61 things to do, see, taste and feel in Vietnam

Vietnam is a wonderful country located in Southeast Asia. The influence of the Western wave on the culture has been slow to change many things. This is the reason why we are motivated to return to the original values ​​of this nation.

As the economy grew, the number of Vietnamese who adopted Western thinking began to increase. Thoughts such as “We need more” or “I want more” began to appear more and more. Vietnam’s impressive economic growth in recent years is both a miracle and a sad truth.

The wonderful thing is that it brings good opportunities to a people who have struggled for so long against adversity and shackles. It is happy to see the dream of freedom that has existed for more than half a century finally come true and become a great strength for the whole nation. But the sad thing is that the cultural identity values ​​here will be at risk of being lost.

But let’s put all that aside for now. Relax and enjoy beautiful Vietnam right now! Here are 61 things to do, see, taste and feel when you visit this S-shaped country.

1. Sing Karaoke

“What the hell! You put Karaoke at the top of your list?”. Well, to be fair, Karaoke is not the first thing that comes to mind when you want to visit Vietnam. But Karaoke is considered a part of Vietnamese culture.

Plus, it’s a way to make genuine connections with the locals. Laughter (and probably your best singing voice) is a common language here. Try beating my 91…but someone else gets a perfect 100, so I’m out.

2. Visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

The Vietnamese people have really gone through a lot of hardships that you and I can hardly imagine. However, they are still the happiest people Paulo and I have ever met.

Most of us have some knowledge of the Vietnam War but what you experience at this museum will really open your eyes to how much this nation suffered. It will also make you realize that your daily worries are so meaningless.

3. Wake up to the sunrise on Ha Long Bay

Even if you don’t know much about Vietnam, you’ve definitely heard of Ha Long Bay. This is a must-see place when you come to Vietnam. And if you do, you must wake up and watch the sunrise!

Even when the sky is cloudy, the pure stillness of the water here is only occasionally disturbed by a fisherman starting his morning work around the giant limestone pillars, a sight that no words can fully describe.

Booking a stay in Ha Long Bay was quite difficult but we did it with the help of HTG (Happy Travel Group) - a great local tour company that has been operating for over 10 years. They offer a variety of options for you to visit Ha Long Bay.

4. Sleep on a boat in Ha Long Bay

Of course you need to get a good night’s sleep if you want to see the sunrise in Ha Long Bay. So why not sleep on the boat? There are many options for you to go to Ha Long Bay, just spend a little more money, you will have yourself 1 or 2 nights in the Bay.

The feeling of sleeping under the stars, surrounded by limestone pillars and the howling of the air lords from afar will be an unforgettable experience for you.

5. Cycling through Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is a place that you will pass by when visiting Ha Long Bay. You should arrange for yourself a bicycle tour to visit the villages and landscapes of Cat Ba Island or the neighboring islands. The eye-catching green spaces here will remind you of the majestic landscapes in the movie Jurassic Park.

6. Homestay

Backpacker hotels and regular hotels are both great places to meet new people while traveling. But if you want to experience the real Vietnam, you should stay in a homestay, eat with the host family and experience their daily life.

You can walk through the rice fields and talk to the villagers. We met an 85 year old woman who still works from sunrise to sunset. She still pulls her neck and tends the fields every day and looks happier and healthier than any Western pensioner I have ever met.

7. Visit Ninh Binh - a place that will amaze you

Known as the “Ha Long Bay on land”, you can easily see why Ninh Binh is called that when you look at the horizon and the majestic limestone landscapes here. This is an area famous for its canals and stunning scenery. You must visit here when traveling to Vietnam.

8. Flying a drone in Ninh Binh

If you don’t have a drone, try to find some companions who have drones to see the view of Ninh Binh from above. You will be able to admire the cool canals lapping between limestone pillars surrounded by fields. Just talking about this, you can probably imagine how spectacular the view from above will be!

If you have enough money to rent a helicopter, we also recommend that you do it, so that you can capture all the beauty of this place with your own eyes.

9. Visit the railway village in Hanoi

Eastern rules are very different from those in the West. Health and safety are taken to different levels in different parts of the world. While the West is very strict about safety, this is not the case here.

It is very common here for a train to come straight into your neighborhood. Life goes on until 3pm, when another train passes right in front of your house. So, going to the train street is an option that you should not miss when visiting Hanoi.

10. Visit Son My relics

The site was the scene of one of the most horrific war crimes committed during the Vietnam War. A massacre by US troops ended the lives of 504 villagers, many of them children and elderly. It serves as a chilling reminder of the things humans can do to each other.

11. Experience Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

It is home to the oldest limestone mountain range in Southeast Asia, formed 400 million years ago and creating countless mysterious natural caves. It is easy to see why this place was recognized as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2003. Be sure to bring your camera and a spirit of adventure when you visit here.

12. Save up a little to visit Son Doong Cave

Hang Son Doong is famous for being the longest cave in the world. And you are right, this largest cave is actually located in Vietnam. It was only discovered in 2009-2010 and is now open to tourism on a very limited scale.

This cave is so big that a Boeing 747 could fly through it. Yes, literally “fly through.” That’s why it’s called the biggest cave. If you want to tick this off your bucket list, you’ll need to book a tour, pay a $3,000 fee, and pass a physical fitness test. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

13. Visit Tan Ky ancient house in Hoi An

This small house was built two centuries ago by a 7 generation Vietnamese family. You will notice Japanese and Chinese architectural influences throughout the house. A perfect fit in the already beautiful Hoi An setting.

14. Gaze open at Ban Gioc waterfall

This is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Vietnam, photographed and turned into murals in homestays and major hotels. Ban Gioc is located in the northern region of Vietnam, right next to the Chinese border. The waterfall is on the Quay Son River and creates a stunning natural scene.

15. Adventure with other random companions

For those who travel alone, this is the time to free yourself and find new and interesting people to adventure with. Get out of your comfort zone and start by saying “Hello”.

It’s a strange thing that when people travel, they tend to be more honest with themselves and more proactive in connecting. A girl I met in a coffee shop told me that she used Tinder to find travel buddies. Which isn’t so bad, huh?

16. Tinder Dating

All you single ladies and gentlemen, this will make your trip more memorable. Sometimes you will meet the best people and sometimes you will not. However, even if the worst happens, at least you will be talking to someone who shares the same interests as you.

17. Stay at Old Quarter Hostel in Hanoi's Old Quarter

It’s funny that the hostel called Old Quarter is also located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The area itself is very popular with backpackers and has its own vibe. The Old Quarter hostel is not just a hostel, it’s like a “home away from home” away from your “real” home. The staff here are truly on a whole other level. They really care about you and want you to have the best experience. Come check in at this hostel when you come to Hanoi.

18. Bamboo rafting in Tam Coc

You will get a little wet but don’t worry, with the 37 degree Celsius weather your wet clothes will quickly dry and be replaced by sweat. Tam Coc is in Ninh Binh province which means it’s also amazing. The bamboo rafting experience is a very relaxing experience and a great opportunity to see how breathtakingly beautiful this country is.

19. Visit the Japanese Bridge in Hoi An

It is very easy to get here, just go straight into the old town area. The hotel or guesthouse staff will show you the right direction to get here. The bridge is beautiful during the day but at night, when the old town lights up and the lanterns are lit, it becomes even more lively.

20. Eat balut

This is a challenge for those with strong stomachs. I have tried balut once and I promise I won’t try it again. But because it is truly a Vietnamese dish, if you want to delve into the cultural elements, you should try it.

21. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and has undergone many changes throughout its history. It dates back to the 6th century (544 AD) and is 15 meters high. Once there, you will see a building filled with incense smoke and a museum.

22. Visit the Cao Dai Temple

Caodaists believe that ultimately all religions have similar beliefs. Therefore, they practice a combination of religions, including Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam.

This temple is located north of Ho Chi Minh City and is an hour drive away. Every 6 hours you can watch and take pictures of the worshippers.

23. Visit the night market

Now I could sit here and list 101 night markets you can visit in Vietnam but that would sound a bit absurd. Most cities you visit have a night market. However, we particularly enjoyed the night market atmosphere in Hoi An and Hanoi Old Quarter. Just ask your hostel staff wherever you go and they will direct you to the night market.

24. Visit Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City

Again, you can find plenty of markets when you are in Vietnam, but Ben Thanh Market is definitely worth a visit for its beauty and interesting history. Ben Thanh is the largest market in the center of Ho Chi Minh City and was historically the entry point to smaller markets along the Saigon River in the early 17th century.

The market is one of the earliest surviving structures and a powerful symbol of Ho Chi Minh City.

The map below will guide you to the market more easily if you get lost.

25. Bargain for any item at the market

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to bargain when you are in Vietnam, especially in the markets. The goal is to get the price down to about 50-70% of the original price and close the deal. Don’t be too aggressive and don’t be too clever, remember you have a dollar to spend but the stall owner may not.

26. Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda

Once again, you will have another place worth visiting when in Ninh Binh. Bai Dinh Pagoda is a large complex with many Buddhist temples and 500 carved Buddha statues. Take time to take in all the sounds and images of this place before you get ready for another trip in the area.

27. Visit Trang An scenic complex

Also located in Ninh Binh, Trang An offers a wide range of activities to choose from, including local cave expeditions, a visit to the Kong: Skull Island movie set, and kayaking past the towering rock pillars. Halfway through the trip, you might even spot King Kong’s face on a limestone cliff.

28. Drinking coffee at The Note, Hanoi

The Note Cafe is an iconic spot in the Old Quarter, on Luong Van Street, just a minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. This small cafe is bursting with personality and enthusiasm. The staff are always cheerful and that feeling is contagious to their customers. Try a cup of traditional egg coffee when you visit.

29. Try authentic Vietnamese coffee

Get ready Westerners…the coffee here is much stronger than those sweet lattes. Vietnamese coffee is served slightly cooled as it is very hot when first brewed. You can drink it black or with milk. Interestingly, when you take the first sip, the taste you get is that of condensed milk.

30. Explore Hanoi's nightlife

Vietnam is developing very fast and with that the locals are becoming more and more free to enjoy their holidays. The nightlife here can be crazy and you will often find yourself returning home at dawn with a lot of regret but also a lot of fun.

31. Party in the Western Quarter

Pham Ngu Lao Street, also known as the Western Street, is a bustling place with a long line of pubs and nightclubs, a great place to have fun at night. If you want to escape the crazy motorbikes and drunk tourists, you can go to the rooftop bars to enjoy your evening. We went to a place called The View Rooftop Bar.

32. Catch a Grab or two

If you are traveling alone, download the Grab app to get around tourist areas faster without worrying about being overcharged. Uber no longer exists in Vietnam, people seem to hate it so it has now lost to Grab. Grab has a similar model of adding motorbike drivers to the management system to give customers more options and save money instead of taking a traditional taxi. Plus, taking Grab is fun.

33. Rent a motorbike and drive around Son Tra peninsula

In Da Nang, the hotels line the beach, like a miniature version of Australia’s Gold Coast. So for us, it’s not that great. But if you’re someone who likes to walk a few steps from your hotel to the beach, keep this city on your radar for the next five years.

However, I recommend you to rent a motorbike at Da Nang Bikes and ride around Son Tra Peninsula. This exciting journey is like the definition of being completely free in a third world.

34. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda

Just 1km from the starting point of the Son Tra Peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda is a must-see when you are in Da Nang. Come here to see the 67m high statue of Lady Buddha, not to mention the 35m high flower platform at her feet. She protects the city from storms and is a quiet place to enjoy the view. Make sure you visit the whole complex.

35. Crossing Hai Van Pass

Two of our brand new friends from the Netherlands did this trip and were very excited about it. Two other friends (also from the Netherlands) did the same trip and were very excited. We will definitely be making a note of this trip and doing it on our next visit to Vietnam.

The Hai Van Pass motorbike route stretches from Hue to Da Nang and Hoi An. At around 165km, it takes just one day to complete. However, we recommend spending around three days here to explore the entire area. Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear’s “Special Vietnam” had a lot of praise for this place.

36. Visit Hoi An Roastery

Honestly, I think this is the best coffee shop I have tried in Vietnam. You may have a few other names in mind but Paulo and I would highly recommend Hoi An Roastery. The coffee here is great,

Friendly staff and located on the top floor of the old town with a great view.

37. Have a tuxedo tailored at a tailor.

Vietnam, and Hoi An in particular, is famous for its tailor-made ceremonial attire. Most of the ceremonial attire you buy back home is probably made from fabric sourced from Vietnam. So why not spend a little money and get a tailor-made ceremonial attire in Hoi An? There are many tailors to choose from so you can ask the reception of your hostel for recommendations.

38. Girls should also buy themselves a tailor-made ao dai.

We have not forgotten our female readers. If you have the opportunity to visit Hoi An, please make yourself a summer ao dai that you have been looking forward to for many months but have not been able to buy. This is your chance to buy something really beautiful for a small amount of money.

39. Stroll through Muong Hoa valley in Sapa

This is the largest rice-growing area in Sapa and is famous for its incredible scenery. Put on your hiking boots and see how the locals go about their day.

40. Conquering Fansipan peak

This is the highest mountain in Indochina. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the top. And you know, the infrastructure built on famous tourist sites has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that more people can reach the top to see the view but the disadvantage is that it can destroy the structure of the area. You can also choose a two-day trekking trip to get here.

41. Cycling to Ta Phin village

When you are in Sapa, you should cycle to Ta Phin village, 17 km west of Sapa center. The Red Dao people in this area have very strong customs and culture, not yet influenced by Western culture. If you go by motor vehicle, it only takes 30 minutes to reach the village.

42. Go to Sapa market

If you want to get one of the most authentic Vietnamese costumes, head to Sapa market. You can pick up some comfortable clothes for less than a dollar. The colors of the clothes are also a reason to buy.

43. Visit Silver Waterfall

Another gem in the Sapa area is the Silver Waterfall. Make sure you visit! It takes 30 minutes by motorbike to get there. Coming to Silver Waterfall, you will be greeted by the spectacular view of the waterfall and the last remaining forests of Hoang Lien National Park.

44. Try pho at a local restaurant

There are dozens of places in Vietnam where you can get pho, but the best places are the ones frequented by locals. Toy-like tables and chairs and slightly intimidating food preparation areas are typical of local pho joints. The language barrier can be a challenge, but if you order correctly, you’ll be in for one of the best bowls of pho in the world.

45. Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are located 45 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnam War, the communists dug and built thousands of tunnels that served as shelters, hospitals, kitchens, and even multi-story buildings.

46. ​​Boat trip on the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta stretches from Ho Chi Minh City to the southwest of the country and all the way to the Gulf of Thailand. The great thing about the Mekong Delta is the locals you meet along the way. Children riding on buffaloes, trading boats on the river and farmers working in the fields. There are many packages to choose from, from 1 day to 1 week.

47. Climb to the top of Sam mountain

This is one of the best places to climb and a great place to start your Mekong tour. Visit the mountain markets and pick up some snacks along the way. Follow the motorbike trail north of the mountain for a more leisurely journey to the top.

48. Boat ride in Tra Su cajuput forest

It is about 30 km from Chau Doc. It used to be a forest, now it is a wildlife sanctuary full of birds and beautiful lotus flowers. At 60,000 VND/person, this is a really cheap trip.

49. Make friends with locals

Don’t be the classic tourist who ignores the locals and just walks around complaining about how hungry you are or about your Tinder date last night. You’re here to have unique experiences, so make friends with the locals. Hang out with them, have dinner with them, and keep in touch for future trips.

50. Learn to Give

“This is a communist country, how scary!” But no! The Western perception of communism during the early 60s, 70s and 80s was distorted by America. One of the best things about communism is that it is all about sharing. Show the locals you understand by sharing what you have. Share food, share pictures, take them out for a beer.

51. Go FIND an infinity pool in Sapa

The Topas Eco Resort in Sapa has one of the world's most beautiful infinity pools, overlooking the limestone karst landscape and rice terraces below.

52. Cycling around Mai Chau

Mai Chau is definitely on the backpacker’s itinerary. There are no drunk tourists or traffic jams. You really get to experience a part of Vietnamese culture as you swim in the streams and see the buffalos join you. It’s all very interesting.

53. Party hard at a backpacker hostel in Hanoi

Hanoi Backpackers Hostel is a hub for Hanoi travelers under 25. But don’t let your age stop you from joining in the partying. Plus, they have free beer after 5pm.

54. Riding a buffalo

Yes, you heard that right! You can ride a buffalo in Vietnam. Tours in Mai Chau, Hoi An, Sapa will include this service in the tour. Some tours will also offer buffalo riding and basket boat riding.

55. Buy conical hats

What is that? Have you ever seen the hats that Vietnamese farmers wear? There it is, the conical hat. Buy one and start your “cheesy” journey.

56. Don't throw up at the country market.

The country market is a strange place in Vietnam. They leave pieces of meat scattered on the table. Whole chickens hang on hooks. Insects are sold by the kilo. That is what you will see when you go to the country market.

57. Take a Vietnamese cooking class

Vietnamese food is so delicious! Why not learn how to make it yourself? This way, you can take the knowledge home with you and impress your Tinder dates.

58. Jumping off a cruise ship in Ha Long Bay

Go for a blast! Do a backflip or, failing that, the “pencil flip” challenge. You have to make a big jump in this spectacular view. Don’t worry, the water is warm.

59. Kayaking through caves in Cat Ba

Most tours to Ha Long Bay include kayaking in Cat Ba National Park. This kayaking tour takes you through natural limestone landscapes with pools between the pillars. Don’t leave your Go Pro in the water for too long as there are jellyfish in the water.

60. Watch a water puppet show

This was definitely one of our unique experiences in Vietnam. Located in the heart of Hanoi, right next to Hoan Kiem Lake, the shows take place daily at 4pm, 7:20pm and 8pm. It is the perfect way to discover the roots that shape Vietnamese culture. If you are not in Hanoi, you can find water puppet shows all over the country, just ask the receptionist at your accommodation.

61. Off-road motorbike riding in Mui Ne

Yes, there are plenty of sand dunes in Vietnam! A nice contrast to the lush green forests. You can book an ATV tour with Mui Ne Explorer.

These are just 61 things to do in Vietnam, there are many, many more. Stay tuned to our blog for the next 6 months. We will be back.

ABOUT MASSIEBROS:

The twins Jacques and Paulo are two travel bloggers from New Zealand. From their spontaneous trips, they planned to record their journeys in more detail and interesting ways by creating a blog, website, producing media products and constantly updating their journeys on social networking sites for their fans to follow.

Learn more aboutMASSIEBROSvia:

- Website: https://www.massiebros.com/

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themassiebros/