Vietnam is one of the most thrilling destinations in Southeast Asia for adventure seekers. It is home to misty mountain peaks, underground cave systems that look like they’re from another world, and breathtaking coastal beaches, to name a few. Visiting this destination is the best decision you can make, and you’ll likely fall head over heels for its charm as soon as you arrive.

But before you hop on the plane, make sure to do a little bit of research to understand the weather patterns there so you can get the most out of your trip. Remember also that you’ll need a visa, so take the time to understand the options available depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. Since it’s very important to stay connected during your trip, you can consider getting a Holafly eSIM in Vietnam rather than relying on a local SIM card, because it’s simpler, more effective, and you won’t have to bother with purchasing a SIM card at the airport. With an eSIM, you’ll benefit from instant connectivity as soon as you arrive at the destination.

Alright, so we’ve made it clear that planning for your trip matters a lot if you want it to be satisfying. But if this is your first time visiting Vietnam, you probably have no idea where you should go and what you should do. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! We’ve curated a bucket list with the best things to do in Vietnam that will fit your preferences, whether you’re looking for thrilling motorbike rides, serene escapes, or epic street food. Ready to dive in?

1)    Take a cruise to Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of those attractions that will leave you in awe. With its limestone cliffs rising like ancient towers and jade-green water, this is the kind of place where you will find a peaceful stillness that will make you forget about all your worries for a while. Whether you pick an overnight stay on a conventional junk boat or go on a day cruise, this is something that must be on your Vietnam bucket list, as it will allow you to experience the natural beauty of the country in the most magical way possible. It’s pure bliss, and if the weather is nice, you may even get a chance to see the sunrise!

2)    Indulge in Hoi An Ancient Town

There’s a reason why Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s breathtakingly beautiful: the historic center is closed to traffic, lanterns light the streets, and there are artisan shops where you can pop in and grab snacks. Honestly, it’s so full of charm that you will feel like not wanting to leave it. We recommend spending time wandering around without a plan and exploring the area during early morning or evening, because this way, you will catch the best light while also avoiding crowds.

3)    Visit the iconic Train Street

Hanoi Train Street is probably on every traveler’s bucket list when they go to Vietnam, and honestly, you don’t want to miss it. Just as its name suggests, it’s a narrow residential street with a train that passes through (and it’s only inches away from restaurants and where people sit outside to enjoy their coffee!). If you’re looking for an experience that will make you hold your breath a little bit, this is definitely it. Just keep in mind that the schedule doesn’t necessarily run to plan, so you may have to wait a while for the rumble of the train.

4)    Try Vietnamese coffee

If you love coffee, Vietnam will feel like a piece of heaven on Earth. You may find yourself sipping Vietnamese coffee every single day, which is honestly addictive – it’s sweet and strong at the same time, nothing like a quick drink such as espresso or a brew like American filter coffee- and drinking it will become like a daily ritual. And if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, don’t fret! Many places in the country offer oat or cashew condensed milk, which is amazing.

5)    Explore the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam and is one of the best places to visit during your adventure. Life literally floats here, with everything from restaurants and houses to markets floating on the streams, canals, and rivers. There’s lots of noise and traffic in the main centers like Chau Doc and Can Tho, but the back sides are rural and very quiet. A typical tour of the area includes a stop at a Vietnamese bakery ( with very delicious cakes), a coconut candy factory, and a rice paper factory, which are all family-run businesses, followed by a boat ride along the small channels, where you get to admire the wildlife and landscape, and a bike ride around the villages.

6)    Visit the local markets

Vietnamese markets are a sensory overload – but in a good way- and you’ll find them everywhere in the country. They have lots of fresh produce, and vendors animatedly shout out their deals with flair. One thing to note is that each local market has its unique charm, so whether it’s Hoi An’s Night Market, Ben Thanh in Hoi Chi Minh, or Dong Xuan in Hanoi, your experience will be very different, and it will bring you into everyday Vietnamese life.

7)    Make the most of the food

If you prioritize a delightful culinary experience when traveling abroad, Vietnam will definitely not disappoint. You will absolutely fall in love with pho (which is basically rice noodles in a slowly cooked beef broth and is served with thinly sliced beef and bean sprouts). And your food experience won’t be complete without eating a bánh mì, a crispy French baguette which is stuffed with tofu or savory meat, fresh herbs, pickled veg, and a drizzle of sauce. It’s honestly delicious. There are also lots of vegetarian dishes available, but many times, they will include fish sauce, which is something you may want to keep in mind. Generally, markets tend to be cheaper compared to restaurants, but the food is delicious! Just make sure to check the audience of a place in order to choose one of the best ones.

The bottom line

As you can see, there are lots of things you can do in Vietnam, and as soon as you try them out, you’ll say to yourself, “ I can’t get enough of these”. Whether you’re there for the sights, the food, or the energy, your Vietnam adventure will likely be an unforgettable one if you take the time to plan and try out these activities.