Top 10 Things to Do in Vietnam

What it is- A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for emerald waters and towering limestone karsts.
Why it’s special- This place is beloved by many to go kayaking through the caves, exploring floating villages,...
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What it is- This is a mountainous town located in North Vietnam, surrounded by rice and paddy fields, making it a perfect destination for trekking.
Why it’s special- Sappa offers beautiful trekking routes, which...

What it is- Located in the heart of Vietnam’s capital, this historic place is filled with colonial architecture, street markers and lively crowds.
Why it’s special-This place is special as it reflects the histor...

What it is- Known for its lantern-lit streets, riverside charm and beautiful tailor shops, this town used to be an ancient trading port which has been preserved for so many years.
Why it’s special- The highlight...

What it is- Used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, this destination features a series of underground tunnels which are connected into a network.
Why it’s special- The speciality of this particular destina...

What it is- As the name suggests, this place was once the royal capital of Vietnam. To this day, this destination is filled with palaces, royal tombs and moat-lined citadels.
Why it’s special- this place is well...

What it is- Ho Chi Minh City is filled with bustling street food stalls, markets and back alleys where you can go on a food tour, whether on foot or a scooter.
Why it’s special- The speciality of this place is ...

What it is- This island is a tropical paradise located in the south of Vietnam, with white-sand beaches and clear waters.
Why it’s special- The best thing about this island is that it is not as commercial as co...

What it is- A UNESCO World Heritage Site where the world's largest cave, Hang Son Doong, is located alongside many other caves to explore.
Why it’s special- The highlight of this park lies in the variety of cave...

What it is- A cruise along the labyrinth of rivers, swamps and floating markets situated in the southern part of Vietnam.
Why it’s special- This delta is the lifeline of southern Vietnam. Cruising along the del...
Adventure & Nature-Based Activities

- Snorkelling and diving into the vibrant coral reefs on the Island of Phu Quoc and the Cham Islands near Hoi An are the top things to do in Vietnam.
- Surfing and paddleboarding are other sets of activities to do in Vietnam, especially du...

- Sapa is a famous choice for trekking along the scenic rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. Multi-day treks lead through valleys and hills where you can stay with local families and experience rural life firsthand.
- The Ha Giang L...

- For those who love exploring the wild, Vietnam’s national parks offer unique jungle experiences of seeing natural caves, like the Han Son Doong cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
- Endangered species like gibbons, crocodiles, and e...
Cultural & Spiritual Activities

- Visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, which honours Confucian philosophy and scholarly traditions.
- Situated on West Lake, the Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest in the city and a beautiful place for quiet reflect...

- Travellers may witness or take part in rituals
- such as ancestor worship, incense offerings at family altars, or Buddhist chanting during full moon days.
- Be a part of special festivals such as Tet (Lunar New Year), the Mid-Autu...

- Visitors can enjoy traditional water puppet shows, which tell folk tales through music and movement in Hanoi and Hoi An.
- Cultural houses and theatres across the country host performances of ca tru (ceremonial singing) and hat tuong (cl...
Offbeat & Unforgettable Experiences

- Lan Ha Bay offers the same stunning limestone formations with far fewer boats as compared to the famous and much-loved Ha Long Bay.
- The Ban Gioc Waterfall, located on the border with China, is one of the most beautiful and remote water...

- Villages like Duong Lam, located near Hanoi, are a perfect place for a deeper cultural experience. Skip the crowd and spend time in this place where centuries-old houses and temples are preserved
- Phong Nam Village in Central Vietnam is...

- One of the most surprising yet enjoyable Vietnam activities is taking a traditional basket boat ride in Hoi An’s coconut forests. It is a fun, spinning journey led by lively local guides.
- Local activities, such as salt farming in Ninh ...
Free & Low-Cost Things to Do

- In Hanoi, there are multiple places that you can see for free. Strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, or admiring the French colonial era architecture of the Old Quarters, are some examples of sightseeing places that you can visit for free.
- ...

- Although Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi are well-known, smaller local markets in places like Hoi An, Da Lat, and Can Tho offer even more charm.
- Explore the vibrant stalls, buy souvenirs, or sample so...

- Be a part of free community events or explore public areas to get a sense of the local way of life.
- Hanoi and Saigon are filled with meaningful events that cost little or nothing, from free concerts and art exhibits to evening gatherin...
Best Time for Activities in Vietnam

- The best months to do outdoor and nature-based activities in Vietnam are October through April, when the weather is dry and pleasant.
- These activities include trekking in Sapa, cruising in Ha Long Bay, and exploring caves in Phong Nha<...

- Certain outdoor activities in Vietnam may be restricted by the rainy season, which normally lasts from June to September in the north and south and from September to December along the central coast.
- Trekking, boat tours, and motorbike...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Out of the many things to do in Vietnam, the best activity that is a must-do, especially for first-time visitors taking a cruise along the cruising through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, best known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands .It is a breathtaking experience which blends nature, tranquillity, and adventure.
7 days is more than enough to visit and experience all the major highlights of Vietnam. With a well-planned itinerary, a week will cover major attractions like Ho Chi Minh City, cruises, the ancient city of Hoi An and so on.
Vietnam as a destination can range from being luxurious as well as budget-friendly. 1 Lakh rupees is a good figure to go on a budget-friendly trip, which will include all expenses such as flights, accommodation and other expenses. If you’re wise about your expenditure, then you are sure to have a fulfilling trip with this amount.
Popular activities in Vietnam offer a mix of culture, adventure, nature, and cuisine. Here are some of the top things to do in Vietnam
- Cruising Ha Long Bay- Explore limestone islands and caves by boat
- Trekking in Sapa or Ha Giang- Scenic mountain hikes and ethnic village visits
- Exploring ancient towns- Such as Hoi An, famous for lanterns, architecture, and tailor shops
- Street food tours- Especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Visiting temples and pagodas- Including the Perfume Pagoda and Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Motorbiking the Hai Van Pass- A stunning coastal route between Hue and Da Nang
- Cave exploration- Like the massive Son Doong or Phong Nha caves
- Relaxing on beaches- In Da Nang, Nha Trang, or Phu Quoc
- Floating markets in the Mekong Delta- Experience local life on the river
- Learning Vietnamese cooking- With hands-on classes across the country
These Vietnam activities cater to all kinds of travellers, from food lovers and history buffs to thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
- Take a Ha Long Bay cruise- Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is renowned for its tranquil waters and limestone islandsVietnam's most famous natural wonder.
- Explore Hoi An, A Historic Town- An exquisitely conserved trading port featuring historic buildings, riverbank cafes, and streets illuminated by lanterns.
- Explore Sapa's Rice Terrace- Savour stunning treks through northern Vietnam's ethnic villages and terraced hills.
- Take the Hai Van Pass ride- Enjoy sweeping views of the mountains and sea while riding a motorcycle or driving a car along the coast.
- Go to the Tunnels of Cu Chi- Enter the subterranean area that was utilised during the Vietnam War close to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Savour Hanoi Street Cuisine- In the busy Old Quarter, sample regional specialities like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee.
- Explore the Caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang- home to Son Doong and some of the biggest and most striking cave systems in the world.
- Unwind on the island of Phu Quoc- Vietnam's tropical retreat offers white sand beaches, coral reefs, and island charm.
- Tour Hue's Imperial City- Discover Vietnam's regal history by touring the palaces, cemeteries, and temples in this former capital.
- Take a boat ride through rural villages, stilt houses, and floating markets to experience river life in the Mekong Delta.
- Take a cruise through Ha Long Bay, which features serene waters and beautiful limestone islands.
- Vietnam's rich history can be discovered in Hoi An by exploring the historic streets illuminated by lanterns and sampling regional cuisine like cao lau.
- Travellers can experience the lively street life and delectable dishes like pho and egg coffee in Hanoi by exploring the city's Old Quarter.
- A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City provides a glimpse into the nation's history during the war. In cities, sampling street food, particularly banh mi, bun cha, and fresh spring rolls, gives the trip a delectable depth.
Last but not least, a trip to the Mekong Delta offers a serene, picturesque glimpse into Vietnamese rural customs through canal boat rides and floating marketplaces. These remarkable Vietnam activities are ideal for a well-rounded first vacation.
- Explore Hoi An Ancient Town for a meaningful experience, where you can see traditional lantern-making and stroll through buildings that date back hundreds of years.
- Watch a water puppet performance in Hanoi, which is a distinctive 11th-century Vietnamese art form.
- Visit temples and pagodas like the One Pillar Pagoda and the Perfume Pagoda.
- Learn how to prepare meals like pho or banh xeo using ingredients from the local market by enrolling in a cooking class.
- Visit Vietnamese markets in Hue or the Mekong Delta.
- To witness lively celebrations and customs, try to schedule your trip during a significant festival, like Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year).
- In Hoi An or Hanoi, you can enrol in a Vietnamese cooking class to learn how to make specialities like pho and freshly made spring rolls.
- Try an overnight stay in a rural homestay in Sapa or the Mekong Delta for a more immersive experience alongside local families and their traditions.
- For a new take on Vietnam's landscapes, take a bike or motorbike tour through the countryside or the Hai Van Pass.
- To learn about Hue's artistic heritage, take part in a calligraphy workshop or a traditional tea ceremony.
- Visit local farms, eco-villages in Da Lat or Ninh Binh, or even work as a volunteer for conservation organisations.
- Explore the night markets in cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, where you can shop for souvenirs, sample street food, and soak in the local buzz.
- See the glowing lanterns and go on a boat ride at night alongside the Hai An River.
- For a more romantic experience, take a night cruise along the Saigon River or in Ha Long Bay.
Rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City, which offer stunning views of he skyline, are another one of the top things to do in Vietnam at night
Excellent trekking and hiking locations can be found in Vietnam for those who enjoy the outdoors and adventure.
- With their ethnic villages and mountain trails, Sapa and Ha Giang take the lead.
- Caves, lakes, and jungle treks are all combined in Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Ba Be National Park.
- Beautiful, moderate hikes can be found at Da Lat, Mai Chau, and Pù Luông. One of the best things to do in Vietnam for an unusual experience is these outdoor Vietnam activities.
- Pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) are must-try foods.
- To experience real northern cuisine in Hanoi, take a street food tour through the Old Quarter. Food walks and cooking classes showcasing Central Vietnamese cuisine are available in Hoi An.
- Take a motorbike food tour in Ho Chi Minh City to discover hidden restaurants and busy markets. For food tourists, these savoury adventures rank among the most fulfilling and the best things to do in Vietnam.
A cruise around Ha Long Bay is worth the money! It's one of the most famous things to do in Vietnam because of its breathtaking limestone karsts, emerald waters, and serene atmosphere. The experience offers amazing scenery, kayaking, cave visits, and onboard dining that will make it unforgettable, whether you opt for a day trip or an overnight cruise.
- Nha Trang and Phu Quoc offer clear waters and coral reefs for snorkelling and scuba diving.
- With its powerful sea breezes, Mui Ne is a popular place to kitesurf and windsurf.
- In Da Nang, unwind with beach yoga and sunbathing or experience the thrill of jet skiing and parasailing.
Yes, visitors can take part in Vietnamese festivals, which provide a fascinating look into the culture of the nation. The Mid-Autumn Festival, Hoi An's Lantern Festival, and Tet (Lunar New Year) are all lively and hospitable to tourists. These events are among the most distinctive and fulfilling things to do in Vietnam because they offer immersive and memorable experiences, from traditional cuisine to rituals and performances.
- Visit Hanoi's kid-friendly museums and Water Puppet Theatre.
- Kayaking and beach stops on Ha Long Bay cruises are safe and enjoyable.
- Explore sandy beaches or go to amusement parks like Sun World in Da Nang.
- Bicycle tours through the countryside and lantern-making classes are available in Hoi An.
- Sorkelling and scuba diving are some of the top water sports in Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing are famous activities in Mui Ne, thanks to its strong sea winds.
- Kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing are best in Da Nang and Cat Ba Island.
- To be a part of spiritual nd wellness experiences in Vietnam, you can visit ancient temples and pagodas like the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi or Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue.
- Meditation retreats, yoga classes, and herbal spa treatments in peaceful areas like Da Lat, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta are a few of the things to do in Vietnam for wellness seekers
There are various romantic and memorable activities in Vietnam for couples.
- A cruise through the stunning limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay is perfect for a peaceful getaway.
- Stroll through lantern-lit streets along a riverside in Hoi An.
- Phu Quoc and Da Nang offer romantic and luxurious beach resorts where couples can relax.