What to Do in Vietnam: A Guide for Travelers

Vietnam is a country that offers something for everyone, from stunning natural wonders to vibrant cities, from rich culture to delicious cuisine. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, history, or fun, you will find it in Vietnam. Here are some of the best activities in Vietnam that you should not miss on your trip.

Cruise Halong Bay

Cruising Halong Bay is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2000 limestone islands and islets, stunning scenery, and rich biodiversity. You can enjoy a scenic boat ride, kayak, swim, or explore caves on a cruise. There are many options of cruises, from budget to luxury, and from day trips to overnight stays. You can also choose different itineraries that cover different areas of the bay, such as Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. Some of the best Halong Bay cruises are Orchid Classic Cruise, Stellar of the Seas Cruise, Ambassador Cruise.

• One of the most iconic and beautiful sights in Vietnam
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2000 limestone islands and islets
• Enjoy a scenic boat ride, kayak, swim, or explore caves
• Choose from different options of cruises, from budget to luxury

Explore the Phong Nha Caves

Exploring the Phong Nha Caves is another amazing thing to do in Vietnam. The Phong Nha Caves are a national park that hosts some of the world's largest and most spectacular caves. The park is home to Hang Son Doong, the world's biggest cave, as well as other amazing caves like Hang En, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave. You can experience caving, trekking, ziplining, or camping in the park. You can also learn about the biodiversity and geology of the area. The Phong Nha Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder that you should not miss.

• A national park that hosts some of the world's largest and most spectacular caves
• Home to Hang Son Doong, the world's biggest cave, as well as other amazing caves like Hang En, Paradise Cave, and Dark Cave
• Experience caving, trekking, ziplining, or camping in the park
• Learn about the biodiversity and geology of the area

Wander the Old Quarter of Hanoi

Wandering the Old Quarter of Hanoi is a great way to experience the local life and culture of Vietnam's capital city. The Old Quarter is the historic and cultural heart of Hanoi, where you can find a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, temples, and street food stalls. You can see the highlights like Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, and the Water Puppet Theatre. You can also enjoy the lively atmosphere, the colorful architecture, and the friendly people. The Old Quarter is a place where you can discover the charm and character of Hanoi.

• The historic and cultural heart of Vietnam's capital city
• A maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, temples, and street food stalls
• A great place to experience the local life and culture of Hanoi
• See the highlights like Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, and the Water Puppet Theatre

Dine on Vietnamese Cuisine

Dining on Vietnamese Cuisine is one of the most delicious and diverse experiences you can have in Vietnam. Vietnamese cuisine is a mix of influences from China, France, and Southeast Asia, and it is famous for its fresh ingredients, herbs, spices, and sauces. You can try some of the dishes like pho, banh mi, spring rolls, bun cha, and ca phe sua da. You can also explore the regional specialties, such as bun bo hue in Hue, banh xeo in Mui Ne, or cao lau in Hoi An. You can find Vietnamese cuisine in restaurants, street food stalls, markets, and homestays. You can also join a cooking class or a food tour to learn more about the cuisine and its culture.

• One of the most delicious and diverse cuisines in the world
• A mix of influences from China, France, and Southeast Asia
• Famous for its fresh ingredients, herbs, spices, and sauces
• Try some of the dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), spring rolls, bun cha (grilled pork and noodles), and ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk)

Cruise the Mekong Delta

 Cruising the Mekong Delta is a wonderful way to discover the beauty and diversity of Vietnam and Cambodia. The Mekong Delta is the region where the Mekong River flows into the sea, creating a network of canals, islands, and villages. You can enjoy the scenery, the culture, and the cuisine of this area on a cruise. There are many types of cruises available, from luxury to budget, and from short to long. You can also choose different routes that cover different parts of the delta, such as Cai Be, Can Tho, Chau Doc, or Vinh Long. Some of the best Mekong Delta Cruises are Heritage Line , Rainforest Cruises , All Asia Tours , and Avalon Waterways 

• The fertile region where the Mekong River splits into nine branches before reaching the sea
• Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam for its abundant agriculture
• A colorful and lively area with floating markets, villages, orchards, and pagodas
• Experience the rural life and culture of the delta by boat, bike, or homestay

Relax on the Stunning Beaches

 Relaxing on the stunning beaches is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable things to do in Vietnam. Vietnam has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches that offer clear water, soft sand, and scenic views. You can sunbathe, swim, surf, snorkel, or dive on the beaches. You can also find resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars that cater to your needs and preferences. Some of the best beaches in Vietnam are Nha Trang, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, and Con Dao.

• Vietnam has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches to choose from
• Some of the best beaches are Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Da Nang, and Hoi An
• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, or sunbathing on the sandy shores
• Indulge in seafood, cocktails, and massages at the beach resorts

Tour the Imperial City of Hue

Touring the Imperial City of Hue is a fascinating way to learn about the history and culture of Vietnam's former capital. The Imperial City of Hue is a complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates that was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. You can admire the architecture, the art, and the gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the tombs of the emperors, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Perfume River. 

• The former capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945)
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historical and cultural attractions
• Visit the Citadel, the royal palace complex with impressive architecture and gardens
• Explore the tombs of the emperors, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Perfume River

Learn About the War History in Ho Chi Minh City

 Learning about the war history in Ho Chi Minh City is a sobering and educational thing to do in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, was the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. You can visit some of the sites and museums that tell the story of the war from different perspectives. Some of the most popular and important places to visit are the War Remnants Museum, the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Reunification Palace, and the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral. 

• The largest and most modern city in Vietnam
• Also known as Saigon, it was the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War (1955-1975)
• Learn about the war history and its impact on Vietnam at the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Experience the vibrant nightlife, shopping, and entertainment of the city

Visit a Local Produce Market

Visiting a local produce market is a fun and colorful way to experience the daily life and culture of Vietnam. You can find a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and other products that are fresh and delicious. You can also interact with the vendors and the locals, who are friendly and helpful. You can learn about the different ingredients and dishes that are typical of Vietnamese cuisine. You can also bargain for the best prices and try some of the snacks and drinks that are sold at the market. Some of the best local produce markets in Vietnam are Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, Hoi An Central Market in Hoi An, and Bac Ha Market in Sapa. 

• One of the best ways to get a glimpse of the daily life and culture of Vietnam
• A place where you can see, smell, taste, and buy a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, meat, fish, and other products
• A chance to interact with local vendors and learn about their stories and traditions
• Some of the best markets are Bac Ha Market in Sapa (for ethnic minorities), Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi (for souvenirs), Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City (for everything), and Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho (for fruits)

Vietnam is a country that offers a rich and diverse experience for travelers. Whether you are looking for natural wonders, cultural heritage, historical sites, or culinary delights, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in Vietnam. You can explore the stunning caves of Phong Nha, wander the charming streets of Hanoi, dine on the delicious cuisine of Vietnam, cruise the scenic Mekong Delta, relax on the beautiful beaches of Vietnam, tour the imperial city of Hue, learn about the war history in Ho Chi Minh City, or visit a local produce market. These are just some of the many things you can do in Vietnam, a country that will surprise and delight you with its beauty, culture, and people.