Best Things to Do in Vietnam

Hey there, traveler! Ready to explore Vietnam? Whether about those sandy beaches or craving some seriously exotic food, this country has covered you. Seriously, things to do in Vietnam are endless. And you know what? You might need extra days to recover from the first one properly! There’s always something for everyone here — everything is interesting, you’ll want to visit every place and try every little thing.

So, what do you think? Your number one task is to read our article carefully. We hope you find it interesting. After that, with our recommendations, you can create your top 10 things to do in Vietnam. Then it’s time to go shopping and buy everything you need for the trip!

Culture in Vietnam

Alright, let’s talk culture. What pops into your head when you think of Vietnamese culture? Beautiful temples, delicious street food, and maybe some ancient traditions? Vietnam is full of cultural gems! But hey, let’s not just list them — explore the culture that makes these places so special! 

Vietnam is a country full of history and tradition. You’ll find ancient ruins, crowded markets, and old architecture. Let’s spot the best things to do in Vietnam for culture lovers:

• Imperial City of Hue: Alright, let’s dive into culture! You need to visit the Imperial City in Hue. This place is truly royal and magnificent. You’ll stroll through huge gardens, visit nearby temples (there are many of them, so get ready to be amazed), and, of course, explore the star of the complex — the massive palaces. Honestly, it feels like walking through a history book. If you came to Vietnam for culture, there’s no more cultural place than this!
• Old Quarter in Hanoi: Have you ever watched a time-travel movie? And you may want to travel back in time, right? Well, now you can! The Old Quarter in Hanoi is one of the best spots to feel like you’ve entered the past. You’ll see narrow streets, old buildings, and street vendors calling out to try their fresh food. If you love walking around cities and talking to locals (bonus: you might even learn how to make famous pho), this place is for you!
• My Son Sanctuary: If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones movies, welcome to your dream place! The My Son Sanctuary is a group of ancient temples. They hold the secrets of the culture and religion of this region. Close your eyes and see yourself digging through the ruins in one of those old adventure movies. It is one of those things to do in central Vietnam that you will talk about for years.
• Mekong Delta: And finally, the water adventure. The Mekong Delta is exactly what you need. You’ll float along winding rivers, passing villages built on the water. Yes, you heard it right — villages with houses, markets, and schools all on the water! This experience gives you a real taste of life in Vietnam and is one of the top things to do in Vietnam if you’re a culture fan.

How Have Cities Changed in Vietnam?

Okay, you might wonder, “What’s the deal with Vietnamese cities? Are they all traffic jams and street food?” Well, Vietnam’s cities have changed a lot over the years. From high-rise buildings to sparkling riverside views, Vietnam’s cities are where tradition meets modernity in the coolest way possible.

Of course, there are things not to do in Vietnam regarding urban areas and street food. But today, we’re focusing on the must-see spots. So, let’s explore how Vietnam’s cities have evolved and which places are worth checking out:

• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The city that never stops! That’s Saigon for you. Once a place was full of history, it’s all skyscrapers, covered markets, and traffic jams. Good luck getting from one place to another — it’s not quite New York, but close enough! Don’t forget about the endless bars and other fun things to do in Vietnam for nighttime adventures. You’ll find them here. That’s a promise!
• Hanoi: This is an entirely different story. Ancient temples, modern cafes, and tons of history at every corner — this city amazingly mixes the old and the new. You’ll love both, that’s for sure. So, what should you see? First, head to Hoan Kiem Lake, grab a Vietnamese coffee, or visit a thousand-year-old pagoda!
• Da Nang: Welcome to a city that’s growing incredibly fast. It combines the best of both worlds: golden beaches and stunning views of the Marble Mountains on one side, as well as excellent infrastructure and comfort for tourists on the other. Don’t miss visiting the Golden Bridge — it’s a legendary spot!
• Hai Phong: It’s one of the things to do in North Vietnam if you want to escape the crowds! In front of you is a typical coastal town with narrow streets leading to the water. Of course, there aren’t many attractions for families or tourists with kids, nor much for young people. But you can wander around the town, visit some bars, and try local delicacies. What will happen to this city in 5 years? We’ll see!

Beaches in Vietnam

Ah, the beach. Vietnam harbors some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Think of soft white sand, crystal clear blue water, and beachside bars serving cocktails — doesn’t it sound heavenly? Extending over 3,000 kilometers, Vietnam’s coastline provides plenty of options for introducing this place into your life at the shore. Here are some of the best things to do in Vietnam by the beach and popular spots to feel the sun on your skin and the sand between your toes:

• Phu Quoc Island: Looking for a relaxing beach holiday? Pack your bags for Phu Quoc! Look around! This is a real paradise! At least, if you’ve ever imagined paradise as a picture with palm trees, perfect sand, and pristine beaches — this is it. Look at the water! It’s an amazing turquoise color! No wonder there are so many resorts and spas in this area. This island is one of the best things to do in southern Vietnam. Bring the kids, go for a honeymoon, or take a break!
• Nha Trang: If you’re a beach lover, Nha Trang is your dream destination. The water feels like a warm hug, and the sand is as soft as a pillow. You can even try diving or windsurfing here! It’s one of the must-visit spots if you love sun, sea, and fun.
• Mui Ne: Mui Ne is a beach and a dunes! Yes, you can go sandboarding here. If you feel like being adventurous (and having a good workout), this is one of the most fun things to do in Vietnam. But if you are interested in just lounging, the beaches here are also nice.
• Con Dao Islands: Want to get away from it all? The Con Dao Islands are perfect. Stunning beaches surround these peaceful, remote islands. This hidden gem is a great place to look for unique things to do in Vietnam. So pack your bags and head to this tropical paradise!

Sceneries in Vietnam

Now, let’s talk about nature. We all can’t resist snapping beautiful selfies with stunning, untouched nature, right? Well, Vietnam offers exactly those kinds of photo-worthy landscapes. And the best part? You don’t have to leave the city or search for a remote location without tourists. Head to the beach in the morning — the turquoise water and bright sky will do all the work for you.

So, what are the top things to do in Vietnam with kids regarding nature and scenery? Here are five jaw-dropping places that will make you say, “Wow!” Get your cameras ready because we’re about to explore some of the most stunning landscapes:

• Halong Bay: Emerald green waters, towering limestone islands, and floating fishing villages make this place a tourist favorite. Here, you can take a boat ride on a junk or kayak and see the islands up close. Nature lover or not, the local landscapes, untouched nature, and cozy bay will make you stop, take photos, and relax both in body and soul. It’s peaceful and comfortable here.
• Sapa: Sapa lies almost hidden in the mountains. This town is where terraced rice fields perfectly complement the cool climate, cloudy skies, and mountain views. Go hiking or trekking! All the tourists do that here — head to the mountains for fresh air and stunning views.
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Want to explore some epic caves? Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to the largest cave in the world, Son Doong. It’s one of the most unique attractions in Vietnam and the perfect place for adventure seekers.
• Rice Terraces of Mu Cang Chai: The Mu Cang Chai rice terraces are breathtaking, especially when the fields turn golden during harvest season. It’s one of the most beautiful things to do in Vietnam if you want to see nature at its finest!

Food in Vietnam

Let’s get to the most important part — the food! Let’s be honest with ourselves. No matter how amazing a country is, you might not want to go back if you don’t like the food. But guess what? Vietnam is famous for its unique cuisine (okay, sometimes it’s a little strange, but worth a try). Trust us, this country will surprise you! Visiting local markets and small restaurants is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. And spoiler alert: you’re going to eat a lot!

Vietnam’s food is a real adventure! You never know if you’ll find something delicious or exotic. There’s food here for everyone: fancy dishes for serious food lovers and simple snacks for those tired from running around mountains who just want to eat and chill.

Hungry yet? Here are four epic places to stuff your face when it comes to food:

• Pho at Pho Gia Truyen (Hanoi): If you’ve heard anyone say, “You haven’t been to Vietnam until you’ve had pho,” they weren’t kidding. You gotta try it. And Pho Gia Truyen in Hanoi? Oh man, it’s like the holy grail of pho. You’ll get a steaming bowl of that rich, flavorful broth with fresh herbs and tender meat, and you’ll probably make an embarrassing “Mmmm” sound with every bite.
• Banh Mi at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (Ho Chi Minh City): We all love sandwiches, but have you tried Banh Mi? It’s as if a French baguette and Vietnamese street food had a baby. Seriously, this place is so good it might make you forget about your diet for a few days. If you’re in Southern Vietnam, this is one of the best things to do.
• Bun Cha (Hanoi): If you’ve ever enjoyed grilled pork in a bowl of noodles, you’ve probably already fallen in love with this place. And if you haven’t had it yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and grilled goodness. You’ll get to eat it like the locals, sitting on tiny plastic stools and slurping up those noodles.
• Com tam (Broken Rice) at Com tam Ba Ghien (Ho Chi Minh City): Let’s talk about Com tam, a dish that’ll question why you ever ate plain rice again. Served with grilled pork, fried eggs, and a little pickled goodness, it’s simple but oh-so-delicious. Com tam Ba Ghien in Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its version, and trust me, once you try it, you won’t want to stop eating. It’s one of the things to do in South Vietnam for all the food lovers out there!

Tours in Vietnam

Our favorite travelers, stop eating (we know it’s hard to stop)! We’ve got another idea for you. Vietnam isn’t just about tasty food and picture-perfect beaches (even though they are amazing). You can also easily book fun tours without stress or hassle.

Imagine wanting to explore the country but knowing nothing about it. You could trust online reviews… or just book a tour on a topic that interests you!

So, what’s your vibe? Heading to the mountains, exploring tunnels underwater, or maybe taking a chill tour to snap some envy-worthy photos? The top things to do in Vietnam on a tour will keep you busy. This country has endless, exciting tours to choose from:

• Halong Bay Cruise Tour: Let’s start with something iconic. If you’re in North Vietnam, you simply can’t skip the Halong Bay Cruise Tour. You will live your best in Emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone islands, maybe kayaking or exploring caves. It’ll be one of the most stunning views of your entire life. Plus, the seafood is to die for. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
• Hanoi Street Food Tour: Oh, that street food! So much is said and written about it. When you read all this information, you might wonder — is it worth trying? It definitely is! Join the tour and stop running around and searching for tasty snacks. You’ll be welcomed, treated to a delicious program, and carefully guided through all the popular spots with tourists and locals. By the way, the tastiest food is with the locals. Many tourists don’t even know about these places. It’s one of the things to do in Vietnam with kids — they’ll love all the different flavors!
• Cu Chi Tunnels Tour: Well, this option is perfect for history lovers. The tunnels — just the word itself sounds like an adventure and maybe a little scary. Who knows what could be inside those tunnels? These tunnels were built during the Vietnam War. There are lots of interesting things here that you’ll discover for the first time.
• Sapa Trekking Tour: This tour is perfect for anyone who loves beautiful nature. Along the way, you’ll see huge rice fields and stunning mountain ranges. You’ll meet friendly locals during the stops, try delicious dishes, and walk through untouched forests. Don’t forget your hiking boots!

Are you prepared to travel to Vietnam? There you have it, then! Vietnam is full of activities that will make your trip unique, from peaceful beaches to busy cities. Have you begun preparing your belongings? Close your eyes, relax, and imagine your perfect vacation. You’re lying on the beach in Phu Quoc, sipping a cocktail and enjoying the views. Or you’re hiking through the breathtaking rice terraces of Sapa. Scratch that. You’re enjoying iced Vietnamese coffee in Hanoi. This is all Vietnam!You can travel alone, with companions, or even search for things to do in Vietnam with kids. You’ll always find something to smile at.