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18 great things to do in Vietnam to add to your Vietnam bucket list
Vietnam is an amazing country to visit, with a rich history, delicious food and vibrant culture. There are so many great things to do in Vietnam, but if you are planning a trip to Vietnam for the first time, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do.
After spending a month travelling in Vietnam, I have pulled together 18 of my favourite things to see and do in Vietnam to add to your Vietnam bucket list. These are all definitely worthy of adding to any Vietnam itinerary!
Table of Contents
18 great things to do in Vietnam to add to your Vietnam bucket list
Cycle around Hoi An’s ancient town
Hoi An was one of my favourite places I visited during my month in Vietnam. The charming ancient town is so cute and very instagrammable, making it one of the most visited places for tourists in Vietnam! One of the best ways to explore Hoi An is by bicycle. Most of the hotels, hostels and guesthouses will have bikes you can rent. I stayed with a beautiful local family at Onion Homestay, where they let us borrow bikes for free.
Hoi An’s ancient town is not very big and it won’t take you too long to get around it all by bicycle, however there are lots of shops and cafes to stop in along the way. If you’re feeling energetic, you can easily cycle along the roads to Cua Dai beach, or to Cam Kim island, which is just outside of the ancient town.
Treat yourself to a tailor-made outfit in Hoi An
Another must-do activity in Hoi An is to get yourself a tailor-made outfit. There are so many tailors and clothes makers in Vietnam, and especially in Hoi An. You can even get made-to-measure shoes and boots. Just bear in mind that the clothes and shoes will take a few days to make, so if you are planning on getting a custom item, make sure to go shopping on your first day. And if you don’t have room in your luggage, then you can get items shipped home.
This is a great way to get something really special made just for you. Some couples visiting Vietnam even get their wedding outfits made in Hoi An!
Visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang
Da Nang is a coastal city in the centre of Vietnam, just 40 minutes north of Hoi An. Da Nang is well connected, with its own airport, which makes it a great transit city for many visitors to Vietnam. One of the most popular attractions in Da Nang is the Marble Mountains. You can also visit the Marble Mountains on a day trip from Hoi An.
The attraction consists of 5 limestone mountains and caves, all representing a different natural element. Whilst the caves might not be as expansive as the Tham Lod caves in Pai, Thailand, or Paradise cave in Phong Nha, they are impressive in their own right.
I’d recommend going to the Marble Mountains in the morning, as it can get quite hot and there are a lot of steps!
Take a coconut basket boat tour in Hoi An
One of the most fun things to do in Hoi An is to join a Coconut basket boat tour! You’ve probably seen clips on social media of the basket boat guides spinning people round like a waltzer on water! You’ll board your little basket boat and will be guided serenely through the coconut vines before arriving at the party spot. Here is where you can have a go in the spinning basket. There’s loud music playing, everyone is cheering and it’s a really happy, fun atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this when you’re in Hoi An!
Visit the Crazy house in Dalat
Dalat is often overlooked by travellers visiting Vietnam in favour of some of the other, more interesting places. However, it is a great little town to stop over in for a night or two. Dalat is most well known for two things: the Datalana waterfall and the Crazy House.
The Crazy House is a unique experience in Vietnam. The bizarre complex was created by local artist and architect, Dr. Dang Viet Nga. For a small fee, you can spend an hour exploring the house and all the buildings. If you want the full experience, you can stay overnight in a fairytale-like themed room.
Visit the War Remnants museum
The War Remnants museum is possibly one of the most visited cultural establishments in Ho Chi Minh City. The museum recounts the stories and atrocities from the American-Vietnam War through photographs, letters, artefacts and news reports. I’ll be honest, it is an incredibly somber and sobering experience and I left feeling quite deflated. But I wanted to visit the museum for the same reason that I visited the Peace Museum in Hiroshima, Japan. And that reason is to learn about Vietnam’s past. I feel that it is so important when travelling and visiting new places to understand not only their present culture but also their past. It gives you a deeper appreciation and understanding of a place.
If you want to understand more about Vietnam and its history, then this is an experience you should not miss when visiting Vietnam.
Take a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels
One of the most popular day trips from Ho Chi Minh City is to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The site is a series of underground tunnels that were used by Vietnamese soldiers in the American-Vietnam war.
The tunnels were instrumental in the Vietnamese fight against American troops in this region. During your guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, you will learn how the Vietnamese soldiers lived and fought from these tunnels – it really is incredible what they went through. You will also have the opportunity to experience how it felt to be inside a tunnel (but don’t worry, you can skip this part if you prefer). A trip to the Cu Chi tunnels is a really fascinating, sobering and educational trip which brings to life part of Vietnam’s recent history.
Explore the caves of Phong Nha National Park
Phong Nha National Park is Vietnam’s must-visit destination for adventure seekers! Phong Nha is home to Son Doong – the world’s largest cave system and the national park attracts thrill seekers from all over the world. You will need to join an expedition to explore Son Doong, however there are so many tours and activities to book onto in Phong Nha and many other caves to visit which are more accessible. Paradise cave is one of the most impressive caves in Phong Nha which you can visit without a guide. The giant caverns and beautiful, unique formations in the cave are breathtaking! Dark cave is another popular spot in Phong Nha, and is one for the thrill seekers, with canyoning and zip-lining. However, if you prefer something a little more laid back, a short boat trip along the river will take you into the smaller Phong Nha cave. Although getting to Phong Nha takes a bit more effort, it really is worth visiting and a worthy addition to your Vietnam bucket list!
Experience the Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van pass is one of the most famous roads in Vietnam. Full of twists and turns, and high above sea level, the route between Hue and Hoi An takes you through stunning landscapes and with beautiful coastal views.
If you are an experienced motorbike or scooter rider, then you can opt to rent your own bike and pay for a luggage transfer. However, one of the most popular ways to experience the Hai Van Pass is to join an organised motorbike tour. You can either choose to ride your own bike, or be a passenger on the back of a guide’s bike. As a passenger, you not only have the reassurance that a local, experienced rider is navigating the pass, but it allows you to fully enjoy the views along the way.
If you are not comfortable on a bike, then there are other ways you can experience this famous road, including renting a car, booking a keep you, or riding the train.
Take the Trang An scenic boat ride
One of the most popular things to do in Ninh Binh province is to take a boat ride to explore the beautiful waterways, rice fields and mountains in the region. You can either do this from the main town of Tam Coc, or from Trang An. After reading reviews of both, I chose Trang An and had a great experience. The boat ride lasts between 1.5 hours – 3 hours, depending on how busy it is and you will stop at a couple of small islands to stretch your legs and have a wander along the way.
The scenery floating through Trang An is incredible! You’ll also be able to see some of the locations used in the Kong: Skull Island film. This was definitely one of my favourite things I did in Ninh Binh province and is definitely worth putting on your Vietnam bucket list.
Cycle around Tam Coc and Trang An
Tam Coc and Trang An are small rural towns in the province of Ninh Binh, in central Vietnam. Not to be confused with the city of Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh province covers a wider area, and when travellers mention that they are visiting Ninh Binh, they are usually referring to Tam Coc and Trang An.
One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh province is to cycle around the rural countryside around Tam Coc and Trang An. Cycling is one of the best and easiest ways to get around this rural area of Ninh Binh and most guest houses or hostels will offer free bicycle hire.
Spend a few hours cycling leisurely around the countryside, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the rice fields, mountains, rivers, lakes and grazing buffalo. Along the way, stop at one of many local cafes for lunch or a smoothie. The landscape around Tam Coc and Trang An is so beautiful and peaceful. If you love the countryside and being outdoors, it is definitely worth visiting this area of Ninh Binh.
Climb to hang Mua viewpoint in Ninh Binh
Hang Múa is one of the most visited sites in Ninh Binh province. The two limestone mountains stand tall amongst the surrounding rice fields. A set of stone steps carves a winding path up the sides of the mountains and at the top of each mountain is an impressive viewpoint with incredible 360 views of the surrounding countryside.
If you only want to climb up one of the mountains, I would recommend the one on the left (as you look at it from the bottom of the steps) – this is one of the best viewpoints in Ninh Binh!
Shop in Hanoi night market
The Hanoi Night Market takes place every week Friday – Sunday, so if you happen to be in Hanoi over the weekend, you’re in luck! The night market is not quite as big as the impressive Sunday market in Chiang Mai, Thailand, however, it is definitely worth a wander. The roads in the centre of Hanoi are closed as the streets are transformed with rows of pop-up market stalls. There are so many stalls selling clothes and accessories here, all for a very low price, so even if you are travelling on a budget, you can easily pick something up here.
Visit the train street in Hanoi
Train street is one of the most instagrammable and recognisable streets in Hanoi, and perhaps even in Vietnam. Due to its popularity with tourists, there have previously been closures here because of safety concerns. However as I write this, it is currently open to the public once again. The best way to experience Hanoi’s train street is to find a spot in one of the cute cafes alongside the tracks and enjoy a coffee or drink and wait for the train to pass.
If you are visiting train street, make sure to check the train timetable beforehand to time your visit, and listen to the locals. They will tell you when a train is coming and will shout if you are getting too close to the tracks as the train approaches.
Enjoy a cruise on Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a Unesco world heritage site in the north of Vietnam. Comprising over 1600 small islands, it is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. Although the area is not quite as scenic as some of the boat trips around Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, taking a cruise on Halong bay is one of the most popular things to do in Vietnam.
There are so many cruise options to choose from, including day trips and overnight cruises. I personally would recommend a one or two night cruise to give you the chance to really explore the area. The various cruises all have different itineraries, stopping at different points of interest along the way, so take your time to find the right cruise for you.
Enjoy Vietnamese dishes
One of my favourite things to do in a new country is to sample the local food. The most popular dish in Vietnam is Pho – a simple, yet comforting dish consisting of noodles, broth, vegetables and meat. Another favourite is the Banh Mi – which is basically a Vietnam-style baguette. This is perfect for when you want something simple and on the go. When in Hanoi, make sure to try the local speciality of Bun Cha – a dish of grilled pork, rice noodles and fresh herbs, with a broth to dip. Goi Cuon are vietnamese spring rolls – delicious snack sized rice paper rolls filled with vegetables, fish and meat – what’s not to like?!
The best way to sample the local food is to visit a street food market, or to join a food tour, delivered by a local guide.
Savour some Vietnamese coffee
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest producers of coffee and coffee culture in Vietnam is a big deal. Vietnamese coffee is dark and strong, so it is often sweetened with condensed milk. Coconut coffee and egg yolk coffee are also popular ways of serving coffee in Vietnam. Grab a cosy spot in a local cafe, order a coffee and watch the world go by.
Visit one of Vietnam’s beaches
A soft, sandy beach may not be the first thing you think of when you think of visiting Vietnam, however there are miles of beautiful coastline on the eastern and southern side of the country.
Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations with a 6km long golden sandy beach running alongside the vibrant city. It also makes a great stopover destination, on your journey from Ho Chi Minh city to Hoi An/ Da Nang.
If you’re staying in Hoi An, be sure to spend the day at An Bang beach, just 3km outside of the town. My Khe beach in the city of Da Nang is another great city beach to enjoy for the day.
In the south, Phu coc is one of the most popular beach resort destinations in Vietnam. Here, there are many beach resorts and island hopping trips to enjoy.
