Vietnam Travel Guide: Top Attractions & Highlights
Vietnam is a land of breathtaking contrasts—ancient pagodas rising over vibrant cities, limestone karsts towering above emerald bays, and bustling street markets humming with life. Whether you’re craving scenic motorbike rides, spiritual temples, culinary adventures, or beach relaxation, Vietnam delivers it all with warmth and charm.
In this guide, you’ll uncover Vietnam’s top destinations, exciting things to do, cultural insights, best food spots, transportation tips, hidden gems, and more—perfect for backpackers, luxury travelers, families, and digital nomads alike. Things to do in Vietnam
Destination Overview & Neighborhood Breakdown
Vietnam stretches along Southeast Asia’s eastern coastline, from the lush north to the sun-soaked southern delta. The country is commonly explored in three regions:
- Northern Vietnam: Includes Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay.
- Central Vietnam: Features Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, and the Marble Mountains.
- Southern Vietnam: Dominated by Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc Island.
Top Places to Stay:
- Hanoi Old Quarter – cultural heart of the capital.
- Hoi An Ancient Town – romantic and historic riverside area.
- District 1, Ho Chi Minh City – urban center with nightlife and museums.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang – for adventure lovers and cave explorers.
Top Places to Visit in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning limestone islands. Book a cruise for kayaking, cave visits, and island hopping.
Book a Ha Long Bay Cruise
Hoi An Ancient Town
A lantern-lit riverside town famous for its preserved architecture, tailors, and night markets. Visit during the Full Moon Lantern Festival. Book Hoi An Ancient Town Tours
Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City)
Explore the extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War.
Book a Cu Chi Tunnel Tour
Phong Nha Caves
Home to Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, and other epic caverns like Paradise Cave. Ideal for trekking and adventure tours.
Sapa
Nestled in the mountains, Sapa offers terraced rice fields, ethnic villages, and hiking opportunities through lush valleys. Sapa Tours and Tickets
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam’s weather varies by region:
- North (Hanoi, Sapa): Best in spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov).
- Central (Hoi An, Hue): Dry season runs Feb–Aug.
- South (Saigon, Mekong): Dry season from Dec–April; monsoon season May–Nov.
Top Events:
- Tet (Vietnamese New Year) – Jan/Feb: Cultural celebrations.
- Hoi An Lantern Festival – Monthly full moon: Magical lantern displays.
Pro Tip: Visit during shoulder seasons (March or October) for fewer tourists and pleasant weather.
Top Things to Do in Vietnam
- Cruise through Ha Long Bay
- Take a street food tour in Hanoi or Saigon
Book a Food Tour - Get custom clothing made in Hoi An
- Motorbike along the Hai Van Pass
- Explore the Mekong Delta by boat
- Attend a traditional water puppet show
- Relax on the beaches of Phu Quoc or Da Nang
Culture & History
Vietnam’s culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and ancient dynasties. French colonial influence is evident in its architecture, particularly in Hanoi and Da Lat.
Historical Highlights:
- The Imperial City of Hue offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past.
- The Vietnam War left deep historical marks—explore museums and tunnels for context.
Local legends like the creation story of Ha Long Bay, where dragons descended to protect the land, continue to color Vietnam’s folklore.
Beaches, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
- Phu Quoc Island – Ideal for snorkeling, diving, and beach resorts.
- Nha Trang – Coastal city with lively beach scenes and water sports.
- Cat Ba Island – Base for Ha Long Bay eco-tourism and hiking in the national park.
- Ba Be Lake – A peaceful mountain lake and Ban Gioc Water Fall Best of North for kayaking and cave tours.
Tip: Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray when venturing outdoors.
Viewpoints & Photo Opportunities
- Fansipan Summit – Known as the “Roof of Indochina,” accessible by hike or cable car.
- Marble Mountains (Da Nang) – Panoramic views from caves and pagodas.
- Mua Cave Viewpoint (Ninh Binh) – Instagram-famous for the dragon statue overlooking karst landscapes.
Local Food & Drink Guide
Don’t leave without trying:
- Pho – Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup.
- Banh Mi – French-inspired baguette sandwich.
- Bun Cha – Grilled pork and noodle dish, famously enjoyed by Obama in Hanoi.
- Cao Lau – Hoi An specialty with chewy noodles.
- Egg Coffee – Hanoi’s frothy dessert drink.
Best Spots:
- Hanoi Night Market
- Ben Thanh Market (Saigon)
- Banh Mi Phuong (Hoi An)
Getting There & Getting Around
Airports:
Transport Options:
- Trains – Reunification Express connects north and south.
- Domestic flights – Cheap and convenient for long distances.
- Buses – Budget-friendly, ideal for intercity travel.
- Grab (Asia’s Uber) – Great for short distances in cities.
- Motorbike rentals – Popular but only for confident riders.
Tip: Always confirm Grab fares before starting the ride and wear a helmet when biking.
- Ha Giang Loop – A 3–5 day motorbike journey through mountain passes and remote villages.
- Ban Gioc Waterfall – A majestic, lesser-known waterfall on the Chinese border.
- Con Dao Islands – Pristine beaches and wartime history.
- Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen) – Coastal town with undiscovered charm and seafood.
Custom Experiences & Safety Tips
- Private river cruises in the Mekong Delta.
- Hill tribe homestays in Sapa or Ha Giang.
- Spa retreats in Da Nang or Hoi An.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid tap water—drink bottled or filtered.
- Watch out for taxi scams—use reputable apps.
- Carry cash—many rural areas don’t accept cards.
- Dress modestly at temples.
Nearby Destinations & Add-On Trips
- Cambodia – Visit Angkor Wat from southern Vietnam.
- Laos – Access Luang Prabang via Hanoi.
- Thailand – Flights to Bangkok from major cities are frequent.
- Bai Tu Long Bay – A quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay.
Practical Travel Tips
Vietnam is a feast for the senses—a place where natural beauty, cultural complexity, and warm hospitality meet. Whether you’re weaving through traffic in Hanoi, gliding along a Mekong canal, or watching the sunset from a beachside hammock, this is a country that will stay with you.
Quick Tips:
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Visa: e-Visa available for many nationalities
- Sim Cards: Viettel or Mobifone offer affordable data
- Language: Vietnamese (basic English spoken in tourist areas)
Start planning your unforgettable journey with a customizable tour or book top-rated experiences through Viator today. Visit our Homepage
