Top 20 Things to Do in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country that captures both the heart and the imagination. It’s a place where emerald-green mountains rise above winding rivers, where ancient traditions meet a young, vibrant energy, and where every meal and market tells a story of resilience and pride. From the majestic beauty of Ha Long Bay to the lively chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, from the glowing lanterns of Hoi An to the peaceful rhythm of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam unfolds like a living painting.

After exploring this remarkable country, I gathered the 20 experiences that best reflect its essence — a blend of natural wonder, culture, and human warmth. Whether you’re drawn by history, food, adventure, or quiet reflection, this guide will help you see Vietnam not just as a destination, but as a journey through its soul.

Let’s begin our adventure through one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries.

1. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking seascape of nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets rising from emerald-green waters. The name “Ha Long” translates to “Descending Dragon,” reflecting the local legend of a dragon that protected Vietnam from invaders. The best way to experience its mystical beauty is by taking an overnight cruise, which allows you to wake up to serene sunrises, explore hidden grottoes and caves like Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Cave), go kayaking in tranquil lagoons, and visit floating fishing villages.

2. Hanoi's Old Quarter

The cultural and historical heart of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a fascinating labyrinth of 36 ancient streets, each historically named for the craft or guild that once operated there (e.g., Hang Bac for silver, Hang Gai for silk). This bustling area is a sensory overload in the best way possible, with the constant hum of scooters, the fragrant steam from street food stalls, and a vibrant mix of French colonial architecture and traditional Vietnamese tube houses.

3. The Ha Giang Loop

For the truly adventurous, the Ha Giang Loop is Vietnam’s ultimate road trip. This 3-4 day motorbike journey traverses the country’s northernmost province, offering some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring mountain scenery in Southeast Asia. You will ride along winding roads carved into the sides of colossal peaks, pass through the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass, and witness the Nho Que River snaking through deep canyons below.

4. Sapa's Rice Terraces

Nestled high in the Hoang Lien Son mountains, Sapa is a stunningly picturesque town famous for its cascading rice terraces, which create a patchwork of brilliant green or gold depending on the season. The region is the homeland of several ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong and Red Dao people. The best way to experience Sapa is by embarking on a multi-day trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, hiking through terraced fields, passing by bamboo forests and waterfalls, and staying overnight in a local village homestay.

5. Ninh Binh Province (Trang An & Tam Coc)

Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is a region of breathtaking natural beauty where limestone karsts rise dramatically from serene rice paddies and winding rivers. The best way to explore this landscape is by taking a traditional sampan boat tour. The Trang An tour takes you through a network of caves and past ancient temples, while the Tam Coc tour glides you along the Ngo Dong River, flanked by lush rice fields.

6. Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is a beautifully preserved ancient trading port that feels like a step back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its charming atmosphere, with lantern-lit streets, mustard-yellow shophouses, and a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences. The town center is a pedestrian-only zone in the evenings, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can explore historic merchant houses, visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, get custom-tailored clothing made in a day, and take a cooking class.

7. Hue's Imperial City

As the former imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is a city steeped in history and grandeur. Its centerpiece is the Imperial City, a vast, walled complex that was once the exclusive domain of the emperors. Inside this citadel, you can explore the Forbidden Purple City, which was the emperor’s personal residence, along with numerous ornate palaces, temples, and gardens. Although heavily damaged during the Vietnam War, extensive restoration work has brought much of its former glory back to life.

8. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

A paradise for adventurers and nature lovers, this UNESCO-listed national park is home to some of the world’s most spectacular and largest cave systems. The park contains the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, which is so massive it has its own jungle and weather system inside (accessible only via a multi-day expedition). However, there are many other incredible caves open to the public, such as Paradise Cave, with its stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites, and Phong Nha Cave, which is explored by boat along an underground river.

9. My Son Sanctuary

Nestled in a lush green valley, the My Son Sanctuary is a remarkable complex of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century by the Champa Kingdom. Often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, this UNESCO World Heritage site was the religious and political capital of the Champa civilization. The temples, built from red brick, are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and feature intricate stone carvings and towers.

10. The Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills)

An architectural marvel that became an internet sensation, the Golden Bridge is a stunning pedestrian walkway held aloft by two giant, moss-covered stone hands. Located high up in the Ba Na Hills mountain resort, the bridge appears to be lifted from the clouds, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. To reach the bridge, you must take a ride on one of the world’s longest and highest cable car systems.

11. Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s bustling, high-energy commercial hub, Ho Chi Minh City (still often called Saigon), is a dynamic metropolis where gleaming skyscrapers stand alongside ancient temples and French colonial-era landmarks. The city is a whirlwind of activity, with millions of motorbikes navigating its chaotic streets. Key attractions include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the Reunification Palace.

12. Cu Chi Tunnels

A fascinating historical site, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an immense network of underground tunnels that were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots, communication and supply routes, and living quarters during the Vietnam War. This subterranean world included hospitals, kitchens, and command centers. A visit to the site provides a stark insight into the brutal conditions of the war and the incredible ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese soldiers.

13. The Mekong Delta

Known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” the Mekong Delta is a vast and fertile region where the mighty Mekong River splits into thousands of waterways. Life here revolves around the river, and the best way to see it is by boat. You can take a tour that winds through lush canals, visit floating markets like Cai Rang where vendors sell produce from their boats, and explore islands covered in tropical fruit orchards. It’s a chance to see a more tranquil, rural side of Vietnam, learn about local industries like coconut candy making, and enjoy the region’s famously delicious and fresh cuisine.

14. Phu Quoc Island

Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc is a tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, calm turquoise waters, and lush, jungle-covered interior. Long Beach is the most popular spot, lined with resorts and restaurants, while Sao Beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the country. The northern part of the island is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.

15. Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Mui Ne offers a truly unique landscape that feels more like the Sahara than Southeast Asia. This coastal town is famous for its two spectacular sets of sand dunes: the White Dunes and the Red Dunes. The White Dunes (Bau Trang) are the larger and more impressive of the two, a vast expanse of pure white sand surrounding a beautiful lotus lake. The Red Dunes are smaller and have a reddish-brown color, making them particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset.

16. Da Lat

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat is a charming mountain town that was once a favorite retreat for French colonists seeking to escape the heat of the lowlands. Its cool climate, rolling hills, pine forests, and flower-filled parks give it a distinctly European feel. The city is surrounded by beautiful lakes, waterfalls (like the Elephant Falls), and coffee plantations. Key attractions include the quirky and artistic “Crazy House,” the former summer palace of Emperor Bao Dai, and the colorful Da Lat Flower Gardens.

17. Con Dao Islands

For a truly off-the-beaten-path escape, the Con Dao archipelago is a breathtakingly beautiful and remote destination. Once the site of a brutal French penal colony, the islands have now been transformed into a national park with pristine beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling spots with vibrant coral reefs, and dense jungle interiors. The main island, Con Son, retains its dark history with its preserved prisons, but its natural beauty is the main draw today.

18. Ban Gioc Waterfall

Located on the border between Vietnam and China, Ban Gioc is one of the most spectacular and majestic waterfalls in all of Asia. The falls cascade down a three-tiered cliff, spanning over 300 meters in width, creating a stunning curtain of white water set against a backdrop of lush green jungle and limestone peaks. The sound is thunderous, and the spray creates a refreshing mist in the air.

19. Cat Ba Island

The largest island in the Ha Long Bay archipelago, Cat Ba offers a more rugged and adventurous alternative to a traditional Ha Long cruise. A large portion of the island is a national park, featuring dense jungle, freshwater lakes, and diverse wildlife, including the critically endangered Cat Ba langur. You can go hiking through the park to Ngu Lam Peak for stunning panoramic views of the island and bay.

20. Temple of Literature, Hanoi

A beautiful and serene oasis in the heart of bustling Hanoi, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam) is a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070, it was Vietnam’s first national university, dedicated to Confucius and his teachings. The complex consists of five peaceful courtyards with manicured gardens, tranquil ponds, and ornate pavilions. One of the most important features is the collection of 82 stone stelae, mounted on the backs of stone turtles.