Vietnam Things to do

Vietnam is home to plenteous attractions which give a great diversity of exciting things to do all year round. You may find fun activities in every region of Vietnam, including beach relaxation, water sports, mountain sightseeing, learning about local history and culture, sampling local cuisine, and much more. Plan your Vietnam tour with the top fascinating activities that you should not miss.

1. Taste Vietnam Local Food

When speaking about Vietnamese foods, you might think about Pho, Bun Cha, or Banh Mi, but actually, there are still many more specialties that you must try when visiting Vietnam.

Nem is a specialty in Vietnam

The best cuisine, including Pho noodles, distinctive egg coffee, and regional Bia in Hanoi; Banh mi sandwiches, Mot drink, and Quang noodles in Hoian; and broken rice and Hu Tieu Nam Vang in Ho Chi Minh City, will be available for you to sample. Don't pass up the opportunity to try the great and affordable Vietnamese cuisine while you are here. 

2. Hanoi Cyclo Tour

The cyclo used to play a significant role in the lives of the Hanoians as a frequent mode of transportation. The Hanoi cyclo tour is undoubtedly a fantastic choice for you if you want to discover Hanoi in a unique way. 

And it is not difficult to find a cyclo tour in Hanoi: weekend afternoons around Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square's fountain, on Hang Ngang, Hang Dao Str, and in front of the Thuy Ta ice cream shop are prime times to spot cyclists. They can communicate with outsiders in a few simple English words and are polite and amiable.

Cyclo in Hanoi

Hanoi cyclo tours typically take an hour and cost about US$ 5-5.5 per cyclo. The exact cost is determined by the route and the tourists' ability to haggle.

Many Hanoians in the 1990s have fond memories of Cyclo from their youth. Cyclo tours provide visitors with fresh and fascinating insights into Hanoi's attractiveness. You can learn more helpful information about Hanoi cyclo tours in this article: Hanoi cyclo tour.

3. Climb the Rock in Vietnam

One of the most adventurous activities in Vietnam is rock climbing, which offers an exhilarating, enjoyable, off-the-beaten-path experience that is well worth attempting.

The activity can take place at numerous Vietnamese locations with unique characteristics. These are primarily in the Northeast and range in height from 7 to 23 meters, giving you the opportunity to test your strength while remaining sufficiently safe.

Rock Climbing in Halong Bay

Vietnam rock climbing activities can accommodate all types of tourists, from beginners who are interested in the activity to experts who have years of rock climbing under their belts. Rock climbing is also seen as a kind of sightseeing. 

4. Do Zipline in Vietnam

The zipline, which travels across a variety of rivers, streams, lakes, and trees, is a breathtaking adventure activity that you really must do while in Vietnam. This game may appear terrible, but it is safe since you will always fasten your seatbelt to a fixed rope, guaranteeing your safety even when you are seated. 

Zipline in Phu Quoc

There are some important notes for you when doing zipline.

• Bring enough of your own personal necessities in accordance with the checklist.
• To facilitate movement, your clothing should be elastic and sweat-absorbent.
• Deep grooves on the shoes are necessary to prevent slipping. 
• Additional items to pack include a hat, jacket, gloves for sun protection, and sunscreen.
• Reduce the weight of the stuff in the backpack as much as possible.
• If you enjoy taking photos, a phone bag will undoubtedly be essential to your list of packing travel essentials.

You can read the article Ziplining Vietnam: Outstanding Activities Must-do to customize your best zipline trip.

5. Wander at The Night Market

In Vietnam, shopping at the night market is highly recommended since you may purchase a wide range of items including clothing, food, and souvenirs. There are weekend night markets in the tourist sections of major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoian, and Hue.

Night market in Hanoi Old Quarter

The majority of them are reasonably priced but don't forget to bargain for a lower cost. When shopping in the night market, try to pick up a few Vietnamese words and enjoy the art of haggling.

6. Cruising Overnight at Halong Bay

Halong Bay, with its 1,600 limestone towers rising from its azure seas, is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Without enjoying a boat in Halong Bay, a trip to Vietnam would not be fully complete. Numerous boats offering cruises to Halong Bay can be found every day.

Mon Cheri Cruise

Enrolling in the Halong overnight cruise will allow you to witness the amazing scenery as well as participate in both indoor and outdoor activities like culinary classes, taichi practice, kayaking, swimming, exploring caves, etc. Everyone can take a Halong Bay cruise, including honeymooning couples, families with young children, and lone travelers.

7. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City and a must-see site in Vietnam is the Cu Chi tunnel. It consists of a network of 120 km subterranean tunnels with trapdoors, living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, educational institutions, medical facilities, and command centers. Due to their independence, this tunnel system was crucial to the Vietnamese army's triumph in the war.

Crawling through Cu Chi tunnels

When you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can see its distinctive architecture and construction and learn how significant they are to the history of Vietnam. The Cu Chi tunnel should not be attempted by anyone who has a mild case of claustrophobia or is weak in heart. 

8. Cycle in Hoi An Ancient Town 

Cycling has always been a popular pastime and is an excellent way to experience a country like Vietnam. You may rent a bike anywhere in the nation and just ride around. Although the cycling journey can be a little difficult in the beginning due to the crazy traffic in crowded cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, both beginners and experts still can joyfully participate in this activity in Hoi An, a historic town.

Cycling in Hoi An

Cycling is an option for exploring the historic town, as is traveling further afield to visit rice fields, gardens, or beaches for swimming or sightseeing. Hoi An appears to be the finest place to bike in Vietnam for beginners or those who value serenity.

9. Ride Motorbikes through Hai Van Pass 

For those who enjoy riding motorcycles and exploring new places, Vietnam has several breathtaking routes. The most stunning place to do it in Vietnam is Hai Van Pass, when you don't have enough time to ride a motorcycle throughout the entire nation.

Hai Van Pass Route

Spectacular vistas of misty mountains towering over the South China Sea, desolate sandy beaches, woodlands, and the twinkling lights of distant cities may be seen along a 20 km stretch of road.

You may rent a bike in one city and return it in the other thanks to the numerous businesses that offer this service in both Hue and Hoian. As an alternative, you can reserve a tour and let someone else handle the transportation and bags.

10. Watch the Vietnamese Culture Shows 

You can witness a cultural performance at a theater in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, or any major city to learn more about Vietnamese culture. 

The water puppet show, which is highly recognized worldwide, is the most well-liked performance. The daily activities of Vietnamese farmers (farming, caring for buffalo, catching fish, etc.), communal entertainment (swimming contests, dragon dancing, etc.), historical legends (Le Loi returns the priceless sword, etc.), or antiquated tales about God are the main subjects of water puppet performances. 

Vietnamese Traditional Water Puppetry Show

A Vietnam Water Puppet Show costs less than USD $5 for admission. In addition, there are numerous additional performances in the theater, including My Village, A O Show, Palao, Teh Dar, and The Mist.

11. Explore the Imperial Citadel in Hue

Formerly the nation of Vietnam's capital, Hue is now recognized as a World Heritage Site. In Hue, there are numerous pagodas, tombs, and palaces that are popular tourist destinations, and the most well-known one is the Imperial Citadel.

Imperial Citadel in Hue

It served as the "home" of Vietnam's final dynasty, the Nguyen Royal Family. A picturesque moat brimming with waterlilies surrounds the fortress grounds. As you wander within the citadel, you may see many structures in their original, repaired, and damaged states, as well as carved gates, royal pavilions, the Flag Tower, and museums of Royal Antiquities.

12. Take Part in Water Activities in Phu Quoc

The largest island in Vietnam is Phu Quoc, the so-called Pearl Island. The island is renowned for its immaculate beaches, opulent resorts, and tranquil atmosphere. Because Phu Quoc is a refuge for water sports of all types, it is also the perfect location for people who love to participate in water sports that are fast or slow, above or below the surface.

Kayaking on Cua Can River

For those who enjoy a little adventure, kayaking along the coast and up to the small rivers in the forest is fantastic, and for those who enjoy speed, jet skiing in Sao Beach or Long Beach is a lot of fun. Moreover, there are many adventurous activities like snorkeling or diving, parasailing, trying a hoverboard, etc.

13. See Sand Dunes in Mui Ne

Sand dunes are found at Mui Ne, therefore if you want a taste of the desert, don't miss this place. The White and Red sand dunes are the two most impressive of the many sand dunes that can be seen throughout Mui Ne. You may take a hot air balloon ride over the dunes or rent a quad bike to move around.

Sand Dunes in Mui Ne

While renting a quad bike in Mui Ne costs $40 for 20 minutes and can accommodate up to three people, an air balloon tour costs about $150 per person for a 60-minute journey. The size of red sand dunes is lower than that of white dunes. These sand dunes are stunning at sunset because of their rusty red, brown tint. Watching the stunning sunset at these sand dunes over the sweeping red hills is amazing.

14. Ride a Bamboo Boat to Tam Coc Rice Fields

The Trang An Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Tam Coc is a part of it and is considered as the second-most magnificent cave in Vietnam.

Tam Coc Rice Fields

You may explore hidden tunnels, paddle across the river, and take in the rice fields while sailing in Tam Coc. Mid-April to early June is the ideal time to visit Tam Coc because it is the harvest season and you can see the mesmerizing yellow rice paddies.

15. Explore Son Doong Cave 

Son Doong, located inside the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, is worldwide famous as the largest cave in the entire globe. Before registering to visit this site, visitors must fulfill a number of health conditions as it is one of the most adventurous things to do in Vietnam.

Son Doong Cave

It covers a distance of more than three miles (5 kilometers) and rises to a height of 650 feet (200 meters). The cave has a unique climate and produces its own clouds. Within the cave, there are rivers and jungles. Typically, a cave excursion lasts five days and one tour costs around US$ 3,000. 

16. Trekking to Hill Tribe Villages in Sapa

In the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam, Sapa is home to a large number of hill tribe communities, including Ta Van, Cat Cat, Ta Phin, Lao Chai, Sin Chai, Y Linh Ho, and Ho. Every community has its own village, culture, and way of life. The H'Mong ethnic group resides in Cat Cat Village, the Red Dao ethnic group resides in Ta Phin Village, and the Tay ethnic group resides in Ho Village, Nam Sai Village, and Thanh Phu Village.

Waterfall at Cat Cat village in Sapa

Trekking to those villages will allow you to witness lovely scenery, such as lush fields, mountains, and waterfalls... and even more lovely people who lead humble lives but have kind hearts and smiles. Late September and early October are the finest times to go trekking in Sapa to experience the breathtaking mountain scenery in those communities when the rice in all of the terraced fields is ripe and has turned yellow.

17. Explore My Son Sanctuary

The Champa ruins known as My Son Sanctuary are scattered throughout the mountains and are known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 70 temples and epitaphs. You can discover more about the history of the Champa Kingdom by visiting this sanctuary.

Beautiful megastructures of My Son Sanctuary

Early in the morning is the finest time to visit My Son Holy Land since the temperature is not too high, the air is fresh, and you can watch a stunning sunrise over the temples. Simply rent a bike and ride there if you want to explore this paradise alone. It is better to schedule a tour that has a visit to My Son Sanctuary because the tour leader can tell you many tales about this special sacred and enigmatic beauty.

18. Stay in The House on Stilt in Mai Chau

The unspoiled region of Mai Chau offers stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, rice fields, and waterfalls, as well as the chance to interact with the welcoming locals. Staying at a homestay with the Thai minority is one of the nicest things to do in Mai Chau. The majority of Mai Chau's communities, including Lac Village, Pom Coong Village, Van Villag, etc., have stilted homes.

A typical stilt house in Mai Chau

These homes continue to maintain historic elements from earlier periods to create the cultural quintessence, which is a key element of a desirable communal area. By staying in stilted homes, you will have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their way of life. You may also take in traditional dance performances at night and sample the regional rice wine Ruou Can.

19. Work Like a Farmer in Tra Que Village

Hoi An's Tra Que is a small but well-known village. It is a serene farming community that contrasts sharply with Hoi An's bustling downtown. The town grows the best vegetables, including lettuce, salad, basil, houttuynia, flagrant knotweed, coriander veggies, etc., thanks to the favorable conditions of rich soil and water. In Quang Nam, foods like Quang noodles and Cao Lau have great natural tastes that are enhanced by Tra Que veggies.

Tra Que village

The majority of the residents in Tra Que are hard-working farmers. You can practice farming tasks such as raking the dirt, seeding, watering greens, picking greens, and many other gardening activities by joining a visit to Tra Que. In this village, in addition to farming, you may participate in other activities including cooking classes and bike riding.

20. Visit War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

You may find out more about the history of Vietnam at the War Remnants Museum. The museum exhibits objects, relics, and pictures that highlight the effects of war on the Vietnamese people. There are many images of US armored vehicles, explosives, weapons, and notorious French and South Vietnamese prisons, as well as collections of posters and images that promote the global antiwar movement and depict the effects of Agent Orange on Vietnamese culture.

War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

When you visit this museum, the equipment on show, the pictures, and the videos about war may shock you, but they are required to remind you of how crucial peace is. The entrance charge at the War Remnants Museum is around $2 USD per person, and it is open every day from 07:30 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 17:00.

21. Visit Cai Rang Floating Market in the Mekong Delta

Vietnam's Mekong Delta is a different world on the water. A staggering quantity of canals makes it become Vietnam's "rice bowl." On the rivers, canals, and streams of the Mekong Delta, there are floating marketplaces, homes, and restaurants. One of the biggest wholesale floating marketplaces in this religion is Cai Rang, which sells everything from fruits and vegetables to cosmetics, clothing, mobile cards, and gasoline.

Boats in Cai Rang market

When you arrive at this market early in the morning, you will not only be able to see the vibrant boats selling goods, but you will also have the opportunity to sample multiple fresh local fruits like green mangos, pineapples, dragon fruits, oranges, coconuts, and durians, as well as hot dishes served on the sampans. Traditional Crap Noodles, BBQ Pork Noodles, and even Banh Mi all have a distinctive flavor reminiscent of the Mekong river. 

Since the Cai Rang Floating Market opens early in the morning, it is preferable to sign up for a 2-day and 1-night Mekong Delta tour that includes an overnight stay in the province of Can Tho. The following day, you can visit the market.

22. Relax on Nha Trang Beach

Nha Trang is a charming seaside town with a white sand beach and crystal-clear water. Luxury hotels and resorts can be found on Nha Trang beach, where you may construct pretty sandcastles, lay on the fine sand, take in the stunning sunset, and unwind with a coconut drink.

Nha Trang Beach - one of the best tourist destinations in Vietnam

The two most gorgeous beaches in Nha Trang are Bai Dai Beach and Nha Trang Beach. Bai Dai Beach is a lengthy, smooth sandy beach with coconut trees swaying in the breeze where you can unwind completely and take in the breathtaking scenery while watching sports like soccer, beach volleyball, or tug of war.

As you can see, there are many spectacular activities that you can only find in Vietnam, and to have the best experience, you can contact BestPrice immediately to have an impressive Vietnam tour.