Must-Do Activities in Vietnam

Cultural Experiences

• Explore ancient temples and historical sites like the Imperial Citadel in Hue
• Wander through Hanoi’s Old Quarter with its narrow lanes and traditional shops
• Attend a traditional water puppet show, a unique 11th-century Vietnamese art form
• Take a cooking class with market visits to select fresh ingredients
• Visit ethnic minority villages in Sapa or Mai Chau to witness traditional lifestyles
• Experience a traditional homestay with local families
• Shop for handcrafted souvenirs at traditional craft villages

Natural Wonders

• Cruise Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters among thousands of limestone karsts
• Trek through terraced rice fields, spectacular during planting (May-June) or harvest (September-October)
• Explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park’s cave systems, including Son Doong or Paradise Cave
• Experience the Mekong Delta’s floating markets and intricate canal systems
• Relax on pristine beaches in Phu Quoc, Con Dao, or Quy Nhon
• Discover the highland beauty of Da Lat with its waterfalls and flower farms
• Navigate the tranquil river systems of Ninh Binh (often called “Ha Long Bay on land”)

Culinary Adventures

• Sample authentic street food through guided tours in major cities
  • Try regional specialties:
    • Pho (noodle soup)
    • Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches)
    • Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles)
    • Cao lau (Hoi An specialty noodles)

• Visit vibrant local markets like Ben Thanh or Dong Ba
• Experience Vietnam’s coffee culture with specialties like egg coffee or coconut coffee
• Explore regional cuisine variations from north to south
• Take part in countryside food experiences with farm-to-table meals
• Sample tropical fruits unique to Southeast Asia

Historical Insights

• Visit the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels to understand Vietnam’s complex history
• Explore ancient trading ports such as Hoi An’s well-preserved Old Town
• Discover imperial history at the Forbidden Purple City in Hue
• Visit centuries-old pagodas like the One Pillar Pagoda or Bai Dinh Pagoda
• Learn about Vietnam’s independence at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum
• Explore colonial architecture in major cities
• Visit ancient Cham temples demonstrating Hindu influences