Vietnam, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a food enthusiast, our guide to the top 13 must-do activities in Vietnam will ensure you make the most of your visit to this enchanting country.
Top 13 activities to do in Vietnam
1. Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is a must-visit destination in the capital city. It offers visitors a captivating experience with its unique blend of Vietnamese architecture, lifestyle, and culture, intertwined with the modern hustle and bustle of today’s life.
When mentioning Hanoi, people often refer to “Hanoi 36 Streets.” This phrase is being researched for its authenticity and origin, but it has long been a symbol of the capital. Each alley and street in the Old Quarter tells its own story, showcasing different traditional crafts. From Hang Bong Street with its bedding shops to Hang Ma Street with traditional votive paper products, and Hang Quat Street with costumes and stage props for traditional artists, each street has its unique offerings. Although some of these crafts are less prominent today, you can still find and purchase distinctive products on each street.
2. Experience street food
Street food is one of the most distinctive and intriguing aspects of Vietnamese culture. It not only impresses with the way dishes are enjoyed but also with the unique flavors of each dish. Many visitors are fascinated by popular eateries that have no doors, no windows, and sometimes no walls. You simply step off the street, choose a plastic chair, and enjoy your meal while observing the lively pace of life around you.
Street food in Vietnam
Vietnamese street food is incredibly diverse, with each city boasting its own specialties. Overall, the flavors are harmonious and leave a lasting impression on every diner. That’s why we recommend every visitor to Vietnam to try the local street food.
3. Ha Long Bay cruise
Ha Long Bay needs no introduction, as it is already renowned worldwide and has received many prestigious accolades. To fully appreciate the beauty of this destination, we recommend experiencing it from a Halong Bay cruise. The cruise allows you to explore the stunning scenery throughout the day and visit the most deserving spots and activities in Ha Long Bay.
4. Admire the majestic landscape in Ha Giang
Ha Giang, a mountainous region, features landscapes “like another world.” Here, you will witness the quintessential beauty of Northern Vietnam’s mountains, from vibrant markets to towering peaks and deep valleys, accented by golden terraced fields and winding roads. Traveling by motorbike on Ha Giang’s scenic routes provides an unparalleled experience. Staying with local families or at eco-lodges in the mountains allows you to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the ethnic minorities and enjoy a serene environment far removed from the bustling city.
5. Sail through Tam Coc
Tam Coc, known as the “Inland Ha Long Bay,” is aptly described by this phrase. Here, the Ngo Dong River meanders through lush green rice fields, surrounded by impressive limestone caves and karst formations. You can take a bamboo boat rowed by local women, drifting along the river to enjoy the tranquility of the Vietnamese countryside and its natural beauty. This area reflects the timeless beauty of Vietnam’s 9th-century ancient capital, Hoa Lu. These activities in Vietnam will help you learn more about history while remaining at peace amidst the gentle beauty of Vietnam.
6. Admire terraced fields during harvest season
Terraced fields attract many visitors to Northern Vietnam. These uniquely designed fields are a source of fascination. Visiting during the harvest season reveals an even more spectacular sight. One ideal place to admire the golden fields is Mu Cang Chai, located about 300 km northwest of Hanoi. During the planting season from May to June, the hills are shaped by shimmering water-filled fields, and in the harvest season (autumn), they are dyed a radiant golden color.
Terraced rice fields in ripe rice season, Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
7. Adventure in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Located in the Truong Son mountain range, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park offers mysterious natural beauty. Exploring this area, you will be awestruck by the breathtaking sights nature has to offer.
Read more:
- Top 8 Activities in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam
- The Duck Stop Vietnam: A Unique Journey with Ducks in Phong Nha
8. Visit the ancient capital of Hue
Hue Citadel Vietnam
Hue, located along the Perfume River, is an enticing destination with unique architectural works and a rich history of the Vietnamese royal court. The architecture is distinguished by intricate decorations, curved tile roofs, and grand gates, representing the distinctive style of the Vietnamese dynasty. The royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors, such as the tombs of Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, and Minh Mang, are exquisite art pieces, blending traditional Vietnamese architecture with influences from other cultures. These structures are not only historical relics but also a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the past.
Read more:
- Kien Trung Palace in Vietnam: Splendid Hue Beauty reopens
- An Dinh Palace Vietnam: A Timeless Jewel of Hue’s Imperial Legacy
9. Shop for clothes in Hoi An
“Let the professional tailors in Hoi An ancient town tailor your clothes to your request,” Tripadvisor suggests as one of the activities tourists should try in Vietnam. Hoi An was once a bustling trading port known for ceramics, food, and especially fabric. This trade heritage has led to the development of Hoi An’s famous tailoring industry. Today, you can easily find fabric shops and renowned tailor shops in the old town, all stemming from the ancient loom. They not only weave premium fabrics but also weave the pride of Hoi An.
Read more:
- The reason Hoi An became the most popular city in the world
- Hoi An, Vietnam – dream destination for a honeymoon
10. Explore the central highlands (Tay Nguyen)
A village in the Central Highlands Vietnam
Few international tourists explore this vast highland area, home to coffee and tea plantations, captivating village traditions, and majestic waterfalls far from the crowded coastal tourist routes. Da Lat, known for its flower and strawberry production, is a standout destination nestled around a lake. You can also visit cafes in the coffee capital Buon Ma Thuot or use binoculars to explore bird-watching paradises around Kon Tum. The culture of the Gia Rai people is intriguing, with rituals like tomb abandonment, grave decoration, and carving strange wooden sculptures left in the forest over the years.
11. Mekong Delta cruise
Another experience that visitors should try is Mekong delta cruises to explore the unique river culture of Vietnam. The cruise will take you through stunning landscapes of vast rice fields, bustling floating markets, and peaceful riverside villages. You will have the opportunity to discover the daily life of locals, from fishing and farming to traditional crafts. Additionally, the cruise provides access to places difficult to reach by road, offering a completely new perspective on this fertile land. Experiencing the river culture of the Mekong Delta by boat will surely be an unforgettable memory on your journey through Vietnam.
Read more:
- The Exciting Floating Markets of Mekong Rivers, Vietnam
- Can Tho, Vietnam: the heart of the Mekong Delta
12. Explore Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike
The center of Ho Chi Minh City is always vibrant, with nearly 10 million residents and 8 million motorbikes. You can’t avoid immersing yourself in this bustling life, joining locals on the crowded streets at night. Try riding a motorbike through the busy streets, weaving between high-rise glass buildings, ancient villas, temples, and along the breezy Saigon River. Don’t forget to stop by local cafes, enjoy street food, listen to live music at trendy bars, and sip handcrafted cocktails on rooftop terraces.
13. Experience the heritage train
The 100 km tourist train route from Hue to Da Nang passes through famous landmarks such as Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Bay, and Tien Sa Port. This train journey offers visitors the chance to admire the majestic and poetic natural scenery of Central Vietnam. Along the railway, you will witness many beautiful landscapes with winding, winding roads. Additionally, you can enjoy regional artistic activities and distinctive cuisine. These are the unique experiences when joining the heritage connection journey in Central Vietnam.
Train in Vietnam
With the activities we recommend you try in Vietnam, we hope you will have a memorable and fulfilling travel to Vietnam. From the bustling energy of its cities to the tranquility of its natural landscapes, Vietnam offers a tapestry of landscapes, sounds and flavors that fascinate and inspire.
If you are still wondering about an itinerary to experience all the most interesting things in Vietnam, do not hesitate to contact us for advice and to build an itinerary according to your needs.
