Things to Do in Vietnam

From bustling cities and ancient towns to limestone bays and white-sand islands, Vietnam offers some of the most incredible things to see and do in Southeast Asia. 

Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a full Vietnam trip, this guide covers the best things to do in Vietnam across northern Vietnam, central Vietnam, and southern Vietnam.

Explore Vietnam: Best Things to Do 

If you’re wondering whether Vietnam is worth visiting for tourists, the answer is a resounding yes. Vietnam blends history, world-class cuisine, friendly locals, and dramatic landscapes.

You can explore Vietnam’s food tours, culture, nature, or adventure—and do it all on a reasonable budget compared with much of Southeast Asia.

Several of Vietnam’s most popular attractions—such as Ha Long Bay and Hoi An—are consistently highlighted by Lonely Planet as must-see destinations 

Cruise Through Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay 

Location: Quang Ninh Province, Northern Vietnam

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most iconic places in Vietnam. Ha Long Bay is famous for its thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald waters, creating one of the most photographed landscapes in South East Asia. 

Most visitors join an overnight or full-day Halong Bay tour, which includes a scenic boat ride, kayaking, and visits to hidden caves. While the main routes can be busy, alternative areas like Lan Ha Bay near Cat Ba Island offer similar scenery with very few people and a more relaxed atmosphere for exploring Vietnam. 

Tours in Ha Long Bay may be adjusted or canceled during the rainy season, so travelers should monitor weather conditions and book with flexible operators. 

Explore Southern Vietnam’s Historic Landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s modern energy and complex history. Once known as Saigon, the city blends French colonial architecture, war-era landmarks, and modern skyscrapers into one fast-paced urban experience.

Key stops include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Bitexco Financial Tower, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city. 

A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located just outside the city, provides powerful insight into the Vietnam War. The Cu Chi Tunnels are located about an hour from Ho Chi Minh City, making them an easy and popular day trip for visitors looking to explore Vietnam’s history. 

Wander the Lantern-Lit Streets of Hoi An

Location: Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam

Walking through Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feels like stepping back in time. Known for its colourful lanterns, preserved architecture, and riverside setting, Hoi An is one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Vietnam. 

Visitors can explore Vietnam’s historic houses, small temples, and the bustling local market, or simply enjoy the slower pace of life. In the evenings, the old town glows with lantern light, creating one of the most photogenic scenes in Vietnam. 

Ride the Cable Car to the Golden Bridge

Location: Ba Na Hills, Near Da Nang

Taking the cable car to Ba Na Hills is one of the most memorable experiences near Da Nang. The journey itself is among the longest and highest rides in the world, offering sweeping views over forests and mountains. 

At the top, visitors can walk across the famous bridge, held up by massive stone hands, as well as explore gardens, viewpoints, and themed attractions. This unique site has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Vietnam.

After exploring, relax at Bang Beach, one of Da Nang’s most popular stretches of sand, known for its clean shoreline, calm water, and beachfront cafés.  

Take a Boat Tour Through the Mekong Delta

Location: Southern Vietnam

A Mekong Delta tour introduces travelers to life along Vietnam’s most important river system. The delta is known for its canals, orchards, stilt houses, and vibrant floating markets, where vendors sell fruit and goods directly from boats.

Most tours include a peaceful boat tour through narrow waterways, visits to local families, and tastings of regional specialties. It’s one of the best ways to explore Vietnam’s culture outside the bustling major cities.

Travelers heading to the Mekong Delta can fly directly into Tho International Airport, the closest airport that serves Can Tho and provides convenient access to floating markets and river tours in southern Vietnam.

Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Location: Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi

Vietnam’s cooking classes provide a hands-on way to explore Vietnam’s food culture and local flavors. Many classes begin with a guided visit to a market, where instructors explain ingredients like herbs, noodles, and fish sauce. 

Participants then prepare classic dishes and learn techniques central to Vietnamese cuisine. It’s an immersive experience that connects Vietnamese food, culture, and daily life—and a favorite activity for travelers looking beyond sightseeing. 

Relax on the Beaches of Phu Quoc Island

Location: Gulf of Thailand, Southern Vietnam

Phu Quoc Island offers a tropical escape with sandy beaches, clear waters, and seafood. The island is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunset walks along the coast. 

Beyond the beaches, visitors can explore Vietnam’s fishing villages, night markets, or take a jeep tour through the island’s interior. Phu Quoc is perfect for travelers seeking relaxation as part of a longer trip. 

Walk Hanoi, Northern Vietnam’s Train Street

Location: Hanoi, North Vietnam 

Train Street in Hanoi is one of the most unusual urban things to do in Vietnam. The narrow track runs directly through a residential neighborhood, where daily life pauses as trains pass just inches from homes and cafés. 

Visitors should follow local guidance and visit at designated times, as access rules can change. When done responsibly, it’s a striking example of how Vietnamese communities coexist with their surroundings.

Walk Through Vietnam’s Rice Fields

Location: Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Northern & Central Regions of Vietnam 

Vietnam’s rice fields offer a peaceful contrast to the country’s bustling cities and tourist hubs. Terraced hillsides in the north and wide, flat paddies in central and southern regions showcase how rice farming shapes daily life and local traditions across Vietnam.

Visitors can explore rural paths winding between green fields, pass small villages, and observe farmers working the land using traditional methods. In places like Ninh Binh and Sapa, the fields are framed by limestone cliffs and mountains, creating some of the most scenic landscapes in the country.  

Visiting during planting or harvest season provides a deeper connection to local culture and is one of the most authentic experiences when you explore Vietnam. 

Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Location: Hanoi, North Vietnam 

Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the simplest yet most rewarding experiences in Hanoi. The lake sits at the heart of the city and is surrounded by tree-lined paths, temples, and historic buildings, offering a peaceful break from the surrounding bustle. 

Explore the Imperial City of Hue

Location: Hue, Central Vietnam

The Imperial City in Hue offers a deep look into Vietnam’s royal past. Once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, this walled complex contains palaces, gates, temples, and courtyards that reflect the power and traditions of Vietnamese emperors. It’s admittedly one of the most interesting things to do in Vietnam. 

Relax on the Beaches of Nha Trang

Location: Khanh Hoa Province, Central–Southern Vietnam

Relaxing in Nha Trang is one of the best ways to enjoy Vietnam’s coastal lifestyle. Known for its long shoreline, calm waters, and vibrant seaside promenade, Nha Trang combines resort comfort with everyday city life, making it popular with both short-term visitors and long-stay travelers.

Spend your days swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a seafood lunch along the beach. The city is also a great base for nearby island-hopping trips, snorkeling, and diving, with clear waters and coral reefs just offshore.

Many beachfront resorts and hotels in Nha Trang offer sea-view rooms and a large swimming pool, making it easy to relax between beach time and city exploration. 

In the evenings, the beachfront comes alive with cafés and restaurants serving fresh seafood and local dishes, offering a relaxed but lively atmosphere. 

Climb to the Viewpoint at Mua Cave

Location: Ninh Binh, North Vietnam

The viewpoint at Mua Cave rewards visitors with sweeping views over limestone karsts and surrounding rice fields. The steep stone steps lead to one of the most iconic panoramas in north Vietnam, especially during planting and harvest seasons. Adventurers consider it one of the most fun things to do in the country.

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda Among the Rice Fields

Location: Ninh Binh, North Vietnam 

Bich Dong Pagoda allows travelers to experience a peaceful religious site set against limestone cliffs and surrounding rice fields. The pagoda complex is built into the mountainside, offering a quiet alternative to busier attractions in northern Vietnam.

Sandboard the White and Red Sand Dunes

Location: Mui Ne, South Vietnam

Sandboarding across Mui Ne’s white sand dunes and red sand dunes is one of the most adventurous and visually striking experiences in Vietnam. The white dunes resemble a desert landscape with rolling hills, while the red dunes offer softer sand and dramatic color changes at sunrise and sunset.

Visitors can try sandboarding, take photos, or join a sunrise tour for cooler temperatures and better views. The dunes are easily accessible from Mui Ne and make for a memorable stop for travelers looking for unique landscapes beyond Vietnam’s beaches and cities.

Walk Through Northern Vietnam’s Rice Terraces

Location: Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, North Vietnam 

Walking through the rice terraces of north Vietnam offers some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Carved into steep mountainsides, these terraces showcase centuries-old farming techniques and create striking patterns that change color with the seasons.

Try Egg Coffee in Hanoi

Location: Hanoi, North Vietnam

Egg coffee is a local specialty that combines strong Vietnamese coffee with a creamy, custard-like topping made from whipped egg yolk and sugar, creating a rich and surprisingly smooth drink. It’s one of the crazy things that just works, and a must-try for tourists. 

Explore a Coconut Village by Basket Boat

Location: Cam Thanh Village, Near Hoi An, Central Vietnam

The villages near Hoi An offer a hands-on look at rural life in Vietnam. Visitors ride traditional basket boats through palm-lined waterways, learn about local fishing practices, and interact with local families.

Frequently Asked Questions on Exploring Vietnam