Before anything else, pack some comfortable shoes. Not because you’ll be walking through neatly planned attractions, but because you’ll also be walking through the unexpected; through streets that change by the hour, through conversations that run longer than planned, and through an appetite that keeps insisting you try just one more thing…
In the whirr of scooters at dawn and lanterns flickering by the river at dusk, the long list of the things to do in Vietnam stretches far beyond its landmarks. Because it leans heavily into lived experience, shaped by sound, light, movement, and flavour.
If there’s one thing Vietnam insists upon, it’s this: slow down. And while you may already have your own idea of the must-see attractions, here are some of the best things to do in Vietnam that you really shouldn’t miss!
Wake Up With Hanoi
Hanoi does not believe in gentle mornings. At just sunrise, you will see that the city is already alive. You could see elders practicing tai chi by Hoan Kiem Lake, vendors setting up steaming carts, and motorbikes flowing like clockwork. One of the most immersive things to do in Hanoi is simply to wake up early and step into this world.
Explore the Old Quarter on foot, and see how every lane specialises in something different, a tradition that dates back centuries. And the coffee here… well it's not just coffee; try it with egg, condensed milk, or salt, and realise that caffeine craving is something else entirely over here. Among the many things to do in Vietnam, this morning immersion often becomes the most memorable.
Cruise Through Limestones in Halong Bay
Nature, at its very best, looks a lot like Halong Bay. Thousands of limestone karsts rise from emerald waters, creating a landscape that feels almost theatrical. Glide past floating villages, kayak through hidden caves, or simply sit back and watch the light change. Of all the things to do in Vietnam, this is where doing very little somehow feels profound.
If cruising through limestone karsts, moving between historic cities, and experiencing natural contrasts sounds like your idea of Vietnam, this Vietnam highlights tour offers a perfectly-balanced way to see it all.
Get Lost in the Lanes of Hoi An
Hoi An is best approached without urgency. Lanterns glowing at dusk, bicycles outnumbering cars, and time seeming to operate on a different scale altogether. One of the most beautiful things to do in Hoi An is wandering its ancient streets as the sun sets, watching the town quietly change.
Or, have clothes tailored in a day, learn to cook regional dishes, or release a paper lantern into the Thu Bon River. The magic of Hoi An lies in its restraint… When listing things to do in Vietnam, Hoi An often feels like the break you needed between the packed days.
Understand the War Beyond the Headlines
Museums in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer insight not just into conflict, but into resilience. One of the more sobering things to do in Ho Chi Minh is visiting the War Remnants Museum; an experience that is emotional, confronting, and… quite necessary if you’re in Vietnam. The Cu Chi Tunnels, meanwhile, offer perspective on survival and ingenuity. Among all the things to do in Vietnam, this is where the past feels closest to the present.
Cross the Country by Train
Vietnam is one of those rare places where the journey truly competes with the destination. The Reunification Express connects north to south, hugging coastlines, crossing rivers, and slicing through rice paddies. Choose a window seat and see the country come to you in ways you never imagined…This slow travel experience often tops lists of underrated things to do in Vietnam!
Eat Everything, Politely
Vietnamese cuisine is an art; sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami all coexisting peacefully. From street-side banh mi to multi-course meals, food is one of the most joyful things to do in Vietnam.
In Hanoi, flavours lean subtle and refined; hence, exploring local markets is one of the most authentic things to do in Hanoi. In the south, particularly if you're looking for the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh, food becomes the bolder, sweeter, and more experimental choice!
Exploring our range of Vietnam tours to make it easier to find a journey that suits your pace and interests.
Float Through the Mekong Delta
They say life in the Mekong Delta moves with the river. Floating markets begin before sunrise, boats brim with tropical fruit, and homes balance on stilts above the water. Exploring this region offers one of the most grounding things to do in Vietnam, offering a glimpse into daily life shaped by nature.
End in Ho Chi Minh City, Where Vietnam Looks Forward
Ho Chi Minh City is the modern take. Rooftop bars overlook colonial architecture, cafes double as creative studios, and the energy is absolutely infectious. Some of the most exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh involve watching Vietnam’s future take shape; in art spaces, food scenes, and start-up culture.
There are a whole lot of things to do in Vietnam, but more importantly, there are many ways to feel it. And once you do, you’ll understand why this is a place people don’t just visit once,but one they come to time and time again.
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