What to do in Vietnam? 10 activity ideas
Are you planning on going on a trip to Vietnam soon? Maybe it is time that you start preparing your trip and itinerary. To help you with this, here are 10 activities to do in Vietnam. Of course, it includes must-see attractions such as Ha Long Bay and The Mekong Delta. However, other activities will allow you to familiarize yourself with the Vietnamese culture and cuisine like taking a cooking lesson or attending a traditional puppet show. If you are fond of outdoor activities, a trip to Vietnam will be the opportunity to go trekking in the mountains and to visit the world’s largest cave. Finally, don't forget to visit the Imperial City of Hue and to take a ride on a cargo bike.
Get inspired by our selection of activities and experiences whether you are travelling on your own, with your family or with your partner.
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GastronomyVietnamese dishesTake a Vietnamese cooking class
A cooking class will be the perfect opportunity to discover the Vietnamese cuisine. Learn everything there is to know about Pho, Bun Bo Hue and Banh Cuon by following the instructions of the best chefs in Vietnam. From Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, there are many cooking schools to choose from.
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SportTrekking in the ricefieldsGo trekking in the mountains
Vietnam is a top destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. When organizing their trek, most travellers choose to go to Northern Vietnam. The extraordinary landscapes of mountains and rice fields in this part of the country are ideal for hiking. You can go on a trekking tour in the Ha Giang region, in Sapa, in Bac Ha province or in Mu Chang Chai.
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SportDiscover Vietnam on your bikeRide through the rice fields
Cycling is the best way to explore the Vietnamese countryside. If you decide to travel to the different provinces in the centre of the country, don't hesitate to rent a bike to discover the rice fields and meet with local people. Most hotels and guesthouses provide bikes, which are free of charge for their guests.
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CultureHue CitadelVisit the Imperial City of Hue
It is impossible to go to Vietnam without visiting the Imperial City of Hue. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient city of Hue is one of the most beautiful legacies of the Nguyen dynasty in Vietnam. There, you will be able to discover the famous Forbidden Purple City, the Imperial City, the Royal garden, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Royal library and the Peace Gate. You can visit Hue by yourself or with a local guide.
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CultureVisit HanoiDiscover Hanoi on a guided tour
Hanoi is a very sprawling city where you can easily lose your bearings. If you don't want to miss out on any of the city’s major monuments, book a guided tour of the capital. Nightlife, cuisine, museums or monuments, pick your favourite subject and discover the city with a local guide.
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CultureWater puppet showAttend a traditional water puppet show
Mua roi nuoc, or “making puppets dance on water”, is a thousand-year-old art that is very common in the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam. These popular shows were traditionally organized during village end-of-harvest festivities. Today, it's possible to attend water puppet performances all over the country, including Hoi An or the Than Long Theatre in Hanoi. It is an unforgettable family-friendly experience.
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RelaxationPhong Nha CaveDiscover Vietnam’s most beautiful caves
Vietnam has countless caves and many of them are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The most famous being in Ha Long Bay and in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Phong Nha cave is almost 8km long and is one of the largest underground caves in the world. In the Cao Bang province, Nguom Ngoa (or the Tigers cave) is one of the most spectacular caves in Vietnam.
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RelaxationBoat trip on the MekongDiscover the Mekong Delta on a boat
The Mekong Delta is a must-see attraction in Vietnam. You will have the opportunity to discover the meanders of this mythical river on board either a motor boat or else a traditional wooden boat. However, choose wisely among the numerous cruise companies to avoid going to places which are crowded with tourists such as Can Tho, Ben Tre or Vinh Long, in order to have a more authentic experience.
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RelaxationRickshaw rideGo on a rickshaw ride
Imported in the 19th century under the French colonization, rickshaws are still widely used in Vietnam. While tourism has played a major role in the revival of this traditional means of transport, it remains an original way of discovering the country. It is possible to visit Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An or Hue on a rickshaw.
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RelaxationCruise in the Ha Long BayGo on a cruise in Ha Long Bay
Going on a cruise in Ha Long Bay is a major activity in Vietnam. It can last for a couple of hours or a couple of days, in any case, discovering the world’s most beautiful bay is always an unforgettable experience. There are many options for you to choose from, adventurers might opt for a catamaran or a kayak whereas others might just want to embark on a luxurious junk boat for a two-day cruise.