Best Things to do in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with beautiful green fields, white-sand beaches, bustling cities, ancient pagodas, huge caves, rugged mountains, and welcoming minority communities. Here are some of the top things to do in Vietnam.

The information in this article is inspired by the Rough Guide to Vietnam, your essential guide for visiting Vietnam.

1. Visit the markets

Visiting the ethnic minority markets is a must-do in Vietnam. These markets, especially in Bac Ha and Can Cau, are full of vibrant traditional clothing and a lively atmosphere. Bac Ha’s Sunday market is the town’s main attraction, getting busier between 8 am and 10 am. Until lunchtime, it’s a colorful scene, mostly thanks to the beautifully dressed Flower Hmong women looking for extra decorations.

A lesser-known spot is the Tuesday flower market, where Nung, Flower Hmong, and Dao women sell carefully chosen flowers to neighboring minority groups. Keep in mind that some markets might have changed their schedules or rules due to recent global events, so it's wise to check local sources for the latest updates before visiting.

2. Explore temples and pagodas

Vietnamese temples and pagodas show the country's diverse religions. Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang is a great example. Built in the 1930s, it has stone gateposts with lotus buds at the entrance. The huge White Buddha, up 180 steps behind the pagoda, is its main attraction and Nha Trang’s most famous landmark.

Another must-see is the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the "Pagoda of the Celestial Lady." It's possibly the most photographed spot in Hue. The pagoda is a peaceful place with a terrace that offers wide views over the Perfume River. In recent years, Thien Mu Pagoda has remained an important cultural and religious site, drawing both tourists and locals who admire its historical architecture and calm surroundings.

3. Celebrate Tet

Tet is the most important festival in Vietnam. It welcomes the New Year with colorful flower markets, amazing fireworks, and lively dragon dances. Tet lasts for seven days and happens between the last week of January and the third week of February, on the night of the new moon — right around the best time to visit Vietnam. Recently, Tet celebrations have become even more exciting, with cities across Vietnam hosting bigger public events and parades, showing the country's growing enthusiasm for this traditional festival.

4. Examine Cu Chi tunnels

Watch out for the spiked booby traps that guides show visitors at the Cu Chi tunnels. During the American War, the villages around Cu Chi had a strong Viet Cong presence. To escape American attacks, they dug tunnels — an extraordinary tactic that’s now a key part of Vietnam history.

Today, tourists can visit a short part of the tunnels to see what life was like for tunnel-dwelling resistance fighters. Some sections have been widened, but it’s still a dark, sweaty, and claustrophobic experience. Don't go in unless you’re sure you won’t panic underground. Recent updates to the site include better visitor facilities and guided tours that give more detailed historical context, making the visit more educational.

5. Visit the Citadel in Hué

The Citadel in Hué is a must-see for anyone interested in Vietnam's history and culture. This fortress from the 19th century was once home to the Nguyen emperors and was the imperial capital of Vietnam until 1945.

The Citadel's architecture is a cool mix of French and Vietnamese styles, with detailed gates, palaces, temples, and gardens. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history and check out landmarks like the Forbidden Purple City, which was the private residence of the emperors and their families.

6. See the water puppets

Catch a performance of múa rối nước, a traditional Vietnamese art form that began in the Red River Delta near Hanoi. The Thang Long Water Puppet Troupe is one of the most skilled and popular groups in the city. Sure, the shows cater mostly to tourists, but the storytelling and clever stage effects keep it entertaining. You’ll find their small, air-conditioned theater near the northeast corner of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ticket prices vary, so it’s worth checking the latest rates before you go.

7. Trek around Sa Pa

Perched at 1600 meters in Vietnam’s northern highlands, Sa Pa stares straight across the Muong Hoa Valley at Mount Fan Si Pan — the country’s highest peak. The French once dubbed it the “Tonkinese Alps,” drawn by the crisp air and sweeping mountain views. These days, Sa Pa’s no secret. Mass tourism and rapid development have changed the vibe — expect a mix of misty trails and selfie sticks. Still, it’s worth it for the treks through terraced rice fields and hill tribe villages. Just tread lightly: the region’s fragile environment is feeling the pressure.

8. Go to Cat Ba island

Cat Ba is the biggest of the islands west of Ha Long Bay — and easily the most fun if you like your adventure with a side of chaos. The main town’s packed with guesthouses, seafood joints, and scooter traffic, but get beyond that and you’ll find limestone cliffs to climb, jungle trails to hike, and calm bays perfect for kayaking. Lan Ha Bay, just next door, is like Ha Long Bay without the cruise ship crowds. Eco-tourism’s catching on here too, with a growing number of green stays and tours — but you’ll still need to choose carefully to avoid the usual greenwashing.

9. Visit Phong Nha caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

This place isn’t just about caves — it’s about colossal caves. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is part of one of the world’s largest karst regions, with underground systems that still haven’t been fully mapped. To reach Phong Nha Cave itself, you’ll hop on a dragon boat that cruises upriver into the gaping mouth of the cave. Inside, you drift between towering limestone walls, past stalactites the size of tree trunks. Guided tours now go deeper than before, opening up chambers that were once off-limits. If you’re feeling bold, there are also multi-day expeditions into the darker, wilder corners of the park.

10. Explore traditional M’nong culture at Lak Lake

Just off Highway 27, Lak Lake offers a quiet break from the usual Central Highlands chaos. It's a wide, glassy expanse surrounded by rice paddies and stilt houses, home to the M’nong people, one of Vietnam’s many indigenous groups. Skip the staged elephant rides (still a thing, unfortunately), and go for the growing number of community-run homestays instead. They offer a better way in — think gongs echoing through the hills at night, traditional meals cooked over wood fires, and stories that don’t make it into guidebooks. It’s slower travel, but more meaningful.

11. Spend a few days in Hoi An

Hoi An is a charming place with a rich cultural heritage and beautifully preserved merchants’ houses. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the slow pace of life, though figuring out how many days to spend in Hoi An depends on how deep you want to dive into its history and food scene. The town is full of interesting sights and has a unique mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European architecture.

The most famous sight in Hoi An is the Japanese Covered Bridge. But many important monuments were built by the ethnic Chinese community, who make up about a quarter of Hoi An’s population.

Where to stay in Hoi An:

• Best for hospitality: Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa
• Best for boutique stays: Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An

12. Take a trip around the Red River Delta

After Hanoi, the Red River Delta offers a glimpse of Vietnam’s rural roots — think rice paddies, craft villages, and timeworn temples.

The Perfume Pagoda is the star attraction. You’ll glide past limestone cliffs on a rowboat before hiking (or cable-carring) to a cave shrine tucked into the hills. It’s crowded during spring festivals but peaceful outside peak season.

Closer to Hanoi, Thay Pagoda sits by a lily-covered lake, while Tay Phuong Pagoda rewards a steep climb with a hall of centuries-old wooden Buddhas.

For something more hands-on, visit nearby craft villages. Van Phuc weaves silk on old looms, Bat Trang shapes clay into delicate ceramics, and most places still do it the traditional way — if you dodge the souvenir stands and head straight to the workshops.

13. Float down the Mekong Delta

Travel through this fertile farming region, surrounded by classic Vietnamese scenery. The mighty Mekong River starts in the Tibetan Himalayas, flows through China, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia before reaching Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the river splits into many smaller waterways, creating a flat, comma-shaped delta. Here, you’ll find some of Vietnam’s most iconic images.

Note: Recently, some areas in the Mekong Delta have been affected by climate change, causing increased salinity and changes in water levels. You should check local conditions before planning their trip.

14. Take a cyclo ride

Riding a cyclo, a classic Vietnamese transport, lets you see street life up close. These three-wheeled rickshaws have a “bucket” seat at the front of a bicycle and can carry one or two people. You mostly find them in tourist areas now.

Cyclo drivers sometimes charge high prices, so check with your hotel for a fair fare. If a driver doesn’t agree to your price, just walk away and try another.

15. Take a boat trip in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay isn’t just a postcard cliché — it’s a surreal seascape of limestone karsts jutting out of jade-green waters. Cruise out on a traditional wooden junk and you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of jungle-covered islets that seem to rise straight from the sea. It’s no wonder the place is often hyped as Vietnam’s top natural attraction — even if it's not exactly undiscovered.

Yes, the views are incredible, but there's more to do than snap photos. Paddle a kayak into hidden lagoons, swim in quiet coves, or climb the craggy cliffs if you’re feeling bold. At night, you might even spot glowing plankton trailing your boat.

In recent years, a growing number of eco-conscious tours have popped up, with operators aiming to reduce waste and protect fragile marine life. If you're booking a cruise, look for one that walks the talk — not just talks the green talk.

16. Unwind on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc rises off Vietnam’s southern tip like it was made for beach holidays. Its west coast is lined with soft, golden sand and lazy coconut palms, especially around Long Beach (Bai Truong) near Duong Dong, where most of the island’s resorts and guesthouses cluster. It’s perfect for sunset swims, slow mornings, and seafood dinners with your feet in the sand.

But there’s more than just lounging — sail south to the An Thoi Islands for clear-water snorkeling, or explore the island’s interior, where forest trails and pepper farms offer a break from the beach.

Phu Quoc is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam, from the long, golden stretch of Bai Truong to the quiet, palm-fringed sands of Bai Sao and Ong Lang. But there’s more than just looks — this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is also part of a growing push for sustainable tourism, with eco-resorts and marine conservation efforts gaining traction.

Where to stay at Phu Quoc:

• Best for relaxing stays: Lahana Resort Phu Quoc & Spa
• Best for beach location: Ancarine Beach Resort

17. Ride the Reunification Express

There’s no better way to see Vietnam at ground level than by train. Hop on the Reunification Express — a nickname for the long-haul railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi — and settle in as the country rolls past your window. You can even bring your bike on board for detours between stops.

Vietnam’s rail network runs over 2,500km of single-track line, reaching all the way to the Chinese border. While the full south-to-north journey takes over 30 hours, most travelers break it up. The short ride between Da Nang and Hue is a highlight, curving along the coast with spectacular sea views. Longer overnight routes — like Hue to Hanoi or Hanoi to Lao Cai (gateway to Sapa) — offer a slower but scenic alternative to flying.

Vietnam Railways has gradually modernized parts of its fleet, adding carriages with cleaner cabins, air-conditioning, and better sleeper berths. It’s not luxury, but it’s a ride you’ll remember.

18. Explore Da Nang

Da Nang, the largest city in central Vietnam, was once overlooked as a destination. But now, its shiny towers and bridges, along with its modern and relaxed vibe, are attracting many tourists.

The city is located on a small headland in the southern curve of Da Nang Bay. Its center, shaped like an elongated oval, has a few interesting sights, including the Cham Museum and the fire-breathing Dragon Bridge. The riverside promenade along Bach Dang is where most of the city’s bars are found.

Where to stay in Da Nang:

• Best for budget: Raon Apartment and Hotel
• Best for friendly vibes: Sofiana My Khe Hotel & Spa

19. Enjoy traditional music

Music is the most important of all Vietnam’s performing arts, and seeing a traditional performance should be on every Vietnam itinerary. Vietnamese music dates back to the bronze drums and flutes of Dong Son, and even further to the lithophone (stone xylophone) called the dan da, the world’s oldest known instrument.

Chinese influence can be seen in operatic theatre and stringed instruments, while India contributed rhythms, modal improvisations, and several types of drum. Later, elements of European theatre and music were added.

Update: Recently, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Vietnamese music, with more performances being held in cultural centers and tourist hotspots across the country. Enjoying traditional music is one of the unique things to do in Vietnam.

20. Browse the famous Vietnamese floating markets

Markets like Binh Tay are great places to find snacks. You can have soup, spring rolls, sticky rice cakes, or even a baguette filled with pâte to keep you energized while shopping. At first glance, Binh Tay Market, with its multi-tiered, mustard-colored roofs and serpentine dragons, looks like a huge temple complex. But once inside, it's clear that shopping is the main focus here.

Binh Tay is the heart of Cho Lon’s lively commercial scene. Its organized corridors are filled with stalls offering all kinds of products, from dried fish, pickled vegetables, and chili paste to pottery stacked high and the colorful bonnets that Vietnamese women love.

21. Explore Son Doong cave

Hidden deep in Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong isn’t just a cave — it’s a subterranean giant with chambers big enough to fit skyscrapers. Discovered in 1991 and first fully surveyed in 2009 by a team of British cavers, it quickly earned its title as the world’s largest cave passage.

Inside, you’ll find 70-meter stalactites, enormous calcite formations, and misty underground jungles lit by collapsed ceilings that let sunlight pour in. Some chambers soar over 250 meters high and stretch 150 meters across — more like underground stadiums than cave rooms.

Access is strictly limited to preserve its fragile ecosystem. Only a small number of visitors are allowed each year, and tours often sell out months in advance. It’s expensive, but for serious adventurers, totally worth it.

While you won’t find kitesurfing here (that’s a mix-up), you can expect hiking, scrambling, camping — and bragging rights that’ll last forever.

22. Walk along Mui Ne sand dunes

In Mui Ne, the fun with sand goes way beyond sunbathing. Head just north of the village to the white dunes, where you can tear across the landscape on a quad bike or dune buggy. It’s loud, fast, and slightly chaotic—but undeniably fun.

For something slower and stranger, don’t miss the Fairy Spring. Despite the name, it’s actually a shallow stream winding through a surreal mix of red and white sand formations. You’ll find the entrance off a small inland path west of Mui Ne village. Leave your shoes at the edge and wade in — the warm water and alien landscape make it feel more like a dream than a hike.

Where to stay at Mui Ne:

• Best for pools: Muine Bay Resort
• Best for staying in an oasis: Full Moon Beach Resort

23. Visit Bahnar villages

About 38km east of Pleiku, on the road to Quy Nhon, you'll find four Bahnar villages — Dek Tu, De Cop, De Doa, and Dek Rol — tucked into a patchwork of forest and streams. Though remote in feel, they're easy to reach and offer a rare glimpse of highland life that hasn’t been overly shaped by tourism.

The villages are known for their traditional stilt houses, built from split bamboo and straw, and for the striking rong — tall, steep-roofed communal houses used for ceremonies and gatherings. These structures dominate the village skyline and reflect the community’s spiritual and social heart.

One of the most fascinating aspects is the graveyard tradition in Dek Tu, where families leave offerings of food and drink for the dead. Unlike the neighboring Jarai people, the Bahnar give each person a separate grave topped with a small, sloped roof. Bamboo ladders rest against the graves — believed to help the soul on its journey to the next world.

Efforts to support sustainable tourism continue to grow here, helping preserve both the environment and the Bahnar way of life.

24. Taste local street food

Enjoy the atmosphere at a street kitchen and get your plate filled with a variety of fresh Vietnamese food for very little money. A meal on a plastic stool offers great value and atmosphere. The best places to eat are at Hanoi’s food stalls or street kitchens, which usually focus on just one or two types of food. 

These places are found all over Vietnam's cities, often without a recognizable name or sign, but some stand out from the rest.

Note: In recent years, some street food vendors have started accepting digital payments, making it easier for tourists to enjoy local cuisine without needing cash.

25. Chill out in Nha Trang

Taking a snorkeling trip in the clear waters around Nha Trang's islands or just relaxing on the beach is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. Nha Trang is known as Vietnam’s top beach destination despite growing competition.

A long 6km stretch of soft yellow sand is touched by waves on one side and lined with cafés, restaurants, hotels, and some unique modern sculptures on the other. The dining scene is diverse and getting more sophisticated, and the city has stylish boutiques and bars.

Beyond the sand, you can find scuba-diving classes and various watersports. Local companies offer popular day trips to Nha Trang’s islands, combining hiking, snorkeling, and a seafood feast on board.

26. Stroll through the rice fields in Tam Coc

Tam Coc, known as the "Three Caves," is a place of mystical, watery beauty. It's like a smaller, landlocked version of Ha Long Bay and is just a short bike ride from Ninh Binh. You can take a two-hour boat trip from Dinh Cac pier in Van Lam village to see some amazing sights. You'll notice dumpling-shaped karst hills in a flooded landscape where the river and rice paddies blend together peacefully.

Look out for mountain goats on the cliffs and bright kingfishers flying around. The journey ends at Tam Coc itself, where you'll find three long, dark tunnel caves (Hang Ca, Hang Giua, and Hang Cuoi) carved through the limestone hills. After heavy rains, the sampan barely fits through.

Planning your Vietnam adventure? We’ve got you covered.

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Prefer to skip the planning stress? Let our trusted local travel experts handle the details, from where to go and how to get around, to where you’ll sleep at the end of the day. You’ll get a trip that fits your style — no cookie-cutter tours, no guesswork.

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