30 Best Things To Do in Vietnam

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country, is a magnificent mix of natural attractions and cultural diversity. It is one of the most well-known traveler’s destinations of all time. Marvelous bays, vibrant markets, Karst topography, stunning caves, and lively nights are the things that make Vietnam a traveler’s heaven. This paradise offers plenty of things to do in Vietnam on your vacation here.

Wait! Don’t mug up your head with where to go and what to do. We have curated a list of all the exciting and interesting things you should experience in Vietnam. You can indulge in hiking, trekking, motorcycling, cruising, shopping, adventuring, and crawling. The list is endless. Be ready to embrace it all.

Indulge in the Top 30 Exhilarating Experiences in Vietnam

Vietnam has such a long list of things to do that you will need more time. From historical remnants to natural landscapes, Vietnam has it all. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you will have all sorts of experiences here. Let’s have a look at our exhaustive checklist of the best things to do in Vietnam:

1. Hike Through the Breathtaking Cat Ba Island

Vietnam is famous for its number of tropical islands. These islands offer a prominent getaway for vacationers. One of the stunning islands in Vietnam is Cat Ba Island. The views from the island are spectacular. Lan Ha Bay is a nearby attraction, which is another breathtakingly beautiful bay. The hiking to Cat Ba Island through the pristine rainforest will give you an exceptional experience.

You will have to walk for almost one hour to appreciate the untouched landscapes of Cat Ba Island. It is one of the venturesome things to do in Vietnam that you should embrace.

2. Discover Wonders Inside the Largest Cave in the World in Phong

Besides being a beautiful place, an adventurous hot spot, and filled with friendly locals, Vietnam has some of the largest caves in the world. Phong Nha is the cynosure of the world’s widest-caving adventure. Its eponymous cave is listed as UNESCO’s wonder and is worth discovering. There are many caves located inside the Phong Nha-Ke Bank National Park that may blow your mind.

To drop into the cave, you can hire a guide. If you don’t want to go into the cave, you can trek in the neighboring surrounding. It is one of the best things to do in Hanoi that you get on.

Explore More: About Hanoi

3. Indulge in Water Adventures in Halong Bay

Halong Bay in Vietnam is another magical place. It is known as one of the most arresting spots in Vietnam. That’s why it is on every tourist’s bucket-list destinations. Bai Tu Long Bay is a part of Halong Bay that offers some more jaw-dropping vistas. And the best thing is that there are barely a few visitors. It makes it a perfect place to explore roomy caves and quiet beaches.

You can take cruise tours for a few days and Kayaking in the waters. Also, visit nearby local villages to learn about the area more. Isn’t it one of the best things to do in Vietnam?

Know More: About Halong Bay

4. Get Mesmerized by the Water Puppet Show

You cannot leave Vietnam without watching the Water Puppet Show in Hanoi. It is the world-famous ancient art of water puppetry, where you can witness Vietnam’s culture. UNESCO has recognized it as an intangible cultural heritage. It lasts almost an hour, with three shows a day.

The performances are inspired by the daily life of Vietnamese farmers, communal entertainment, historical legends, and old fairy tales about God. You must watch this puppet show as it is one of the most popular and best things to do in Hanoi.

5. Admire the Beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, is the heart of Hanoi’s culture, and no wonder it's rather majestic. Hanoi has several lakes, but Hoan Kiem is the best among them. It may be smaller than West Lake, but it is a perfect place to rest and relax outside the city’s hustle and bustle.

The glassy water of the Lake at night sets a glittering view of city lights. If you want to take pictures of a gleaming landscape, you should visit this lake at night or dusk. It is one of the major tourist spots in Hanoi, where you may also have glimpses of soft-shell turtles.

6. Know the War History Closely at Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum is one of the famous tourist attractions in Vietnam. Every year, many visitors visit this museum and perceive the history and horror of war. It is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that you must experience. The museum depicts the people who get affected by the war and the struggles endured by them. It plays a vital role in describing the terrors of war and how the people of Vietnam have healed from it.

Everything inside the museum depicts the painful and grueling struggle for independence. This war museum portrays why we should advocate for peace.

7. Get Down to Crawl under the Cu Chi Tunnels

Have you ever explored a city through a tunnel? You must not. But if you are in Vietnam, it is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi Tunnel is an exclusive experience to be in a space under the city and see how these tunnels are interconnected. It is one of the iconic attractions of the town, which was a hideaway during the war. It depicts how the Vietnamese used to hide.

Now, most of these tunnels have been expanded and opened for tourists. If you are holidaying in Vietnam, it is a must-to-do adventure that you should capture in your heart.

Explore: Ho Chi Minh City Tours

8. Look at the City from a Different View at the Bonsai River Cruise

Do you want to embrace Ho Chi Minh city from a different perspective? Head straight for a Bonsai River Cruise. It is many of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. You can join a cruise ride that includes dining and takes you back to the days of elegant cruising. The surreal views from the cruise will make your trip more fulfilling. On the other hand, the dining and fun on the cruise will make you embark on a new adventure. Overall, the Bonsai River Cruise will leave you with last-long memory.

9. Shop at Ben Thanh Market

You cannot go home without visiting the Ben Thanh Market of Ho Chi Minh City. One must want to do the shopping for their loved ones to take something home. Here you can find affordable clothes, beautiful accessories, attractive souvenirs, and much more. It indeed makes you feel like a shopper’s paradise. It is the main attraction point and one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

10. Appreciate the Religious Landmark of Vietnam

Notre Dame Cathedral is the beloved and significant religious landmark in the city. The church has Romanesque architectural features with red bricks on the wall, stained glass windows, and twin bell towers. Inside the cathedral, you will find a tall Virgin Mary statue. The Dame Cathedral still retains the atmosphere of a bygone era and its holy sanctity.

You can take a tour with the help of English speaking tour guide who will let you know the history and significance of this place. Also, you can indulge in peaceful and quiet walking in its garden. Isn’t it one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh? It indeed is!

11. Buy as Many Local Handicrafts as You Like

Shopping for local art and handicrafts in a new country will make you remember the place forever. Once you indulge in Vietnam’s local art shopping, you cannot resist buying. Hoi An is known as the hub of beautifully hand-made products. Everyone loves shopping, and doing it in a new country will make you satiated with one of the best things to do in Hoi An.

Besides shopping, you can stroll around the handicraft villages to learn about the historical and cultural background. Most of these local products are made by minorities.

Read More: About Hoi An Tour Packages

12. Get Illuminated by the Lantern Market

The vibrant Lantern market is one of the top attractions of Hoi An city in Vietnam. It is situated across the river from central Hoi An. Undoubtedly, it is the most cheerful market in Vietnam, where you can buy a beautiful traditional lantern. These lanterns come in all shapes and sizes. Shopping for these vibrant and gorgeous lanterns will be one of the best things to do in Hoi An. You must visit this place at night to capture the illuminating lanterns in every corner.

13. Admire the People’s Artistry at Hoi An Silk Village

The Silk Village is one of the top attractions in Hoi An city, where many tourists come to see the ancient weaving techniques. Hoi An in Vietnam is known for producing silk items. So, exploring this village, situated in Quang Nam Province, is actually a good idea. Here you will find many traditional-style built homes and quaint surroundings.

If you like to appreciate the beauty of ancient times, you must come here to experience the best. Wandering around the village and meeting with the silk artisans will be one of the best things to do in Hoi An.

14. Spend a Sunny Day on An Bang Beach

Who doesn’t like to sunbathe on a beach with barely any crowd around? If you are searching for such a place, visit An Bang Beach. Local says it is the best among many. Moreover, you will find charming beachside restaurants serving delicious seafood. You can also rent a beachside villa if you love the beach and its atmosphere. Isn’t it one of the best things to do in Hoi An?

15. Tour the Local Countryside

Hoi An’s countryside is filled with lush green fields and empty lanes. If you like to go on a soothing long drive with your loved ones, you must explore this side of Vietnam in Hoi An. Make sure to visit this side of the country to add more adventure to your itinerary in the hills, rice paddies, and dainty villages.

One of the best things to do in Hoi An is to take a cycling or trekking tour to discover an obscure side of Vietnam.

16. Explore the Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park is an absolute stunner with three interrelated Ba Be Lakes, bordered by broken Karst peaks and thickly forested slopes. Many tourists visit this place to take quaint boat trips or Kayak on the lake. On their drive, they explore the caves full of stalagmites and stalactites in the surrounding. For more adventure, you can also trek and hike in the mountains between the minority villages. These are one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

17. Have Some Adventure at Ha Giang

Ha Giang province is one of the most scenic and adventurous places to visit in Vietnam. The territory is filled with Karst hills, steep mountains, winding roads, and foggy towns. It is home to diversified people who preserve their traditional culture and lifestyle. Motorbiking and trekking are the two most viable ways to explore this unparalleled land on earth.

If you are vacationing in Vietnam and wondering what you can do to make it more fulfilling, visit the Ha Giang state. It is the best among the many things to do in Vietnam.

18. Spectate a Breathtaking Waterfall

Witnessing a waterfall in Vietnam is quite common. In Da Lat, you can spot many stunning waterfalls. Two of the most famous are Elephant falls and Datanla Falls. If you like to experience this on your Vietnam trip, go for it. Walking to these falls will take you on an ultimate adventure. It is a perfect way to get cooled down after a long day of heat. Also, it will be one more thing to do on your Vietnam list.

19. Have a Picnic at Yang Bay Falls

Yang Bay Falls is barely popular among tourists. It is the most underrated place in Vietnam. Very few tourists seem to go there, but it is among the best experience you should have. You can take a day out from your holiday to have a small picnic there with lots of things to do. It includes bathing in a natural hot spring, visiting a miniature zoo, and having good food at a mini restaurant there.

On your drive back home, you can experience the temperature starting to cool down and feel a calm wind touching you. This picnic will definitely make you mark it as one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

20. Witness a Train on the Street

Hanoi Train street is a top tourist attraction in Vietnam. Here you can spot the train tracks lined with local homes, shophouses selling handicrafts, cute cafes, art on the wall, and balconies overflowing with flowers. The best part of this place is that you can watch a train passing by. Once the train passes, you can walk the tracks, take as many photographs as you want, and make memories. It is by far one of the best things to do in Hanoi.

21. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is one of the most surreal places to visit in Vietnam, and exploring this marvelous gem is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. This beautiful town in Vietnam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every corner of Hoi An has an impressive charm that radiates with the colonial-styled-ancient architecture. The best way to explore this town is on a bicycle, paddling through the streets, and witnessing attractions like the Japanese Bridge. The streets of Hoi An are filled with hues of colorful lanterns and light.
 
22. Kayak in Saigon River

Kayaking is one of the most fun-loving things to do in Vietnam. And the best place to enjoy Kayaking is in Ho Chi Minh City on the Saigon River. Saigon River is one of the best places for kayaking in Ho Chi Minh City. With pleasant weather conditions and a calm atmosphere, the Saigon River offers the perfect Kayaking experience. If you ever visit Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss out on a Kayaking adventure.

23. Make a Visit to the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a well-known tourist attraction in Vietnam. Constructed in 1070 by Emperor Le Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature was built for a Chinese philosopher. First, it was built as a university. Later, it transformed into a renowned academic school. Today, the halls of the Temple of Literature honor the scholars of Vietnam. Visiting this Temple of Literature is one of the best things to see in Vietnam. This temple has been renovated a lot of times, making it a top attraction among the many in Vietnam.

24. Try Snorkeling in Cham Island

Cham Island is one of the top Vietnam attractions that make a beautiful tourist excursion. Cham Island offers many water sports for travelers to indulge in. One out of them is snorkeling. Trying snorkeling in Cham Island will leave you with extravaganza fun and thrills. It is the best place to explore the vast underwater world. The crystal-clear water of Cham Island intrigues tourists to dive inside and explore the unique world with bare eyes. There are plenty of snorkeling spots in Cham Island that you can seek with the help of tour operators. They will provide you with a safe and life-changing experience of tropical life.

25. Traverse Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a thriving attraction in Vietnam. This iconic landmark reflects the history of the founding father of Vietnam. Exploring this mausoleum during your vacation is one of the interesting things to do in Vietnam. Thousands of tourists visit this mausoleum to learn about its history. The surroundings of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum include a Museum, Ba Dinh Square, Pillar Pagoda, The Presidential Palace, and Stilt House. If you plan to go on an excursion in Vietnam, don’t forget to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
 
26. Tour the Marble Mountain

Marble Mountains is a natural wonder that captivates everyone’s heart. Marble Mountains is a bunch of five limestone peaks that are located 8 km away from the main city. There are stone-made steps that you have to climb to reach the Marble Mountains. This incredible attraction is a historical treasure. These five mountains are named after five elements: Kim (metal), Hoa (fire), Thuy (water), Tho (earth), and Moc (wood). Touring these mountains is one of the most thrilling things to do in Vietnam. There are plenty of caves, towers, tunnels, and temples that make your journey more soulful.
 
27. Ride an ATV in Ho Chi Minh City

ATV rides are very prevalent in Vietnam. You will find various ATV rentals for ATV rides that offer exciting opportunities to have fun. Ho Chi Minh City is the best place for ATV rentals that captivate the heart of a thrill-seeker. It is one of the most rip-roaring things to do in Vietnam. This fun activity in Vietnam will stay forever in your heart. If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t forget to ride an ATV.

28. Mesmerized by the Beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Vietnam. It is one of the stunning places worth visiting in Vietnam. Hoan Kiem Lake is among the best Vietnam attractions in Hanoi. Hoan Kiem Lake’s historical significance and untamed beauty captivate everyone's heart. The scenic beauty of this lake gets even more surreal during the sunset hour. The hues of beautiful sunset fill the lake’s water with vibrance, creating a picture-perfect shot for travelers to capture. Hoan Kiem Lake blends cultural richness and natural beauty, offering a peaceful oasis in a bustling city.
 
29. Hike Through Mai Chau Trails

Mai Chau is an enchanting village in Vietnam. This scenic countryside is one of the most delightful things to see in Vietnam. To witness the beauty of this scenic countryside, you have to hike the trails of Mai Chau. The landscapes of this village are filled with rich paddies, traditional houses, and verdant mountains. There are an array of outdoor activities that you can enjoy during your visit here. If you love hiking, Mai Chau trails offer the best hiking experience to all thrill-seekers. Besides, the locals offer the best hospitality along with mouthwatering cuisine.
 
30. Watch a Starry Sky at Ly Son Island

Ly Son Island is one of the most breathtaking Vietnam attractions. This hidden gem is made up of Small Island, Mu Cu Island, and Big Island. It is a fascinating island that offers marvelous views of the surroundings. A lot of travelers visit this island during the daylight and miss the surreal scenes of the night sky. The best way to experience the beauty of this island is to stay in a camp here and watch the crystal clear sky, filled with stars. Imagine yourself staying in a camp on Ly Son Island and staring at the sky filled with stars. After witnessing a beautiful night on the island, you can wake up early to catch a beautiful sunrise.

Book Vietnam Tour Packages with Dook

Vietnam is an incredible destination to spend a few days in a wonderland filled with exhilarating and peaceful experiences. If you are sure to embrace the above adventures, you must check out Dook International’s Vietnam tour packages. Dook International offers customized tour packages aligning with your travel style. And guess what? Our vacation packages are budget-friendly!

Get on your much-awaited trip and enjoy the serene beauty of Vietnam at your convenience. Don’t hold yourself and pack your bags to fill your heart with the treasure of memories.

Explore: 15 Cheapest Countries in Asia to Visit

Know More: 20 Best Countries to Visit in Asia on Your Next Vacation!