Visiting Vietnam is in contrast to many different locations, mixing an interesting mix of journey, historical past, and scenic magnificence that’s unmatched. If you need an interesting journey in Southeast Asia with a mix of previous and current, Vietnam is the place for you! There are so many issues to do in Vietnam; you possibly can simply spend two months exploring its countryside. We spent 30 days in Vietnam, and even that was barely sufficient time to see all the pieces this numerous nation gives.
Top issues to do in Vietnam
Be it the mesmerizing views of Sapa and Ha Long, the fascinating historical past of the DMZ and Cu Chi Tunnels, or the busier hubs of Hanoi, Vietnam will “WOW” the adventurous spirit in you. Here are our favourite issues to do in Vietnam.
We labored our manner from Southern Vietnam to the North, beginning from the border of Cambodia. Vietnam has some wonderful websites to see. From stunning pure wonders to incredible procuring, mountain adventures, and chill-out seashore life, Vietnam has one thing to provide for everybody.
The checklist of issues to do in Vietnam is limitless, and you possibly can go to Vietnam many times. But this information will provide help to plan the must-see sights and prime locations to go to in Vietnam.
1. Visit Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a marvel of nature in the South China Sea, the place hundreds of islands jut out of the turquoise water, making a endless horizon of mountains.
Taking a ship tour of Vietnam is like getting into a legendary world of emerald waters and towering karst formations dot the horizon. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, identified for its breathtaking pure magnificence, is a prime spotlight for any Vietnam itinerary. You can guide your 2-day cruise right here.
You can kayak via hidden lagoons, discover magnificent caves like Sung Sot or Thien Cung, and even discover a secluded cove for a swim. Halong Bay is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Vietnam, and it was our most memorable expertise. We explored the labyrinth on a small teak cabin cruiser, the place we had our non-public bunk and had been handled to a feast.
Sleeping in the bay surrounded by these sleeping giants whereas wanting into the clear night time sky is a novel expertise Read: Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay – How to Choose Your Vietnam Cruise?
2. Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island in Vietnam is a slice of paradise that’s good for anybody wanting to add a little bit of journey and leisure to their Vietnam journey. Tucked away in the Gulf of Tonkin, only a stone’s throw from the well-known Halong Bay, this laid-back island is all about placing surroundings with its cool jungles, superior limestone cliffs, and dreamy seashores.
Cruises usually embrace a go to to one of many caves on Cat Ba Island throughout our Halong Bay cruise. There are 4 attention-grabbing caves on the island. Hospital Cave served as a hospital for wounded troopers and a bomb shelter for the Vietnamese. Trung Trang Cave is the biggest cave on the island, and Hoa Cuong Cave is understood for its stunning stalactites.
If you’re into snorkeling, the clear waters across the island are a deal with. For those that love an excellent trek, the paths via Cat Ba National Park are a must-try – you by no means know what wildlife you would possibly spot! And hey, if chilling on the seashore is extra your factor, Cat Ba’s acquired you coated. Plus, it’s the proper spot to jump over to the beautiful Lan Ha Bay for some enjoyable on the water.
3. Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay is an alternate to Halong Bay for vacationers who love to uncover the street much less traveled. Nestled simply off the crushed path of its well-known neighbor, Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long gives a extra laid-back, genuine expertise.
It’s the proper place to escape the crowds whereas cruising on a conventional junk boat, surrounded by serene emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts. You can discover hidden caves, go to fishing villages, and even discover secret seashores to have all to your self.
The vibe right here is all about taking it simple and savoring the second. Whether you’re kayaking in the bay’s calm waters or simply chilling on the deck of your boat, Bai Tu Long Bay is the last word place to calm down and soak in a few of Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes. Check out costs and availability right here.
4. Sapa
A journey via the jaw-dropping mountain surroundings of Sapa took our breath away in extra methods than one! Trekking via the excessive rice terraces close to a mountain city close to the Chinese border looks like you’re strolling via a postcard.
We stayed with the hill tribes, visiting ethnic minority villages of the Hmong, Red Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho Peoples. We trekked for 3 days via the huge rice terraces of this rugged land. The magnificence is overwhelming as each nook I flip leaves me extra amazed.
Giant terraces stuffed with water glistened in the solar for so far as we may see. Water buffalo graze in the fields, and villagers dressed in conventional handmade clothes greeted us as we walked alongside the trail.
The villagers reside by the outdated methods right here. They harness water from the mountain to use as irrigation, they hand weave their very own materials, and so they develop their very own rice. They are a individuals actually at one with the land.
5. Rice Fields of Tam Coc
The enchanting Rice Fields of Tam Coc is a hidden gem in Vietnam’s picturesque Ninh Binh province. Often referred to because the ‘Halong Bay on Land’, Tam Coc is a dreamy panorama of lush inexperienced rice fields surrounded by towering limestone karsts, finest explored by a leisurely boat journey alongside the Ngo Dong River.
As you glide via the water, you’ll be captivated by the tranquil fantastic thing about the rice paddies, with native farmers tending to their fields and the majestic hills offering a surprising backdrop. Each season brings a unique hue to the fields, from emerald inexperienced in the spring to golden yellow throughout harvest time.
Tam Coc isn’t simply concerning the surroundings; it’s a spot to join with the peaceable rhythm of rural Vietnamese life. Don’t overlook to convey your digital camera, because the pure magnificence right here is just photogenic. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply somebody looking for a serene escape, the Rice Fields of Tam Coc promise an expertise that’s each soothing and visually spectacular, making it a prime choose on your Vietnam itinerary.
6. Hanoi
Hanoi is hectic and overwhelming; even crossing the road will be an journey. We sat on a second-floor terrace watching individuals take their lives in their palms as they crossed the street a busy intersection like a recreation of Frogger. , it was undoubtedly lots of hours of amusement.
We explored Hanoi’s sights, consuming French baguettes and sipping lattes on Hoan Klem Lake. This is a superb place to escape the hectic tempo of the town. Hanoi has a wealthy French colonial previous, and to see it, you want to discover Hanoi’s outdated quarter.
It can also be in Hanoi that you simply see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum honoring Ho Chi Minh who was the founder of recent Vietnam. Other issues not to miss in Hanoi are the Magical Water Puppet Show, persevering with a thousand-year-old custom, the temple of literature, and you need to pattern Vietnamese meals on a meals tour of Hanoi. Read More: The 29 Best Things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam
Suggested Food Tours Hanoi
Street Food Tour – Take a stroll via the outdated quarter of Hanoi with an area information. Sample avenue meals and native favorites. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Street meals and Water Puppet Show Combo – Sample scrumptious Vietnamese, study Hanoi’s distinctive meals tradition, benefit from the night time view of Hoan Kiem Lake and end off with the water puppet present. Easy cancellation on excursions with 24 hours’ discover.
7. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (previously Saigon) is a bustle with markets, meals stalls, and nightclubs. This is the place our Vietnam journey started, and it was an eye-opener of a primary cease. A metropolis of seven million individuals, Ho Chi Minh City, is the guts of Vietnamese nightlife, with Karaoke bars, nightclubs, and plenty of locations providing low cost beer and cocktails.
Trishaw drivers received’t take no for a solution as they comply with you down the road wanting to make their fare. Where procuring is the principle precedence and dodging touts is a full-time job.
The metropolis has French colonial buildings combined between neon lights and skyscrapers. The hottest vacationer sights are in all probability the Reunification Palace, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Binh and Tay Market.
8. War Remnants Museum
No one can overlook the Vietnam War, and there are lots of tributes and locations to go to in Vietnam that pay respect to the nation’s conflict historical past. In Ho Chi Minh City, The War Remnants Museum is an emotional have a look at the results of conflict. A stand-out show was one which honored photographers and correspondents who misplaced their lives masking the conflict.
Other sights to see in Ho Chi Minh City are the Reunification Palace, which is the location the place the Vietnam War symbolically got here to an finish. We walked by the American Embassy, identified for the notorious rooftop helicopter evacuations after the autumn of Saigon, and we checked out the thriving waterfront with luxurious accommodations, nightclubs, and the bustling Mekong River.
Paying tribute to its French colonial previous, the town can also be dwelling to a cathedral named after Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Check out all of the issues to do at The Best of Ho Chi Minh City
9. The Cu Chi Tunnels
The fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels are an incredible day journey from Ho Chi Minh the place you may expertise what the Viet Cong troopers and fighters went via dwelling life underground throughout the conflict.
Agent Orange, napalm, and fixed bombing worn out the jungle throughout the Vietnam War, however it’s now lush and inexperienced and is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer sights in Vietnam.
Our information confirmed us how the Vietnamese would escape in the jungle and camouflage the entrances with termite hills. We realized that they fought in sandals constructed from car tires to keep away from jungle rot. And we realized how they wore checkered scarves to announce that they had been preventing for the North and the way farmers snuck meals to troopers.
It was then into the claustrophobic unique tunnel to crawl for 100m in darkness to get a way of simply how uncomfortable the situations had been. Read extra at The Cu Chi Tunnels of Vietnam
10. Cruise the Mekong Delta
The Mekong River is a large river spanning 4500km of numerous wildlife and unbelievable views, beginning in China and flowing via Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam earlier than ending on the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam. One of one of the best issues to do in Vietnam is to guide a tour of the Mekong Delta to see its floating markets,
Along the best way, you can find floating markets promoting native produce and all the pieces from fruit and greens to conical hats and pretend clothes, in contrast to the markets in Ho Chi Minh City.
At small factories, we realized how to make coconut sweet and rice paper, being provided a style to entice us into shopping for a memento. It is all a bit of contrived at occasions as they struggle very onerous to make you buy one thing, however the surroundings is unbelievable, and watching native life unfold is fascinating.
Book a full day Mekong Delta Tour together with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels with Get Your Guide. Free cancelation for a full refund inside 24 hours of exercise.
Ho Chi Min City Tour corporations provide nice package deal offers preventing for vacationer {dollars} to all locations. Life stays unchanged in the Cu Chi Tunnels as farmers nonetheless convey their produce to the floating market and other people nonetheless wash their garments by hand on its banks.
11. Beautiful Beaches of Mui Ne
Our first seashore cease in Vietnam was Mui Ne, and it was our favourite. A spectacular beachfront the place kite surfers journey the waves in its windy bay, and the sunsets listed here are a number of the most spectacular you’ll ever see. The excessive winds whip and swirl the clouds all through the day, and when nightfall units in, the setting solar illuminates the sky with deep reds and brilliant yellows.
Mui Ne could have stunning seashores, however the spotlight of the go to was going to the sand dunes. A brief jeep journey takes you out to the city’s predominant attraction of big rolling hills of sand surrounded by inexperienced fields wanting as if a little bit of the Sahara has been dropped into South East Asia. We walked to the highest in the scorching warmth and took an exciting magic carpet journey down its sandy banks.
Tour operators can take you out for some sandboarding and mountaineering on the huge dunes.
12. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island is nearer to Cambodia than Vietnam, but it surely is part of the Vietnamese territory. When we had been in Vietnam, it was a bit of off the crushed path and reserved for backpackers, but it surely has gained in standing thanks to its beautiful seashores, crystal clear waters, and incredible nightlife. There are loads of issues to do in Phu Quoc. It now has excessive finish resorts providing jet snowboarding, scuba diving, fishing, and private boat rent are all nice choices.
It has acquired a little bit of a legendary standing with backpackers in Vietnam due to its beautiful seashores, clear seas, and nice bars.
13. Hoi An
Image by by photographer Réhahn. See his full photostory of Vietnam right here.
Hoi An has a thousand-year historical past luring guests to its historic buildings alongside the Thu Bon River. The river has been attracting merchants from the South China Sea for hundreds of years. This historic city is a mix of Asian and colonial structure with sidewalk cafés and cobblestone streets.
If you occur to be in Hoi An throughout the Vietnamese New Year (Tet Festival), you’ll witness hundreds of lanterns lining the roads.
It is actually a photographer’s dream with picture alternatives of the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Lantern Festival, and the distinction between Chinese tube homes and French colonial buildings.
Tailor-made Clothes in Hoi An
Hoi An is a favourite of many vacationers to Vietnam to have some tailored garments whipped up in a matter of hours! Choosing a store will be tough and we had been standing in the wet avenue confused when a girl approached us and mentioned to comply with her. Reluctantly, we adopted her via winding streets and alleyways once we lastly got here to her store in the market.
We proceeded to pick patterns and kinds whereas a military of girls took our measurements and aided us in selecting supplies and colours from partitions of cloth. We spent manner an excessive amount of cash and acquired caught up in the frenzy of shopping for, knocking off a number of days of our finances on 25 kilos of garments that we despatched dwelling to Canada.
Word of warning: Take your time, and don’t get talked into something. Know what you need to be made and ask for it to be double-stitched. We had been very pleased with our purchases and are glad we had garments made in Vietnam.
14. Mud Bath in Nha Trang
The subsequent seashore cease took us to Nha Trang. It’s a far busier seashore city with high-rise buildings, big resorts, nightclubs, and tremendous eating. This lengthy stretch of seashore is well-developed and touts are in every single place promoting jewellery, hats, t-shirts, and naturally low cost photocopied books.
We took a day to go to the Thap Ba Hot Springs the place we took a dip in the mud baths to bask in its cool medicinal mud. There’s a therapeutic mineral waterfall, hydrotherapy, and a swimming pool. All of my travel-weary bones and muscle tissue are handled to a calming day of pampering and nurturing, getting ready me for the times to come. The mud baths are an reasonably priced day on the spa and a really distinctive expertise.
15. Dragon’s Bridge of Da Nang
Da Nang, Vietnam’s vibrant coastal metropolis, is an absolute must-visit for anybody hitting up Vietnam. It’s an superior mix of recent vibes and conventional appeal set towards a backdrop of beautiful seashores and rolling mountains. What’s not to love? Whether you’re into browsing the waves at My Khe Beach, exploring the Marble Mountains, or simply having fun with the laid-back beachside environment, Da Nang has one thing for everybody. And let’s not overlook the town’s iconic Dragon Bridge – it breathes fireplace and water, which is as cool because it sounds!
Dragon Bridge is the longest bridge in Vietnam, spanning 666 meters throughout the Han River. Seeing it at night time is a should because it lights up and the dragon spits fireplace and water throughout festivals and on weekends.
Foodies, you’re in for a deal with right here, too. The native delicacies is out of this world, with avenue meals stalls and upscale eating places serving up a number of the finest flavors in Vietnam. Plus, Da Nang’s central location makes it the proper base for day journeys to Hoi An or the imperial metropolis of Hue.
16. Golden Bridge
Located an hour and a half from the town, the Golden Bridge is one in every of Vietnam’s latest and most jaw-dropping sights in the Da Nang area. Architect Vu Viet Hong created it to “invoke the sensation of walking along a thread stretching through the hands of God.”
This attraction is a part of the Sun World Ba Na Hills Amusement Park. It was created strictly to lure vacationers to the realm, and it labored! It wasn’t but created once we had been in Vietnam, however we had to embrace it as a result of it’s not to be missed! Standing 1,000 meters (3,280 toes) above sea stage, it extends over the sting of a cliff. The Ba Na Hills used to be a hill station for French colonialists
17. Imperial City of Hue
Hue is situated in Central Vietnam and is a treasure trove of historical past and tradition, making it a must-visit for anybody touring Vietnam. This historic metropolis, as soon as the imperial capital, is dwelling to the beautiful Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s like stepping again in time.
Walking via the sprawling complicated of temples, pavilions, and museums, you’ll get an actual sense of Vietnam’s royal previous. Here, you’ll discover the tombs of the Ancient emperors. The Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s Vietnam’s reply to China’s Forbidden City. The walled fortress was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.
But there’s extra to Hue than simply its historic websites. The metropolis can also be well-known for its distinctive Vietnamese delicacies, providing dishes you received’t discover wherever else in the nation – suppose wealthy, flavorful broths and delicately crafted bites.
Plus, the serene Perfume River provides a picturesque appeal to the town, good for a leisurely boat journey or night stroll alongside its banks. Whether you’re a historical past buff, a foodie, or simply wanting to discover a less-traveled path, Hue has one thing particular to provide.
18. DMZ Tour
The DMZ in Central Vietnam was the dividing line between North and South Vietnam, and it’s right here you can tour many conflict relics. Hue was additionally the place we booked a full-day tour to discover the DMZ zone.
If you’re a historical past buff, it is a fascinating tour. We stopped on the former headquarters of the US Marines, Dong Ha, and well-known battlegrounds like Hamburger Hill. (there was a film made about this battle.)
We additionally visited one other set of tunnels that had been a lot larger than the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Vinh Moc Tunnels had been a strategic level for the Vietnamese to cover from American bombers.
19. Caves of Phong Nha
If you’ve got time to plan and a few deep pockets, the caves of Phong Nha are a should. Hang Son Doong is the world’s largest cave, and there’s a lengthy ready checklist to see it! Located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will be visited on a day journey or an expedition of up to 5 days.
Discovered in 2009 in the Quang Binh province, this large cave boasts sections up to 200 meters excessive and 150 meters vast, full with its personal climate system and distinctive ecosystem. The journey to Son Doong Cave is a multi-day trek, normally spanning 4 to 5 days, and includes mountaineering, tenting, river crossings, and navigating the rugged terrain of the nationwide park.
There are different caves in Phong Naha moreover Son Doong so when you don’t have the cash or time to spare, you can even try Hang En Cave, Tu Lan Cave System, Hang Tien Cave, Hang Va Cave, and Nuoc Nut Cave.
All excursions are carried out by licensed tour operators with skilled guides to guarantee security and minimal environmental impression. The excursions usually contain native porters and guides, offering financial advantages to the neighborhood and selling sustainable tourism.
20. Ngo Dong River
The Ngo Dong River in Vietnam is a serene escape that’s good for vacationers wanting to absorb some distinctive Vietnamese surroundings. Picture this: you’re gently rowing down a relaxed, winding river flanked by lush, inexperienced rice fields and towering limestone cliffs. It’s like stepping right into a postcard!
Located in the scenic Tam Coc area, a journey alongside the Ngo Dong River is all about embracing the peaceable vibes and breathtaking views. It’s the place you’ll get these superior pictures of native life, with farmers working in the fields and fishers casting their nets. And don’t overlook concerning the unbelievable limestone caves you’ll go via – it’s like nature’s personal cathedral.
Whether you’re a solo explorer or with your loved ones, a visit down the Ngo Dong River is a must-do. It’s not only a boat journey; it’s an expertise that allows you to join with the tranquil fantastic thing about Vietnam in a manner that’s each enjoyable and unforgettable. So, if you’re planning your Vietnam journey, make certain to add the Ngo Dong River to your itinerary – it’s a spotlight that’s not to be missed!
21. the Central Highlands
The Central Highlands’ cool local weather, particularly in cities like Da Lat, identified for its French colonial structure, flower gardens, and pine-covered hills, gives a refreshing retreat from Vietnam’s tropical warmth. Da Lat is especially well-known for its journey sports activities like canyoning, mountain biking, and mountaineering.
The Central Highlands of Vietnam a area of serene magnificence identified for its rolling hills, dense forests, and ethnic minority villages. This a part of Vietnam supplies a stark distinction to the nation’s bustling cities.
Here there are alternatives for trekking and exploring the quite a few nationwide parks like Yok Don and Bidoup Nui Ba.
The area can also be a haven for espresso lovers, because it’s the guts of Vietnam’s coffee-growing trade. You can go to plantations in Buon Ma Thuot, the espresso capital of Vietnam, and revel in freshly brewed native varieties.
Cultural experiences abound in the Central Highlands. Visitors can immerse themselves in the distinctive traditions of the native ethnic teams, such because the Ede and M’nong, by visiting their villages, experiencing their conventional gong music, and studying about their lifestyle.
The area’s markets, particularly in cities like Kon Tum and Pleiku, are vibrant and colourful, providing a glimpse into the day by day lifetime of the highlanders.
22. Indulge in Vietnamese Cuisine
Did you realize that Vietnamese tradition is without doubt one of the oldest in Southeast Asia? This spectacular feat has given the Vietnamese individuals loads of time to grasp their artwork of cooking. Today, one of the best Vietnamese delicacies is in eating places world wide.
One factor you’ll discover that you’ll eat continually is Pho, their rice noodle soup that’s past scrumptious. But there are many dishes to attempt with influences from its French Colonial occasions and historic traditions. From Vietnamese egg espresso to Banh mi, a French stuffed baguette and staple rice noodles, the delicacies of Vietnam is as numerous as its areas. Local meals adjustments as you journey from northern Vietnam to the south, and it’s simple to dig into conventional delicacies at avenue stalls and small cafes.
And these are one of the best issues to do in Vietnam. Have you been? What do you recommend for the highest Vietnam sights?