Things To Do In Vietnam Which Will Make You Drool Over This Country

For those who have been to Vietnam, thoughts about the Southeast Asian nation evoke memories of turquoise blue waters, white-sand beaches, palm-lined trails, emerald green lakes, artifact-rich museums… the list is endless! For a beautiful country that is rooted in Buddhism, has an unbeatable culinary heritage & has taken to commuting by motorbikes in the modern day (Very different from Western countries!), the things to do in Vietnam are significantly different from other countries. Apart from the obvious visiting of attractions, here is a list of fun activities that you should perform to soak the spirit of the ‘Socialist Republic of Vietnam’ (The full name of the country!), activities without which your travel to this land of ancient secrets is rather incomplete!

12 Things To Do In Vietnam To Truly Experience The Country

Scratch the surface & Vietnam is a lot more than its coastline. Don’t take us wrong—the lovely beaches make for unmissable sightseeing spots, but lined with Buddhist ‘pagodas’ (A kind of tower), bustling cities, unique bridges, world heritage sites & mind-blowing street food, the Asian country is a treasure raring to be explored. What’s more, with Vietnam being one of the cheapest tourist destinations in the world, you can have the time of your life without burning a hole in your pocket!

1. Spend Time Making Memories In Ha Long Bay, North-East Vietnam
2. Take A Cyclo Ride Around The Imperial Citadel Of Thăng Long, North Vietnam
3. Celebrate The Vietnamese New Year By Lighting A Lantern, Central Vietnam
4. Explore The Planet’s Biggest Cave At Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, North-Central Vietnam
5. Take A History Lesson At The Cu Chi Tunnels, South-East Vietnam
6. A Visit To The War Remnants Museum, South-East Vietnam
7. Hiking In The Cat Ba Island, North Vietnam
8. Cruise Through The Mekong Delta
9. Explore the Historic Scenes of Hoi An Ancient Town
10. Embrace Ideal Solitude at Tra Que Vegetable Village
11. Undertake the Luscious Vietnamese Gastronomic Journey in Hanoi
12. Sail Across the Ngong Dong River Amid the Lush Paddy Fields

1. Spend Time Making Memories In Ha Long Bay, North-East Vietnam

Foremost, I have written in detail about Halong Bay in my blog post on Vietnamese beaches. Not to repeat what has already been mentioned there, let us just say that the spectacular water body is home to around 1,600 limestone ‘islets’ (A tiny island) & islands. Many of these towering structures, chalky pillars dotted with bright green (Due to the trees), emerging from turquoise blue waters, make the massive, 1500 square kilometer bay a paradise! With this arguably being the Indochinese Peninsular country’s most striking place, it goes without saying that it has to be on our list of things to do in Vietnam! The best way to witness this surreal attraction is to take a boat cruise, in order to enjoy its natural beauty from all angles. If it feels as if it is out of a movie, know that it is! Several Hollywood films have been shot here.

Famous For: Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Location: As aforementioned, Ha Long Bay is in North-East Vietnam. It is in ‘Quảng Ninh’ province. If you are in ‘Hanoi’ (Also written as ‘Hà Nội’), the capital, the bay would take a 4-hour drive.

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2. Take A Cyclo Ride Around The Imperial Citadel Of Thăng Long, North Vietnam

Firstly, the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is kind of obvious to be visited by history buffs who visit Vietnam, especially since it is situated in Hanoi, one of the gateways to the country. (International flights land at the ‘Nội Bài International Airport’ here.) It was built in the year 1011 & is a complex of imperial buildings. Constructed under ‘Lý Thái Tổ’, Emperor of the ‘Lý’ dynasty, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today & also called ‘Hanoi Citadel’. (So, don’t get confused!)

Now, coming to ‘cyclos’! An integral part of the Vietnamese culture, they are to the communist nation what ‘tuk-tuks’ are to Thailand. Similar to the Indian ‘cycle rickshaw’, a cyclo has a cyclist peddling a three-wheeled cycle, & a passenger riding along. Having this ride in the capital city makes it to our recommended best things to do in Vietnam!

Famous For: Being an indispensable relic of the coastal country’s history!

Location: The Hanoi Citadel is in the ‘Ba Đình’ district, a place of immense political importance. If you are visiting the ‘Vietnam Military History Museum’ or the ‘Quán Thánh Temple’, it is just a 15-minute walk from there.

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3. Celebrate The Vietnamese New Year By Lighting A Lantern, Central Vietnam

Commonly called ‘Tết’, the Vietnamese New Year is the most significant of all celebrations in the country. Calculated keeping in view the lunar cycle, it marks the arrival of spring. Not only the festival celebrates the new year, but it also summarizes the last. While there are several traditions that are followed during the holiday, the Hội An Lantern Festival stands out, which brings us to our next of adventure activities in Vietnam. Hội An is an ancient town & a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the ‘Quảng Nam Province’, the city turns into a box of crayons, with its colorful lanterns. The celebrations last a week, with thousands of lanterns sailing through the sky. Plan your trip accordingly & you know there is no way that you can miss this one!

Famous For: Thousands of colorful lanterns sailing through the air!

Location: As aforementioned, Hội An is in the ‘Quảng Nam Province’, which is in Central Vietnam.

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4. Explore The Planet’s Biggest Cave At Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, North-Central Vietnam

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is lush with impenetrable forests, scenic mountains, underground rivers, limestone karsts & a network of caves. One of these numerous caves is ‘Sơn Đoòng’, with a ceiling so tall that a skyscraper can be fit through it. A must-visit for adventurists, one can very well hire a guide as well as the equipment to explore these places. The cave also has an internal river. (Trivia: Translated, its name actually means the cave of the mountain river.) The reason we call it the biggest cave is because it has the largest cross-section of any cave in the world. A popular option, it is blessed with limestone structures. There are other caves too, & if you don’t fancy exploring one, you can very well go mountain biking or hiking instead. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot monkeys & flying foxes. One of the top things to do in Vietnam? We surely think so!

Famous For: Adventure tourism!

Location: Quang Binh province, which is close to the Laos border!

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5. Take A History Lesson At The Cu Chi Tunnels, South-East Vietnam

So, the Cu Chi Tunnels are located in Ho Chi Minh City. A war museum of sorts, they offer an insight into how the Viet Cong (A revolutionary organization) used to confuse the American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Work on these tunnels started in the year 1948 when the Vietnamese were fighting the French. The work never stopped though, and the result was 120 kilometers of tunnels. The tours here are great & accompanied by a history lesson, intriguing for kids & adults alike. One of the fun things to do in Vietnam. And don’t be apprehensive if you are claustrophobic! Going through the tunnels is only a very small part of the tour. You can learn how did they use their weapons as well as sample some of the meals they would have.

Famous For: Being integral to Vietnam’s war history!

Location: ‘Ho Chi Minh City’ or Saigon, in South-East Vietnam

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6. A Visit To The War Remnants Museum, South-East Vietnam

Once called ‘The Museum of American War Crimes’, this museum first opened its gates to the public in the year 1975 and has become one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. (The name changed as Vietnamese diplomatic relationships with the US normalized.) It is a somber reminder of the brutal & long war, and while a lot of photographs are graphic in nature, there is also American military equipment on display. (These weapons were being used against the Vietnamese by the Americans.) Set in multiple buildings, the museum contains themed rooms. One of them even replicates the infamous ‘tiger cages’. Not just the Vietnam War, it contains artifacts related to the First Indochina War as well. It’s hence not surprising that the museum is visited by 500,000 visitors per year. As much as we believe that a visit to this museum is amongst the top 10 things to do in Vietnam, we would not recommend it for children (Even though they are allowed to enter.) or anyone who finds such stuff disturbing.

Famous For: War artifacts that you would not find anywhere else!

Location: ‘Ho Chi Minh City’ or Saigon, in South-East Vietnam

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7. Hiking In The Cat Ba Island, North Vietnam

You cannot talk about Vietnam without mentioning the Cat Ba Island. Housing some of the top beaches in Vietnam and blessed with spectacular views, it is the largest island in Halong Bay and the one that has seen a massive tourism surge in recent years. Boasting of its coastline that consists of rocky hills and spectacular views, the Cat Ba Island even features limestone hills that rise as high as 331m above sea level. Hikers can come here and have the most perfect time hiking on the island. Interestingly, almost half of the island was declared a national park in 1986 to protect the island’s diverse ecosystems.

Famous For: The island is highly popular amongst hikers

Location: The island is located in Halong Bay in Northern Vietnam

8. Cruise Through The Mekong Delta

Another of those top things to do in Vietnam is to cruise the Mekong Delta. A part of Vietnam where the Mekong river meets the country and slows down, catching a glimpse of it is a sight not to be missed. Boasting of rice paddies, and stilted villages, the way of life here is one of the major highlights for travelers. Travelers coming here can simply hitch a ride with one of the cargo boats and enjoy a fine ride while embracing the enchanting views of the riverbanks here.

Famous For: Mekong Delta is famous for its cruise ride through the slow-flowing river

Location: The Mekong Delta is located in Southern Vietnam

9. Explore the Historic Scenes of Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An is a quaint historic town of Vietnam located in the central coast of the country which is known for its unique location and features. This ancient town is a well-conserved instance of Southeast Asian trading port dating back to 15th to 19th century and the strong Southeastern influence is reflected on the architectural marvels on the lanes and streets of this landmark. You will fall in love with its classic architectural wonders painted in vibrant colors illuminating its past chronicles. Unwind in the best quirky cafes and classy restaurants sprawling all around the town. Best known for the art and craft culture, you can shop some extraordinary ceramic products and traditional textiles in the lined-up shops which can be added to the list of things to do in Vietnam.

Famous For: Rich history that depicts a mixture of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French architectural features

Location: Hoi An is located in the central coast of Vietnam

10. Embrace Ideal Solitude at Tra Que Vegetable Village

The Tra Que Vegetable Village is best known for its organic farming practices and locally grown products which are ideal for a healthy living style. Experience the life of a vegetable farmer by spending a day at this picturesque village which can be your next photography destination if you are into it. Engage in farming practices, learn about the organic farming process, take a leisurely walk or a bicycle ride amid the greens and admire nature’s essence in our day-to-day life. Moreover, take up cooking lessons where you can interact with the locals and learn about authenticity and ethnicity of Vietnamese culture. Tantalize your tastebuds by devouring a wholesome Vietnamese platter known for the burst of real flavors of fresh ingredients at one of the most famous places to visit in Vietnam.

Famous For: Organic farming and experience the farm-to-table dining along with cooking classes

Location: Tra Que Vegetable Village is in Cam Ha Commune, 3 km away from Hoi An town

11. Undertake the Luscious Vietnamese Gastronomic Journey in Hanoi

Hanoi will leave you speechless and make you drool over the mouthwatering Vietnamese delicacies since the city has a rich culinary landscape to indulge in. From the top fining restaurants like L’essence De Cuisine to the casual street eateries like Vua Banh Mi Chao, you can experience an exquisite Vietnamese culinary journey to feast your eyes and tantalize your taste buds. One of the best things to do in Vietnam is to try out the street food delights like Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, Nem Ran, Cha Ca, Banh Cuon, Xoi, Bun Dau Mam Tom, Bung Thang, Mien Luon, Ca Phe Trung, etc., available in some specific areas of Hanoi like Old Quarter & Ta Hiien Street. Moreover, never try to miss out on trying out the best Pho and Banh Mi at Pho Gia Truyen and Banh Mi Pho Co.

Famous For: Vietnamese cuisine and try out the local street food in Hanoi

Location: Hanoi is in the northern part of Vietnam

12. Sail Across the Ngong Dong River Amid the Lush Paddy Fields

If you are planning to visit Vietnam in the months of May and June (harvest season), undertaking a boat ride on the Ngo Dong River in Ninh Binh province will let you admire the verdant landscapes and green paddy fields. Stop by some scenic spots and pay a visit to the popular caves of Three Grottoes consisting of Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave during your ride towards tranquility which can be added to your list of things to do in Vietnam. Buy some Vietnamese souvenirs and local products in the floating market that you will come across your way which represents their rich cultural traditions and simplistic way of leading life. Never forget to capture some spectacular views during your ride as you will immerse yourself in its untouched beauty.

Famous For: Boat ride in Ngong river amid the green rice fields and admire the landscapes

Location: It is in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province

A country rooted in the Southeast part of Asia and housing picturesque locations to the delight of travelers, there are many things to do in Vietnam that promise a vacation of a lifetime. From hiking in the majestic Cat Ba Island to a historical adventure at the Cu Chi Tunnels, every nook and corner of the country has something that awaits travelers. So, why not plan a vacation to this beaut of land? Be a part of the family of thousands of travelers who Vietnam tour packages and come witness the enchanting adventures of this country.

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