Vietnam is a country with a rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, offering travellers an abundance of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, a passionate foodie, a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of things to do in Vietnam when visiting its bustling cities and beautiful countryside.

Vietnam offers a wealth of experiences that will leave you captivated and eager to explore more. Whether you’re embarking on a solo journey, a romantic getaway, or a family trip, Vietnam promises memories that will last a lifetime.

20 Things to Do in Vietnam

Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter

In the heart of Vietnam’s capital city is a maze of narrow streets, bustling street markets and exploring this area is an adventure in itself

Cruise the Ha Long Bay

Sail on a traditional junk boat among thousands of limestone islands that can also be explored for a truly magical experience.

Discover Vietnamese Coffee Culture

Learn more about Vietnam’s rich history by discovering its fascinating coffee culture, tasting the delicious, egg coffee, coconut coffee, or a simple iced coffee with condensed milk.

Get lost in Hoi An’s Ancient Town

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined with centuries-old houses, shops and temples dying to be wandered and explored, then stay until late night when it becomes beautifully decorated by lanterns.

Sample street food in Ho Chi Minh City

Discovering the range of food and ingredients available in Vietnam is an adventure in itself, with a massive variety of local specialties on offer from the countless food stalls.

Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels

Vietnam’s wartime history is tragic and heartbreaking and one that just isn’t taught about enough in the West, so delving into these stories by visiting the elaborate network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong.

Take a Vietnamese cooking class

Learn more about Vietnamese culture by taking a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll be guided through local markets to pick fresh ingredients and then shown the various methods of creating some of the most delicious dishes.

Go beach hopping in Nha Trang

Visiting Nha Trang’s pristine beaches for a relaxing break, or enjoying the crystal clear waters by snorkeling and diving could be the perfect antidote to the chaos of the bustling cities.

Trek in Sapa

Sapa appears to be a walker or hikers dream, with picturesque landscapes, surrounded by rice terraces, traditional villages and stunning mountain views.

Explore the Marble Mountains

Close to Da Nang are limestone hills waiting to be climbed and explored, with hidden caves, Buddhist shrines and break-taking views.

Visit the War Remnants Museum

This fascinating museum in Ho Chi Minh City showcases Vietnam’s history with photographs and artifacts relating to the war.

Explore the Cuu Long Floating Market

Hop into a boat and sail along the Mekong Delta to witness the vibrant floating markets.

Go on a motorbike adventure

Navigate scenic coastal road, winding mountain passes and the rural countryside by exploring Vietnam on two wheels, either alone or by hiring a driver to assist you travelling a variety of locations.

Explore the Imperial City of Hue

Visit the former capital of Hue and discover more history by exploring the ancient citadel and tombs.

Homestay in a Vietnamese Village

If you want to experience rural life firsthand then staying with a local family and experiencing daily tasks could be an ideal way to spend a few days.

Attend a water puppet show

Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese form of entertainment that dates back centuries and still, even now, can fascinate and entertain by telling stories.

Visit the Perfume Pagoda

Take a boat ride along the Perfume River to reach these Buddhist temples and shrines nestled amongst scenic limestone cliffs and lush forests.

Relax in the hot springs of Phong Nha

Take another break from the busy and bustling cities by heading to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and exploring the impressive caves and unwinding in the natural hot springs.

Witness the sunrise over the Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Mui Ne is a desert setting on Vietnam’s southeastern coast and from descriptions sounds almost otherworldly, so an early wake up call to watch the sun rise over the stunning landscape would be a delightful treat.

Experience Tet Festival

Celebrate Vietnam’s Lunar New Year with festive decorations, traditional foods, and  performances of dance and music.

Have you visited Vietnam?

What were your favourite things to do in Vietnam?

Let me know in the comments.