Vietnam is a country full of exciting experiences and breathtaking sights. From the dense rice fields of Sapa to the historical landmarks of Hue, it offers a unique blend of culture, history, and nature. This guide covers the top 10 things to do in Vietnam, with practical tips on where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of your visit so you can plan a perfect day for yourself from every corner of Vietnam. So, here are the 10 best activities to do in Vietnam in 2025 for memories which is a mix of cultural, natural, and adventurous experiences:
1. Cruise Around HaLong Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous tourist spots, known for its beautiful limestone islands and clear waters. It’s a must-see if you love nature.
Boat Cruises
Take a boat ride around HaLong Bay to explore its islands and caves.
Most boat tours last around 4-6 hours and may include stops at islands, caves, and fishing villages.
These tours often feature kayaking, swimming, and cave explorations.
Cruises start from around $50-70 USD per person.
Several operators also offer overnight cruises, where you can enjoy a more immersive experience on the water.
Kayaking
If you want to get a closer look at the water, kayaking is a popular activity.
Many tours include kayaking for free, but if you're doing it separately, it might cost around $10-15 USD per hour.
Popular spots for Kayaking include Cua Van Fishing Village and Ba Hang Fishing Village, where you can glide through calm waters surrounded by towering karst formations.
Visit the Caves
HaLong Bay is home to beautiful caves like Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and Thien Cung Cave, where you can witness the amazing stalactite formations.
The entry fee is around $10-15 USD to explore these natural wonders.
Monkey Island (Cat Ba Island)
If you’re looking to have some fun with animals, visit Monkey Island on Cat Ba Island. It’s known for its playful monkeys and beautiful beaches.
The entry fee is about $5 USD.
It is a great spot for a day trip where you can also enjoy activities like swimming and sunbathing.
2. Discover the Charm of Hanoi
Hanoi is a capital city with a mix of modern (French colonial) and traditional Vietnamese culture. It’s the perfect place to experience history, art, and food altogether. Here are the things you can do in Hanoi:
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a historic site dedicated to education and culture. It’s a peaceful spot to learn about Vietnam’s history.
It was founded in 1070 and served as Vietnam's first university.
It’s open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The entry fee is about $1.3 USD.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Located in the city center, Hoan Kiem Lake is a relaxing place to walk around.
You can visit Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on an island in the lake.
The temple is open daily.
The entry fee is around $1.3 USD.
Vietnam National Museum of Nature
This museum is located at 18 Hoang Quoc Viet.
It showcases Vietnam’s natural history and wildlife. It’s open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an entry fee of $1.7 USD.
3. Visit the Old Town of Hoi An
Hoi An is a charming town known for its ancient streets, traditional architecture, and vibrant culture. It’s also famous for its lanterns, food, and riverside views and is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
If you visit on the 14th day of the lunar month, don’t miss the Hoi An Lantern Festival.
On occasion, the town is lit up with beautiful lanterns, and you can take a boat ride for the festival along the river for about $5 USD.
Cycle Around the Countryside
Hoi An is great for cycling.
You can rent a bicycle for around $1.3-2 USD per day.
On your route, you’ll pass through rice paddies, villages, and beautiful landscapes that are perfect for photography.
Boat Tours on Thu Bon River
For a more leisurely experience, you can also take a boat tour along the Thu Bon River, especially at sunset.
The cost for a cruise is about $10-15 USD per person.
4. Trek in Sapa
Sapa is a beautiful area in the northern mountains, known for its rice terraces and traditional villages. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers. This region offers a range of trekking opportunities that provide insight into rural life in Vietnam.
Trekking Tours
If you enjoy hiking, you can go on a trekking tour to explore the rice terraces and nearby villages.
Tours typically cost between $30-50 USD per day, depending on the length and guide.
Most of the time, guided tours are available, but you can also explore them yourself.
Homestays
This is one of the unique experiences where you can stay with local families in Sapa’s ethnic villages to learn about their culture.
A homestay can cost around $10-15 USD per night, including meals.
This is a fantastic way to learn about the customs and traditions of Sapa's indigenous communities.
5. Relax on Phu Quoc Island
If you love the beach, Phu Quoc Island is a great place to relax. It’s known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and water sports and is located off the southern coast of Vietnam.
Long Beach
Long Beach is free to visit.
It is one of the most famous beaches on the island and it’s a perfect place to relax by the sea.
You can try water sports like parasailing for around $20-30 USD.
Sao Beach
This beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Snorkeling tours usually cost around $20 USD.
6. Discover the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a unique area made up of rivers, swamps, and small islands. It’s known for its floating markets and rural way of life.
Cai Be Floating Market
Take a boat tour to the Cai Be Floating Market, where locals sell fresh fruits and vegetables from their boats.
Tours typically costs around $10-15 USD per person.
Homestays in the Delta
Another location for an immersive experience in Vietnam is the Mekong Delta.
You can stay in a floating homestay here.
Prices for a homestay start from $20 USD per night, including meals.
7. Visit Hue’s Imperial City
Hue is known for its ancient temples and royal palaces. It was the capital of Vietnam for centuries and offers a glimpse into the country’s royal past.
Explore the Imperial City
The Imperial City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with grand buildings, gardens, and temples.
The entry fee is around $6 USD. You can also visit the royal tombs of past emperors, with entry fees ranging from $2-6 USD.
8. Visit the Da Nang Dragon Bridge and Marble Mountains
Da Nang is a coastal city that combines modern attractions with natural beauty.
Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge in Da Nang is famous for its unique design, which resembles a dragon.
You can visit for free.
If you’re in town at night, don’t miss the light and fire-breathing show at 9:00 PM.
Marble Mountains
It is located just outside Da Nang.
The Marble Mountains are a group of five hills made of marble and limestone.
These mountains are home to caves and Buddhist temples.
The entry fee is about $1.7 USD
Entries to the mountains are open from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
9. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City offer a fascinating look at Vietnam’s history during the war. These tunnels were used by soldiers to hide and move around during the conflict.
Tunnel Tours
A visit to the tunnels costs around $3.5 USD.
You can take a guided tour to learn about the tunnels and their history and learn how the tunnels were used for living quarters, storage, and escape routes during the war.
Guided tours typically costs around $10-15 USD.
10. Enjoy the Beaches of Nha Trang
Nha Trang is known for its long beaches and warm waters. It’s a great place to relax, swim, and enjoy water sports.
Po Nagar Cham Towers
These ancient Hindu temples are open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The entry fee here is about $1 USD.
The temples offer beautiful views of the city and are a great spot for photography.
Water Sports
The beaches in Nha Trang offer a variety of water sports.
You can try activities like jet skiing, which typically cost around $10 USD per session.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a country full of amazing experiences, so you can stay assured that you will never run out of exciting things to do in the country. You can cruise through Ha Long Bay, trek in the mountains of Sapa, or relax on the beaches of Phu Quoc, and there’s no shortage of things at all. If you are looking for a wholesome and adventurous vacation in Vietnam, you can plan your trip based on your interests with our local travel expert. At Connecting Traveller, you don’t have to check with anyone else to provide you with up-to-date information on timings and prices because we have a group of locals on our platform operating from the ground. So, worry less and plan today to enjoy your time in this beautiful country!
FAQ
What cannot you miss in Vietnam?
You cannot miss visiting Halong Bay, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and exploring Hoi An's Ancient Town. Additionally, the vibrant Hanoi Old Quarter and Phong Nha-Kẻ Bà ng National Park are also must-see destinations in Vietnam.
What is Vietnam famous for?
Vietnam is famous for its breathtaking landscapes like Halong Bay, rich cultural history, delicious street food (especially pho and banh mi), and historical sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels and My Son Sanctuary.
What is the number one tourist attraction in Vietnam?
The number one tourist attraction in Vietnam is Halong Bay, known for its limestone karsts, emerald waters, and beautiful islands. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for nature lovers.
What to skip in Vietnam?
While Vietnam offers much to explore, you may consider skipping overly commercialized spots or highly crowded areas like Saigon’s District 1 if you're looking for a more authentic experience. Some travelers also skip the Phu Quoc Island if they prefer less touristy destinations.
Which part of Vietnam is most beautiful?
Northern Vietnam is often considered the most beautiful, with Halong Bay, Sapa (for its terraced rice fields and mountains), and Hanoi’s Old Quarter offering stunning natural and cultural experiences.
How many days in Vietnam is enough?
A trip of 7 to 10 days is ideal to cover the major attractions in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. For a more relaxed trip, 2 weeks would be better.
10 0
