Having an idea of what to do in a new destination ensures that at least you are traveling on the right track after making lots of effort. When it comes to Vietnam, we arrange top things to do with fun experiences, unique UNESCO sites, and heavenly scenery.
Hanoi - Recommended to Visit for a Half-Day
Filled with a warren of shops, the Old Quarter is one of the highlights for most travelers to Vietnam. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, it is busy and still vibrant 600 years after its inception. Purchase souvenirs by stopping at little shops, taste local food in some of the eateries, and even see a water puppet show there. With many interesting sights for the Western eye, you can get the real feel of Hanoi.
You will have a fun and worthwhile experience as long as you do not mind crossing the roads that are filled with fast-moving motorbikes.
Hanoi/Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City - 2-3 hours at night
No matter where you are in Vietnam, you will not be disappointed by its local food, such as Cao lau in Hoi An, Pho in Hanoi, and Canh chua in the Mekong Delta. And most of the dishes can be found at a local night market where you will be able to taste the nice street food and enjoy the atmosphere.
This is especially the case in Hanoi. Walk through the market and listen to the music played on the street, which may vary from local to exotic music. Then grab a bite to eat and soak up the atmosphere.
Halong Bay - Recommended to Take a 2D1N Junk
Halong Bay is touristy yet it still boasts one of the most impressive natural sceneries among Southeast Asian countries. Actually, as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is not overstated by being described as an other-worldly sight. It remains a view of limestone karst islets jutting dramatically from the sea that no pictures can adequately depict..
Explore the bay by taking a trip on a boat for 2 days and 1 night. Cruise across the sea and enjoy the sunset after visiting a fishing village and doing some activities in the daytime. This real quiet and peaceful paradise deserves your time!
Hue - Recommended Trip: One Day
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is the core place to sample Vietnam’s history and culture. It is hard to imagine that this city was once alive as the political center of Vietnam for 13 consecutive centuries as well as being the capital for 800 years. Some buildings remain in good condition while the rest are in the process being restored, but you can still view them.
To appreciate its importance and value asides from sightseeing, it is advisable to hire a private guide who is familiar with the history and the area
Red Bridge Cooking Class in Hoi An - Recommended Tour: Half a Day
Boasting beaches nearby and being a great area for tailor-made clothes, Hoi An is undoubtedly the best city in the country. The expat population makes the town a place full of various restaurants.
However, the town is more than that. It has the tastiest cuisine in the country, such as fried wontons, cau lao (type of thick noodle), and white rose shrimp dumplings. Taking a cooking class is ranked as the premier thing to do in this city. Just go for it.
Outside Ho Chi Minh City -Recommended Visit: Half a Day
Experiencing and viewing the remains from the War in Vietnam is another reason that Westerners travel to Vietnam, especially from the prospective of Vietnamese people. The Cu Chi Tunnels are considered to be the most notable and best war-related site.
Just outside Ho Chi Minh City, these tunnels are still tangible with a history of over 40 years. With a length of more than 120 kilometers, these tunnels were first built for fighting the French in 1948. Now visitors can get a glimpse of the underground life led by Viet Cong soldiers.
Floating Markets and the Islets around the Mekong Delta -Recommended Visit: 2 or 3 Days
“Without doubt, no other river, over such a length,has a more singular or remarkable character,” gushed Francis Garnier, second-in-command of the French Mekong Expedition in the 1860s. With a length of 4,909 kilometers, the river goes through six countries in total. China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam are all linked by the Mekong Delta.
Floating markets and a boat tour are the most popular things to do when traveling to the Vietnam part of the Mekong Delta. Wake up early and visit the floating market at Phong Dien. It has retained its traditional way of doing business and you will be able to see standing boat rowers there. Then take a boat trip to visit the islets and interesting orchards that are around the delta. 2-3 day trips are enough to explore the area. Don’t forget to taste the delicious Canh chua.
Phu Quoc Island - Recommended Visit: 2-3 Days
As the biggest island in Vietnam, the beaches there stand out from many of the beaches in Vietnam. Most Westerners tend to visit the island for its quieter environment and quality beaches.
It entices real beach lovers from all over the world with white sands and tropical waters. As well as snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing, you can even enjoy squid fishing! What more can you ask for? Visiting Duong Dong Market in the morning gives you a feel for the charm of the local culture and its history.
The island is easy to access by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Duong Dong Airport on the island. It is big enough to enable you to unwind on the beach for 2 - 3 days.
Hòa Bình Town of Hòa Bình Province - Recommended Visit: 2 Days
For hiking or trekking in the north, most travelers rave about Sapa, which is known for its rugged scenery, ethnic diversity, and rice terraces. Mai Chau has it all but is less-commercial. Its verdant mountain scenery and tribal culture are highlights of the area.
Being 3½ hours' drive away from Hanoi, visitors have the chance to see seven ethnic minority groups there -White Thai, Hmong, Zao, Muong, Tay, Hoa and Viet, of which the White Thai people are the major inhabitants. The stilt houses made of bamboo and timber are also something special for most travelers to see. Locals call them Thai stilt houses and build them that way to prevent water from getting into the house and to shelter the animals.