Things to Do In Vietnam for a Wonderful Vacation

Halong Bay is a world heritage site and one of the best things to do in Vietnam. It has diverse landscapes ranging from picturesque sandy beaches, islands, ancient lime karsts, and islets contrasting with the scenic emerald green waters. You can explore this north-eastern Vietnam’s marvel by cruises and kayaking. The best time to visit Halong Bay is April, May, October and November.
Cost - VND 5,80,000 and 70,00,000.

Traditional apparel, jewelry, handicrafts, paintings, shoes - you name it, and you can find it in Hoi An. It is also known for its quality tailoring services, so you can have your clothes custom-made. The central market in Hoi An is the hub for buying and selling fresh produce and foodstuff. All the shops are pedestrian-friendly, so you can spend your evening strolling and shopping for all the memorabilia you’ll need to treasure your Vietnam trip.

The Hue Citadel was built by the founder of the Nyugen Dynasty, Gia Long. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial City of Hue once consisted of 160 buildings, but only 10 major ones survived the test of time and the Vietnam War. The walled city houses temples, gardens, palaces, offices and residential buildings. In the middle of the citadel campus, is the Purple Forbidden City which was where the emperor and his confidantes lived and worked.
Cost: VND 23,00,000

The Vietnamese cuisine is famous in South east Asia and contrary to popular belief is distinct from other oriental cuisines. Vietnamese cuisine is filled with herbs such as coriander, spearmint, basil, betel leaf, etc. French influences on the cuisine are evident. Must try street food dishes include but are not limited to the famous Banh Mi, Nem Ran, Banh Bao banh Vac.  There are curated street food tours in Hoi An city.
Cost: VND 20,000 and 35,000.

Tucked in the Northern pockets of Vietnam lies Sapa, with its rice terraces where the best time to visit is September and early October. The most scenic fields are located in the Muong Hoa Valley. The climate is also optimum for enjoying cycling, trekking, and sightseeing around the paddy fields and meandering valleys of Y Linh Ho, Tan Phin Ta Van, Lao Chai, etc. You can also opt for motorbiking through the Sapa Loop, which takes up to 2-3 days.

The coconut boat ride is a unique and scenic experience usually takes place in the rural areas surrounding Hoi An, such as the Cam Thanh Coconut Village or the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. These are small round bamboo boat, often referred to as a "thung chai" or "basket boat." You can also engage in various activities, such as fishing with traditional nets, learning about local crab catching techniques, or even trying your hand at paddling the basket boat yourself.

Known For : Po Nagar Cham Towers Long Son Pagoda Nha Trang Beach

Home to some of the most beautiful bays in the world, Nha Trang, on the coast of Southern Central Vietnam, is a popular beach resort city. While the fine powdery white crescent beach is a highlight of the shoreline, regular makeovers have produced parks, sculpture gardens, bright promenades, and beachside luxury resorts. Activities such as sailboating, kiteboarding, and scuba diving are popular all year due to the excellent weather.

Best Time: January - August

43 Nha Trang Attractions

The Mekong river gets its local name ‘The River of Nine Dragons’ because it is in this delta where the river branches into nine tributaries criss-crossing over low-lying lands before merging into the sea. One can find fruit orchards, coconut candy factories on tiny islands, floating markets selling fresh produce and also a french colonial chapel amidst the floating market. The Delta also houses the Tram Chim National Park and the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary.
Cost - VND 10,00,000.

This is a UNESCO World heritage site for nothing because it is the biggest cave in the world, so big that a whole jungle grows inside of it. The cave’s name meaning ‘Wind and Teeth’ is inspired from the stalagmites which guarded the entrance of this mighty cave. It also has an underground river, a lake and water grottos. The view is so spectacular that it would leave one in awe of the marvel that is nature!
Cost - VND 69,800,000 per person.

The Golden Bridge, or Cau Vang, located in the Ba Na Hills of Da Nang, is famous for its sculpture of two giant hands cradling a golden bridge. The sculpture is a tourist magnet, and the bridge is flocked with people strolling or taking selfies. Made up of eight sections, the bridge is about 150 meters long and snakes through the forests of Ba Na Hills. The hands that hold up the bridge dubbed the "Hands of God", are carved to perfection, with a weathered appearance to make it seem like they've existed here for ages. You need to take Ba Na Cable Car to reach the bridge.

A large intricate network of tunnels which is part of a much larger network of tunnels, the Cu Chi tunnels were the hiding spot and the operative location of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tunnels are now made safe for tourists by installing lights and they can enjoy a meal underground. Above the ground, tourists can visit souvenir shops and a shooting range where you can use assault rifles like the AK-47 or the M16.
Entry fee - VND 90,000.

Bia Hoi Corner in Hanoi is an iconic and lively spot where locals and tourists gather to enjoy Bia Hoi, a light and refreshing Vietnamese draft beer. This bustling corner in the Old Quarter of Hanoi is a popular hangout spot where small plastic stools spill out onto the sidewalks, creating a vibrant street-side drinking scene. The corner is surrounded by various food stalls and street vendors offering a variety of local snacks and dishes.

The phrase is used for any North-south Railway line connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a 30-hour journey which gives a great view of the diverse landscapes of Vietnam, along with commemorating the reunification of North and South Vietnam. The train trip although time-consuming is still captivating as you travel through green paddy fields, small towns, the Train street in Hanoi and the Hai Van Pass, Danang. 
Ticket - VND 47,000 (below  5 - free)

Found in almost every street of Vietnam, whether in roadside stalls or chic cafes, the pungent yet aromatic smell of the fresh brew is difficult to miss. Over the years, Vietnam has become one of the largest exporters of excellent quality Coffee. Having also mastered the art of roasting and brewing, Vietnam today boasts many coffee styles that are gaining popularity worldwide. When visiting Vietnam, try different Vietnamese coffees like Ca Phe Sua Da, Egg Coffee, Weasel Coffee, etc

Situated in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam. It has exhibits divided into numerous themed rooms. In its yard, one can see various helicopters, fighter flights, tanks and bombs. You can also stop by the souvenir shops to buy handmade souvenirs at reasonable prices.
Timings:  7:30 AM - 12 PM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM.
Entrance fee - VND 15,000.

Cat Ba Island is the largest and most famous island of Halong Bay. It is home to Cat Ba National Parks, tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and bars. Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, diving, trekking, caving, and rock climbing are just a few of the many activities you can do here. Organized tours are available to the island.

Known For : Vinpearl Safari Hon Thom Cable Car Phu Quoc Prison

Phu Quoc Island is the biggest island in Vietnam and boasts the most beautiful white sand beaches, surrounded by palm and coconut trees. It is the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway. The island has multiple fishing villages and multiple tours that allow you to explore the unique culture of Phu Quoc Island. There are other smaller islands around the main Phu Quoc islands that you can explore on kayaks and boats. You can also go around the temples on the island and don’t forget to experiment with the local food while you’re there!

Best Time: November to March

28 Phu Quoc Attractions

A puppet show with the water as a stage, is something not everyone has heard of and it has rightly been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. One can witness this rare art form only when in Vietnam. At the Golden Dragon Puppet Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City, dragons, fairies and other exotic characters come to life in a 4 square metre pool coupled with appropriate music and lighting effects. 
Entry Fee - Adults VND 230,000 (VND 175,000 - locals) Children - free

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is the perfect time for solo travel, family trips, and romantic vacations, as it is the best opportunity to experience the blissful ambiance of the town of Hoi An. Most of the Hoi An Lantern festive celebrations take place on the banks of the Hoai River, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the Cau An Hoi Bridge. It is observed on the fourteenth day of each lunar month. The banks of the Hoi An River come alive with folk performances, bamboo flutes, fiddles, drums, poetry, and Bai Choi.

My Son Sanctuary, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, is about 43km southwest of Da Nang. It is a series of over 70 partly ruined Hindu temples built between the 4th and 14th century AD by the rulers of Champa. The temples are mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. My Son is a historic site that houses the mystical ruins of the ancient Cham Dynasty. The relics here mainly consist of rock-cut temples and intricately carved shrines.

Known For : Fansipan Cable Car Fansipan Mountain Sunworld Fansipan Legend

Situated atop the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, Sapa is a colonial-era town in northwest Vietnam overlooking the terraced rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, it offers some of Vietnam's best trekking. Sapa's top trekking destinations are Dragon Jaw Mountain and Heaven's Gate, featuring colorful flower beds, waterfalls, tropical foliage, natural rock formations and man-made stone monuments.

Best Time: March to May

28 Sapa Attractions

Known For : Quad Biking in Mui Ne Surfing in Mui Ne Kitesurfing in Mui Ne

The picturesque beach resort town of Mui Ne is located at a four-hour train ride away from the city of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). It is quite unique in Vietnam, as sand dunes meet the sea here, giving this region a unique aesthetic and micro-climate. Having access to both sand and sea, a fantastic variety of adventure sports are available here, such as kite surfing, sailing, surfing, and even quad biking on the dunes, among many others.

Best Time: Throughout the year

14 Mui Ne Attractions

Known For : Datanla Waterfalls Crazy House Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Da Lat is a refreshing hill station located in the southwestern highlands of Vietnam and is about 6 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City. A far cry from the tropical heat of the south, Da Lat's crisp and cool weather attracts honeymooners, backpackers, and luxury travelers. Be sure to try out some canyoning when visiting Da Lat. As a hilly region with great rocky formations and waterfalls, Canyoning is popular with tourists and locals.

Best Time: December to March

29 Da Lat Attractions

Located near the city of Hanoi, Tam Coc is a landscape that comprises lush paddy fields, limestone caves, and karstic rock formations that dissolve and re-emerge from the calm waters of the Ngo Dong River. Excursions in this destination include peaceful boat rides as you behold the beauty of the landscape here. In addition to its scenic beauty, Tam Coc also has the Bich Dong Pagoda.

The cuisine of Vietnam is known to be one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. It is also widely known that Vietnamese people love noodles, and they can eat it all day long! SVietnamese food stands out for its gluten-free, low-sugar combination, as rice constitutes a major ingredient. While you laud a wide variety of food, you can also learn to cook some of these dishes.

Cham Islands is a group of 8 spectacular islands located off Hoi An in Central Vietnam, which are UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy a day’s outing at the wonderful and unspoiled natural islands by booking specific packages from the tour operators in and around Hoi An & Da Nang cities. Many people also prefer to stay overnight.

Like in most countries among the Indochinese countries, the floating markets in Vietnam are a testament to a way of life for communities relying on the riverways. In Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is home to some of the oldest and largest floating markets. While these markets may not be as glitzy as their Thai counterparts, they are always brimming with life. With boats filled with local produce, meat, and fish, Vietnamese street food vendors, and knick-knacks, these markets are an excellent way to interact with the locals and enjoy a boat ride or two.

Da Lat’s Clay Tunnel is a series of basalt and dark red clay structures representing significant milestones and important buildings from Da Lat’s past and present. There is a massive dragon at the entrance of the roofless trench. Infinity Lake at the end of the tunnel is the main draw of the attraction, which has become a famous photo spot thanks to Instagram.

Ba Be National Park is a stunning national reserve blessed with rolling hills, tall limestone karsts, and over 550 plant varieties. It is also populated by 353 types of butterflies, 65 types of mammals, and the rare Vietnamese Salamander. The best way to get around the park is through the relaxed river cruises that take you around the Puong Caves and the Ba Be Lake. However, trekking and hiking through the paths is also a great way to see its verdant beauty.

Marble Mountains, located just south of Da Nang, are a cluster of five marble and limestone hills dedicated to the five natural elements and are a well-known pilgrimage site. The hills are riddled with caves and caverns, some of which house ancient Buddhist sanctuaries, pagodas, and shrines. Ascending the Marble Mountains via staircases carved into the rock offers breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside, Da Nang City, and the coastline.

The Saigon Central Post Office is a spectacular remnant of French Colonial history. Built in the late 19th century during French colonialism, it has distinct Renaissance and Gothic architecture with looping arches and elaborate marble flooring. Sending a postcard from the still-functional post office is an absolute must. You can also take photos outside the yellow building or wander inside through its grand hall.

The Ao Dai Show is a beautiful storytelling of Vietnam’s past and present culture through vibrant performances. The show occurs in the Culture House of Ngu Hanh Son district of Danang City on Tran Van Dan Street. Each show is one hour long. Also called the Nguyen Dynasty Royal Show, it recreates the scenery of the Imperial Palace of the Nguyen Dynasty, the 100-year history of ancient Ao Dai, traditional wedding costumes, school uniforms, a lotus dance, and beautiful collections of Ao Dai on stage.

The Perfume Pagoda Festival is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. It starts on the 6th day of the first month and ends at the end of the third month. Generally, it begins in January or February. It is also known as the Chua Huong, one of Vietnam's most significant pilgrimage festivals. One of the most important activities during this festival is praying in the Huong Tich Cave. It is believed that those who pray here get a son by touching the mountain of the son or get a daughter by touching the mountain of the daughter inside this cave in the Perfume Pagoda. People also pray for wealth and prosperity in this cave by touching the silver and gold trees.