Things to do in Vietnam

More about Vietnam

Vietnam has become one of favorite tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. The main attractions of Vietnam include arts, stunning views, historic cities, and many more. If you want to go on a holiday, you can decide what to do in Vietnam beforehand. Some amazing activities, delicious local foods, and various shopping centers will amuse you and create the best moments.

For the endless fun and thrill, you should come to the VinWonders Phú Quốc, Vietnam's biggest theme park. This huge location welcomes visitors of all ages and provides an exciting combination of a large water park, roller coasters, and rich cultural attractions. If you’re looking for the best place to see Vietnam’s stunning panorama, you can visit Sun World Fansipan Legend and ride a cable car there.

Then, don’t miss out on visiting Sun World Ba Na Hills, Seaworld Coral Park, ZooDoo, and many wonderful destinations. Vietnam presents numerous attractions from thrilling journeys to fascinating cruise tours. Choose the perfect activities for your Vietnam trip and let the adventure begin!

Best Things to Do in Vietnam

As you visit Vietnam, it’s best to know what activity you want to do. You can expect a thrilling adventure, luxury cruise trip, or one-of-a-kind experience. Enjoy the fullest when you trip to Vietnam and consider the attractions to explore.

1. Enjoy a Fun Adventure in VinWonders Phú Quốc

VinWonders Phú Quốc, Vietnam's biggest theme park, promises endless excitement and thrill. This massive place attracts visitors of all ages with a thrilling combination of adventure, culture, and comfort. It features six separate themed areas, includes an enormous water park, exciting roller coasters, and fascinating cultural experiences. 

Discover European iconic buildings at the European Streetmosphere, go back to the past at the Mysterious Viking Village, or get wet in Typhoon World's water slides and wave pool. Fairy World is sure to satisfy fairytale lovers, while informative attractions such as Vinpearl Aquarium offer the mysteries of the ocean. Animal lovers may go to Vinpearl Safari to witness species from all over the world. It guarantees an exciting day of adventure and exploration in lovely tropical settings.

2. Visit Sun World Fansipan Legend

Sun World Fansipan Legend offers the amazing panorama of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, beautiful rice fields, and green hills while riding the cable car.

You can fly over the clouds to arrive at the "Roof of Indochina" Fansipan—the region's highest mountain top. Visit a variety of cultural and religious landmarks, like Thanh Van's Enlightenment Path, the statue of Amitabha Buddha, the elegant Bich Van Zen Monastery, and the calm peace garden. Then, you will experience contemplation chances among the stunning natural splendor.

3. Experience Underwater Walking in SeaWorld Coral Park

If you are captivated by underwater life, you should visit Seaworld Coral Park, Vietnam's first coral park. Seaworld offers an easy way to explore marine life. With air-pumped diving helmet equipment and a trip plan that doesn't need swimming abilities, you can comfortably walk underwater while breathing freely. Enjoy pure happiness when surrounded by gorgeous coral reefs and beautiful fish. It's time to become an underwater astronaut and start on an incredible trip!

4. Explore Sun World Ba Na Hills in Da Nang

Sun World Ba Na Hills can be a perfect family destination. It feels like a dreamland where you should ride a cable car to reach the mountain peak and find numerous thrills. There are Fantasy Park which provides over 150 attractions and arcade games, a village with French Medieval architectural style as the perfect background for pictures, and the famous Golden Bridge that shows the dazzling landscapes of Vietnam.

5. See Incredible Species in Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is home to exotic creatures from around the world. It’s Vietnam’s biggest semi-wild reserve. This exclusive adventure takes you through 5 diverse ecosystems: Safari Park, Primate Area, Bird Area, Open Zoo, and Reptile Area to learn about interesting reptiles. Besides, you can take a free photoshoot with the magnificent Spix's Macaw parrot for a memorable moment. To complete your visit, ride a free VinBus shuttle to the lovely Teddy Bear Museum or the stunning art show at Quintessence at Grand World.

6. Try Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

If you're seeking for an unforgettable visit to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its distinctive and magnificent sceneries, a 5-star cruise trip is a must-have. With modern conveniences and outstanding views of the bay, you can soak up the panorama from the sundeck and experience pure enchantment as the sun sets on the karst rocks. 

On top of that, you can enjoy a culinary adventure at the onboard restaurants, which serve an abundance of international and local dishes. Some private activities such as kayaking in peaceful waters and participating in a cooking class to gain the secrets of Vietnamese food are also available.

7. Interact with Mammals in ZooDoo Dalat

Situated in the forests of Lac Duong Mountain, ZooDoo takes advantage of Dalat's special green landscape with pine trees, flowers, and fresh air which allows humans and animals to interact freely. With a helpful zookeeper, you'll discover the natural habitats of mammals from all around the world, including alpacas, rabbits, meerkats, ponies, raccoons, black-headed Dorper sheep, and others. You'll even have a chance to hand-feed them yourself, so don't be scared to meet new friends at the zoo!

8. Ride the Basket Boat in Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Let's take a trip down the past with Hoi An Memories Show. With five stunning performances, the event celebrates and promotes Vietnam's legendary ao dai as an artistic language for telling the 400-year-old tale of Hoi An. It expertly combines music, performance, visual arts, and lights to produce an emotionally charged event that will leave you with a lasting impression. Aside from that, you can have additional activities for your Hoi An visit, including a fun trip by a coconut grove on a basket boat, some evening romance sailing through the Hoai River, and other fun activities.

9. Datanla Alpine Coaster

If you want something thrilling, push yourself and a friend to go on the Datanla Alpine Coaster. This 2,400-meter coaster trip will take you into Da Lat's gorgeous pine forests, stunning waterfalls, and magnificent views. To guarantee total security, every coaster comes with an electromagnetic brake system, which is used to manage the speed. This attraction is a good option for those who wish to enjoy nature while increasing their adrenaline levels.

10. Learn about History in Cu Chi Tunnels

A morning visit to the famed Cu Chi Tunnels will involve you in the history of Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a pick-up from your hotel or meeting spot and travel to the Ben Dinh tunnel entry, a key location on the 1968 Tet Offensive. You’ll discover the wide underground system, which includes models of booby traps, barracks, and sleeping quarters. It gives a dramatic view into wartime. After that, you'll get a short yet meaningful meeting with a military veteran who offers personal stories and observations. 

Vietnam Transportations

As you start your Vietnam travel, you need to know what transportation to move around the area. Vietnam has various transportations that will help you get around there, including:

1. Train.

Vietnam's trains are an interesting and secure method to travel around the nation. Vietnam Railways manages a single line that connects the North and South. The route runs across the country from Ho Chi Minh City to the Chinese border. For further comfort, upgrade to soft seats and four-berth cabins, or spend on one of the exclusive tourist sleeping trains that are now available on several main routes. You can ride a Vietnam’s train starting from RM 30 depending on your destination.

2. Bus.

Open-tour buses have grown more popular among budget tourists, particularly in Vietnam's south and central areas. Buses travel often and consistently between popular places like Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Da Lat, and Ho Chi Minh City. Many open tour buses are sleepers or deep reclining seats. It’s recommended scheduling one or two days in advance. But, if you're traveling to Vietnam on a Vietnamese holiday, you should purchase tickets a minimum 2 weeks beforehand.

3. Motorbike.

Motorbikes are Vietnam's most popular means of transportation, offering an affordable way for getting around small distances. Almost every city has motorcycle rental businesses with prices varying between RM 26 to RM 55 per day. If you intend to rent for more than a week, you'll need to pay a deposit or leave your passport. 

Recommended Vietnam Food

As you enjoy a day of Vietnam tour, you need to recharge your energy by eating delicious local food. Vietnam street food and other traditional dishes are a must-try when you visit this country. Here are some recommendations for you.

1. Banh My Phuong

Address: 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An, Vietnam

Operational Hours: 06.30 AM - 09.00 PM Daily

While baguettes originated in France, bánh mì is particularly Vietnamese. Paté and margarine are quickly spread on the soft and chewy inside of a baguette. Then, the sandwich is topped with pork belly, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, pork floss, and cucumber. Bite down into the crispy crust and taste as the warm roll transforms into a variety of textures.

2. Bun Cha Huong Lien

Address: 24 P. Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Operational Hours: 08.00 AM - 08.00 PM Daily

Bun cha gained popularity after former President Obama and Anthony Bourdain were seen sharing a dish of grilled pork patties. During lunchtime, the smell of pork grilled on hot charcoal wafts along the sidewalks will attract you to come. This traditional northern dish includes cold bún (rice vermicelli), chunks of minced pork in a fish sauce-based broth, seasoned pork belly, fresh herbs, and salad greens. 

3. Pho Thin

Address: 1 P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam

Operational Hours: 06.00 AM - 10.00 PM Daily

Phở is the traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Flat rice noodles topped with medium-rare slices of meat or cooked chicken in a rich beef broth. Coming from the north, it’s marked by a clear broth and served simply with a squeeze of lemon and some bird's eye chilies. The southern version, phở Nam, features a more complex soup with fresh herbs. The broth is typically flavored with clove, fragrant star anise, and cinnamon to add natural sweetness to the blend. 

4. Banh Can Do Quang

Address:  47 Đỗ Quang, Vĩnh Trung, Hải Châu, Đà Nẵng 550000, Vietnam

Operational Hours: 03.00 PM - 09.00 PM Daily

Bánh căn, or bite-sized tasty pancakes, are an iconic Vietnamese street food. Every bite is delicious and rich in flavor. It’s made with rice batter, a cracked quail egg, and green onions grilled on an open flame. Bánh căn, which was originally served plain, is now served with shrimp or pork and dipped in a bowl of broth with some floating meatballs.

5. Che Dung 95

Address:  95 P. Hàng Bạc, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Operational Hours: 08.30 AM - 11.30 PM Daily

Chè is a delicious snack that can be served hot or cold, as a pudding or a dessert soup. Cold chè is made with jellies and tropical fruits like mangoes, bananas, and longans, which are soaked in coconut cream. You should also try chè ba màu (a magnificent three-coloured dish) which is also known as the rainbow dessert. This is a layered presentation of mashed mung beans, red beans, and pandan jelly.

Shopping Places in Vietnam

After enjoying a long tour in Vietnam, remember to buy some souvenirs for your family or friends. Vietnam is a shopping paradise for those who love unique handicrafts or items. There are several shopping areas to consider in Vietnam:

1. An Dong Market

Address: Phuong 9, District 5, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

An excellent indoor shopping choice in Vietnam is An Dong Market, which offers a diverse selection of fabrics and clothes. This market is divided into several levels, with the lowest level displaying some delicious culinary products. If you want to buy souvenirs, the highest floor of this market has some outstanding options. Some of the things provided here include trays, carved incense burners, animal figures, tea sets, coasters, chopsticks sets, and chopsticks rest. 

2. Cai Rang Floating Market

Address: An Bình, Cái Răng, Cần Thơ, Vietnam

If you've got tired of traditional land marketplaces, Cai Rang can be a great destination. Situated in the Mekong Delta, it’s the largest floating market there. A lovely bridge provides an ideal setting for some old-fashioned pictures. If you want to prevent the crowds, visit this location in the morning. Visiting the market requires you to rent a boat, so you can swiftly explore the numerous items for sale.

3. Hang Gai Street

Address: Hang Gai Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Hang Gai Street, often referred to as Silk Street, is the ultimate shopping location for high-quality silk fabric and clothes. The street features a diverse range of shops providing jogging cloth, housewares, and tailor-made or ready-to-wear silk attire. Many boutiques and small shops serve lamps, stationery, and gifts that you can take home.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

The best time to visit Vietnam is around the dry season which normally runs from October to April. You'll have sunny skies, which makes it easier to go around; however, the sun may be rather hot. So, keep in mind to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, or a hat. In the dry season, the greatest places to go are beaches, historical and cultural sites, and eating new cuisines. 

You can also come when festivals occur to have a one-of-a-kind moment. Vietnam has numerous unique festivals to engage in, but they only happen at specific times. For example, the Rose Festival, also known as Hoa Dao Tet, is typically held between January and February. There is also Tet Trung Thu which takes place in September or October to celebrate the harvest. Numerous other events are also held so you can experience Vietnam's uniqueness at different periods.