What to do in Vietnam? 10 activity ideas

Paul, Blogger
Paul, Blogger

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.

  • Take a Vietnamese cooking class
    Gastronomy
    Vietnamese dishes

    Take 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.

  • Go trekking in the mountains
    Sport
    Trekking in the ricefields

    Go 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.

  • Ride through the rice fields
    Sport
    Discover Vietnam on your bike

    Ride 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.

  • Visit the Imperial City of Hue
    Culture
    Hue Citadel

    Visit 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.

  • Discover Hanoi on a guided tour
    Culture
    Visit Hanoi

    Discover 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.

  • Attend a traditional water puppet show
    Culture
    Water puppet show

    Attend 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.

  • Discover Vietnam’s most beautiful caves
    Relaxation
    Phong Nha Cave

    Discover 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.

  • Discover the Mekong Delta on a boat
    Relaxation
    Boat trip on the Mekong

    Discover 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.

  • Go on a rickshaw ride
    Relaxation
    Rickshaw ride

    Go 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.

  • Go on a cruise in Ha Long Bay
    Relaxation
    Cruise in the Ha Long Bay

    Go 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.