50 Best Things to Do in Vietnam: The Ultimate Experiences Guide

Vietnam is not a country you simply visit.

It is a country you taste, ride, walk, cook, explore, photograph, and experience.

You can drink egg coffee on a tiny sidewalk in Hanoi, ride through the mountains of Ha Giang, float between limestone cliffs in Ninh Binh, learn to cook Vietnamese food in Hoi An, cruise through Ha Long Bay, explore the waterways of the Mekong Delta, or spend an evening discovering hidden food streets by motorbike.

With so many experiences to choose from, deciding what to do in Vietnam can be difficult.

At Vietnam Women Travel – Premium Private Tours Led by Women, we believe the best experiences are not necessarily the most famous ones. They are the moments that allow you to connect with Vietnamese people, food, culture, landscapes, and everyday life.

This guide brings together 50 of the best things to do in Vietnam, from iconic attractions to authentic local experiences.

The Best Things to Do in Vietnam at a Glance

Food & Drink

Eat Vietnamese street food in Hanoi
Drink Vietnamese egg coffee
Take a Vietnamese cooking class
Explore a local market
Try a traditional Vietnamese breakfast
Drink Vietnamese iced coffee
Explore Hoi An’s food scene
Eat seafood by the coast

Culture & Local Life

Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Visit Vietnamese temples and pagodas
Meet local artisans
Experience a traditional village
Learn about Vietnamese women entrepreneurs
Visit a local family
Experience Vietnamese markets
Discover Vietnamese handicrafts

Nature & Scenery

Take a boat through Ninh Binh
Cruise Ha Long Bay
Explore Ha Giang
Trek through Sapa
Walk through rice terraces
Discover Ban Gioc Waterfall
Explore Phong Nha caves
Cycle through the countryside

Adventure

Take a private Jeep trip
Ride through mountain passes
Kayak in Ha Long Bay
Go cycling in rural Vietnam
Trek in Northern Vietnam
Explore caves in Phong Nha

Cities

Discover Hanoi by motorbike
Explore Ho Chi Minh City at night
Walk through Hoi An Ancient Town
Discover Hue’s imperial heritage
Explore Da Nang

Beaches & Relaxation

Relax in Da Nang
Visit Hoi An beaches
Island-hop around Nha Trang
Relax on Phu Quoc
Discover quiet Con Dao

Special Experiences

Watch a Hoi An lantern evening
Have an Ao Dai made in Hoi An
Take a Vespa or motorbike food tour
Explore the Mekong Delta by boat
Visit a floating market
Watch sunrise over a Vietnamese landscape
Experience Vietnamese coffee culture
Travel by train through Vietnam
Enjoy a private family journey
Meet Vietnam through Vietnamese women

1. Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Best for: Culture, food and local life

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is one of the best places to begin a Vietnam journey.

Its narrow streets are filled with:

Food stalls
Cafés
Markets
Historic buildings
Traditional shops
Street vendors
Motorbikes
Local families

Don’t simply walk through the Old Quarter.

Slow down.

Look into the small alleys.

Stop for coffee.

Try a bowl of noodles.

Watch the city wake up.

The official Vietnam Tourism portal highlights Hanoi as the gateway to Northern Vietnam and a major cultural and urban destination.

Our recommendation

Explore Hanoi with a private women-led local guide who can introduce you to the city’s food, neighborhoods, history and everyday life.

2. Eat Vietnamese Street Food in Hanoi

Vietnamese food is one of the country’s greatest attractions.

In Hanoi, try:

Phở
Bún chả
Bánh cuốn
Chả cá
Bánh mì
Xôi
Fresh herbs
Vietnamese desserts

The best way to experience Hanoi’s food is often not inside a formal restaurant.

Follow a local.

Explore small streets.

Eat where locals eat.

Vietnam Tourism also places food among the country’s core travel experiences, emphasizing fresh ingredients, markets, herbs and regional culinary traditions.

3. Drink Vietnamese Egg Coffee

Egg coffee is one of Hanoi’s signature drinks.

Strong Vietnamese coffee is topped with a rich, creamy egg mixture.

It sounds unusual.

It tastes surprisingly delicious.

For the full experience, sit at a small local café and watch Hanoi’s traffic move outside.

4. Take a Hanoi Food Tour

For food lovers, a guided food tour is one of the easiest ways to discover dishes you might otherwise miss.

A local guide can explain:

What each dish is
How it is prepared
Where locals eat
Vietnamese dining customs
Regional differences
How to order

For an especially memorable evening, take a private Hanoi food tour by motorbike led by Vietnamese women.

5. Discover Hanoi by Motorbike

Hanoi is famous for its motorbike culture.

Rather than simply watching the traffic, experience the city from the back of a scooter with an experienced local driver.

Explore:

Old Quarter
French Quarter
West Lake
Long Bien Bridge
Local markets
Hidden neighborhoods
Food streets

This gives you a very different perspective from a conventional sightseeing bus.

6. Ride a Traditional Cyclo

A cyclo ride through Hanoi offers a slower way to see the Old Quarter.

Sit back and watch:

Street vendors
Colonial architecture
Local shops
Markets
Pedestrians
Everyday Hanoi life

A cyclo is particularly enjoyable for travelers who want a gentle introduction to the city.

7. Drink Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Order:

Cà phê sữa đá

Vietnamese coffee is strong, sweet and refreshing.

Enjoy it at:

A traditional café
A sidewalk coffee shop
A rooftop café
A local neighborhood

Coffee is not simply a drink in Vietnam.

It is part of daily social life.

8. Take a Boat Through Ninh Binh

One of Vietnam’s most beautiful experiences is floating through the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh.

Popular routes include:

Trang An
Tam Coc

You will pass between towering limestone cliffs, caves, waterways, rice fields and rural villages.

This is one of the country’s best slow-travel experiences.

9. Cycle Through the Ninh Binh Countryside

Don’t spend all your time on the boat.

Get on a bicycle.

Ride through:

Rice fields
Villages
Small roads
Temples
Local farms

Early morning is particularly beautiful.

10. Visit Ancient Temples in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is home to important religious and historical sites.

Visit:

Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Combine history with countryside scenery for a complete Ninh Binh experience.

11. Cruise Through Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

Spend time on the water surrounded by limestone karsts and islands.

Depending on your itinerary, you can:

Kayak
Explore caves
Swim
Visit floating areas
Enjoy sunset
Take a cooking demonstration
Spend a night on a cruise

For a more relaxed experience, consider a private or premium cruise.

12. Kayak Among Limestone Islands

Kayaking allows you to experience Ha Long Bay at water level.

Move away from the larger cruise vessels and explore quieter corners of the bay.

It’s an excellent option for active travelers.

13. Spend a Night on Ha Long Bay

An overnight cruise transforms Ha Long Bay into a completely different experience.

The crowds gradually disappear.

The sky becomes darker.

The limestone islands become silhouettes.

And you wake up surrounded by water.

For many first-time visitors, this is one of the unforgettable moments of Vietnam.

14. Explore Ha Giang

Best for: Adventure and mountain scenery

Ha Giang is one of Northern Vietnam’s great adventure destinations.

The landscape changes constantly:

Limestone mountains
Deep valleys
Rice terraces
Traditional villages
Mountain passes
Rivers

Vietnam Tourism specifically highlights Ha Giang’s mountain passes as one of the country’s signature adventure experiences.

15. Cross Ma Pi Leng Pass

Ma Pi Leng is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Vietnam.

The road climbs high above the valleys with dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and Nho Que River.

Take your time.

Stop for photographs.

Don’t rush the journey.

16. Take a Private Jeep Journey Through Ha Giang

You don’t have to ride a motorbike yourself to experience the Ha Giang Loop.

A private Jeep journey allows you to:

Sit back
Enjoy the scenery
Stop for photographs
Meet local communities
Travel at your own pace

For couples, families and travelers seeking comfort, a private Jeep is an excellent choice.

17. Trek Through Sapa

Sapa is famous for its mountain landscapes and rice terraces.

Trekking routes can take you through:

Muong Hoa Valley
Lao Chai
Ta Van
Mountain villages

Depending on the season, the terraces can appear brilliant green or golden.

18. Stay With a Local Family

A homestay can offer a more personal experience of Northern Vietnam.

Rather than staying only in a hotel, spend time with a local family.

You may experience:

Home-cooked meals
Traditional houses
Farming
Local customs
Village walks
Family life

The key is to choose a responsible, respectful homestay that benefits the local community.

19. Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc is one of Northern Vietnam’s most spectacular waterfalls.

It sits in a dramatic mountain landscape near the Vietnam–China border.

Combine it with:

Cao Bang
Nguom Ngao Cave
Mountain villages
Scenic roads

Vietnam Tourism currently highlights Cao Bang as a major Northern adventure destination, including Ban Gioc Waterfall and its surrounding geo-cultural landscapes.

20. Explore Phong Nha’s Caves

Phong Nha is a paradise for adventure travelers.

Choose from:

Cave exploration
Trekking
River journeys
Jungle adventures
Cycling

Vietnam’s natural landscape is particularly impressive here, with cave systems and national-park scenery forming some of the country’s most distinctive outdoor experiences.

21. Walk Through Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric destinations.

Walk through its historic streets during:

Early morning
Late afternoon
Evening

Look for:

Yellow buildings
Wooden houses
Lanterns
Riverside cafés
Local markets
Tailor shops

Don’t rush.

Hoi An is best experienced slowly.

22. See Hoi An’s Lanterns at Night

When the sun goes down, Hoi An becomes a completely different city.

Lanterns illuminate:

Streets
Bridges
Restaurants
Shops
The riverfront

Take an evening walk.

Stop for dinner.

Enjoy a drink.

Let the atmosphere come to you.

23. Take a Basket Boat in Cam Thanh

The coconut-waterways around Cam Thanh are famous for traditional round basket boats.

Travel through coconut palms and waterways while learning about local fishing and river life.

For families and first-time visitors, it is a fun cultural experience.

24. Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

A cooking class is one of the best ways to understand Vietnamese food.

A typical experience may include:

Visiting a local market
Choosing ingredients
Learning Vietnamese herbs
Preparing dishes
Cooking with a local chef
Eating your meal together

Hoi An is particularly famous for cooking experiences.

25. Have an Ao Dai Made in Hoi An

Vietnam’s Ao Dai is one of the country’s most recognizable traditional garments.

In Hoi An, travelers can work with local tailors to choose:

Fabric
Color
Style
Details

You can have a garment made specifically for you.

This makes a wonderful souvenir because you take home something personal rather than mass-produced.

26. Relax on the Beaches of Da Nang

Da Nang combines a modern city with a long coastline.

Spend a morning sightseeing and an afternoon on the beach.

Popular experiences include:

Swimming
Walking
Seafood
Sunset
Beach cafés

It is particularly convenient for families and travelers combining Hoi An with Central Vietnam.

27. Explore Hue’s Imperial Heritage

Hue was Vietnam’s imperial capital.

Explore:

Imperial Citadel
Royal tombs
Pagodas
Perfume River
Traditional gardens

Then discover Hue’s famous cuisine.

28. Eat Bun Bo Hue in Hue

If you love Vietnamese food, don’t leave Hue without trying:

Bún bò Huế

The rich, aromatic noodle soup is one of Central Vietnam’s signature dishes.

Eating it in its hometown makes the experience even better.

29. Discover Da Nang’s Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains combine:

Caves
Pagodas
Buddhist shrines
Viewpoints
Stone-carving traditions

They are conveniently located between Da Nang and Hoi An.

30. Visit Ho Chi Minh City at Night

Ho Chi Minh City becomes particularly energetic after sunset.

Explore:

Food streets
Local markets
Cafés
Rooftops
Hidden neighborhoods

For an immersive experience, explore the city by Vespa or scooter with a local guide.

31. Take a Vespa Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

A Vespa tour allows you to experience the city the way many locals do: moving through its streets, neighborhoods and food districts.

Combine:

Street food
Local drinks
Nightlife
Neighborhoods
City views

This is especially memorable after dark.

32. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels provide an opportunity to learn about one of the most difficult periods in Vietnam’s modern history.

A responsible visit should focus on:

History
Context
Human stories
The engineering of the tunnel network

Combine the tunnels with a Ho Chi Minh City cultural itinerary.

33. Explore the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is completely different from Vietnam’s major cities.

Here, life revolves around:

Rivers
Canals
Farms
Orchards
Fishing
Local markets

Take a private boat and explore beyond the most crowded tourist routes.

34. Visit a Mekong Floating Market

Wake up early and visit a floating market.

Boats gather on the river carrying:

Fruits
Vegetables
Coffee
Breakfast
Local products

The Mekong Delta is one of the places where everyday life itself becomes the attraction.

35. Cycle Through Mekong Villages

Leave the boat behind for a few hours.

Cycle through:

Fruit orchards
Villages
Small bridges
Rice fields
Local farms

Cycling allows you to experience the Delta at a much slower pace.

36. Taste Tropical Fruit in the Mekong Delta

Try fruits such as:

Dragon fruit
Mangosteen
Rambutan
Pomelo
Jackfruit
Coconut

Visit a local orchard and taste fruit directly from the source.

37. Relax on Phu Quoc

After a busy cultural itinerary, spend several days doing very little.

Enjoy:

Beaches
Resorts
Seafood
Swimming
Sunsets
Island excursions

Phu Quoc works particularly well as the final stop of a Vietnam journey.

38. Discover Con Dao

For a quieter island experience, consider Con Dao.

It offers:

Beaches
Forests
Diving
Hiking
Wildlife
History

It is ideal for travelers who prefer tranquility over large resort areas.

39. Experience Vietnamese Markets

Markets are windows into everyday Vietnamese life.

Visit:

Morning markets
Wet markets
Night markets
Mountain markets
Floating markets

Don’t just take photographs.

Observe.

Ask questions.

Try something new.

40. Meet Vietnamese Women Entrepreneurs

This is where Vietnam Women Travel offers something different.

Travel can become much more meaningful when you meet the women who are building businesses and preserving traditions in their communities.

Depending on your itinerary, you can meet:

Female chefs
Women artisans
Female entrepreneurs
Designers
Farmers
Artists
Homestay owners
Community leaders

These encounters turn a sightseeing trip into a human experience.

41. Visit a Vietnamese Artisan Workshop

Vietnam has a rich tradition of:

Ceramics
Silk
Embroidery
Lacquer
Bamboo
Textiles
Woodwork

Visit workshops where possible and learn how products are actually made.

Supporting local artisans also helps keep traditional skills alive.

42. Learn About Vietnamese Silk

Silk has a long history in Vietnam.

Visit a silk village or workshop to learn about:

Silk production
Weaving
Dyeing
Traditional textiles

For travelers interested in fashion and craftsmanship, this can be a fascinating cultural experience.

43. Watch the Sunrise in Vietnam

Vietnam’s landscapes are particularly beautiful early in the morning.

Good places for sunrise include:

Ninh Binh
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An
Mekong Delta
Northern mountains
Beaches

Wake up early.

The reward is often worth it.

44. Take a Train Journey

Vietnam’s long coastline makes train travel a memorable way to see the country.

Instead of flying everywhere, consider taking a train for part of your journey.

The landscape changes gradually from:

Cities
Rice fields
Mountains
Coastal scenery

Train travel can become part of the experience rather than simply transportation.

45. Explore Vietnam’s Countryside

Some of the most memorable moments happen outside major tourist attractions.

Visit:

Rice fields
Villages
Farms
Craft communities
Local markets
Family homes

Slow down.

Walk.

Cycle.

Talk to people.

46. Experience Vietnam With Your Family

Vietnam can be an excellent family destination.

Private travel allows you to adjust:

Departure times
Activities
Meal times
Transportation
Rest breaks

Families can combine cultural activities with fun experiences such as:

Basket boats
Cooking
Cycling
Beaches
Boat trips
Easy countryside walks

47. Take a Private Women-Led Food Experience

Food is one of the strongest ways to connect with Vietnamese culture.

With a private women-led food experience, you can discover:

Family recipes
Local markets
Street food
Regional specialties
Vietnamese dining traditions

The experience becomes more than eating.

You learn the stories behind the food.

48. Travel Vietnam by Private Jeep

For Northern Vietnam, private Jeep travel combines adventure with comfort.

Explore:

Ha Giang
Cao Bang
Ba Be
Northern mountain roads

Stop whenever you want.

Take photographs.

Meet local people.

Enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

49. Create Your Own Private Vietnam Journey

There is no reason your Vietnam trip needs to follow a fixed itinerary.

You can combine:

Food + Culture

Mountains + Beaches

Adventure + Luxury

Family + Nature

History + Local Life

Wellness + Food

Vietnam Tourism itself presents the country through different travel styles and curated itineraries, including heritage, adventure, couples, coastal/island and family travel.

A private journey lets you combine them according to your interests.

50. Meet Vietnam Through Vietnamese Women

Our favorite experience

At Vietnam Women Travel, our philosophy is simple:

Don’t just see Vietnam. Meet Vietnam.

Our Premium Private Tours Led by Women connect travelers with the women behind the country’s food, culture, crafts, communities and businesses.

You might:

Cook with a Vietnamese woman
Visit a female artisan
Eat with a local family
Meet a woman entrepreneur
Explore Hanoi with a female guide
Travel through Ha Giang with a female tour leader
Discover Hoi An through local women
Experience Mekong life with local families

These are the experiences that become stories you remember long after you return home.

Best Things to Do in Vietnam by Travel Style

For Food Lovers

Choose:

Hanoi → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

Don’t miss:

Street food
Cooking classes
Markets
Vietnamese coffee
Regional specialties

For Adventure Travelers

Choose:

Ha Giang → Cao Bang → Sapa → Phong Nha

Try:

Jeep journeys
Trekking
Caving
Cycling
Mountain roads

Vietnam’s official tourism site specifically highlights Ha Giang mountain passes, Sapa trekking and Phong Nha cave adventures among its outdoor experiences.

For Couples

Choose:

Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Hoi An → Phu Quoc

Add:

Boutique hotels
Private dinners
Countryside experiences
Beaches
Sunset cruises

For Families

Choose:

Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Da Nang

Add:

Cooking
Cycling
Boat trips
Beaches
Easy cultural experiences

For Culture Lovers

Choose:

Hanoi → Hue → Hoi An → Mekong Delta

Explore:

Imperial history
Architecture
Markets
Food
Craft villages
Local communities

For Luxury Travelers

Choose:

Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc

Combine:

Premium hotels
Private transportation
Private guides
Luxury cruises
Fine dining
Wellness
Private experiences

Best Things to Do in Vietnam by Region

Northern Vietnam

Hanoi

Ninh Binh

Ha Long Bay

Ha Giang

Sapa

Cao Bang

Pu Luong

Mai Chau

Best for:

Mountains + culture + food + adventure

Central Vietnam

Hue

Hoi An

Da Nang

Phong Nha

Da Lat

Nha Trang

Best for:

Heritage + food + beaches + adventure

Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Mekong Delta

Can Tho

Phu Quoc

Con Dao

Best for:

Food + rivers + tropical islands + relaxation

How Many Days Do You Need?

7 Days

Focus on one region.

Northern option

Hanoi + Ninh Binh + Ha Long Bay

Central option

Hoi An + Da Nang + Hue

Southern option

Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta

10 Days

A good first-time route:

Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

14 Days

A more complete experience:

Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta

18–21 Days

For a deeper journey:

Hanoi → Ha Giang → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Hue → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Phu Quoc

When Is the Best Time to Do These Activities?

Vietnam has different climates in the north, center and south.

March–April

Excellent for a multi-region journey.

February–May

Excellent for Central Vietnam.

October–November

Excellent for Northern Vietnam.

November–April

Excellent for Southern Vietnam and beach destinations such as Phu Quoc.

Always check the weather for your specific destination rather than treating Vietnam as one climate zone.

Why Choose Vietnam Women Travel?

Premium Private Tours Led by Women

We don’t believe travelers should simply move from one attraction to another.

We want you to understand the people and stories behind Vietnam.

Our private journeys can include:

Female Local Guides

Travel with Vietnamese women who know their destinations personally.

Private Transportation

Travel comfortably without joining large groups.

Local Women Entrepreneurs

Meet women working in food, art, crafts, hospitality and business.

Authentic Experiences

Go beyond the standard tourist checklist.

Flexible Itineraries

Your journey can change according to your interests, energy and travel pace.

Premium Service

Your accommodation, transportation, activities and local experiences can be carefully coordinated into one seamless private journey.

10 Experiences We Especially Recommend

If you don’t have time to do everything, start with these:

1. Hanoi Street Food Tour

Taste the city one dish at a time.

2. Vietnamese Coffee Experience

Drink egg coffee where Hanoi locals do.

3. Ninh Binh Boat & Countryside

Combine mountains, rivers and rural life.

4. Ha Long Bay Cruise

Sleep among limestone islands.

5. Ha Giang Private Jeep Journey

Experience Northern Vietnam’s spectacular mountains.

6. Hoi An Cooking Class

Shop, cook and eat with local experts.

7. Hoi An Ancient Town at Night

Experience the lantern-lit streets.

8. Ho Chi Minh City Vespa Food Tour

See the city after dark while eating local food.

9. Mekong Delta Private Boat Trip

Discover river life beyond the city.

10. Women-Led Local Experiences

Meet Vietnamese women and hear their stories.

Final Thoughts: The Best Things to Do in Vietnam

Vietnam has famous attractions.

But the experiences you remember most may be much simpler:

A cup of coffee.

A bowl of noodles.

A conversation with a local woman.

A mountain road.

A bicycle ride through rice fields.

A family meal.

A sunset over the sea.

A boat moving quietly through the Mekong.

At Vietnam Women Travel – Premium Private Tours Led by Women, we create private journeys around those moments.

Not just sightseeing.

Not just checking destinations off a list.

But meeting Vietnam through its people, culture, food and landscapes.

Travel privately.

Travel meaningfully.

Meet Vietnamese women.

Experience Vietnam your way.

Vietnam Women Travel – Premium Private Tours Led by Women

Private journeys. Local women. Authentic Vietnam.