If you’re looking for the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam in 2025, this guide is here to help. From lush mountains to tropical beaches, Vietnam offers a stunning variety of outdoor adventures for every type of traveler. What makes these experiences truly special is how they connect you with the culture, nature, and everyday life of the people who call this country home.
In this updated 2025 guide, you’ll find 20 of the best adventure things to do in Vietnam, organized by difficulty level. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a real challenge, these activities go far beyond sightseeing. Keep reading to plan your perfect Vietnam adventure.
Beginner-friendly adventures in Vietnam
Not all journeys need speed or strength. Some of the most rewarding things to do in Vietnam are gentle, slow, and open to anyone with curiosity. Whether you are cycling through quiet villages, snorkeling in clear water, or camping under pine trees, these beginner-friendly adventures bring you closer to the beauty of everyday Vietnam. Perfect for first-time travelers who want something meaningful without the pressure.
1. Pedal and paddle Saigon’s sunset riverside
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Thanh Da and Binh Quoi, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Best time to go: Late afternoon (from 1:30 PM and 6:00 PM)
- Price: From 900.000 to 1.200.000 VND (approximately 35 to 48 USD)
If you think Saigon is only busy streets and honking horns, Pedal & Paddle Saigon’s Sunset Adventure will change your mind. Starting in a quiet corner of the city, you cycle along village roads lined with coconut palms, home gardens, and riverside houses where everyday life flows gently. This peaceful area, often called the “Little Mekong,” is just minutes from the city center yet feels like a world away.
After sharing tropical fruit with a local host, you paddleboard on the calm Saigon River as the sky turns golden. The moment is slow, quiet, and full of light. For travelers looking for outdoor activities in Ho Chi Minh City that go beyond sightseeing, this is a perfect escape. It stands out among the best things to do in Vietnam for its soft adventure, natural beauty, and deep sense of calm right inside the city.
2. Wander through Hoi An’s backroads
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Rural paths outside Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam Province
- Best time to go: Early morning (7:00 to 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 3:30 PM)
- Price: From 25,000 VND (1 USD) for bike rental or 350,000 to 700,000 VND (14 to 28 USD) for guided tours
Just beyond the historic town, Hoi An’s countryside offers a peaceful escape. Narrow lanes wind past rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and quiet rivers, where you can see farmers harvesting by hand and water buffalo bathing in the sun. You may pause at a local temple with incense curling through the trees, or join a family for fresh herbs and tea beneath a bamboo roof.
This is one of the best outdoor activities in Hoi An for travelers who want more than sightseeing. It’s about feeling the land, learning how people live, and enjoying small, quiet moments. If you’re looking for meaningful things to do in Vietnam, this gentle journey opens up a world often missed by tourists.
Want a quietest ride? Check the best time to visit Hoi An before you go.
3. Snorkel off Phu Quy Island
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Phu Quy Island, Binh Thuan Province
- Best time to go: March to August
- Price: From 250,000 VND (approximately 10 USD)
Snorkeling in Phu Quy is one of Vietnam’s most peaceful coastal adventures. Boats bring you to coral sites like Bai Can or Hon Tranh, where the sea is calm and crystal clear. Even beginners can enjoy this experience with just a snorkel and a mask, drifting above reefs filled with colorful fish and soft coral gardens.
The charm lies in the island’s quiet nature. There are no loud tour groups, no rushed schedules, just nature at its own pace. The island remains largely untouched, offering visitors a glimpse into coastal Vietnam without the crowds. Many tours end with a beachside seafood meal cooked by locals, adding a warm, personal touch. Among the many things to do in Vietnam for nature-loving adults, this is a peaceful way to enjoy marine life, sea breezes, and slow island rhythms.
You can watch a video of Phu Quy Island to see how quiet and charming it really is:
4. Learn to surf on My Khe Beach
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: My Khe Beach, Da Nang
- Best time to go: Late October to March
- Price: From 800,000 VND (approximately 32 USD, includes board and lesson)
Among the best things to do in Vietnam for beginners, surfing in Da Nang is a top pick. My Khe Beach is known for its soft sand and beginner-friendly waves. You’ll join a small group lesson where local instructors teach you how to paddle, balance, and ride your first wave with confidence.
Many sessions take place early in the morning when the water is calm and the beach is still quiet. After surfing, you can enjoy a local breakfast or walk along the riverside. As the day fades, Dragon Bridge lights up with colorful shows, and nearby Son Tra Night Market offers delicious snacks and coastal souvenirs. Whether you come for the sea or stay for the atmosphere, this is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Vietnam for first-time travelers.
5. Explore hidden Saigon on two wheels
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Ho Chi Minh City (Districts 1, 4, 5, and 10)
- Best time to go: Morning (7:30 AM) or afternoon (1:30 PM)
- Price: From 900,000 VND (around 35 USD)
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Vietnam, this cycling tour in Ho Chi Minh City reveals a side of Saigon few visitors ever experience. Ride through District 4’s lively alleyways where old homes, family shrines, and small food stalls paint a picture of daily life. In Chinatown District 5, you’ll visit traditional temples and herbal medicine shops that have served the community for generations. Then pedal into District 10 to explore local apartment blocks, hidden markets, and quiet streets where the pace slows and the stories deepen.
This isn’t just a bike ride. It is a journey through layers of history, migration, and community spirit. Designed for curious travelers, Saigon’s off-the-beaten-path cycling tour offers a rare kind of connection. It stands out among the most meaningful things to do in Vietnam for those who want more than landmarks. Here, you’ll taste what locals eat, hear how they live, and see the city through eyes that most tours miss.
Watch the video to see how cycling reveals a different side of Saigon:
6. Camp beside Trong Veo Stream
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Northwest of Da Lat, Lam Dong Province
- Best time to go: November to March (dry season)
- Price: Free if self-guided; gear rental extra (around 100,000–200,000 VND)
Trong Veo Stream is one of the most peaceful things to do in Vietnam for travelers who enjoy nature without crowds. Located deep in the pine hills outside Da Lat, this stream flows through clear, cool waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. A short ride on a dirt road leads to open grassy spots where you can pitch a tent beside the river.
From here, you can take easy hikes to nearby waterfalls, cook by the fire, and sleep under the stars. No tour groups, no distractions, just forest, water, and sky. It is a gentle and meaningful outdoor experience, especially popular among Vietnamese campers who seek calm over comfort. Bring your own gear or ask around Da Lat for simple rentals.
7. Discover wildlife in Nam Cat Tien National Park
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Nam Cat Tien, Dong Nai Province
- Best time to go: November to June
- Price: From 230,000 VND (around 9 USD) per activity
Looking for outdoor activities in Vietnam that offer both peace and purpose? Nam Cat Tien National Park is a quiet treasure tucked away in the tropical south. This expansive forest is home to rare wildlife, ancient trees, and riverside trails perfect for walking or gentle cycling. Early mornings bring birdsong and mist, while a visit to the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre adds depth to the journey.
After dark, the forest transforms. A night safari may reveal civets, porcupines, or deer moving softly under moonlight. Stay in a simple riverside lodge and wake to the call of gibbons echoing through the trees. Among the most rewarding things to do in Vietnam for nature lovers, Nam Cat Tien invites you to slow down and reconnect with the wild.
Moderate-level adventures in Vietnam
If you like movement and local connection but prefer comfort over extremes, this is your space. These moderate adventures include cultural night rides, scenic hikes, and motorbike loops with local guides. Each offers a deeper way to experience the country beyond its famous landmarks. For many travelers, this is where the most authentic things to do in Vietnam begin to unfold.
8. Cycle through Saigon’s hidden alleys at night
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Ho Chi Minh City (Districts 1, 4, and 10)
- Best time to go: Evenings, especially on weekdays to avoid weekend traffic
- Price: From 950,000 VND (around 39 USD) per person
Few nighttime activities in Vietnam offer such a personal view of Saigon’s layered past. The Saigon’s Untold Tales City Night Ride leads you far from the neon lights of Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien, into quiet backstreets where history lingers in ordinary places. The ride starts in District 1 with the real-life tale of a magnate who once owned over 10,000 properties. It continues into District 4, where you pass family altars, spiritual houses, and alley corners still shaped by generations of local memory.
The tour ends in District 10 at a mysterious abandoned house, followed by a break with street snacks and drinks. This cycling tour in Ho Chi Minh City gives you a rare chance to explore the city after dark in a way that feels both gentle and deeply insightful. Among the most offbeat things to do in Vietnam, it quietly reveals how history, belief, and life intertwine behind the scenes of modern Saigon.
Watch the trailer and feel the Saigon night come alive:
For more ideas after dark, explore other unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night.
9. Trek to the summit of Lang Biang Peak
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Lang Biang Mountain, Lac Duong District, Da Lat
- Best time to go: Dry season (November to March)
- Price: From 60,000 VND (entrance fee) or 900,000 VND with guided tour
Lang Biang Peak rises above Da Lat with misty slopes and whispering pine forests. The trek begins through farmland dotted with vegetables and flowers, then moves into shaded woods where wild orchids and chirping birds guide your way. As you gain elevation, the scenery becomes more dramatic, forest ridges stretch out into the horizon, and the cool air keeps the climb refreshing.
The final push to the summit follows steep switchbacks, but the reward is a sweeping view of Da Lat’s valleys wrapped in clouds. This is one of the best outdoor activities in Vietnam for travelers who love hiking but don’t want to commit to multi-day treks. Guides often share stories about the local K’ho people and point out plants used in traditional medicine. For nature lovers, this is a meaningful way to explore the highlands and connect with Vietnam’s cultural landscape.
For more unexpected experiences in the highlands, explore other unusual things to do in Da Lat.
10. Ride the motorbike loop in Ha Giang
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Hà Giang, Northern Vietnam
- Best time to go: March to May or September to November
- Price: From 4,000,000 VND (3 to 4 days, includes meals, homestay, motorbike, guide)
The Ha Giang Loop is a breathtaking motorbike route through northern Vietnam’s limestone mountains and deep valleys. With a local guide, you can focus on the experience instead of road worries. Each day brings new views, from cliffside passes and highland rice terraces to quiet villages where children wave from the roadside. You sleep in family-run homestays, eat home-cooked meals, and learn stories that never appear in guidebooks.
Riding with a guide makes this journey safe and meaningful, especially for first-time visitors. Stops often include Lung Cu Flag Tower, Ma Pi Leng Pass, and the colorful market towns of Dong Van and Meo Vac. Among the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam, this loop offers not just scenery, but a deep cultural connection that stays with you long after the ride ends.
11. Explore Cao Bang Loop with locals
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Cao Bằng Province, Northern Vietnam
- Best time to go: October to March (dry season with cool, clear weather)
- Price: From 146 USD for a 2-day motorbike tour, including guide, accommodation, and meals
In Vietnam’s far northeast lies Cao Bằng, a tranquil region of limestone peaks, clear blue rivers, and remote roads that lead into quiet valleys. Less visited than Ha Giang, this motorbike loop passes through breathtaking landscapes like Ban Gioc Waterfall, Angel Eye Mountain, and Lenin’s Stream. You ride through tiny hamlets where time seems to move slower, and every turn offers a postcard view untouched by mass tourism.
Joining a local easy rider adds depth to the journey. These guides know the hidden lookouts, introduce you to village crafts like knife forging or noodle making, and help you experience northern hospitality at family-run homes. This is one of the most enriching off-the-beaten-path things to do in Vietnam. For travelers interested in cycling in Vietnam, several sections of the loop are now popular among bikepackers who want a challenge with cultural reward.
12. Trek Sapa’s valleys with an ethnic guide
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Sapa, Lao Cai Province
- Best time to go: March to May or September to November
- Price: From 500,000 VND per person (day trek, including guide)
Trekking is one of the best things to do in Sapa. The misty rice terraces and highland trails have long drawn travelers from around the world. But in recent years, the area near town has become crowded and overdeveloped, making it harder to find the quiet beauty often seen in brochures. To truly experience this region, it is best to go deeper into the hills with a local Hmong or Dao guide. They know the hidden paths, offer cultural insight, and connect you with the land in a personal way.
With the right itinerary, you can hike through forested valleys, visit remote villages, and spend the night in a local homestay in Sapa, where daily life moves slowly and stays close to nature. For travelers seeking authentic connection beyond the crowds, this remains one of the most rewarding adventure things to do in Vietnam for adults.
Check the best time to visit Sapa before you go.
12. Paraglide over Mu Cang Chai’s rice terraces
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Khau Pha Pass, Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai Province
- Best time to go: Late August to early October (during the golden rice season)
- Price: From 2,200,000 VND (around 87 USD) per flight
Each autumn, the terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai turn brilliant gold, drawing photographers and nature lovers from around the world. But few experiences compare to flying above them. From Khau Pha Pass, you can join a tandem paragliding flight with a certified pilot, soaring quietly over the curved rice paddies, stilt houses, and misty hills of northern Vietnam.
What makes this one of the most awe-inspiring outdoor adventures in Vietnam is the rare chance to see an ethnic farming landscape from above, unchanged for generations. As you glide silently through the sky, the noise of the world fades and the scenery opens in every direction. It’s not only one of the most scenic things to do in Vietnam, but also one of the most peaceful and humbling.
14. Ride ATVs and zipline in Kong Forest
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Hon Ba Nature Reserve, Cam Lam District, Khanh Hoa Province
- Best time to go: December to April (dry season with cooler forest weather)
- Price: From 1,320,000 VND (approximately 52 USD, includes ATV ride, zipline, lunch, and transport)
Kong Forest is a jungle playground for adventure lovers. Nestled deep in Hon Ba Nature Reserve, this all-in-one outdoor experience lets you explore the wild side of Vietnam in a fun and accessible way. You ride an ATV through muddy forest trails, splash across rivers, and climb up forested slopes. After that, you zip through treetops with cool mountain air brushing past your face and waterfalls far below.
This is one of the most thrilling outdoor adventures in Vietnam because it packs action, nature, and convenience into one full day. For adults and families looking beyond the usual beaches, this ATV tour in Nha Trang is a unique way to experience Vietnam’s natural energy without going too far off track.
15. Cycle through K’ho villages near Da Lat
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Forested K’ho villages near Da Lat, Lam Dong Province
- Best time to go: November to March (cool, dry season)
- Price: From 1,200,000 VND per person (approximately 47 USD, includes guide, local workshop, cooking experience, and transport)
This is more than just a cycling tour in Vietnam. It offers a window into one of the country’s most overlooked indigenous cultures. The journey begins at a traditional K’ho house, where you’ll hear stories about the community’s roots and way of life. From there, you cycle through forested villages and small paths that pass vegetable gardens, wild herbs, and homes shaded by tall pine trees.
Unlike standard sightseeing, this ride invites you into daily life: harvesting herbs, listening to oral traditions, and sharing meals prepared with local ingredients you help collect. What makes this tour truly special is the personal exchange. It is one of the few cultural things to do in Vietnam where real connection, not performance, is the highlight. If you are looking for an activity that brings together movement, story, and community, this is a meaningful choice near Da Lat.
Watch the video to see what it’s like to immerse in K’ho culture:
Challenging adventures in Vietnam
For those who seek intensity, these adventures go further. You will trek to mountain summits, cycle high passes, and enter hidden caves few ever see. These are the most physically demanding things to do in Vietnam, but also the most unforgettable. If you are ready to step outside your comfort zone, the rewards are wild, beautiful, and worth every step.
16. Climb limestone cliffs in Huu Lung
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Huu Lung District, Lang Son Province (around 2 hours northeast of Hanoi)
- Best time to go: October to April
- Price: From 1,200,000 VND per person (approximately 47 USD, includes gear and guide)
Huu Lung is one of Vietnam’s hidden gems for outdoor adventure. Just a short drive from Hanoi, this rural district is dotted with limestone cliffs rising dramatically over rice paddies and quiet villages. With more than 100 bolted routes ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced, it has quietly become Vietnam’s unofficial climbing capital.
What sets this place apart is not just the climb. It’s the serenity. You might find yourself scaling a sunlit wall while water buffalo graze below or pausing mid-route to take in panoramic views of golden fields and forested hills. Local guides keep you safe and share insights into the land, the people, and the evolving climbing culture here. For nature lovers and thrill-seekers looking to escape the tourist trail, this is one of the most unique things to do in Vietnam. It is where calm countryside and adrenaline meet on the rock.
17. Trek to the top of Fansipan mountain
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Hoang Lien Son Range, Lao Cai Province (Northern Vietnam)
- Best time to go: March to May or September to November
- Price: From 2,500,000 VND per person (approximately 98 USD, includes guide, meals, permits, and camping gear)
Fansipan, at 3,143 meters above sea level, is Vietnam’s highest peak and the most iconic trek in the country. Often called the “Roof of Indochina,” this climb is a test of endurance, but one that comes with unforgettable rewards. As you ascend, the air cools, bamboo forests shift to ancient pines, and the mist creates a dreamlike silence. At sunrise, clouds roll beneath your feet, and prayer flags flutter above a summit that feels like the top of the world.
What makes this trek so special is not just the altitude but the variety. You’ll hike through ever-changing terrain, from muddy forest paths to steep stone ridges. Along the way, you may encounter rare flora, hear birdsong echoing in the valleys, and sleep under stars far from city lights. This is one of the most adventurous things to do in Vietnam for those who want more than a view. It’s a journey of effort, reflection, and awe that stays with you long after the descent.
18. Cycle across Ho Chi Minh City in a full-day 6-hour local adventure
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Ho Chi Minh City (District 1, 4, and outskirts)
- Best time to go: Early morning
- Price: From 1,200,000 VND (approximately 47 USD, includes bike, guide, drinks, and support)
If you’re searching for the most local things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, this full-day cycling tour offers a rare opportunity to see the contrasts of urban and rural life within a single journey. The ride begins in District 4, where alleyways brim with street food, daily rituals, and historical layers. You’ll wind through spiritual homes, old apartment blocks, and markets where vendors still greet each other by name.
In the second half of the day, the city slips away and a slower rhythm takes over. Palm-lined canals and village trails reveal a peaceful countryside many don’t know exists so close to the city. For travelers who want more than just photo stops, this 6 hours cycling tour offers human connections, shared meals, and a feeling of being part of everyday Vietnam. It’s one of the most memorable outdoor activities in Saigon and a meaningful answer for anyone asking what to do in Vietnam beyond the usual.
Watch the video to see what a full day cycling through city and countryside in Ho Chi Minh City feels like:
If this ride sounds like your kind of adventure, book this full-day cycling tour in Ho Chi Minh City now and ride with us.
19. Cycle the legendary Hai Van Pass
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Hai Van Pass, connecting Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue Province
- Best time to go: February to May or September to November
- Price: From 1,200,000 to 1,800,000 VND per person (around 48 to 72 USD, includes bike rental and support)
What’s next after gentle city-countryside rides? The Hai Van Pass is where cycling in Vietnam gets elevated literally and emotionally. The road climbs nearly 500 meters above the central coast, curving through lush hills and offering uninterrupted sea views. As you pedal higher, the tropical warmth gives way to mountain breeze, and clouds seem to float beside you.
The beauty of this journey lies not just in the scenery but in how it feels. As you pedal through shifting cloud lines and curve along dramatic cliffs, each turn reveals something new. The historic Hai Van Gate at the summit, once a strategic military post, now offers a breathtaking pause. It’s not just a ride; it’s a moving postcard and a quiet moment of awe. For cyclists in Vietnam seeking both serenity and a bit of a challenge, this route leaves a lasting impression.
Watch the video to see what it feels like to cycle the legendary Hai Van Pass:
20. Trek and camp in Son Doong Cave
Could this be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam?
- Location: Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province
- Best time to go: January to August
- Price: From 75,000,000 VND per person (around 3,000 USD, includes guide, porter, meals, and permits)
Deep in the heart of central Vietnam lies an adventure so rare that only a few hundred people each year are allowed to experience it. Hidden within the limestone mountains of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong is the world’s largest cave by volume. This is a place where clouds form inside the cavern, jungles grow underground, and rivers carve through ancient stone in complete silence.
The expedition is not just a trek. It is a journey through geological time. Over several days, you’ll hike remote jungle trails, cross underground rivers, and camp in enormous chambers where sunlight breaks through collapsed ceilings to nurture life below. The cave’s size is hard to grasp until you stand inside it. Some spaces are tall enough to fit a New York skyscraper.
This is one of the most exclusive things to do in Vietnam. For those seeking a life-changing experience far from crowds, advertisements, or even light, Son Doong offers silence, scale, and solitude on a level few places on earth can match. It’s not easy, but that is exactly why it stays unforgettable.
After a long hike like this, many travelers wind down with a traditional Vietnam massage. Maybe you will need it too.
Let your Vietnam adventure surprise you
Planning is useful, of course. It’s worth checking the best places to visit in Vietnam, noting the best time to visit Vietnam, or reading about traditional Vietnamese festivals to understand what might await you. But often, the most unforgettable things to do in Vietnam are the ones you didn’t expect.
You might turn a corner and find a street full of dragon dancers rehearsing for Tết. Or follow a quiet path and end up sipping tea with a stranger in a countryside home. This country reveals itself not only through famous sights but also in the small, slow, unplanned moments.
That same spirit shapes every cycling tours in Ho Chi Minh City with Jackfruit Adventure. We don’t just take you to landmarks. We guide you into the everyday life behind them. You’ll ride through alleyways with stories, stop for fruit at morning markets, and experience the city the way locals do.
If that sounds like your kind of adventure, we’d love to ride with you.
