Top Vietnam things to do and places to visit for the ultimate experience

Sail down Halong Bay

Halong Bay is the most famous attraction of Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has limestone islands topped with rainforests that jut out of emerald green waters.

Jump on board a junk boat for a cruise around the islands where activity options include kayaking, hiking, scuba diving, rock climbing or simply relaxing on board.

Discover the wonders of Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is the ideal city to begin or finish a trip around the country. It’s the perfect jumping off point for trekking through rice terraces in Sapa or cruising through Halong Bay.

The city is home to historical buildings with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. Its main attractions include the Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the country’s famous leader now lies.

Go island hopping

Aside from the limestone islands in Halong Bay, Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand also holds a spotlight for being one of the most beautiful islands in the area

Known for its white sand beaches and thick jungles, the island is the perfect spot to hang out at a resort, watch a sunset from a cruise boat or try fishing or snorkelling.

Explore the largest cave in the world

The most famous cave in Vietnam is Hang Son Doong in Phong Nha National Park. The cave is the largest in the world and involves a multi-day trip to see the inside.

Another popular cave is Paradise Cave, which is also in Phong Nha National Park and is the longest dry cave in Asia.

Get a history lesson in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is another great spot to begin or end a trip through Vietnam. The city is heavily influenced by the French and played a significant role in the Vietnam War.

Day tours from the city to the Cu Chi tunnels where soldiers hid during the war, are a popular activity.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the streets are lined with an abundance of food stalls, many found in the Ben Thanh market. The Notre Dame Cathedral, War Museum and Mekong River also draw visitors.

Eat all the street food

A country as big and diverse as Vietnam brings a wide range of food from north to south. Although some dishes are consistent throughout the country, each city or area introduces new cuisines. One of the best places to try street food is the bustling city of Hanoi.

Have a local expert guide you through Dong Xuan, the largest covered market in the city, and show you the tastes of the area such as banh cuon, a crispy pork crepe.

Take in the picturesque scenery of Da Nang

Da Nang is a coastal city near the centre of Vietnam with white sand beaches and a French history.

It’s here that you’ll find the stunning Marble Mountains. From the top there are picturesque views of the countryside and the east coast of Vietnam.

Along the climb you’ll spy caves and Buddhist pagodas.

Party at a cultural festival

Vietnam celebrates festivals almost every month of the year with one of the most popular being the Lunar New Year.

It’s called Tet by the locals and it’s when they bring incense to the temples and light fireworks. The Hoi An Lantern Festival is another popular event held monthly where lights are turned off and the small town is lit up by colourful lanterns and candles.

Other festivals include Hue Festival, Perfume Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Go shopping for traditional and handmade souvenirs

Vietnam is a budget-friendly shopping paradise. Goods are sold throughout the country for cheap prices.

For custom-tailored clothes, bags and shoes visit the shops in Hoi An where high quality silk can be found. Markets are in every city and here you can find local handicrafts, art and jewellery.

The Hanoi Weekend Market in Hanoi, Han Market in Da Nang and Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh are among the most popular markets in the country.