10 Best Things to Do in Vietnam: Top Day Trips

10 Best Things to Do in Vietnam:
Top Day Trips from Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City

Find the Best Transport Options from Vietnam (Flights, Train, bus, ferry)

Vietnam is a land of vibrant contrasts — from ancient pagodas and misty mountains to emerald bays and buzzing cities. Whether you’re staying in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, there are countless things to do in Vietnam that reveal its soul: a mix of breathtaking landscapes, deep history, and warm local culture.

These ten-day trips in Vietnam take you beyond the cities to experience limestone caves, floating villages, and the country’s unspoiled countryside. Each one is easy to reach, affordable, and unforgettable.

1. Ha Long Bay from Hanoi – A Cruise Through Limestone Majesty

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s crown jewel. Thousands of limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald waters, creating a scene straight out of a fantasy world.

Most travelers join a day cruise from Hanoi that includes kayaking through caves, visiting floating fishing villages, and enjoying a seafood lunch on deck. The serenity of the bay feels like another planet.

Highlights: Limestone islands, kayaking, and floating villages.
Who it’s for: Nature lovers and couples.
How to get there: 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi; daily day cruises available.
Approx. cost: ₫1,000,000–₫2,000,000 ($40–$80).
Tip: Choose a smaller boat to avoid the big tourist crowds.

2. Ninh Binh from Hanoi – The Inland Ha Long Bay

Often called the “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh offers breathtaking landscapes just a couple of hours south of Hanoi. Majestic limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald rice paddies and winding rivers, creating a serene escape from the city bustle. Take a peaceful boat ride through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Grottoes, navigating caves and temples, or float along the Tam Coc river amidst stunning scenery. Climb the 500 steps up Mua Caves for unforgettable panoramic views over the karst landscape. You can also explore ancient pagodas like Bich Dong nestled into the mountainside.

Highlights: Limestone karsts, Trang An & Tam Coc boat tours, Mua Caves viewpoint, Bich Dong Pagoda.
Who it’s for: Nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking tranquility.
How to get there: Approx. 2-hour train or bus ride from Hanoi, or join an organized day tour.
Approx. cost: ₫800,000–₫1,500,000 ($32–$60).
Tip: Choose the Trang An boat tour for more caves and fewer crowds compared to Tam Coc, especially if visiting during peak season.

3. Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi – A Spiritual Journey by Boat

Nestled among limestone hills, the Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương) is one of Vietnam’s most sacred Buddhist sites. Your journey begins with a peaceful boat ride along the Yen River, followed by a scenic hike or cable car ride up to the pagoda caves.

The atmosphere is deeply spiritual, especially during the spring pilgrimage season.

Highlights: Yen River boat ride, pagoda caves, mountain scenery.
Who it’s for: Spiritual travelers and culture enthusiasts.
How to get there: 2-hour drive southwest of Hanoi.
Approx. cost: ₫700,000–₫1,200,000 ($28–$48).
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes — the cave stairs can be steep.

4. Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City – Into Vietnam’s War History

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Crawl through narrow passages, see hidden entrances, and learn how people lived, fought, and survived underground.

It’s a powerful, eye-opening experience that brings history to life.

Highlights: War tunnels, trap demonstrations, shooting range.
Who it’s for: History buffs and adventurous travelers.
How to get there: 1.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
Approx. cost: ₫500,000–₫1,000,000 ($20–$40).
Tip: Take the morning tour to avoid afternoon heat and crowds.

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5. Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City – Floating Markets and Villages

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s agricultural heart and one of its most fascinating regions. Spend the day cruising its canals, visiting floating markets, tasting tropical fruits, and seeing how locals make coconut candy or rice paper.

It’s a glimpse into rural life that feels worlds away from the city rush.

Highlights: Floating markets, canal boat rides, local villages.
Who it’s for: Families and culture lovers.
How to get there: 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho or Cai Be.
Approx. cost: ₫1,000,000–₫1,800,000 ($40–$70).
Tip: Visit early in the morning when the floating markets are busiest.

6. Ba Na Hills from Da Nang – Fantasy Meets the Clouds

Perched high in the mountains above Da Nang, Ba Na Hills feels like a European fantasy village. The cable car ride offers spectacular views, and at the top, you’ll find gardens, castles, and the famous Golden Bridge — held up by giant stone hands.

It’s a surreal experience that combines nature and architecture beautifully.

Highlights: Golden Bridge, cable car, and mountain gardens.
Who it’s for: Families and photographers.
How to get there: 1-hour drive from Da Nang.
Approx. cost: ₫1,200,000–₫2,000,000 ($50–$80).
Tip: Go early morning for clear skies before the mist rolls in.

7. My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An – The Lost Temples of Champa

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son was once the spiritual heart of the ancient Champa Kingdom. The temple ruins, surrounded by lush jungle, date back over a thousand years and resemble a smaller, Vietnamese version of Angkor Wat.

Guided tours explain the site’s history and how it survived centuries of war and time.

Highlights: Cham temples, jungle setting, cultural performances.
Who it’s for: History lovers and explorers.
How to get there: 1-hour drive from Hoi An.
Approx. cost: ₫800,000–₫1,200,000 ($30–$50).
Tip: Visit early morning — it gets hot by midday.

8. Marble Mountains from Da Nang – Caves and Pagodas in Stone

Five marble and limestone hills rise dramatically between Da Nang and Hoi An, each named after an element. Climb Marble Mountain to explore pagodas, caves, and hidden Buddha statues carved into stone chambers.

The panoramic view of the coastline is breathtaking.

Highlights: Caves, pagodas, Buddha statues, and ocean views.
Who it’s for: Spiritual travelers and hikers.
How to get there: 15-minute drive from Da Nang.
Approx. cost: ₫300,000–₫600,000 ($12–$25).
Tip: Bring water and sturdy shoes — stairs can be steep.

9. Sapa from Hanoi – Rice Terraces and Ethnic Villages

Set high in the northern mountains, Sapa offers incredible trekking trails through rice terraces and minority villages. Meet the Hmong and Red Dao people, explore local markets, and enjoy the cool mountain air.

Though it’s far for a day trip, many travelers take an overnight train and spend a day hiking before returning to Hanoi.

Highlights: Rice terraces, local tribes, mountain trekking.
Who it’s for: Adventure travelers and photographers.
How to get there: 5-hour express bus or train from Hanoi.
Approx. cost: ₫1,500,000–₫2,500,000 ($60–$100).
Tip: Bring a jacket — it’s much cooler than Hanoi.

10. Cat Ba Island from Hanoi – Hidden Gem of Ha Long Bay

While Ha Long Bay gets the fame, Cat Ba Island offers a more relaxed, less touristy version of the same scenery. Spend the day exploring Cat Ba National Park, kayaking through lagoons, or visiting Monkey Island.

It’s perfect for travelers who love nature without the crowds.

Highlights: Cat Ba National Park, kayaking, Monkey Island.
Who it’s for: Nature enthusiasts and couples.
How to get there: 3-hour transfer from Hanoi via bus and ferry.
Approx. cost: ₫1,000,000–₫1,800,000 ($40–$70).
Tip: Stay for sunset — Cat Ba’s harbors glow orange against the limestone cliffs.