Things to Do in Vietnam: 12 Experiences You Can’t Miss

Vietnam stretches 1,650 kilometres from the Chinese border to the Mekong Delta, and the sheer variety packed into that narrow S-curve is staggering. The north has misty limestone karsts, hill-tribe villages, and Hanoi’s chaotic, addictive energy. The centre holds imperial citadels, lantern-lit ancient towns, and some of Asia’s best beaches. The south delivers the organised chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, floating markets in the delta, and tropical islands offshore. The food alone — a different regional cuisine every few hundred kilometres — makes Vietnam one of the most rewarding countries on earth to travel through from top to bottom.

1. Cruise Through Ha Long Bay

The 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising from emerald waters in Ha Long Bay create one of the world’s most recognisable seascapes. Overnight junk boat cruises explore caves, floating fishing villages, and hidden lagoons. Heritage Line and Bhaya Cruises run well-regarded two-day trips from 200-400 USD. Day trips from Hanoi are cheaper but rushed. The bay is best from October to April when skies are clearest. Cat Ba Island offers a less crowded alternative base.

2. Eat Pho for Breakfast in Hanoi

Vietnam’s national dish is best eaten at dawn in the capital where it originated. Pho Gia Truyen on Bat Dan Street and Pho Thin on Lo Duc Street have been ladling the same beef broth for decades. A steaming bowl with rice noodles, rare beef slices, and fresh herbs costs 50,000-70,000 VND. The broth is simmered overnight and the difference between Hanoi pho and any other version is immediately obvious.

3. Ride a Motorbike Through the Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is Vietnam’s most spectacular road trip — a three-to-four-day motorbike circuit through the remote northern mountains along the Chinese border. The route passes terraced rice paddies, ethnic minority villages, the Ma Pi Leng Pass with its canyon views, and landscapes that make you pull over every five minutes. Rent a semi-automatic bike in Ha Giang for 150,000-200,000 VND per day or hire an Easy Rider guide for 60-80 USD per day.

4. Explore the Imperial Citadel in Hue

The former capital of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty, Hue’s Imperial City is a vast walled complex of palaces, temples, and gardens modeled on Beijing’s Forbidden City. Much was destroyed during the war, but restoration has brought back the ornate Noon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and the royal theatre. Entry is 200,000 VND. Combine with the royal tombs along the Perfume River and a lunch of bun bo Hue — the fiery local beef noodle soup.

5. Take a Cooking Class in Hoi An

Hoi An has become Vietnam’s culinary capital for visitors, and cooking classes here combine market tours with hands-on lessons in Vietnamese technique. Red Bridge and Morning Glory run excellent half-day sessions covering spring rolls, banh xeo, and regional specialties for 25-35 USD. The classes start with a boat ride or market visit and end with eating everything you cooked overlooking rice paddies or the Thu Bon River.

6. Ride the Hai Van Pass

This 21-kilometre mountain pass between Hue and Da Nang is one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world, made famous by Top Gear. The road climbs through cloud forest with views of Lan Co lagoon on one side and Da Nang bay on the other. Rent a motorbike in Hue or Da Nang and allow half a day. The summit has bunkers from the French and American wars and a noodle stall with million-dollar views.

7. Kayak Through Tam Coc and Trang An

The limestone karst landscape of Ninh Binh, 90 kilometres south of Hanoi, is like a landlocked Ha Long Bay. Rowing boats glide through flooded rice paddies and under cave tunnels at Tam Coc, while Trang An offers a longer boat circuit past temples and grottoes. Boat rides cost 150,000-250,000 VND. Rent a motorbike to reach the Mua Cave viewpoint for a panoramic photo over the entire karst valley.

8. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

This 250-kilometre network of underground tunnels northwest of Ho Chi Minh City served as a Viet Cong base during the American War. Guided tours let you crawl through widened sections, see booby trap displays, and learn about the ingenuity of underground life. Ben Duoc site is less crowded and more authentic than Ben Dinh. Tours from HCMC cost 15-25 USD including transport. The experience is sobering and historically essential.

9. Island-Hop in Phu Quoc

Vietnam’s largest island off the southern coast has transformed from a sleepy fishing outpost into a beach destination with turquoise water, coral reefs, and a famous night market. Snorkelling trips to the An Thoi Islands cost 25-40 USD. Long Beach has powdery white sand and gentle waves. The Phu Quoc fish sauce factories and pepper farms offer fascinating production tours. The island is best from November to March when rain is rare.

10. Float Through the Mekong Delta Markets

The floating markets of Can Tho and Cai Rang are where farmers and traders sell produce from boats in the Mekong’s vast waterways. Boats arrive before dawn and the peak trading hour is 5-7 AM. Hire a motorboat from Ninh Kieu Wharf for 300,000-500,000 VND for a two-to-three-hour tour including side canals and noodle soup from a floating kitchen. The colours, noise, and energy are pure Vietnam.

11. Trek to Ethnic Minority Villages in Sapa

The mountain town of Sapa in the northwest is a base for trekking through terraced rice paddies and visiting Hmong, Dao, and Tay minority villages. Overnight homestays in Ta Van or Lao Chai provide meals, rice wine, and beds in traditional houses for around 15-20 USD per person. The landscapes are most dramatic during planting season (May-June) and harvest (September-October). Go with a local minority guide for genuine cultural exchange.

12. Drink Egg Coffee in a Hanoi Cafe

Ca phe trung (egg coffee) was invented in 1940s Hanoi when milk was scarce and a bartender whipped egg yolk with condensed milk and coffee into a warm, mousse-like drink. Cafe Giang on Nguyen Huu Huan Street is the original and still serves the best version from a tiny alley shopfront for 35,000 VND. The upstairs balcony overlooking the Old Quarter is the perfect spot. Order ca phe trung nong (hot) and stir before drinking.

Practical Tips for Vietnam

Check our full Vietnam travel guide for detailed tips on transport, safety, money, and the best time to visit. For food recommendations beyond this list, see our Vietnam food guide.

Frequently Asked Questions