Top Things to do in Vietnam? Oh buddy, where do I even start? From slurping hot pho in a back alley in Hanoi to watching lanterns float across the river in Hoi An, Vietnam is a country that hits all your senses at once—like, in the best way possible. I did the north and south . I did the ancient towns, beach bums, rice paddies, jungle treks, all of it. And here’s the raw, no-filter breakdown of the absolute best things to do in Vietnam, based on my slightly chaotic but totally magical trip.
Also read: Things to Know Before Traveling to Germany
Northern Vietnam: History, Nature, and Culture
Hanoi: A City of History and Culture
If you’re wondering about things to see in Hanoi, start at Hoan Kiem Lake. Locals do tai chi here at sunrise, and I once spilled egg coffee on my shorts while trying to snap a pic of the red bridge. Totally worth it. Then, get lost in the Old Quarter. Seriously, I got lost and found the best banh mi of my life. And don’t skip the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum—it’s equal parts surreal and spiritual. Stuff to do in Hanoi doesn’t end. Street food, scooters, sweet chaos. Tip: always walk like you have right of way. They’ll swerve.
Halong Bay: A Natural Wonder
This place is Vietnam sightseeing places goals. I jumped on a budget cruise (mistake: no hot water, oops) but wow, waking up to limestone karsts jutting out of the mist? Unreal. We kayaked into Sung Sot Cave and hiked Ti Top Island—killer views. If you can swing an overnight boat, do it. The stars over the bay? Ethereal. It’s one of those places to see in Vietnam that makes your soul do a happy dance.
Sapa: A Trekker’s Paradise
Yo, if you like walking until your legs scream and then eating home-cooked rice dishes with the Hmong people—Sapa is for you. This is peak Vietnam places to explore energy. Trekking through the rice terraces, my guide Lan taught me the phrase “chúc mừng” (cheers!) as we sipped homemade rice wine. I did accidentally slide into a mud ditch—not my finest hour. Also, Fansipan is the highest point in Indochina—cable car if you’re lazy like me. Out of all the Vietnam places to explore, this one hits different. And trust me, when it comes to Vietnam places to explore, Sapa’s misty vibes and muddy trails steal the show.
Central Vietnam: Ancient Towns & Stunning Coastlines
Hue: The Imperial City
Ever walked through a crumbling palace and felt like a time traveler? Hue gives you that. The Imperial City is massive—I literally spent four hours there and still missed stuff. Tip: rent a bike, wear sunscreen. Also check out Thien Mu Pagoda, it’s got the chill river vibes. And the royal tombs? One word: epic. Definitely a top Vietnam travel places spot.
Hoi An: A Town Frozen in Time
Hoi An is Instagram in real life. The Old Town is car-free and charm-heavy. You gotta do the Lantern Festival, but beware: crowds are no joke. I dropped my phone in the river (RIP), but it was worth it for the magic. Oh, and the cao lau? Game-changer. Best noodles I had the whole trip.
Da Nang: A Mix of Beach and Culture
Da Nang is underrated. It’s like if a chill beach town and a mini city had a baby. My Khe Beach is the kind of soft-sand, warm-water dream I needed after days of temple-hopping. Then the Marble Mountains surprised me with caves, statues, and insane views. But the real jaw-dropper? Golden Bridge held up by stone hands. What even is this place?! Definitely among my fave Vietnam places to see.
Southern Vietnam: The Heartbeat of the Country
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The Pulsing Heart of Vietnam
Stuff to do in Vietnam? Look no further than Saigon. Fast, loud, flavorful. Ben Thanh Market is a chaotic wonderland of smells, sounds, and souvenirs. Pro tip: haggle like your grandma taught you. The War Remnants Museum? Heavy, but necessary. And don’t skip Notre-Dame Basilica—the architecture is a literal mic drop.
Mekong Delta: A Waterworld
The Mekong Delta is like the Venice of Southeast Asia, if Venice had more coconuts and river prawns. Took a boat through the canals and nearly dropped my camera while dodging a duck. You must check out the Cai Be Floating Market. It’s boats selling bananas, noodles, and fish sauce all while dodging each other like bumper cars. Also loved Vinh Long—peaceful and great for cycling. One of the more authentic Vietnam places to visit.
Conclusion: Vietnam Awaits
So here’s the truth: things to do in Vietnam are endless. And honestly, I get the hype. You’ve got ancient towns, epic landscapes, next-level food, and chaos that somehow works. Whether you’re diving into street eats in Hanoi or floating down the Mekong, there’s no wrong turn. Just go, try everything, get lost, and find yourself somewhere between a pho stall and a pagoda.
If you’re still making a list of Vietnam tourist places or places to go in Vietnam, bookmark this bad boy. Or better yet? Just book the flight already. Vietnam’s calling—and trust me, you want to answer.
TL;DR: Pack light, charge your camera, and bring stretchy pants. You’ll need them. 🍜✨
