We didn’t just visit Vietnam — we packed up and moved here, chasing slow mornings, endless motorbike rides, and bowls of street-side pho that reset your soul. This guide isn’t your typical tourist checklist; it’s the real, lived-in, boots-on-the-ground list of things to do in Vietnam — built from late-night conversations, rainy season surprises, and a whole lot of accidental adventures. Whether you’re planning your first trip or dreaming about your next one, here’s everything we wish someone had handed us on day one.
TL;DR: Quick Hitters for Vietnam
Not here for the long scroll? No sweat — here’s the fast track on things to do in Vietnam, straight from folks who actually moved there and lived it day in, day out.
- Nature + Adventure: Ride the legendary Ha Giang Loop or get lost (in the best way) exploring the caves of Phong Nha.
- Deep Culture: Wander the historic streets of Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An - temples, alleyways, and soul in every corner.
- Beach Time: Catch rays on Da Nang’s My Khe Beach (surf-friendly and sunrise-ready), or post up in Nha Trang for big blue views, island hops, and a beach city buzz that doesn’t quit.
- Foodie Heaven: If you're chasing flavor, it's Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City all the way.
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Authentic Vietnam: Head north - Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Sapa are where the magic (and mystery) still hums.
Fast bonus round from personal experience:
Here’s what we found overrated, underrated, and wildly overlooked:
Overrated:
- Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge) – Looks epic in photos, but in person? Crowds, kitsch, and theme park vibes that kinda kill the magic. Snap a pic and move on.
Underrated:
- Phong Nha Caves – Honestly, otherworldly. Think Indiana Jones-level awe without the tourist flood.
- Ban Gioc Waterfall (Cao Bang) – One of the most majestic spots in the country and somehow still peaceful.
Hidden Gems:
- Van Long Nature Reserve: Rowboat rides so silent you hear your heartbeat.
- Ba Be National Park: Lakes, jungle treks, and total solitude.
- Mat Than Mountain: A rugged gem with zero lines and all the views.
Read on for the full deep dive - you're gonna want the details. Trust us.
Must-See Destinations In Vietnam
If you're the kind of traveler who doesn't just check boxes but actually chases real experiences, Vietnam's got your number. Here's our list of must-sees in Vietnam that left a mark on us long after the dust settled.
Hoi An
The kind of place where time slows down just enough to breathe. This UNESCO-listed old town hits you with golden-hour charm all day long - think lantern-lit alleys, ancient shophouses, riverside markets, and the best tailor game in Southeast Asia (yes, you should get that jacket made). Pair all that with slurp-worthy Cao Lau noodles, delicate White Rose dumplings, and a cold herbal drink from Mot as the sky turns gold over the Thu Bon River - Hoi An is the kind of place you'll wish you booked two more nights in.
Hue
Heavy on history, light on tourists - if you time it right. This former imperial capital is where Vietnam's royal legacy still hums beneath the surface. Walk the mossy walls of the Imperial City early in the morning before tour groups pile in, then head to the tombs by boat or scooter. Food here is royalty too - Bun Bo Hue is the city's bold, spicy soul in a bowl, and you'll want seconds (maybe thirds). Don't leave without trying Banh Beo, Banh Bot Loc, and Banh Nam - they're soft, savory, and full of central Vietnam's culinary magic.
Da Nang
Vietnam's low-key MVP. You've got the sea, the city buzz, and a golden hour that hits like a postcard. Start the morning with My Khe Beach surf or tai chi, wander the wild caves of the Marble Mountains, and brave the crowds at the Golden Bridge if only for the view. Hungry? Da Nang carries Hue's central specialties too - Banh Beo, Bot Loc, Banh Nam - but with its own laid-back spin.
Cat Ba Island
If Ha Long Bay feels a little too... cruise ship, Cat Ba is your escape hatch. Base yourself here for a few nights, rent a scooter, and chase jungle trails or paddle into quiet corners of Lan Ha Bay. The vibe here is relaxed, raw, and refreshingly local. It's the kind of place where you can grab dinner next to fishermen still smelling like the day's catch - and that's the point.
Phong Nha
The kind of place that makes you feel small in the best possible way. It's home to Son Doong (the world's largest cave), but you don't need to go full Indiana Jones to get your fix. Paradise Cave and Dark Cave are stunners too - float through underground rivers or zipline over jungle canopies. Phong Nha's beauty lies in its scale and silence - go before it gets loud.
Ha Giang Loop
Raw, rugged, and absolutely ridiculous (in the best way). This 3-4 day motorbike loop takes you into Vietnam's far north where peaks cut into clouds and ethnic minority villages greet you with curious stares and warm smiles. It's not for the faint-hearted or first-time riders - hire an Easy Rider if you're unsure - but it might just ruin all other road trips for you. Tip: Pack layers - temps can swing fast up there.
Ninh Binh
They call it "Ha Long Bay on land," but that doesn't do it justice. Take a slow sampan boat through Trang An's limestone valleys - it's quiet, cinematic, and feels like you're drifting through a dream. Hike up to Hang Mua for panoramic views and make time for ancient pagodas tucked into mossy hillsides. Go early or late in the day for golden light and minimal crowds.
Dalat
Vietnam's alpine oddball - and we mean that lovingly. Dalat mixes French colonial quirks with pine forests, waterfalls, and a coffee culture that rivals Hanoi. Cloud-hunting mornings, strawberry fields, and the whimsical Crazy House make this mountain town feel like Vietnam's version of a fairytale. Also, bring a layer - this place actually gets chilly.
Sapa
The grand old dame of Vietnam's highlands. Yes, it's on every guidebook's cover, but it still earns its spot. Ride the cable car to Fansipan (the "Roof of Indochina"), wander misty rice terraces, and sip corn wine with locals in homestays. That said, steer clear of Cat Cat Village unless you're cool with selfie sticks and loudspeakers - there's a better cultural connection further afield.
Quy Nhon
No frills, all feels. Quy Nhon is where you go to escape - clean beaches, quiet fishing villages, and hammocks made for long novels and longer naps. It's still blissfully under the radar. Come here if you want to unplug and eat your bodyweight in grilled squid.
Phu Quoc Island
Tropical paradise with a few asterisks. Crystal-clear waters and long beaches, yes - but also rising prices and crowds in high season. Still, you can find your peace on the north or south ends of the island, especially October through December. Get up early, skip the resort buffet, and chase the island's hidden fishing coves instead.
Of course, Vietnam isn't just misty passes and hammocks under coconut trees - it's cities that hum, honk, and serve up life 24/7. Let's dive into the cities that kept us up late and pulled us out of bed early - and trust us, it was always worth it.
Vietnamese City Must-Dos
Cities in Vietnam don't just buzz - they pulse, they seduce, they overwhelm (in the best way). Here are our top picks:
Hanoi
- Wander the Old Quarter until the streets blur into a maze of motorbikes and street eats.
- Post up at a cafe on Train Street and brace yourself for that heart-stopping moment when the locomotive rolls past.
- Dive into history at the Literature Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Catch your breath with a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake, especially when the city glows at sunset.
- Hit the night markets and weekend walking streets when the old city transforms into a living festival.
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
- Eat your way down Ho Thi Ky Street - Saigon's best-kept food street secret.
- Dive into the chaos and charm of Chinatown (Cho Lon).
- Get sky-high at the Bitexco Tower for panoramic city views that'll knock your flip-flops off.
- Face history head-on at the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum.
Vietnam hits different—in the best way. But to really make it sing, you’ve gotta travel smart. Here’s what we learned the hard way so you don’t have to.
Pro Travel Tips for Vietnam
There's a certain magic to Vietnam, but to really tap into it, you've got to move like a local, pack like a minimalist, and keep your radar up just enough to dodge the tourist traps. Here's our go-to tips from the road, the rails, and way too many bowls of pho.
Move Smart (and a Little Boldly)
Sleeper trains aren't just a nostalgic throwback - they're a genius way to cover serious ground while horizontal. Hanoi to Da Nang? Pop a podcast, pull on your eye mask, and wake up oceanside. For mountain-bound adventurers, Easy Rider motorbike tours are your golden ticket to the Ha Giang Loop or coastal Hai Van Pass without risking your license (or your limbs).
For all your bookings, apps like Baolau, 12go.asia, and Vietnam Railways are the holy trinity - they'll save you from paper-ticket chaos and blank stares at bus stations.
Go Local
The soul of Vietnam lives in its side streets, family-run kitchens, and misty hill tribe homestays. Skip the soulless resorts and book a night or two with a local host. Eat what they eat. Drink their rice wine. Share stories (even if it's just with hand gestures and smiles).
Support lottery ticket vendors in HCMC (a low-key charity hustle), and grab a handmade textile or ceramic piece from a craft village instead of a tourist trap gift shop. Your purchases go further - and your suitcase will carry real stories, not just stuff.
Street-Smart, Not Paranoid
Vietnam is wildly safe - we've wandered night markets past midnight with zero worry. That said, scams cluster around the big-ticket tourist spots (tailor shops in Hoi An, "free" boat rides in Ninh Binh, overcharged taxis in Saigon). Trust your gut, double-check prices, and if it feels off? Walk away.
Blend In, Respect Deep
Cultural code here runs quiet but deep. Haggling is expected in markets, but keep it playful, not aggressive - think banter, not battle. And when visiting rural villages or temples, skip the tank tops and short-shorts. This is where X Cotton Tee and Evolution Pant combo absolutely shines - lightweight, breathable, modest, and designed to go from sweltering markets to sacred altars without missing a beat.
Gear Up Right
This is a pack-light, move-fast kind of trip - you don't need a 70L beast on your back. Our go-to? The Voyager™ Travel35 Backpack for carry-on missions or day trips, paired with a couple of sweat-wicking Limitless Merino Button-Downs that won't stink after a 12-hour sleeper train and can still get you into a rooftop bar.
Final Word: Vietnam Will Change You
Here's the truth: Vietnam isn't just a trip - it's a shift. It isn't just a place - it's an experience buffet. Hike it, ride it, sip it, sweat it. Every corner holds something you didn't know you needed.
From rice terraces to rush-hour scooters, from 25-cent bánh mì to misty mountain sunrises, it pulls you in and recalibrates the way you see travel (and maybe life). Whether you've got two weeks or two months, it's not about checking boxes - it's about showing up curious, open, and ready for the unexpected.
Pack light, move smart, and trust the detours. This place rewards wanderers who know how to roll with it - and look good doing it. Now go chase the chaos, find your calm, and let Vietnam do its thing.
