Top Things to Do in Vietnam
Vietnam is a captivating gem in Southeast Asia, offering an enticing blend of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re savoring the aromatic richness of a traditional Pho or wandering the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Vietnam promises a unique adventure for every traveler. From the awe-inspiring Ha Long Bay to the historical Cu Chi Tunnels, this land is teeming with top things to do that will amaze and inspire.
In Vietnam, your days could be filled with exploring ancient towns, enjoying verdant rice terraces, or simply relaxing on sun-kissed beaches. Dive into the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City or lose yourself in the serenity of Hue’s Imperial City. This country doesn’t just offer a trip; it offers an experience like no other. As travel plans take shape for 2024, Vietnam stands ready to impress with its rich palette of experiences awaiting discovery.
Free Places to Visit in Vietnam
Exploring Vietnam doesn’t have to stretch your budget. The country is home to an array of stunning and significant sites that don’t charge for entry. Let’s dive into some of these must-see spots that offer rich history and vibrant life—entirely for free.
Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi)
Hanoi: Street Food Tour with Train Street and Old Quarter
Nestled in central Hanoi, the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake serves as both a serene escape and emblematic heart of the city. Known as the “Lake of the Restored Sword,” this spot weaves together mythology and natural beauty. Enjoy a peaceful walk along its tree-lined paths or pause to capture photographs of the picturesque views. Nearby, you’ll find the iconic Turtle Tower, reflecting legend and tradition. More about its allure can be found.
Old Quarter (Hanoi)
Take a step back in time as you venture into Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This bustling area is an energetic mix of commerce and history, featuring streets packed with indelible sights and sounds. Food stalls emitting heady scents and traditional homes decorate the landscape. The energy is relentless, with myriads of shops lining the vibrant alleys. Discover what makes each street unique with its distinctive craft or trade by exploring further.
Walking Street (Ho Chi Minh City)
When the sun dips below the skyline, Ho Chi Minh City comes alive at its Walking Street—a vibrant block of excitement where the air buzzes with laughter and music. Positioned centrally in District 1, it becomes a stage for street performances, filled with locals dancing carefree. Neon lights spark the night as you amble through this lively locale sharing laughs with friends or indulging in impromptu concerts.
Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
Arguably the heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market trades in vibrant chaos. It’s where heritage meets the modern market. The labyrinthine stalls boast diverse wares—from embroidered garments to fresh produce, fueling your senses with tantalizing smells and sounds. Drawn like a moth to light, tourists flock here for souvenirs and a taste of the city’s lively trading core.
Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City)
Venture beneath the surface to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground maze that threads through rich wartime history. These tunnels stretched the horizon for those who crafted them as a strategic edge in the Vietnam War. While the tales might sound like whisper echoes today, the tunnels respectfully invite visitors to feel a fraction of that strategic tension. Saigon visitors can intersect history here as they physically traverse these solemn routes.
Must-Buy Souvenirs in Vietnam
Souvenirs are treasures that encapsulate the spirit and culture of a destination. In Vietnam, these keepsakes vary from traditional wear to fragrant coffee, each with a story to tell. Let’s unravel the delightful souvenirs you can bring home from Vietnam, making your travel memories last a lifetime.
Silk Products
Vietnamese silk is renowned for its fine texture and vibrant patterns, reflecting the nation’s rich textile heritage. To find authentic silk, head to the bustling Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or the historic streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. These places offer a delightful array of silk scarves, dresses, and other products. Authentic items make you feel the story woven into every thread. For more detailed insights, check out these traditional Vietnamese souvenirs.
Da Nang Coffee Making Workshop
Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam is home to an exceptional coffee culture, boasting strong flavors and unique brewing techniques. The traditional Phin filter is a standout method, creating rich and aromatic coffee enjoyed hot or iced. For true coffee aficionados, trying Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) is a must. Visit local coffee joints such as Cong Caphe or Trung Nguyen to immerse in Vietnamese coffee culture.
Traditional Ao Dai (Vietnamese dress)
The Ao Dai is more than just a dress — it’s a symbol of Vietnam’s cultural and national identity. Every gentle curve and each vibrant hue celebrates the elegance of Vietnamese women. Consider tailoring your own Ao Dai in markets like Dong Xuan Market or at tailor shops in Hoi An for custom fits that harmonize tradition with personal style. For an intriguing dive into the traditional Ao Dai.
Local Spices and Sauces
Vietnamese cooking offers a symphony of flavors, derived from its iconic spices and sauces. Items like fish sauce, lemongrass, and chili sauce could dramatically enhance your culinary creations back home. Purchase these aromatic secrets at authentic places such as Ben Thanh Market, which offers a mad dash of flavors sure to delight your dining experiences.
Embroidered Items
Ho Chi Minh City: Half-Day Shopping Tour
Embroidered pieces in Vietnam are striking due to their intricate designs and cultural significance. The skillful art of embroidery weaves tales through vibrant threads, often stitched into garments, tableware, and décor items. Saigon Square and street-side vendors in Hue offer an array of embroidered choices, ensuring you bring home a piece of Vietnam’s artistic spirit. For more on where to explore these exquisite items.
Each souvenir here holds the heart and soul of Vietnam, from the freshness of coffee to the elegance of a perfectly tailored Ao Dai. What more splendid a testament to the journey than those tangible mementos you can revisit time and again?
Top Attractions and Activities in Vietnam
When planning your trip to Vietnam, there are several standout experiences that should be on every traveler’s itinerary. With its rich historical depth, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural displays, Vietnam offers unparalleled attractions that promise to deepen your connection to this fascinating country.
Halong Bay Cruises
One of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders is Halong Bay, renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands topped with rainforests. What better way to explore this majestic seascape than through a cruise? Whether you’re seeking a luxurious getaway or a simple sailing trip, options such as the Bhaya Cruises provide trips through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering activities like cautious kayaking through hidden grottoes and enjoying pristine beaches.
My Son Sanctuary
Hoi An: My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Visit with Breakfast
Not just a set of ruins, the My Son Sanctuary stands as a testament to the intriguing history of Vietnam’s Champa Dynasty. Built between the 4th and 13th centuries, these temples serve as a religious relic site with deep historical significance. This cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a profound glimpse into past cultural influences. For those keen on mixing history with travel, visit the My Son Sanctuary on UNESCO for more insights.
Phong Nha Cave Tours
Phong Nha Cave & Paradise Cave: Guided Tour Boat & Explore
Adventure seekers will find a paradise in the Phong Nha Cave within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Known for its unique karst landscapes and vast network of caves, Phong Nha offers thrilling tours such as guided kayaking and underground trekking. These tours showcase some of Vietnam’s most dramatic natural geology. Consider embarking on a Phong Nha Tour for a comprehensive journey into spelunking and spelunking, traversing captivating underground rivers.
War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh City)
War Remnants Museum & Independence Palace Walking Tour
For a poignant exploration of Vietnam’s rich yet tumultuous history, a visit to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is essential. Offering a sobering presentation of the Vietnam War’s impact, the museum houses gripping photographs, artifacts, and poignant exhibits. Visitors can gain profound insights into the complexity and aftermath of the conflict. If you’re eager to learn more, check out the War Remnants Museum.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Hanoi)
Hanoi: Water Puppet Show Tickets
Dive into a distinctly Vietnamese art form at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. This theatrical offering blends historical lore with intricate puppetry, performed in a shallow pool to the accompaniment of traditional Vietnamese music. The performances evoke scenes from traditional Vietnamese life and myths, painting a vibrant picture of cultural heritage. Experience Hanoi’s cultural sophistication with details from the Thang Long Water Puppet website.
Discovering these attractions and participating in these activities within Vietnam opens a window into a land steeped in tradition, evolving narratives, and unparalleled natural beauty. This voyage through the timeless traditions and natural wonders is not merely a holiday but an enlightenment of the multifaceted Vietnamese spirit.
Must-Try Food in Vietnam
Vietnam’s culinary scene is a symphony of flavors waiting to be explored. A journey to this vibrant country should always include tasting its dynamic food, which is inherently tied to its rich history and culture. Let’s embark on a flavorful exploration of Vietnam’s must-try dishes, each with a unique story and culinary delight to offer.
Pho (Traditional Noodle Soup)
Hanoi: Michelin Guide Street Food Walking Tour
When in Vietnam, indulging in a bowl of Pho is akin to savoring a piece of the nation’s soul. This traditional noodle soup, brimming with robust beef or chicken broth, is seasoned with star anise and ginger, offering an aromatic embrace. Topped with fresh herbs, chilies, and lime, pho transforms into a symphony of flavors. In Hanoi, you’ll find gems like Pho Bat Dan offering this superior delight, ensuring an authentic foodie experience in the city that first introduced pho to the world.
Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Bite into a Banh Mi, and you’re opening a crunchy baguette of delight—filled! With savory meats, pickled veggies like carrots and daikon, and a hint of fresh cilantro, this sandwich showcases French meets Vietnamese innovation. While Saigon creates an unmatched stage for the best iterations, don’t miss places like Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An for unique varieties replete with vibrant flavor, often packed to perfection.
Bun (Vermicelli Noodle Soup)
The world of Bun encompasses many soul-satisfying flavor trips across Vietnam’s culinary map. Variations such as Bun Cha—grilled pork with vermicelli known lovingly as Obama’s favorite food in Hanoi—have unique blends of sweetness and savory notes. For those cruising Central Vietnam, Bun Bo Hue awaits with hearty appeal and rich broth that leaves a bold flavor lingering on your palate. Explore these varieties to make the most of your Vietnamese culinary adventure.
Mi Quang (Quang-style Noodles)
Originating from Central Vietnam, Mi Quang stands out with a turmeric-infused broth that paints these noodles golden. You’ll find it served with peanuts, fresh herbs, and a varying mix of proteins like shrimp or pork. This dish’s charm lies partly in the way it is dressed but even more so in its silent nod to Vietnamese countryside traditions. Dive into Mi Quang’s unique attributes and let your tastebuds unearth layers of flavors regional variations genuinely celebrate.
Hu Tieu (Rice Noodle Soup)
In Saigon, the buzzing streets will often lead you to Hu Tieu, a sublime bowl redefining comfort cuisine. Made from rice noodles in a flavorful pork broth mix, commonly amplified with meats like prawns and pork slices. It’s the kind of local delight best experienced street-side, where the chatter blends beautifully with a warm bowl at places like Hu Tieu Nam Vang stalls. Unquestionably, enjoying Hu Tieu rewards you with a bit of Vietnam’s cradle of flavor bursts and textures.
Embrace these Vietnamese culinary wonders; let each dish tell you stories far beyond just concentric taste, making your journey through this country’s culinary tapestry deeply memorable.
Famous Night Markets in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City: Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour
Vietnam’s night markets are more than just places to shop; they’re vibrant ecosystems throbbing with life and culture. As the sun dips below the horizon, these bustling markets come to life, offering an exhilarating experience that brilliantly fuses the past and present. Let’s explore some of the most famous night markets that capture the essence of Vietnam.
Ben Thanh Night Market (Ho Chi Minh City)
Cooking Class with Ben Thanh Market visit
Ben Thanh Night Market buzzes with energy and excitement. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a haven for both shoppers and food lovers. This market, with its fluorescent lights and bustling stalls, turns into a night-time hub where bargains and bites collide. As you wander through, you’ll find a smorgasbord of shopping options—from fashionable outfits and accessories to unique handmade souvenirs.
This market becomes especially enticing for food experiences. Dive into the rich culinary tapestry with local eats like fresh spring rolls, Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork over vermicelli), and Bánh Xèo (savory pancakes). To find out more about what Ben Thanh Night Market has to offer.
Hanoi Night Market
Drifting through Hanoi Night Market feels like stepping into a festival that indulges all senses. Skirting along several bustling streets, this market showcases a vibrant atmosphere filled with colorful lights, enticing aromas, and sounds of laughter. This vibrant hub becomes a canvas for locals and tourists alike, displaying intricate handicrafts, buzzing food stalls, and fresh fashion finds.
The offerings here extend beyond mere shopping: there are street performances, live music, and delicious local snacks like Bánh Cuốn (steamed rice rolls) that transport you to the soul of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry. For seasoned travelers or first-time visitors, getting lost in Hanoi’s Vibrancy is a quintessential Vietnamese experience.
Hoi An Market
Hoi An Night Market is charming not just for its aesthetics but for its soul-stirring charm and unique goods. Situated by the grand Thu Bon River, Hoi An Market blossoms in a kaleidoscope of lights from lanterns that dance like flickering stars. These are paired with stalls selling unique goods from age-old artifacts to delicate ceramics and tailored garments—each item a piece of Hoi An’s historical puzzle.
Beyond shopping, the delectable authentic foods and enchanting ambience add to the allure of this market. Whether it’s feasting on Cơm Gà (chicken rice) or simply strolling beneath the lamp-lit canopies that line exuberant streets, discover unique insights into the Magical Charm of Hoi An.
Nha Trang Night Market
Nha Trang: Explored the daily life in countryside
Nha Trang Night Market’s vibrant spirit is second only to its inviting aroma. Known for its stunning coastal beauty, Nha Trang elevates its allure with a market alive with exotic lights and flavors. It beautifully highlights local creations, from hand-crafted jewelry to fun cultural trinkets.
Seafood offerings are a must-try here. Fresh from Vietnam’s sparkling waters, dishes like grilled lobster and clams tempt every visitor. The vast spread of street food, like Chadro Dumplings and Mango Cake, reflects the city’s delicious culinary prowess. Embrace the bubbling nights with Nha Trang’s Marketplace Feast.
Vietnam’s night markets offer a glimpse into the cultural confluence that characterizes the country itself. Each has a story to tell—stories that weave through the clamor of vendors, the clinking of chopsticks, and the unwritten tales of their wares. Embrace every corner of these bustling realms where modernity dances with tradition, awaiting not only to sell, but to be witnessed and savored.
Conclusion
As you plan your captivating journey through Vietnam’s diverse tapestry, there’s no shortage of fascinating activities and sites to keep you engaged. From the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, and the compelling history encased in the Cu Chi Tunnels, each experience offers its own window into Vietnam’s rich heritage and cultural uniqueness.
Whether you’re exploring thrilling adventure sports or uncovering historical wonders, Vietnam generously reveals its layers to locals and visitors alike. As you shop for unique souvenirs or relive history in its museums, ensure that your 2024 trip is filled with moments that capture the essence of this enchanting land.
Keep your eyes and tastebuds open for Vietnam’s staple culinary delights—from the iconic Pho to the crispy, savory Banh Xeo. With each bite, you’ll taste history, ingenuity, and the unbroken spirit of its people. Just as its attractions range from bustling urban centers to tranquil rural vistas, make sure to balance spontaneity with scheduled explorations for the most enriching experience.
Vietnam isn’t just a location; it’s a profound collection of stories and experiences waiting for you to explore and to cherish. As you traverse from city to city and story to story, you’ll uncover the depth and breadth of a land defined by its vibrant scale. Travel thoughtfully, remember the collective heritage, and let your journey produce memories that resonate long after the trip ends.
The opportunities in Vietnam are as vast as they are deep, making it one of the best destinations to discover today and in the coming years.
Whether being entrapped by the allure of ancient pagodas or drawn to the biographies told within vibrant markets, each path in Vietnam leads towards moments of genuine wonder. Dive in with curiosity—Vietnam is ready when you are.
