What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam is November through April since there is no rain and the climate is still cooler.

What should I pack for a trip to Vietnam?

Pack light and carry light-weaved summer clothes for a comfortable stay. You may also get other essentials including sunblock, mosquito repellent, and a raincoat in case they get any unexpected rains.

Are there any must-try foods in Vietnam?

Try these three things: Pho, Banh Mi, and Egg Coffee when you are in Vietnam. These dishes give you the true local taste of the place.

What currency do I need in Vietnam?

The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong. You can exchange your money very easily in almost all the major cities.

How long should I spend in Vietnam?

You will see the whole of Vietnam from north to south in 10-14 days. It is crucial to plan your trip accordingly.

What are the most visited places in Vietnam?

Halong Bay, the Imperial City of Hue, and Phu Quoc Island are the most visited attractions in Vietnam.

Explore The Best 35 Things To Do In Vietnam With This Guide!

Whether it is the breathtaking landscape, historic monuments, or beautiful beaches一 Vietnam has something for everybody. Being one of the most welcoming countries in the world, it offers larger-than-life experiences that leave you with lifelong memories. Picking the perfect Vietnam tour package can further help you explore the country in the best way possible.

Vietnam promises visitors unforgettable travel adventures through its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, spanning from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Whether to visit Vietnam or not is never a question. The real dilemma is deciding the things to do in Vietnam, given the plethora of options at your disposal!

With so much to choose from, it can feel a little overwhelming to plan your trip. Don’t worry—we’re here to help you explore some of the best things to do in Vietnam and make the most of your visit.

Top 35 Things To Do In Vietnam For A Perfect Vacation

Whether you are a history buff or a foodie, Vietnam is certain to be high on your bucket list. The country has exceptional food choices while also offering extravagant historical and cultural experiences. Let us look at the best things to do in Vietnam, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of the country for you:

1. Visit the Imperial City of Hue

The Imperial City of Hue has been declared a city of world heritage by UNESCO. It was the capital city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, and exploring this place is one of the top things to do in Vietnam. It remains an impressive architectural site with historical palaces, temples, and cultural significance.

Best Time to Visit: February to August

Closest airport: Phu Bai International Airport (15 km away)
Attractions: Forbidden Purple City, Thien Mu Pagoda & Imperial Tombs.

2. Explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town is yet another world heritage site in Vietnam. It used to be a sought-after Southeast Asian trading port back in the day. Tourists also come to explore the preserved ancient structures and houses from the merchant era. You can walk down roads dived under dim lighting, and look at the superb Japanese Bridge!

Best Time to Visit: February to April
Nearest Airport: Da Nang International Airport (30 km away)
Top Attractions: Japanese Bridge, Old House of Tan Ky, Hoi An Ancient Town

3. Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels Near Ho Chi Minh City

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of highly developed underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. That underground space is as historically precious as any museum. Explore the tunnels to understand their historical significance and gain firsthand experience of what life was like for the soldiers who hid there.

Best Time to Visit: November to April
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (30 km away)
Top Attractions: Cu Chi Tunnels, War History Museum, Reunification Palace

4. Admire the Hoa Lo Prison Museum in Hanoi

Known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton,’ this site served as a notorious prison years ago. It was designed during French colonization and the Vietnam War, and at present, it is regarded as the Hoa Lo prison. The place has now turned into a museum. Visitors can learn about the harrowing experiences of prisoners through exhibits and narratives.

Best Time to Visit: All year round
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (30 km away)
Top Attractions: Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake

5. Visit The My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary consists of ancient Hindu temples constructed during the Champa kingdom, 4th-13th century AD. This makes it one of the top attractions in Vietnam. It is historic and a part of UNESCO’s heritage sites. My Son Sanctuary offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich and diverse cultural history.

Best Time to Visit: February to April
Nearest Airport: Da Nang International Airport (60 km away)
Top Attractions: My Son Temples, Cham Museum, Ba Na Hills

6. Cruise Through Halong Bay

The emerald green waters are amidst a towering karst landscape in limestone. A boat cruise offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, exploring caves, and enjoying stunning views of the bay. This place forms an idyllic abode in nature, making it one of the most interesting things to do in Vietnam.

Best Time to Visit: October to April
Nearest Airport: Cat Bi International Airport (70 km away)
Top Attractions: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Halong Bay Cruises

7. Trek in Sapa’s Terraced Rice Fields

Sapa is nestled in the northern highlands of Vietnam. The place is famous for its stunning terraced rice fields, the vibrant culture of ethnic minorities, and breathtaking mountain views, making it one of the top attractions in Vietnam.

Best Time to Visit: September to November
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (315 km away)
Top Attractions: Fansipan Mountain, Sapa Market, Muong Hoa Valley

8. Marvel at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its exquisite caves. The world’s largest natural cave, Son Doong, is found in this park. Karsts and underground limestone rivers characterize the park, which has a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Best Time to Visit: February to April
Nearest Airport: Dong Hoi Airport (45 km away)
Top Attractions: Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave

9. Witness the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne

If you are a desert person, exploring the red and white sand dunes at Mui Ne can be just the thing for you. The place also offers stunning views while you can further plan for sandboarding and organising jeep tours on its backroads, leading to a beautiful and idyllic nature area.

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Nearest Airport: Phan Thiet Airport (22 km away)
Top Attractions: Red Sand Dunes, White Sand Dunes, Mui Ne Beach

10. Relax at Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc

Tam Coc is known as the “Halong Bay on land,” owing to its outstanding karst limestone scenery with paddies. This also marks its spot in the list of best things to do in Vietnam. The village can also be toured by boat through the verdant scenes of the Ngo Dong River.

Best Time to Visit: January to March
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (120 km away)
Top Attractions: Tam Coc Cave, Bich Dong Pagoda, Trang An Landscape Complex

11. Sunbathe at Da Nang’s My Khe Beach

My Khe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, with clear, blue water gushes. The place is perfect for swimming, surfing, or lying under the sun’s warm rays. You can also visit the seafood restaurants near the beach and savor a good meal.

Best Time to Visit: May to September
Nearest Airport: Da Nang International Airport (5 km away)
Top Attractions: Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, Son Tra Peninsula

12. Enjoy Vinpearl Island in Nha Trang

Vinpearl Island is the best resort in Nha Trang. It comprises a few theme parks, resorts, and excellent scenic views of beaches around. You can also find exciting amusement parks on this island to make the most of your trip!

Best Time to Visit: January to August
Nearest Airport: Cam Ranh International Airport (40 km away)
Top Attractions: Vinpearl Amusement Park, Vinpearl Land, Long Son Pagoda

13. Swim on Con Dao Island

Con Dao Island is an excellent place for swimming and snorkelling. The island beaches are very clean, and the sea water is crystal clear, with a highly diversified marine life. To top it all, some historical sites concerning Vietnam’s war history can also be visited here.

Best Time to Visit: March to September
Nearest Airport: Con Dao Airport (13 km away)
Top Attractions: Con Dao National Park, An Hai Beach, Con Dao Prison

14. Kayak Around Cat Ba Island

Another way of experiencing beach fun would be to kayak around Cat Ba Island. This also takes you to some of the least trodden beaches, caves, and lagoons in Vietnam. Kayaking here would form a true retreat, as one would enjoy the scenic, rugged coastline of the island, along with its green forest and rich marine life.

Best Time to Visit: September to April
Nearest Airport: Cat Bi International Airport (35 km away)
Top Attractions: Cat Ba National Park, Lan Ha Bay, Cannon Fort

15. Visit Phu Quoc’s Starfish Beach

The Starfish Beach in Phu Quoc is ideal for snorkeling and relaxation, with its calm waters and vibrant marine life. The beach is surrounded by a silent sea breeze which is a very good spot to relax!

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Nearest Airport: Phu Quoc International Airport (23 km away)
Top Attractions: Dinh Cau Temple, Vinpearl Safari, Bai Sao Beach

16. Wander Along The Old Quarter of Hanoi

This old quarter is an enigma of narrow streets, crowded markets, and rich historic architecture. The heart of cultural life in Hanoi – from the old world charm to its vibrancy – attracts everyone to explore this place to its fullest. You can visit the ancient temples here alongside shopping some of the local handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit: September to November
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (30 km away)
Top Attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Hanoi Opera House

17. Enjoy Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City

This great city has thousands of rooftop bars, clubs, and street food stalls, making up for the perfect nightlife experience. Sharing cocktails over the roof or going for a night out is one of the best things to do in Vietnam in December when the temperature is very pleasant.

Best Time to Visit: December to April
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (6 km away)
Top Attractions: Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Street, War Remnants Museum

18. Explore Dragon Bridge in Da Nang

Dragon Bridge in Da Nang City, crossing over the Han River, is one of the city’s greatest architectural beauties. The Dragon Bridge symbolizes Da Nang’s blend of historical and modern prosperity. Watching over a breathing fire dragon on the weekend is a fantastic experience!

Best Time to Visit: All year round
Nearest Airport: Da Nang International Airport (2 km away)
Top Attractions: Marble Mountains, Han River, My Khe Beach

19. Shop at Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the oldest markets in the history associated with Ho Chi Minh City. It is one of the most beautiful markets to shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, fresh fruits, vegetables, and street foods.

Best Time to Visit: All year round
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (7 km away)
Top Attractions: Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral

20. Sip The Authentic Vietnamese Coffee

Among the many things to do in Vietnam, you simply cannot miss exploring Hanoi. Hanoi is a culturally lively city; its coffee culture is at par with some of the best in the world.

Some of the most famous coffee shops in Vietnam can be found here. Be sure to grab the egg coffee when in Vietnam— this local specialty only exists in Hanoi and must be tasted at least once!

Best Time to Visit: All year round
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (30 km away)
Top Attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, St. Joseph’s Cathedral

21. Try Pho Noodles in Hanoi

Trying the Pho is yet another thing you must do when in Vietnam. This is a thick Vietnamese soup with broth served with rice noodles. It also includes various types of meat like beef or chicken, alongside the herbs and condiments on top.

Best Time to Visit: All year round
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (30 km away)
Top Attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Hanoi Opera House

22. Hop on The Reunification Express

Riding the Reunification Express, which is the train line connecting North and South Vietnam, is among the top things to do in Vietnam. Offering stellar views of paddy fields, local towns, and beautiful mountain landscapes, the railway line starts from Hanoi and takes you to Ho Chi Minh City.

Best Time to Visit: November to April
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Top Attractions: Hue, Ninh Binh and Ninh Binh.

23. Explore The War Remnants Museum

If you love to learn about historical events, the War Remnants Museum can be one of the best things to do in Vietnam for you. The place has several dedicated exhibits that showcase specific themes around the war. From fighter places to tanks, you can witness all these crucial artifacts here.

Best Time to Visit: November to April
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) (7 km away)
Top Attractions: Historial documents and war weapons

24. Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

If you truly wish to take back the essence of Vietnamese food with you, taking a dedicated cooking class can be one of the best ideas. These classes are famous for teaching how to make the imperial dishes that used to be prepared for the emperors of Vietnam. These often include ‘Banh Beo,’ ‘Com Hen,’ and more.

Best Time to Visit: January to August
Nearest Airport: Cam Ranh International Airport (40 km away)
Top Attractions: Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang Beach, Po Nagar Cham Towers

25. Enjoy Seafood at Cua Dai Beach

This port city in Nha Trang offers the most exotic and fresh seafood. The most popular dishes include grilled lobster and steamed clams fried in one of the many restaurants with a beachfront.

Best Time to Visit: February to August
Nearest Airport: Phu Bai International Airport (15 km away)
Top Attractions: Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Citadel

26. Witness the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is considered one of Vietnam’s biggest traditional festivals. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, during which people celebrate their harvests and reunions with family members. Colorful parades of lanterns, mooncakes, and folk performances can be seen around Vietnam.

Best Time to Visit: September
Nearest Airport: Available in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang
Top Attractions: Lantern Festival in Hoi An, Mooncake Tasting, Traditional Dance

27. See a Water Puppet Show

Water puppets is a traditional Vietnamese performance, making it one of the most unmissable things to do in Vietnam. The puppets enact the performance in a pool by puppeteers from backstage. The performances depict village life, myths, and stories.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (30 km away)
Top Attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

28. Attend the Hue Festival

One of the grand events that Vietnam aspires to be a cultural superpower, the Hue Festival is held every alternate year. It houses all the traditional performances, folk music and dance, parades, etc. Major parts of all such events happen in the Imperial City.

Best Time to Visit: April (during festival dates)
Nearest Airport: Phu Bai International Airport (15 km away)
Top Attractions: Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Traditional Performances

29. Explore Tet Celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City

‘Tet’ is the term that means New Year for Vietnamese communities. Regarded as the largest festival in Vietnam, this should have a spot in your list of things to do in Vietnam. In the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, there are flower markets, traditional food markets, and fireworks markets. It is the perfect opportunity to spend time with family members and pay great respect to their ancestors.

Best Time to Visit: January or February (Tet Festival)
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (6 km away)
Top Attractions: Flower Markets, Tet Parades, Traditional Foods

30. Visit Traditional Craft Villages

The traditional craft villages of Vietnam present tourists with the country’s cultural past. Pottery villages at Bat Trang, silk weaving at Van Phuc, and lacquerware artisans in Hoi An, among others, produce excellent products fashioned by expert hands.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Nearest Airport: Available in major cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City
Top Attractions: Craft Workshops, Handicraft Shops, Cultural Exhibitions

31. Cycle Around The Mekong Delta

Land of rivers and canals— the Mekong Delta is an important place to visit in Vietnam. A bicycling tour around the region offers you an amazing experience. You can also have a boat trip through the floating markets, small villages, and lush canopies that envelop this region.

Best Time to Visit: November to April
Nearest Airport: Can Tho International Airport (10 km away)
Top Attractions: Floating Markets, Traditional Villages, My Tho

32. Go Caving in Hang Son Doong

This is the world’s largest cave in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is simply breathtaking. It is an exceptional experience for adventure hunters who take it on foot.

Best Time to Visit: February to August
Nearest Airport: Dong Hoi Airport (50 km away)
Top Attractions: Son Doong Cave, Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave

33. Parasailing in Nha Trang

Nha Trang is among the most spectacular coastal beauty in Vietnam With the clear blue waters of its beaches, parasailing and paragliding gives a bird’s eye view of the city, its breathtaking coastline, and the islands.

Best Time to Visit: January to August
Nearest Airport: Cam Ranh International Airport (40 km away)
Top Attractions: Nha Trang Beach, Vinpearl Land, Po Nagar Cham Towers

34. Take a Lantern-Making Workshop in Hoi An

Hoi An is a town of lanterns. Enroll in a class or join a workshop to learn how to make those beautiful silk-on lanterns. The lantern-making tour is the best souvenir-making activity and provides insights into the culture. You’ll find it one of the best things to do in Vietnam in December.

Best Time to Visit: September to December
Nearest Airport: Da Nang International Airport (30 km away)
Top Attractions: Hoi An Ancient Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, Lantern Workshops

35. Visit the Love Market in Sapa

Sapa Love Market is one of the very few cultural experiences in which teenagers come to seek their lover. It is held every Saturday evening in Sapa, and visitors can view the dances, songs, and other ceremonies carried out there. The market forms part of the ethnic culture of this place.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round (especially Saturdays)
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (315 km away)
Top Attractions: Sapa Market, Fansipan Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley

Conclusion

Vietnam is a land of endless charm, offering a blend of history, nature, and cultural vibrancy. From cruising Halong Bay to exploring the ancient streets of Hoi An, every corner promises unforgettable experiences.

If you’re visiting during December, embrace the cool, pleasant weather to explore top attractions like Sapa’s rice terraces or Mui Ne’s dunes. Plan your journey to discover the best things to do in Vietnam and create memories that last a lifetime.

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35 Best Things to Do in Vietnam for an Epic Travel Experience