{getToc} $title={On this page}
Vietnam is a country of incredible contrasts, from the misty mountains of the north to the tropical waterways of the south. Here are the top things to do, categorized by region:
North Vietnam: Culture & Epic Landscapes
- Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Walk through the 36 streets, try a unique Egg Coffee, and catch a traditional Water Puppet Show.
- Cruise Halong Bay: Sail among thousands of limestone karsts. For a quieter experience, consider Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Trek in Sapa or Ha Giang: Hike through terraced rice fields in Sapa or take the ultimate motorbike journey on the Ha Giang Loop for the most dramatic mountain views in Southeast Asia.
- Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on Land): Take a small boat through the caves and limestone peaks of Trang An or Tam Coc.
Central Vietnam: Heritage & Beaches
- Wander Hoi An Ancient Town: This UNESCO site is famous for its yellow buildings and silk lanterns. It’s the best place to get custom-tailored clothing.
- Imperial History in Hue: Visit the Citadel (Imperial City) and the elaborate tombs of former emperors along the Perfume River.
- Golden Bridge in Da Nang: Take the cable car up to Ba Na Hills to see the famous giant stone hands holding up the golden walkway.
- Adventure in Phong Nha: Explore the world’s largest caves, such as Paradise Cave or the adventurous Dark Cave for ziplining and mud baths.
South Vietnam: History & Islands
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Visit the War Remnants Museum, explore the Notre Dame Cathedral, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife at rooftop bars.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Crawl through the immense network of underground tunnels used by soldiers during the Vietnam War.
- Mekong Delta: Take a boat to the floating markets (like Cai Rang) and explore the "rice bowl" of Vietnam with its lush orchards and coconut groves.
- Relax on Phu Quoc Island: Enjoy white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, and ride the world’s longest over-sea cable car.
Must-Try Foods
- Pho: The iconic beef or chicken noodle soup.
- Banh Mi: A delicious Vietnamese baguette sandwich.
- Bun Cha: Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles (a Hanoi specialty made famous by Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama).
Do you have a specific time of year in mind for your trip? The weather varies significantly between the North and South!