Are you looking for the best things to see and do in Vietnam? You’re in the right place.
As someone born and raised in Vietnam, I know not just the famous landmarks that show up in every travel guide, but also the quiet corners and hidden gems that truly capture the spirit of this country. These are the places where the scent of sizzling street food, the hum of motorbikes, and the warm smiles of locals come together to tell the real story of daily life.
In this guide, I’ve chosen 10 of the most unforgettable things to do and see experiences that will make you smile, spark your curiosity, and help you fall in love with Vietnam. Each one has its own story, from peaceful nature escapes to vibrant cultural traditions. So, are you ready to explore? Let’s dive in, I promise it’ll be worth your time!
Uncover the Top 10 Best Things to See and Do in Vietnam for Every Traveler
10. Find Peace on Phu Quy Island
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
Phu Quy Island is a small, quiet place off the coast of Binh Thuan Province. It is still a hidden treasure because not many tourists come here yet. When you get off the boat, the first thing you will notice is the calm and silence. There are no loud cars or busy streets, only the sound of the waves and the soft wind. Life moves slowly on the island, and that is why many people love it. I remember my first time there. I rented a small motorbike and rode along the quiet coast. I saw fishing villages where people were resting, children flying kites, and old men sitting by the sea fixing their fishing nets.
To reach Phu Quy, you usually take a ferry from the city of Phan Thiet on the mainland. The ride takes about three or four hours depending on the weather. Sometimes the sea can be rough, so if you get seasick easily, it is good to bring medicine.
Phu Quy is small but full of warmth. If you want to get away from the busy city life and enjoy quiet moments where time feels slow, this island is the perfect place to relax and see real, simple life.
9. Learn About the “Hau Dong” (Mediumship) Belief
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
If you want to discover a unique part of Vietnamese culture, learning about “Hau Dong” will make you suprise. This is a traditional spiritual practice where mediums enter a trance and communicate with spirits. It might sound strange at first, but it’s a respected belief that many people in northern Vietnam still follow today. People believe that certain individuals are chosen by the gods or spirits to become mediums, and once picked, they must serve in this role for their whole lives.
These mediums enter a trance to connect with different spirits during the ceremony. They do this to help others find peace, heal problems, or get advice from the spirit world. It is not an easy path because the person chosen cannot work in normal jobs, just serving the spirits becomes their life’s calling. Hau Dong shows a deep respect for the connection between humans and the unseen world, and it is one of the most unique beliefs you can witness in Vietnam.
I once had the chance to watch a “Hau Dong” ceremony in a small village, and it was truly unforgettable. The room was filled with music, drums, and colorful costumes as the medium danced and sang, connecting with the spirit world make me quite creepy.
8. Kayak and Sleep in a Homestay on Ba Be Lake
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
Ba Be Lake is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Vietnam. When you kayak here, you get to glide over calm waters surrounded by green mountains and quiet forests. Paddling through the lake’s hidden corners, you might see floating villages, friendly fishermen, and colorful birds. After a day of exploring, you can stay at a local homestay, where your hosts will welcome you with warm smiles and delicious home-cooked food. Sleeping in a simple wooden house by the water lets you feel close to nature and the local way of life. This peaceful experience is perfect if you want to escape the busy cities and enjoy the quiet beauty of Vietnam’s countryside.
7. Ride through real Saigon life on the Countryside Cycling Tour in Thanh Da
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
What could be better than on a cool morning, cycling with friends along the small roads in Thanh Da, enjoying the fresh air and observing the simple lives of the locals? Thanh Da is a small island nestled in the bustling heart of Saigon, which is why you should set foot here at least once; it truly feels like a rural area. The people live simply and warmly, like close neighbors, always willing to share their vegetables, meals, or everyday stories.
When you get tired from cycling tour in last countryside, you can stop by Aunt Tu’s house—she is a dear friend whom Jackfruit always cherishes. You’ll get to visit the dogs there, chop fresh coconuts to drink, and stroll around her garden to truly feel the rhythm of life in this place. One could say that Thanh Da is like a small countryside, slow-paced and relaxing, truly a healing land.
6. Trek with a Local Guide in Sapa
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
If you’re looking for a journey that takes you off the beaten path and deep into the beauty of Vietnam’s mountains, trekking in Sapa with a local guide is an amazing adventure. Sapa is famous for its stunning views of terraced rice fields and high peaks, but the real treasure is meeting the people who live there.
The best part is that your guide will take you to places many tourists never see. You’ll learn about the traditions, festivals, and daily life of the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people who call this land home. Some trails lead to hidden waterfalls or quiet spots where you can rest and enjoy the peaceful nature around you. Along the way, you may even share a simple meal with a local family, tasting food made with love from their own garden.
5. Experience vintage Hanoi vibes in the Old Quarter.
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
When you explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll discover a world full of unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Here, you can start your day by sipping a rich, creamy egg coffee at a tiny street-side café while watching the city slowly wake up. Then, wander through crowded markets where vendors shout friendly greetings, selling everything from fresh herbs and spices to handmade crafts.
You can join locals playing chess on small tables by the sidewalk, or stroll down narrow streets filled with colorful lanterns and the aroma of street food like pho and banh mi. Every corner holds a surprise, from hidden temples to artisan workshops, giving you a deep and personal glimpse into Hanoi’s rich culture and daily life.
4. Walking Through Hue’s Dark Past at Chin Ham
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
Walking through Chin Ham (Nine Vaults) in Hue takes you on a journey into the city’s darker history. Nestled alone on a hill in the outskirts of Hue, you can find Bunker No. 8, the last remaining bunker of the Nine Bunkers site, where the Americans used to interrogate prisoners during the war. To get here, you must cross a path lined with tombstones leading to a secluded hill (it’s recommended to go during the day). This place was once an abandoned weapons depot of the French. On a hunting trip, Ngo Dinh Can discovered nine bunkers here and decided to convert them into prisons for the people of Central Vietnam.
As you walk up the trail deeper inside, you will reach the highest bunker, Bunker No. 8, famously known as the “hell on earth.” Stepping inside, you will not only feel the gloomy and heavy atmosphere of a tragic past but also witness the resilience and determination of those who endured the harshest challenges. This is an experience you cannot miss if you want to gain a deeper understanding of the history and spirit of Hue.
3. Conquer the Ha Giang Loop by Motorbike
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
For those who love adventure and breathtaking views, the Ha Giang Loop by motorbike is a must-do experience. This route takes you through some of the most dramatic and untouched landscapes in northern Vietnam. Many travelers just like you have taken on the Ha Giang Loop, and it’s often ranked as one of the most unforgettable experiences in Vietnam.
When come here, you’ll face winding roads and steep hills that test your courage, but every challenge brings a reward. You’ll get to explore the stunning Sung La Valley, check out lively local markets of Ha Giang filled with minority groups, and visit the old Hmong King Palace. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly locals who love to share their stories and smiles, making the trip feel even more real. You might have heard a lot about the Ha Giang Loop, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. It’s a special part of Vietnam that not many get to see up close.
2. Explore a “Junk Market” and Hunt for Antiques
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
If you enjoy the thrill of discovery, wandering through a Vietnamese “junk market” is an experience you simply can’t pass up. Trust me, these markets are packed with all kinds of old and curious things, from vintage furniture and faded photographs to unique trinkets and antiques that tell stories of the past. As you wander through the crowded stalls, you’ll find yourself drawn to objects that seem to whisper secrets from another time.
One of the best places to experience this is the famous “Đồ Cũ” markets in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Here, you can spend hours searching for hidden gems and chatting with sellers who love to share the history behind their items.
1. Test Your Culinary Courage with Vietnamese Street Food
Best things to see and do in Vietnam
Are you a fan of food adventures? If so, Vietnamese street food will surprise and delight you around every corner. Picture yourself walking through busy streets filled with the mouthwatering smell of grilled pork and fresh herbs. You pause to enjoy a warm bowl of pho, where the broth is rich and full of flavor, and the noodles are soft and comforting. Just nearby, someone is frying crispy bánh xèo, a savory pancake packed with shrimp, pork, and crunchy bean sprouts that crackle with every bite.
As you explore more, you might find yourself savoring bún chả, a tasty dish of grilled pork served with noodles and fresh greens. And to finish off your meal, a sweet bowl of Vietnamese chè with a colorful dessert made from beans, coconut milk, and jelly will cool and refresh you.
Eating Vietnamese street food is like going on a delicious journey, where every bite tells a story and connects you to the heart of local life. With so many amazing dishes to try, you might find yourself falling in love with the flavors so deeply that leaving becomes the hardest part. Be careful, you may need to stay longer just to taste it all!
Sound interesting? Let’s Begin Your Journey with Jackfruit Adventure Today!
There are many things to do in Vietnam, but have you found your travel companion for this journey yet? Not walking, and not a motorbike, but a bicycle is the best way to connect you with the locals. Our Cycling Tours in Ho Chi Minh City slowly through the small alleys, weaving into bustling wet local markets, or stopping to enjoy delicious street food, you will discover countless interesting things that no other mode of transport can offer. To truly experience it, you just have to dive in.
So why wait? Join us now to explore not only the 10 best things to do in Vietnam but also the unusual activities in Ho Chi Minh City. Let’s get started as soon as possible!
