Looking for the best things to do in Vietnam? There’s almost too many to count.
I spent three and a half months wandering through this country, and honestly, I could have stayed longer. From the moment I stepped off the plane in Hanoi, I knew Vietnam was going to be special. The motorbikes, the street food vendors calling out, the smell of pho at 6am – it all just clicked.
But here’s the thing: before I went, I had the same questions you probably do. Is Vietnam actually worth visiting? Is there enough to do to fill a whole trip? Will I just be ticking off tourist spots?
The answer is yes, absolutely yes, and definitely not.
Vietnam has this incredible ability to surprise you. One day you’re hiking through emerald rice terraces in Sapa, the next you’re cruising through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, and then you’re eating bánh mì on a plastic stool in Ho Chi Minh City wondering why you ever doubted this place.
I covered most of the main spots during my time there, plus a fair few places that don’t make it onto the usual itineraries. Some experiences blew me away. Others taught me what to skip. And a few just made me laugh at how wildly different every corner of this country is.
So if you’re planning a trip and wondering where to start, what to prioritise, or whether Vietnam really lives up to the hype – I promise you, it does.
Read my 2 Week Vietnam itinerary for more guidance.
1. Explore Hanoi’s Culture And Hidden Corners
Hanoi is an amazing city, and I loved spending one month there. The Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Presidential Palace are all famous sights worth seeing, but I loved exploring the Old Quarter, West Lake, and the museums just as much.
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Vietnam National Museum of History, Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Vietnam Military History Museum, and Ho Chi Minh Museum are all well worth visiting if you have time.
2. Cruise Through Ha Long Bay Or Bai Tu Long Bay
When I visited Ha Long Bay, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d seen so many videos and heard so many people rave about it, but when I got there, I was so happy I made the choice.
The limestone cliffs are epic. On the tour, we even got to climb one of the limestone cliff viewpoints, swim at the beach, and explore the caves. The food was great onboard, and when I left, I could really see that Ha Long Bay is worth the hype.
3. Hike The Rice Terraces Of Sapa
Sapa was one of my favourite places in Vietnam. Everywhere you looked, mountains were covered in rice terraces, and the Hmong people have lived there for generations. Cat Cat village is a beautiful place to see traditional clothes and live music performances.
It’s an underrated part of Vietnam for sure, just a little hard to reach by train or sleeper bus from Hanoi.
4. Discover The Ancient Capital Of Ninh Binh
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is incredible if you like history. Walking around it was fun, and the landscape makes it what it is, the “Ha Long Bay on land,” as some refer to it. You can visit the Hang Mua caves for epic views of the river and take a scenic boat ride through the small canals.
One of my favourite things was simply to rent a bike and cycle around Tam Coc. Many people call it Ninh Binh, but they’re actually two different places; the train just goes to Ninh Binh. The good places are in Tam Coc.
5. Immerse Yourself In The History Of Hue
Hue was incredible. The Hue Historic Citadel is by far the most incredible walled complex I’ve visited. Don’t skip the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities; it was fascinating and filled with so many beautiful items from the past.
You can also see other great spots like Thiên Mụ Pagoda, which is gorgeous, and you can walk around and enjoy the nature beside the river.
6. Wander Hoi An’s Ancient Town
Hoi An is the most scenic town in Vietnam that I have visited. The lanterns illuminate at night, and the river becomes packed with boats and people lighting candles and sailing around.
It’s close to the heart of the town and there are endless restaurants, live music, and An Bang Beach isn’t far away, so you can visit during the day and relax by the water at night.
7. Enjoy Da Nang’s Beaches And Mountains
Da Nang is another gem with a long stretch of stunning golden sand beach where you can sunbathe or hire a boat. But the real beauty lies north on the Son Tra Peninsula, which offers smaller, more peaceful beaches that are just as beautiful.
Drive to the top of the peak on Son Tra for epic views of Da Nang. It’s a lively city with loads of places to eat and coffee shops to try.
8. Dive Into The Chaos Of Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh was the first city I visited in Vietnam. It’s chaotic and extremely hard to cross the street, but I can’t wait to go back. There are so many places to eat and explore, like the Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and others, that it’s no wonder people love visiting this city.
Find some peace at the Statue of Ho Chi Minh during the day but at night its hard to escape the chaos.
9. Explore The Mekong Delta
I visited Can Tho and its small canals on a boat tour, and it was beautiful. The boat glides gently through the river, surrounded by mango trees and jackfruit growing wild.
The south of Vietnam has a slowness to it that I couldn’t find elsewhere. The food is great and the people are open and friendly. Seeing the floating markets on the river was a real highlight, and I recommend visiting if you’re in the south.
Practical Tips For Planning Your Vietnam Trip
There are loads of ATMs in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, even Sapa and Ninh Binh. But if you go rural, it’s best to bring cash just in case.
Make sure you get the right vaccinations for Vietnam. Talk with your doctor and make sure it’s safe for you to travel into areas where malaria is found, like the Mekong Delta.
My biggest tip is to relax and enjoy the trip! You’re in one of the most beautiful parts of Asia. The people are nice, and there are so many things to do that you’ll find fun in every corner of the country.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam can be summed up in one word for me – epic. It has everything I wanted in a travel destination: adventure, natural beauty, food, nightlife, beaches, and history. You can see so much of this country because the transport infrastructure is designed well for tourists.
I urge anybody to visit Vietnam at any chance they get because it’s been one of the best adventures I can remember. Vietnam has an abundance of epic things to.
About The Author
James Fahey is the creator of FaheyJamesTravel, a travel blog and YouTube channel focused on Asia and Europe. He shares practical travel tips, local experiences, and realistic itineraries, helping readers and viewers plan confident, memorable trips with honest, firsthand advice.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
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