Vietnam Top 10 Things to Do
Vietnam is one of those places that completely captures your heart. From its breathtaking natural wonders to its rich culture and vibrant cities, every moment feels like an adventure. I spent over two months exploring Vietnam, soaking in everything from the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh to the vibrant chaos of Hanoi, the stunning waters of Halong Bay, and the historical charm of Hue.
I wandered the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and experienced the magic of Vietnam’s landscapes, people, and food. Some of my favorite moments in Hue included visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple overlooking the Perfume River, and hopping on a motorcycle tour through the countryside, where I rode past rice fields, explored local villages, and even visited a peaceful abandoned water park.
Of course, I couldn’t miss a food tour in Hue—tasting authentic Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes), fresh spring rolls with shrimp, and a comforting bowl of vegan pho was an absolute must! Every city had something unique to offer, and Vietnam quickly became one of my favorite destinations in the world.
Vietnam Highlights
People & Culture
Vietnamese people are known for their warmth and hospitality. The culture is deeply influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, emphasizing respect for family and community. Festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival showcase local traditions, music, and food.
I stayed fro November 22 to January 27, 2025 so I experienced Christmas, New Years, and a part of Tet celebrations and decor. My host, Anh at Nang House (where I stayed over a month and a half) had some beautiful decorations.
Religion
The major religions include Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Catholicism. Many Vietnamese people practice a blend of these traditions along with ancestor worship, which plays a central role in family life.
Regions & Climates
Vietnam is divided into three main regions:
North: Four seasons, with cool winters and hot summers. Hanoi and Ha Long Bay are highlights.
Central: A mix of tropical and dry climates, home to Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue.
South: Hot and humid year-round, featuring Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
History & War
Vietnam has a complex history, from ancient dynasties to French colonization and the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, and Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) give insight into the country’s resilience and fight for independence.
With my travel to 7 continents now at 40+ countries, Vietnam captivated my spirit, soul, mind and body in more ways than one.
It is time to put Vietnam on your bucket list.
During my full-time travels in Vietnam, I stayed almost six weeks in Danang, week in Ninh Binh, week in Hanoi, and 3 days in Hue.
Originally, I planned to stay in Danang longer but I experienced a ton of rain and shifted my plans. I recommend you don't visit Vietnam in the Danang and Hoi An area until January.
Whether you will spend one day, a week, or over two months like I did, you will love it.
It's not easy to narrow down Vietnam to a Top 10 Things to Do.
Vietnam Top 10 Things to Do
1️⃣ Explore Ninh Binh & Trang An Boat Ride – Glide through limestone caves, bike through rice fields, and visit Bich Dong Pagoda.
2️⃣ Celebrate New Year in Hanoi – Ride a double-decker bus, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, and grab coffee at Notes Café.
3️⃣ Visit the Vibrant Incense Village – Take a half-day trip to Quang Phu Cau for stunning colorful incense-making scenes.
4️⃣ Make & Wear a Traditional Vietnamese Hat – Create your own Nón Lá and rock it for IG-worthy travel shots.
5️⃣ Take a 5-Star Halong Bay Cruise – Kayak, explore caves, and sail through stunning emerald waters.
6️⃣ Bike Through Hoi An’s Ancient Streets – Ride through the UNESCO-listed Old Town and surrounding rice fields.
7️⃣ Spin in a Coconut Boat in Hoi An – Experience the wild, fun ride of a traditional Vietnamese round boat.
8️⃣ Float Among Lanterns During Hoi An’s Full Moon Festival – Witness thousands of glowing lanterns on the Thu Bon River.
9️⃣ Try & Make Vietnamese Coffee – Sip on coconut coffee, egg coffee, and caramel salt coffee in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Da Nang.
🔟 Eat Your Way Through Vietnam – Enjoy fresh spring rolls, vegan pho, and crispy pancakes while exploring the country.
All shots are my own on Canon EOSM100, Sony A330, and/or my iPhone 13 or via Airbnb.
Travel to Vietnam
Travel to Vietnam is easy with all major and budget airlines flying in and through Danang, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and other major cities. I flew in and out Danang.
Top 10 Vietnam Things to Do
Undoubtedly, Vietnam offers memorable experiences in the country.
I experienced a lot during my travels to Vietnam for 2+ months.
No matter how much time you have to travel to Vietnam, make the most of it.
Whether you spend a day, a week, or months in Vietnam always make any travels your own!
In putting together the Top 10 Vietnam Things to Do, I considered how I would experience travels knowing what I know now to make it easier and more enjoyable for you.
Vietnam Top 10 Things to Do includes:
1️⃣ Explore Ninh Binh & Trang An Boat Ride – Glide through limestone caves, bike through rice fields, and visit Bich Dong Pagoda.
2️⃣ Celebrate New Year in Hanoi – Ride a double-decker bus, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, and grab coffee at Notes Café.
3️⃣ Visit the Vibrant Incense Village – Take a half-day trip to Quang Phu Cau for stunning colorful incense-making scenes.
4️⃣ Make & Wear a Traditional Vietnamese Hat – Create your own Nón Lá and rock it for IG-worthy travel shots.
5️⃣ Take a 5-Star Halong Bay Cruise – Kayak, explore caves, and sail through stunning emerald waters.
6️⃣ Bike Through Hoi An’s Ancient Streets – Ride through the UNESCO-listed Old Town and surrounding rice fields.
7️⃣ Spin in a Coconut Boat in Hoi An – Experience the wild, fun ride of a traditional Vietnamese round boat.
8️⃣ Float Among Lanterns During Hoi An’s Full Moon Festival – Witness thousands of glowing lanterns on the Thu Bon River.
9️⃣ Try & Make Vietnamese Coffee – Sip on coconut coffee, egg coffee, and caramel salt coffee in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Da Nang.
🔟 Eat Your Way Through Vietnam – Enjoy fresh spring rolls, vegan pho, and crispy pancakes while exploring the country.
1 Discover Ninh Binh’s Natural Beauty & Hidden Gems
Ninh Binh is hands down one of the most underrated destinations in Vietnam. If you love nature, peace, and jaw-dropping landscapes, this is your spot.
Ninh Binh alone was worth the trip to Vietnam for me.
I felt transported to a new world from the moment I arrived at Indochine Boutique Hotel Ninh Binh the week of Christmas. The hotel has a waterfall onsite that lights up at night and they cook corn by the fire!
One of the absolute highlights of my time in Ninh Binh was the Trang An boat ride, where I glided through limestone caves, emerald waters, and ancient temples—it truly felt like a scene straight out of a movie.
I spent time biking around Ninh Binh, soaking in the quiet beauty of rice paddies, local villages, and historic sites. One of my favorite stops was Bich Dong Pagoda, a serene temple nestled in the mountains with breathtaking views. And when it comes to food, Ninh Binh delivered!
2 Celebrate New Year in Hanoi – A Festive Experience
Hanoi is the kind of city that feels alive no matter the time of year, but experiencing New Year’s Eve here was something else! I hopped on a double-decker bus tour and cruised through the city’s historic streets, taking in the festive lights, lively crowds, and electric energy.
I stayed at a super cute pink Airbnb close to Hoan Kiem Lake. One of my favorite moments was walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, where people gathered to watch fireworks, live performances, and street celebrations.
Of course, I had to make a stop at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, to soak in a bit of history amidst all the excitement. And no visit to Hanoi is complete without a coffee break at Notes Café, a cozy little spot covered in handwritten notes from travelers worldwide—such a cool place to sit, reflect, and enjoy the magic of the city.
3 Experience the Vivid Colors of Incense Village Near Hanoi
This one is for the Instagram lovers and Content Creators.
If you're looking for a unique half-day trip from Hanoi, Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is a must! This place is a photographer’s dream, with thousands of colorful incense sticks arranged in intricate patterns, drying under the sun.
Watching the locals handcraft the incense was mesmerizing—they’ve been doing this for generations, and their skill and precision are incredible. The whole experience was magical, and I left with some amazing photos and a newfound appreciation for this traditional Vietnamese craft.
4 Make & Wear Traditional Vietnamese Hats (Nón Lá)
Make & Wear Traditional Vietnamese Hats (Nón Lá) for Your Videos & IG Photos
One of my absolute favorite souvenirs from Vietnam was my Nón Lá (traditional Vietnamese hat)—not only is it stylish and practical, but it's also such an iconic symbol of Vietnamese culture.
I got to make my own hat in a local workshop, learning the step-by-step process of weaving and shaping the palm leaves. I bought a hat. with embroidery of Vietnam for $5 USD. Wearing it instantly made me feel connected to Vietnam’s history, and of course, it became a staple in my photos and videos throughout my trip!
5 Cruise Through Halong Bay in Luxury
This is a must bucket list experience in Vietnam.
If Halong Bay isn’t already on your bucket list, add it now! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is every bit as dreamy as it looks in photos, and the best way to experience it is by taking a luxury day cruise.
I booked a 5-star cruise , and it was worth every penny. We sailed through Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and hidden lagoons, stopping to kayak, swim, and take in the surreal scenery. The fresh seafood lunch on board was absolutely delicious, and nothing beats lounging on the deck with a coconut in hand, soaking in the breathtaking views.
6 Explore Hoi An by Bike – A UNESCO World Heritage City
Hoi An is pure magic. Every corner of this ancient town feels like a scene from a storybook, with yellow-walled houses, colorful lanterns, and charming little cafes. The best way to experience it? By bike!
I spent hours cycling on my pink bike from Calm Villa 3 through the town, stopping at tailor shops, art galleries, and local markets. The bike was included in my stay with Flower and Rosy. The peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An is also worth exploring—lush rice fields, water buffalo, and hidden temples make for the perfect biking adventure.
7 Spin Around in a Coconut Boat in Hoi An
One of the most fun and unexpected experiences in Hoi An was hopping into a coconut boat in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. These little round boats might look peaceful, but once the guides start spinning them, it turns into a wild ride! Locals even perform tricks, dance, and sing while paddling—it’s such a fun and immersive way to experience Vietnam’s coastal culture.
Don't believe me? Just watch.
8 Witness the Magic of Hoi An’s Full Moon Lantern Festival & Make Your Own Lantern
If you’re in Hoi An, try to plan your trip around the Full Moon Lantern Festival. Once a month, the town turns into an absolute fairytale, with thousands of lanterns floating on the river, traditional music playing in the streets, and locals gathering to make wishes for the future. Taking a boat ride during the festival was one of the most beautiful and peaceful experiences of my trip.
For an even more special touch, visit a local workshop and make your own lantern—it's a fun, hands-on way to immerse yourself in Hoi An’s magical atmosphere and take home a piece of the experience! I made an awesome new friend Daisy at my first workshops with loved it so much I came back and made two more lanterns as gifts!
9 Learn to Make Vietnamese Coffee – Coconut, Egg, & Caramel Salt
Vietnamese coffee is legendary, and I made it my mission to try as many different types as possible! My absolute favorites were hot coconut coffee (Notes Café in Hanoi and Ancient Remedy in Hoi An), egg coffee (Met Café in Hanoi and Hoi An), and caramel salt coffee (Wanderlust Café in Da Nang).
I even learned how to make egg coffee at Calm Villa, where I got hands-on experience brewing the perfect cup. And if you love it as much as I do, you can buy instant Vietnamese coffee as gifts!
10 Eat Your Way Through Vietnam – Vegan Pancakes, Fresh Spring Rolls & Pho
Vietnamese food is next-level delicious, and the best part? It’s so easy to eat fresh, healthy, and plant-based here! Some of my absolute must-try dishes included crispy vegan pancakes, fresh spring rolls with shrimp, and warming bowls of vegan pho. While Vietnam is known for its pork-heavy dishes, I had no trouble finding amazing meat-free options everywhere I went.
My favorite spots included Met Cafe in Hanoi and Hoi An, Indochine Boutique Hotel and Waterfall Restaurant in Ninh Binh, and Ancient Remedy Tea House in Hoi An.
Top 10 Things to Do in Vietnam
Is travel to Vietnam on your bucket list?
Vietnam completely stole my heart, and these 10 experiences are just the beginning. I packed in 22 adventures over two months, with an average of $9 per adventure—proving that you can have an incredible time in Vietnam without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re into history, nature, food, or culture, this country truly has something for everyone.
Which adventure would you try first?
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