10 Things to Do in Vietnam – Top Attractions & Experiences

For all travelers, Vietnam is a wonderful place. Thanks to its interesting karst geography, vibrant marketplaces, thrilling caverns, gorgeous bays, and blazing nightlife, Vietnam has become a traveler’s dream. And there are a ton of activities in Vietnam available in this paradise.

We’ve compiled a list of the most intriguing things to do and see in Vietnam so you don’t get lost. The list is enormous and all-encompassing, ranging from caving to kayaking, shopping, and trekking.

Top 10 Activities To Do In Vietnam For A Memorable Vacation

To learn about all the awesome activities in Vietnam that will make your holiday breathtaking and energizing, scroll down. Book your Vietnam Packages with Thomas Cook if you wish to spend your vacation visiting this beautiful “Land of the Blue Dragon.” Thomas Cook offers complete amenities such as elegant and comfortable transportation, accommodation, and tailored sightseeing tours at reasonable pricing.

1. Cruise through the Mekong Delta – A Scenic Waterway Adventure

The Mekong Delta paints an exquisite picture of the country’s rustic and attractive rural countryside and is undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s most alluring tourist destinations. One of the most popular and nicest things to do in South Vietnam is to cruise down this picturesque deltaic watercourse. Sail aboard a traditional Vietnamese boat in the Mekong Delta is a perfect delight for visitors.

2. Kayak and Cruise in Halong Bay – A Natural Wonder of Vietnam

The Halong Bay, often called the ‘descending dragons,’ is dotted with lush green islands. Apart from taking in the wonderful beauty of the location, some of the exciting activities to do in Vietnam with friends include cruising in an antique Chinese junk and kayaking in the bay area. The cruise fee is around VND 2,700,000. Charges vary depending on the type of cruise, services provided, and length of stay.

3. Feast on Traditional Delicacies – Try Snake, Pho, and Scorpion

Feast on Traditional Delicacies

Cu Chi is famous for its remarkable subterranean tunnel network, constructed during the American and French War in 1940. This 250-kilometer-long tunnel web was built for communication purposes, including locked doors and hidden passages allowing a safe escape to surrounding streams, rivers, and canals. Many of the tunnels have been expanded and made accessible to tourists. People can crawl through them and get a sense of how residents used to hide in such a stifling environment.

4. Watch a Musical Spectacular at the Saigon Opera House – A Cultural Delight

Saigon Opera House

Pampering the taste buds is one of the nicest things to do in Vietnam, as it is in any other place. And the experience is made even better by the delectable Pho and scalding hot Vietnamese coffee. Pho, a traditional Vietnamese cuisine, consists of broth, rice noodles, veggies, herbs, and meat. Order Pho at one of Vietnam’s well-known restaurants to get the most authentic and exquisite taste. Among these are Pho 2000, Pho 24, Pho Bo Vien Thap Cam, Pho Quynh, Pho Hoa, and Pho Thin Ha Noi. Local coffee should not be missed at M2C Café, Cosmo Café, L’usine Dong Khoi, and Thoai Vien Café. Scorpion Rice Wine and Snake Wine (made from Cobra) are must-try cocktails for individuals who enjoy experimenting with food. The drinks are not only edible and harmless but also extremely good for one’s health.

5. Explore the Ha L Prison – A Look into Vietnam’s War History

Ha L Prison

If you enjoy music, include an opera performance at the Saigon Opera House in your Vietnam travel itinerary. This former assembly house of South Vietnam was built in 1897. The structure is beautifully designed in the French Colonial style. Visiting the Saigon Opera House and seeing a show by the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Vietnam. There is no admission fee. However, tickets for the specific show must be purchased. Ticket costs vary according to the show, time, and location.

6. Living Alongside The Historical Displays Of Ha L Prison

This heritage monument, ironically called Ha L Prison, is where political prisoners were imprisoned during the American War. This is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist attractions, also known as the Hanoi Hilton. Visitors to Hilton Prison come to witness many objects linked to the Vietnamese struggle during various wars. Photographers and history buffs will like the prison-turned-museum.

7. Experience Ho Chi Minh City’s Vibrant Nightlife – Party in Vietnam’s Metropolis

Ho Chi Minh City’s Vibrant Nightlife

The nightlife culture in Ho Chi Minh City is defined by loud party music, sizzling pubs, DJs, bands, and exquisite food. From posh pubs to affordable bars, the city caters to people of all tastes and budgets. Among the enjoyable things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to relax with wine and great music. District 1 offers elegant rooftop pubs and bars that sell the greatest wine and champagne and play fantastic music. Pham Ngu Lao Street features many street-side pubs with inexpensive beer and food, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere.

8. Shop for the Best Silk Products in Hoi An – A Shopper’s Paradise

Best Silk Products in Hoi An

Picturesque Hoi An is well-known around the world for its silk weavers and skilled tailors. Visitors to this coastal village can go shopping for silk products such as gowns, fabric, and scarves. Numerous small shops litter the narrow passageways and busy streets of Hoi An. The retail environment is controlled by very brilliant tailors who are pros at stitching customized apparel, shirts, jackets, and shoes at amazingly low prices.

9. Hike and Cycle in Mai Chau – Adventure in Vietnam’s Countryside

Hike and Cycle in Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a picturesque countryside located distant from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. People come from all over the world to enjoy the verdant peaks, rolling rice fields, traditional thatched roof cottages, winding paths, and tranquillity of the environment. Hiking up to the hills for a spectacular view and cycling around the hamlet are two of the most exciting activities in Vietnam. Plan a stay in one of the homestays here.

10. Shop Until You Drop – The Best Markets and Souvenirs in Vietnam

Markets and Souvenirs in Vietnam

Visitors to Vietnam can go mad buying silk cloth, cosmetics, souvenirs, pearls, handicrafts, terracotta & ceramic objects, and spices. Shopping for these things at various tourist spots is one of the finest ways to spend a week in Vietnam.

How To Reach Vietnam?

By Sea

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel in the manner of our forefathers? If you have leisure and want to spend a few days doing nothing but resting, a cruise to Vietnam might be for you. Nothing compares to the pure emptiness of relaxing aboard a beautiful ship, with every need met. While no direct cruises are available from India, there are various possibilities from Singapore. Choose any cruise for Ho Chi Minh City and spend a leisurely few day making your way across the deep sea, stopping at several ports along the way before arriving at your destination to continue your vacation. The cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore takes approximately 9-10 days.

By Air

The distance between Vietnam and India is around 3,194 kilometres, and your flight time will be approximately 4 hours. With over 300 flights every week connecting the two countries, flying to Vietnam from Bangalore is the most convenient option. You can, however, fly from other important cities including Cochin, Delhi, Amritsar, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram. Vietnam has three international airports, and you can choose your port of arrival based on which section of the country most interests you. You can fly into Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport in the north, Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport in the south, or Da Nang International Airport in the centre. The airport in Hanoi is around 40 minutes from the city centre, whereas the airports in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are 20 and 10 minutes. Although the airports are minor in comparison to other international airports, they all provide basic services like money exchange shops, food and ATMs. The advantage of smaller airports is that it becomes easier to navigate without getting lost or missing your connection flight. Vietnam also has strong domestic connectivity, and you may fly to any area of the nation from any of these airports.

Wrapping Up

Spring (February to April) and Autumn (August to October) are the most excellent times to visit Vietnam. Temperatures are more moderate, and rainfall is less intense. However, due to the country’s natural and ecological diversity, it is difficult to recommend a specific month or season to visit Vietnam. As a result, the optimum time to visit differs according to the many places to visit in Vietnam. Now that we’ve all learned about the best things to see and do in Vietnam, let’s start planning our next trip there right away.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The optimal time to visit Vietnam is between November and April, when the country experiences the least amount of rain.

What are some must-try foods in Vietnam?

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by fresh herbs, vegetables, and a mix of regional influences. Don’t miss the famous banh mi, noodle soups like pho, and fresh tropical fruits.

Is tipping customary in Vietnam?

Tipping isn’t required, but it’s appreciated. If you receive excellent service, a small tip is a thoughtful gesture