Be sure to check out the 545Travel international page for more ideas when planning the best things to do in Vietnam!
*Last updated 1/2/2024
The Best Things to Do in Vietnam
Vietnam is such an interesting country with fun cities and beautiful, natural wonders and a turbulent intertwined history with the US. Additionally, we flew from Bangkok into Hanoi, so I’ve listed the following destinations starting there and heading north to south.
Table of Contents
1. Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and second most populous (after Ho Chi Minh).
Old Quarter
The “Old Quarter” is the heart of the city and features narrow streets with tall buildings. Also, it is unlike anywhere I’ve been and is definitely a great place to get a hotel and explore.
Thang Long Water Puppet Show
The Thang Long water puppet show is an unique experience to do in Hanoi. Additionally, it includes both the water puppetry and also a traditional Vietnamese orchestra. I really enjoyed it.
Temple of Literature
My wife Amanda is a librarian, so of course we had to visit the Temple of Literature!
2. Ha long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a World Heritage site. Additionally, you can take a cruise on a “junk boat”, which is a small ship with rooms. We did a 2 night tour, which included numerous adventures. Additionally, we did a kayaking tour through the rocky karsts. Also, the boat tour made a stop at Song Sot cave. Lastly, we did a day trip to Cat Ba island and rented motorbikes to go to the Ngu Lam peak trail. We were able to meet some fun travelers on our boat as well!
Junk Boat Cruise
Cat Bat Island
3. Sa pa (Sapa)
Unfortunately, we were not able to visit Sapa due to time constraints. However, we had to pick between Hue (below) or Sapa and I choose Hue. Additionally, if I were to do it over, I might choose Sapa, only because the temperature in Hue was extremely hot in July. Also, the terraced fields of Sapa look beautiful, so I’ll hopefully make it back next time. Look up some up some pictures of the area and I’m sure you will want to visit as well!
4. Hue
Hue is the old capital of Vietnam, before it was moved to Hanoi. Unfortunately, it was brutally hot when we were there in the summer. However, it had some really amazing tombs and temples for the history lovers out there. Also, I’ve included a map that shows the places we visited in Hue.
Imperial City: Historic Citadel
Imperial city: The nine Dynastic Urns and Flag Tower
Thien Mu Pagoda
Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh
Tomb of Minh Mang
Tomb of Tu Doc
The Perfume River
5. Hoi An
Hoi An was my wife’s favorite city in Vietnam! It is a beautiful, small town on the river just south of Hue. It is best known for its silk trade and textile/clothing production. Also, we had some suits and dresses made while we were there. Additionally, we also took advantage of renting bikes to go to the nearby An Bang Beach for some relaxation time. Also, be sure to visit the night market and the Chùa Cầu and An Hoi bridges. Lastly, we didn’t make it, but if you have time consider visiting the My Son historic Hindu temples, it looks amazing!
6. Dalat
Dalat sits at a higher elevation than many of the other cities on the list. Additionally, the higher altitude offers cooler and more pleasant summer temperatures. Also, if you are looking for a culinary adventure, many stores here sell Kopi Luwak, commonly marketed as “Weasel Coffee”. However, most of the cheaper options are artificially flavored versions I’m sure as authentic Kopi Luwak is expensive.
Waterfall rappelling tour
Unfortunately, my wife was feeling a little sick this day, so we did not do the waterfall rappelling. However, my brother and his wife did do it and they had an amazing time!
Dalat Crazy House
The “Crazy House” is certainly a unique attraction. For the adventurous, you can even book an overnight stay there. Also, the rooms are themed with different animals, including a red-eyed kangaroo. However, even if you don’t spend the night, it is fun to take a tour. Additionally, it has some nice views of the city as well.
Lam Dong Tour (Nam Ban): Elephant Falls, Linh An PAgoda and Silk factory
Also, if you are using Dalat as a home base, it is easy to visit in a day trip or book a tour to visit the Nam Ban area. Additionally, it is about 20 miles (30km) south of Dalat. Also, we did an organized tour and it visited Elephant Waterfall, Linh Pagoda and a silk factory.
The sights are located close together in Nam Ban. Additionally, there are a few waterfalls, but we visited Elephant Falls.
We visited the Cuong Hoan Silk Factory, where you get to tour the factory and see how silk is made.
Additionally, we visited the Linh An Pagoda, which features the Giant happy Buddha!
Also, here were some more dragons we saw somewhere on the tour!
7. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known and still often referred to as Saigon), is the largest city in Vietnam. Additionally, it is modern and has a vibrant nightlife with shopping, restaurants and bars.
Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is definitely a fun town to hang out in. Whether you are into shopping, nightlife or sightseeing, you will surely find something to see and do.
War Remnants Museum
The Vietnam War, known as a the American War in Vietnam, ties the US and Vietnam. Additionally, the War Remnants Museum features a somber collection of war vehicles, as well as photos and letters from the conflict.
Independence Palace
Not to far from the War Remnants Museum is the Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Convention Hall. Additionally, this is the sight of the end of the Vietnam War. However, you can also tour the inside of the building, which features history of the country. We did go through it, but I must not have taken any pictures of the inside!
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are about 20 miles (30km) north of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, the easiest way to visit is to arrange a boat tour from downtown that ferries you up the Sai Gon River. The tour includes a chance to tour some of the tunnels and there are numerous displays. Also, there is a range where you can fire a M16 or AK47 for an additional fee.
Floating Markets
There are a few iconic floating markets that are south of Ho Chi Minh City along the Mekong Delta. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to visit as it will take most of a day to get down and back, but it would be amazing. However, if you want to see them, be sure to look into the Cai Rang and Cai Be as well as some of these other floating markets!
8. Other Vietnam Suggestions
We traveled by bus all throughout Vietnam. First, it is cheaper than flying and you can book overnight buses where you can sleep. However, it is not very comfortable and takes longer. Also, if I were to go again, I would throw a flight or two for ease of travel. Additionally, unless you are on a very tight budget, flights aren’t incredibly expensive.
Also, be sure to do some “normal” things like see a movie or visit a mall. It is easy to get caught up in all of the historic sites. However, some normal things can give you insights into the differences in those things from the way they are at home.
I Hope you have a wonderful adventure and good luck planning your best things to do in vietnam!
Also, if you have any questions about anything I’ve listed on this page, please feel free to reach me at info@545travel.com