Vietnam is among most people’s top destinations, but what is there to do exactly? The country is vast and offers many possibilities. Are you a nature lover? An adventure seeker? No matter what rocks your boat, you won’t be disappointed. Apart from learning how to use chopsticks, follow our recommendations on the Top 14 Must Do in Vietnam so you won’t miss anything during your trip.
1. Cruise on Lan Ha Bay and visit Cat Ba Island
When speaking about the must do in Vietnam, we have to mention Halong Bay. This complex of islands, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, truly has a lot to offer in addition to its breathtaking landscapes. It is, however, overrun by tourists and can feel very overcrowded. Instead, we recommend you to go to Lan Ha Bay, an extension of Halong Bay in a different province. This place is only a two-hour drive from Hanoi and has many benefits compared to the traditional Halong Bay. Plus, you have the opportunity to visit Cat Ba Island, where many fun activities await.
2. Have a beer in a Bia Hoi
If you go to the capital Hanoi, you will eventually come across one of these. But what is a Bia Hoi? In Vietnamese, Bia Hoi literally means “fresh beer”. In Hanoi, this term refers to special places that look like outdoor bars with large tables and plastic chairs. Always having a full beer is required in those places, and you will often see waiters carrying a dozen beers at once. These places are meant for gathering with friends and there’s always a very friendly atmosphere. You can also order some typical Vietnamese food to go with your drinks.
3. Visit the grottoes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Located in Quang Binh Province (Central Vietnam), visiting World Heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is truly a must do in Vietnam. The park is home to an unspoiled jungle, historic sites and underground caves such as the biggest cave in the world: Son Doong Cave. This park is probably one of the most interesting places to visit during your stay in Vietnam, especially if you enjoy nature and sports-related activities. From hiking in the jungle, biking through the local villages to visiting Hang Toi (Dark cave), all of them are equally must do things for us.
4. Discover the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne
Flickr: Marco Verch 
Flickr: Everjean
If you’re looking for a total change of scenery, then head to Mui Ne. Apart from its gorgeous beaches, Mui Ne also offers an unexpected landscape: endless sand dunes. There are actually two types of sand dunes in Mui Ne, the White Sand Dunes (Đồi Cát Trắng) and the Red Sand Dunes (Đồi Hồng). The latter is the closest to Mui Ne (30 min drive). People there, mostly children, like to slide on rusty sand boards. They will gladly rent you theirs, and for a dollar, you’ll be able to experience a little funny moment with local children. The White Sand Dunes are located a little farther from Mui Ne (45min drive) but are the most beautiful ones. Although it’s the most crowded
5. Trek in Sapa
Ever saw those amazing pictures of terraced rice fields and wondered where to find them? Well, Sapa is your answer! Located in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam, this city offers an authentic experience to those eager to discover it. In addition to the stunning green rice fields, you can also witness the local life of ethnic minorities living in Sapa such as the Hmong or the Tay. In order to make the most of this place, most people opt for trekking. There are many trekking routes you can go for, depending on your physical condition and the duration of your stay.
6. Go on a food tour in Hanoi
Food is such a huge part of Vietnamese culture. If you want to try traditional specialties from North Vietnam, Hanoi is your best shot. The food in the North is less spicy than in Central Vietnam and less sweet than in the South, but it’s still rich in flavour. Hanoi also offers specialties from all over Vietnam with a Northern touch. If you want to get the best recommendations on what dishes to try, go for a food tour in Hanoi. It’s also a great way to discover the city!
7. Join a cooking class
Cooking food from a different culture can be intimidating, which is why cooking classes are a must do in Vietnam if you want to learn how to cook authentic and tasty food with an experienced chief. Whether you’re an experienced cook or “culinarily challenged”, cooking classes are meant to be for everyone. All you need is patience and motivation! You can basically find cooking classes in most cities and travel tours. It’s a popular activity which really brings people together. What better way to remember your trip to Vietnam than to recreate your
8. Ride a bike on the Hai Van Pass
Going from Hue to Hoi An is one of the most followed itineraries to discover Central Vietnam. The most famous road people take is the Hai Van Pass as part of a road trip by bike. The Hai Van Pass is a 165km route going from Hoi An to Hue, passing through Da Nang. You can either complete it in a day or break it up in 2-3 days. It’s a very fun ride to do, with light traffic and gorgeous views on the way. You can also opt for some detours on the way to check on some tourist attractions such as the Elephant Springs. It’s fairly easy to rent a motorbike in any of the three cities of the ride, and if you don’t feel confident riding your own motorbike, you can also go on a tour with an experienced driver.
9. Witness the turtles on Con Dao island during the hatching season
This archipelago of islands located off the South coast of Vietnam is very famous for its turtle season in August. Con Dao has the largest population of sea turtles and many protected breeding sites. Among its 16 Islands, the most popular Islands for nesting sites are Bay Canh Island, Cau Island, Tre Lon Island and Tai Island. In order to witness turtles laying eggs, you have to book a tour through Con Dao National Park Office. During the hatching season, you can also help to release turtles into the sea. Truly among the must do in Vietnam!
10. Ride a bicycle in the rice fields in Hoi An
If you haven’t been to Hoi An yet, do not hesitate anymore! This destination is the perfect holiday spot, with its beaches and the Ancient Town to visit. One of the most popular ways to get around in Hoi An is by bicycle. Most, if not all, accommodations offer bicycle rentals. Less intimidating than motorcycles, bicycles are a comfortable way to explore, especially if you venture in the rice fields. Enjoy the small breeze on your face and the great views in Hoi An!
11. Watch a water puppet show in Hanoi
What best way to enjoy a water puppet show than in its original location at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre? This unique and traditional art from North Vietnam has now become a world-famous show. The tales depicted by the puppets and the orchestra take the audience on a journey back to ancient village life, with some mythical creatures along the way. This attraction is very well-known so it’s advisable you book your tickets well in advance.
12. Visit the floating market of Cai Rang in the Mekong Delta
In the city of Can Tho, a strange scene takes place every morning on the water of the Mekong Delta. It’s the floating market of Cai Rang. At around 4 AM in the morning, fruit vendors are busy manoeuvering their boat and selling their products. The market now attracts a lot of curious tourists. You can visit this market through a tour from a nearby hotel, or go by yourself by renting a boat.
13. Get your perfect tailor-made clothes
Although you can get your clothes done almost everywhere, the most famous city for tailor-made clothes and accessories is Hoi An. Because of its past as a trading port on the Silk Road, the city counts now dozens of tailor shops. It can be tricky to choose one, so just be aware that if the price is too low, it may be too good to be true, and that will affect the quality of your clothes.
14. Try one of the best coffees in the world
As a result of colonization, coffee has now become a huge part of Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese coffee has its own special twist to traditional black coffee and is even considered as one of the best coffees in the world. Made from Robusta beans (with Vietnam being a top producer in the world), Vietnamese coffee has a very flavorful taste that is not altered by the sweet ingredients it’s sometimes mixed with. If you want to try the most authentic coffee, go to Hanoi, where coffee is a well-kept tradition.
