark

Hanoi Old Quarter, Vietnam
Tung Minh / Unsplash

One hundred years of French colonization in Hanoi led to local architecture having a distinct European look, and this can especially be seen in the capital’s Old Quarter, or “French Quarter”. Take a walk around; everywhere you look, you’ll catch a glimpse of the country’s rich history.

Visit the historical tunnels

Natural Feature

If you’re looking to delve further into Vietnam’s history, Cu Chi Tunnels is a must-visit. This extensive network of underground tunnels didn’t just serve as hiding spots, but also as a network for communication and relaying messages, as storage facilities, and even as a field hospital for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Drift through the Mekong Delta

Natural Feature

Phong Dien Floating Market
filmlandscape / Shutterstock

Take a boat ride that passes through the Cai Rang floating market, where you’ll see dozens of merchant’s vessels and stilt houses perched on the riverbanks. Try to glide past the main towns and wind your way into smaller farm areas, and you’l encounter a peaceful atmosphere.

Dalat

Architectural Landmark

Sunrise in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat, Vietnam
Pete Walls / Unsplash
Da Lat, located in the central highlands of Vietnam, is home to more than 1,000 French colonial style buildings and houses as well as various coffee plantations. It also boasts a spectacle of different canyons and waterfalls, making for a picturesque exploration spot.

Culture Trip Fall Sale

Save up to $1,058 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

toast-message-image
close-ad
Edit article