29 Extraordinary Things to Do in Vietnam for 2025: Ultimate Bucket List
Vietnam captivates travelers with its stunning contrasts—ancient temples standing beside modern skyscrapers, emerald rice terraces cascading into pristine beaches, and bustling cities giving way to serene countryside. Whether you’re planning your first Vietnamese adventure or returning to discover new treasures, this comprehensive guide showcases 29 extraordinary experiences that blend timeless traditions with emerging destinations. Curated specifically for forward-thinking travelers of 2025-2027, each recommendation delivers authentic cultural immersion, breathtaking natural wonders, and unforgettable moments that define the true essence of Vietnam.
1. Sail Through the Mesmerizing Limestone Formations of Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay’s 1,969 limestone islands and islets create one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic seascapes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. The bay covers an impressive area of 1,553 square kilometers, with limestone formations rising dramatically up to 100 meters above turquoise waters.
Experience a Luxury Overnight Cruise
For the ultimate Ha Long Bay experience, book a premium overnight cruise with elegant amenities. Luxury vessels feature spacious cabins (typically 22-28 square meters) with private balconies, gourmet dining showcasing fresh seafood, and curated activities like sunrise tai chi on the sundeck. Most cruises follow routes through Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, which receive 60% fewer visitors than the main bay while offering equally stunning scenery.
Explore Hidden Caves and Lagoons
Beyond the postcard views, Ha Long Bay’s true magic lies in its secret corners. Kayak through Luon Cave’s 60-meter limestone tunnel to access a hidden lagoon enclosed by 100-meter karst walls. Alternatively, visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, which stretches over 10,000 square meters with chambers reaching heights of 30 meters, featuring dramatic stalactites illuminated by colorful lighting.
2. Wander Through Hanoi’s Historic Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter dates back over 1,000 years and comprises 36 streets originally named after the crafts and guilds once practiced there. Each narrow lane (averaging just 3-5 meters wide) creates a living museum where ancient traditions blend with contemporary life.
Sample Authentic Street Food Treasures
The Old Quarter serves as Vietnam’s premier culinary playground. Start your gastronomic journey at Bun Cha Huong Lien (made famous by Anthony Bourdain and President Obama’s visit), where the signature dish combines grilled pork patties with rice noodles and herbs for 60,000 VND ($2.50). For breakfast, join locals at Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street), serving the same perfected beef pho recipe since 1979. Don’t miss egg coffee at Café Giang—a decadent blend of egg yolk, condensed milk, and robusta coffee created in 1946 during milk shortages.
Shop at Traditional Markets and Artisan Boutiques
Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest covered market built in 1889, spans 6,500 square meters across four floors. For contemporary Vietnamese design, visit Collective Memory (8 Chan Cam Street), where local artisans create handcrafted textiles using traditional H’mong techniques with modern applications. The Ancient House at 87 Ma May Street offers a perfectly preserved example of 19th-century merchant architecture, allowing visitors to step back in time.
3. Trek Through Sapa’s Terraced Rice Fields
Sapa’s rice terraces in northwestern Vietnam represent agricultural ingenuity dating back over 2,000 years. The terraces cover entire mountainsides, with some areas featuring up to 50 layers of rice paddies cascading down slopes.
Hike Among Different Ethnic Villages
The Muong Hoa Valley trek spans 15 kilometers between multiple ethnic minority villages. Start in Cat Cat (home to the Black H’mong), continuing to Ta Van (where Giay people reside), and finishing in Giang Ta Chai (Red Dao community). Each village maintains distinct cultural practices, from indigo dyeing techniques to unique architectural styles and embroidery patterns. The best trekking months are September-November when terraces turn golden during harvest or March-May when fields are flooded, creating mirror-like reflections.
Summit Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina”
Standing 3,143 meters tall, Fansipan is Vietnam’s highest peak. While traditionally requiring a challenging 2-3 day expedition, the Fansipan Cable Car (operating since 2016) now offers a 15-minute journey covering 6.2 kilometers to reach the summit. The cable car holds two Guinness World Records: the longest three-rope cable car (6,292.5 meters) and the greatest elevation gain (1,410 meters). At the top, explore the spiritual complex featuring a 21.5-meter bronze Buddha statue and panoramic views extending into China on clear days.
4. Navigate the Spectacular Ha Giang Loop by Motorbike
The Ha Giang Loop stretches 350 kilometers through Vietnam’s northernmost province, featuring limestone pinnacles, deep valleys, and remote villages largely untouched by mass tourism. The route traverses four districts with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,700 meters above sea level.
Conquer the Ma Pi Leng Pass
Often called “Vietnam’s King of Passes,” Ma Pi Leng rises 1,500 meters above sea level with sheer cliffs dropping dramatically to the Nho Que River 800 meters below. The 20-kilometer pass between Dong Van and Meo Vac was hand-carved into the mountainside by local workers between 1959-1965, requiring six years of dangerous manual labor. The Skywalk viewpoint, completed in 2019, extends 5 meters from the cliff face, offering vertigo-inducing views across the Nho Que River’s emerald waters.
Visit the Lung Cu Flag Tower
Marking Vietnam’s northernmost point, Lung Cu Flag Tower stands 30 meters tall atop Dragon Mountain (1,700 meters above sea level). The massive Vietnamese flag measures 54 square meters (representing 54 ethnic groups) and is visible from three surrounding districts. On clear days, visitors can see into China’s Yunnan Province just 3 kilometers away. The tower sits at the exact coordinates of 23°21’36.8″N 105°19’04.2″E, making it a significant geographical landmark.
5. Experience the Enchantment of Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An preserves over 1,107 timber-frame buildings dating from the 15th to 19th centuries when it flourished as a major trading port. The UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 30 hectares and blends Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural influences.
Witness the Monthly Lantern Festival
Every full moon (14th day of the lunar month), Hoi An transforms as electric lights are switched off throughout the Old Town, replaced by thousands of colorful silk lanterns. The tradition began in the 16th century, inspired by Chinese and Japanese festivals. Visitors can purchase floating lanterns (20,000-30,000 VND) to release on the Thu Bon River while making wishes. The festival creates spectacular photo opportunities as hundreds of glowing lanterns drift downstream, especially from An Hoi Bridge or riverside cafés like the Reaching Out Teahouse.
Commission Custom-Made Clothing
Hoi An maintains a 300-year legacy of tailoring excellence with over 400 tailor shops concentrated in the Ancient Town. Renowned establishments like Yaly Couture (47 Tran Phu Street) can produce custom garments in as little as 24 hours, though 2-3 days allows for proper fittings. Master tailors can replicate designs from photographs or fashion magazines using high-quality materials, including Vietnamese silk from nearby Quang Nam Province. Prices start around $30 for simple items but represent exceptional value compared to Western custom tailoring.
6. Delve into Ho Chi Minh City’s Culinary Scene
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) serves as Vietnam’s culinary capital with over 500,000 food establishments across 24 districts. The city’s gastronomy reflects its history as a cultural crossroads, incorporating French colonial influences alongside Chinese, Khmer, and traditional Vietnamese techniques.
Embark on a Vespa Street Food Adventure
Evening Vespa food tours navigate HCMC’s vibrant districts, stopping at hidden eateries inaccessible to larger groups. Sample specialties like banh khot (crispy mini pancakes with shrimp) at Co Ba Vung Tau in District 3, where the recipe dates back to 1945. Continue to outdoor seafood markets in District 4, where fresh shellfish is grilled streetside with scallions and peanuts. The tours typically include 5-7 stops over 4-5 hours, with professional drivers navigating the city’s famously chaotic traffic while guides explain culinary history.
Explore the Ben Thanh Market Gastronomy
Operating since 1870, Ben Thanh Market houses 3,000 vendors across 13,000 square meters. The food section contains over 100 stalls serving regional specialties. Must-try dishes include com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) at stall 1002, which uses a special marinade of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce passed down through four generations. For adventurous eaters, visit the market’s eastern corner for unusual delicacies like balut (fertilized duck egg) and durian sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.
7. Uncover History in the Cu Chi Tunnel Network
The Cu Chi Tunnels comprise an astonishing 250-kilometer underground network that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. The three-level system reached depths of 10 meters and included living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, and meeting rooms that sheltered up to 16,000 people.
Navigate the Preserved Tunnel Sections
Visitors can explore approximately 120 meters of tunnels at Ben Dinh, which have been enlarged from their original 60×80 centimeter dimensions to accommodate tourists. The experience provides insight into the challenging conditions faced by those who lived underground, with temperatures inside reaching 30°C year-round and limited ventilation. Special demonstrations show ingenious features like disguised trap doors measuring just 30×30 centimeters and bamboo ventilation systems that redirected smoke up to 50 meters away to prevent detection.
Examine Military Artifacts and Weaponry
The site’s museum displays remarkable examples of guerrilla innovation, including mines created from unexploded American ordnance (with 75% of materials being recycled from enemy weapons). Visitors can observe the “punji stick” traps with sharpened bamboo points and see actual B-52 bomb craters measuring up to 6 meters in diameter. For the adventurous, the shooting range offers the opportunity to fire AK-47s, M16s, and M60 machine guns (approximately 40,000 VND/$1.70 per bullet) under strict supervision.
8. Relax on Phu Quoc Island’s Pristine Beaches
Vietnam’s largest island encompasses 574 square kilometers in the Gulf of Thailand, with 150 kilometers of coastline featuring 20 distinct beaches. Over 50% of the island is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, helping preserve its natural beauty despite rapid development.
Discover Secluded Beach Paradises
Bai Sao (Star Beach) on the southeastern coast stretches for 7 kilometers with powdery white sand composed of 95% silica, giving it a distinctive squeaky texture when walked upon. The shallow waters maintain a consistent 28°C temperature year-round with exceptional clarity (visibility up to 15 meters). For more seclusion, visit Bai Dai (Long Beach) in the northwest, where a 20-kilometer stretch offers plenty of space even during peak season, with several sections completely undeveloped.
Explore the Underwater World
Phu Quoc’s marine ecosystem includes over 108 coral species and 125 fish species. The An Thoi Archipelago in the south comprises 15 small islands with Vietnam’s most vibrant coral gardens. Half-day snorkeling trips to Gam Ghi Island reveal impressive hard and soft coral formations in water depths of just 6-10 meters, making them accessible to beginners. For certified divers, Hon Xuong offers wall dives dropping to 30 meters with frequent sightings of barracuda, angelfish, and occasional green sea turtles.
9. Marvel at Da Nang’s Golden Bridge
Opened in 2018, the Golden Bridge (Cau Vang) has quickly become one of Vietnam’s most photographed landmarks. This 150-meter pedestrian walkway sits 1,400 meters above sea level in the Ba Na Hills resort complex, supported by two massive stone hands that appear to lift the golden structure from the mountainside.
Photograph the Architectural Wonder
The bridge’s design came from TA Landscape Architecture, with the hands meticulously crafted to appear weathered and ancient despite being modern constructions. The hands measure 15 meters from wrist to fingertip and are supported by a steel framework covered with fiberglass and mesh. The walkway itself is lined with purple Lobelia Chrysanthemum flowers that bloom year-round, creating a striking contrast against the gold-plated railings. Morning visits (before 10:00 AM) offer the best lighting conditions and fewer crowds for photographs.
Explore the Surrounding Fantasy Park
The Golden Bridge is part of the larger Ba Na Hills complex, accessible via a 5,801-meter cable car that holds the world record for the longest non-stop single track cable car. The resort includes a replica French village (Colmar) with architectural details modeled after buildings in Alsace, France. The 21,000-square-meter indoor Fantasy Park houses over 90 arcade games and rides across three floors, including the Drop Tower with a 29-meter free fall and the Alpine Coaster that winds 1.3 kilometers through forest landscapes.
10. Experience Life in the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta spans 40,000 square kilometers across 13 provinces, creating a water world where life revolves around the river. The region produces 50% of Vietnam’s agricultural output, including 90% of its rice exports and 70% of its fruit harvest.
Visit Authentic Floating Markets
Cai Rang floating market near Can Tho operates daily from 5:00 AM to midday, with peak activity between 6:00-7:00 AM when up to 350 boats gather to trade. Unlike tourist-oriented markets, Cai Rang remains primarily functional, with wholesale vendors advertising their goods by attaching samples to bamboo poles up to 3 meters tall. A unique communication system exists—boats flying green leafy vegetables indicate they’re buying rather than selling. Small sampan boats weave between larger vessels selling Vietnamese coffee and hot breakfast noodles to market vendors.
Stay in Traditional Mekong Homestays
For authentic cultural immersion, family homestays in the Delta provide insights into riverine lifestyles. In Vinh Long Province, the Mekong Rustic homestay is built entirely of natural materials (bamboo, water coconut wood, and palm leaves) on a 2,000-square-meter fruit orchard. Guests participate in daily activities like rice paper making, fruit harvesting, and traditional music performances. Many homestays are located on islets accessible only by boat, offering a complete disconnect from urban environments while supporting sustainable community tourism initiatives.
11. Witness a Traditional Water Puppet Performance
Water puppetry (Múa rối nước) originated in the Red River Delta during the 11th century when villagers performed in flooded rice fields during harvest celebrations. This uniquely Vietnamese art form combines puppetry with live music to tell folkloric stories and depict rural life.
Attend an Authentic Show in Hanoi
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater near Hoan Kiem Lake presents Vietnam’s premier water puppetry experience, hosting over 500 performances annually since 1969. The performance takes place in a water-filled stage measuring 4 meters square and 0.5 meters deep, with puppeteers standing waist-deep behind a bamboo screen manipulating wooden puppets weighing 1-5 kilograms each. Shows feature 17 short vignettes accompanied by a traditional orchestra playing instruments like the dan bau (monochord) and trung (bamboo xylophone).
Learn About the Ancient Puppetry Techniques
Each water puppet requires exceptional craftsmanship, carved from fig wood (sung) for water resistance and durability. Puppets feature detachable limbs connected to underwater rods and strings, allowing complex movements like dragons that breathe actual fire or phoenixes that lay eggs. The most skilled puppeteers train for 3-4 years to master manipulating puppets while standing in waist-deep water for hour-long performances. Many techniques remained closely guarded secrets within families for generations until formal training was established in the 1950s.
12. Hike the Marble Mountains in Da Nang
The Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) consist of five limestone and marble hills, each named after an element: Thuy (Water), Moc (Wood), Hoa (Fire), Kim (Metal), and Tho (Earth). Rising dramatically from the flat coastal plain, these karst formations have served as spiritual sites for over 400 years.
Explore Ancient Cave Temples
Thuy Son (Water Mountain), the largest of the five at 106 meters high, contains the most impressive caves and temples. Huyen Khong Cave stretches 50 meters deep and 40 meters wide, illuminated by natural light streaming through a ceiling opening created during American bombing in 1968. Inside, the Am Phu Cave (Hell Cave) descends 302 steps through limestone passages depicting Buddhist conceptions of heaven and hell, including life-sized statues of deities, demons, and sinners facing judgment.
Enjoy Panoramic Coastal Views
The summit of Thuy Son offers spectacular 360-degree views extending from the 30-kilometer arc of My Khe Beach to the Son Tra Peninsula and Cham Islands. For the best views, climb the 156 steps to the Tam Thai Pagoda viewpoint, originally built in 1825 by Emperor Minh Mang. The surrounding area once housed 80 stone sculpture workshops, though most have relocated following conservation efforts. Visit the remaining artisans in Non Nuoc Craft Village at the base of the mountains, where sculptors still create intricate works using traditional hand tools.
13. Kayak Through the Hidden Corners of Lan Ha Bay
Adjacent to Ha Long Bay but administratively part of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay offers similar limestone karst scenery with significantly fewer tourists. The bay encompasses 7,000 hectares with 139 pristine white sand beaches tucked between vertical rock formations.
Paddle to Secluded Lagoons and Beaches
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay allows access to areas unreachable by larger cruise ships. The Three Peach Beaches (Ba Trai Dao) can only be reached by kayak or small boat and feature crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 10 meters. During low tide, paddlers can access hidden lagoons through low limestone tunnels, including the Blue Lagoon near Van Boi Beach, where emerald waters are surrounded by 100-meter karst walls covered in lush vegetation.
Explore Floating Fishing Communities
Unlike Ha Long Bay’s increasingly tourism-focused floating villages, Lan Ha Bay maintains authentic fishing communities like Cai Beo, which dates back approximately 7,000 years based on archaeological evidence. The village consists of 300 floating homes housing about 1,800 residents who maintain traditional fishing practices. Visitors can paddle alongside local fishermen casting nets and learn about sustainable aquaculture methods, including the pearl farms that produce some of Vietnam’s finest freshwater pearls through a 3-5 year cultivation process.
14. Discover the Underground Wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park protects one of the world’s oldest karst formations, dating back 400 million years. The park contains over 300 caves and grottoes stretching across 104,000 hectares, including several of the world’s largest cave systems.
Marvel at Paradise Cave’s Spectacular Formations
Discovered in 2005 by local farmer Ho Khanh, Paradise Cave (Thien Duong) extends an astonishing 31.4 kilometers underground. The main chamber reaches heights of 72 meters and widths of 150 meters, adorned with limestone formations in shapes resembling frozen waterfalls, Buddha statues, and gothic cathedrals. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 17-19°C year-round regardless of external weather. While tourists can visit the first kilometer on wooden walkways, extended explorations (7-15 kilometers) require advance booking with specialized tour operators.
Venture into the World’s Largest Cave – Son Doong
First explored in 2009, Son Doong Cave has since been confirmed as the world’s largest cave passage, large enough to house an entire New York City block with 40-story skyscrapers. The main chamber measures 5 kilometers long, 200 meters high, and 150 meters wide. Inside exists a complete ecosystem with jungle, river, and climate systems, including a zone called the “Garden of Edam” where a collapsed ceiling allows sunlight to enter, supporting a forest of 30-meter tall trees. Access remains strictly limited to 1,000 visitors annually through exclusive expeditions costing approximately $3,000 for a four-day journey.
15. Master Vietnamese Cuisine in a Cooking Class
Vietnamese cuisine balances five fundamental taste elements (spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet) with five essential nutrients based on the philosophy of “yin and yang” in food preparation. Cooking classes offer deep insights into this culinary heritage while providing practical skills to bring home.
Join a Market-to-Table Experience in Hoi An
Hoi An’s renowned cooking schools, like the Red Bridge Cooking School, begin with guided market tours at Hoi An’s central market, where instructors explain how to select the freshest ingredients—from checking the eyes of fish to identifying the 15 different varieties of Vietnamese herbs commonly used in local dishes. Following ingredient selection, participants typically board a boat for a 25-minute journey along the Thu Bon River to cooking school locations set in tropical gardens or rice fields.
Learn Regional Specialties Across Vietnam
Each region of Vietnam maintains distinctive culinary traditions worth exploring. In Hue, cooking classes focus on royal cuisine with intricate presentation techniques for dishes like banh khoai (Hue-style crepes with turmeric) and bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup containing lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste). Northern cooking schools emphasize subtle flavors and Chinese influences, while southern classes showcase bolder tastes with greater use of sugar and tropical ingredients. Most classes conclude with participants eating their creations and receiving recipe booklets for recreating dishes at home.
16. Unwind at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi’s City Center
Hoan Kiem Lake (“Lake of the Returned Sword”) forms the heart of Hanoi, covering 12 hectares surrounded by historical sites and French colonial architecture. According to legend, Emperor Le Loi returned a magical sword to a golden turtle in the lake after defeating Chinese invaders in the 15th century.
Visit the Historic Temples and Pagodas
The iconic Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island connected to the shore by the vibrant red Huc Bridge (Rising Sun Bridge), which extends 15 meters across the water. Built in the 18th century, the temple honors 13th-century military leader Tran Hung Dao, scholar Van Xuong, and physician La To. On another islet stands the Turtle Tower (Thap Rua), a 10-meter structure built in 1886 that has become a symbol of Hanoi, though it remains closed to visitors.
Experience Local Life Around the Lake
The lake serves as an outdoor community center where multiple generations gather throughout the day. Early mornings (5:00-7:00 AM) bring elderly residents practicing tai chi, fan dancing, and traditional martial arts. Weekends since 2016 have featured a pedestrian-only zone from Friday evening through Sunday night, when 15,000-20,000 people visit for street performances, traditional games, and handicraft demonstrations. The 2-kilometer path around the lake becomes especially lively at sunset when young couples, street food vendors, and musicians create a vibrant atmosphere.
17. Discover Vietnam’s Unique Coffee Culture
Vietnam ranks as the world’s second-largest coffee producer and has developed distinctive preparation methods and café traditions since coffee was introduced by French colonists in the 1850s. The country primarily grows robusta beans (accounting for 97% of production), creating stronger, more caffeine-rich coffee than typical arabica varieties.
Sample Specialty Vietnamese Coffee Variations
Beyond the famous ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk), innovative Vietnamese coffee creations include egg coffee (ca phe trung), first created in 1946 at Hanoi’s Café Giang when milk was scarce. The recipe whips egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk into a meringue-like topping for strong black coffee. In Hue, salt coffee (ca phe muoi) incorporates a salted cream topping that balances the coffee’s bitterness. For the adventurous, weasel coffee (ca phe chon) uses beans partially digested and excreted by civet cats, creating a smoother, less bitter flavor that commands prices of $100+ per pound.
Visit Historic Cafés and Hidden Gems
Hanoi’s café scene includes atmospheric heritage locations like Café Dinh, operating since 1947 in a former French official’s residence. The café is famous for egg coffee prepared by the original creator’s daughter using the exact recipe. In Ho Chi Minh City, apartment cafés occupy abandoned colonial-era buildings, like The Cafe Apartments at 42 Nguyen Hue Street, where a nine-story former residential block now houses 30+ independent cafés, each with unique themes ranging from Japanese minimalism to retro Americana. Many feature balconies overlooking the city’s walking street and the Saigon River beyond.
18. Explore the Imperial City of Hue
Serving as Vietnam’s capital from 1802-1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue’s Imperial City spans 520 hectares and is protected by a 10-kilometer moat and walls reaching 21 meters thick. Despite suffering heavy damage during the 1968 Tet Offensive when 148 of 160 major structures were destroyed, ongoing restoration has returned much of its former glory.
Tour the Forbidden Purple City
At the heart of the Imperial City lies the Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh), once accessible only to the emperor, his concubines, and eunuch servants. Named for the belief that purple was the color of the North Star, where the emperor’s heavenly mandate originated, this inner sanctum covered 10 hectares with 50 structures. While much was destroyed, meticulously restored areas include the Can Chanh Palace (where the emperor conducted daily business) and Thai Hoa Palace (used for official receptions and ceremonies), which features 80 carved wooden columns lacquered in red and gold.
Visit the Royal Tombs Along the Perfume River
The Nguyen emperors constructed elaborate tomb complexes combining palatial architecture with landscaped gardens. Most impressive is Tu Duc’s tomb, built between 1864-1867 across 12 hectares with a lake, pavilion, and poetry wall containing 4,000 characters written by the emperor himself. Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb (1920-1931) represents the dynasty’s final grand project, blending Vietnamese design with European influences through concrete construction and elaborate glass and ceramic mosaics. Visiting all seven major tombs requires at least two days, with boat transport on the Perfume River offering a scenic alternative to road travel.
19. Participate in Vietnam’s Vibrant Festival Culture
Vietnam celebrates approximately 7,500 festivals annually, many tied to local temples, agricultural cycles, or historical events. These celebrations provide deeper insights into Vietnamese spiritual beliefs and community traditions that span generations.
Experience Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
As Vietnam’s most important holiday, Tet celebrations last officially for seven days but influence activities for weeks before and after. Traditions include thorough house cleaning (never during the holiday itself), settling debts, purchasing new clothes, and preparing special foods like banh chung (sticky rice cakes wrapped in dong leaves). Cities empty as people return to family villages, with an estimated 70% of Ho Chi Minh City’s population temporarily departing. The first visitor of the new year (xong dat) is carefully chosen as their character is believed to influence the household’s fortune for the entire year.
Attend Regional Festivals Throughout the Year
Beyond Tet, diverse local festivals showcase Vietnam’s cultural richness. The Hue Festival (held biennially in April/May) recreates royal ceremonies with 500+ performers in imperial costumes. September’s Mid-Autumn Festival focuses on children with lion dances, lantern processions, and mooncake sharing. For more unusual celebrations, visit the Hon Chen Temple Festival near Hue (featuring mediums who enter trances), or the Khau Vai Love Market in Ha Giang, where former lovers are permitted to meet once yearly regardless of current marital status—a tradition dating back over 100 years.
20. Observe Vietnam’s Agricultural Rhythms
Agriculture employs approximately 40% of Vietnam’s workforce and shapes cultural traditions nationwide. Witnessing planting and harvest seasons offers insights into rural life while providing spectacular photographic opportunities of landscapes transformed by agricultural cycles.
Visit Northern Rice Terraces During Key Seasons
In Northern Vietnam, rice planting begins in May when terraces are flooded, creating mirror-like reflections of sky and mountains. By August-September, ripening rice turns hillsides golden before harvest. The most dramatic visual transformation occurs in Mu Cang Chai district, where 2,200 hectares of terraced fields climb mountainsides in parallel curves. For photographers, early morning (5:00-7:00 AM) provides optimal lighting conditions as mist rises from valleys, especially at La Pan Tan and Che Cu Nha villages, where terraces reach up to 30 levels.
Participate in Harvest Activities and Festivals
Several communities now welcome visitors to participate in agricultural activities. In Mai Chau valley, homestays offer opportunities to join rice planting or harvesting using traditional methods unchanged for centuries. Near Dalat, coffee plantation tours demonstrate cultivation techniques and allow visitors to harvest ripe cherries during the November-February season. Many regions celebrate successful harvests with festivals featuring traditional music, dance, and rituals expressing gratitude to agricultural deities, particularly in ethnic minority areas where animist beliefs remain strong.
21. Catch Waves Along Vietnam’s Emerging Surf Coast
Vietnam’s 3,260 kilometers of coastline include several world-class surf breaks that remain relatively uncrowded compared to established Asian surf destinations. The central coast between Da Nang and Nha Trang offers the most consistent conditions, with an emerging surf culture developing since the early 2000s.
Ride the Breaks at My Khe Beach, Da Nang
Recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, My Khe offers 30 kilometers of white sand with multiple surf breaks suitable for different skill levels. The northern section near the Son Tra Peninsula provides gentle waves ideal for beginners, while the area near the Marble Mountains features stronger beach breaks with swells reaching 1.5-2 meters during the September-March winter monsoon season. Several surf schools, including Vietnam Surf Camp, offer lessons from certified instructors, with two-hour beginner sessions costing approximately 700,000 VND ($30) including board rental.
Discover Emerging Surf Destinations
Beyond established spots, adventurous surfers are exploring Vietnam’s less-developed coastal areas. Phan Rang, 100 kilometers south of Nha Trang, offers more powerful reef breaks and consistent cross-shore winds, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. My Khe Beach in Quang Ngai Province (not to be confused with Da Nang’s My Khe) remains largely undiscovered by international tourists despite offering quality point breaks during the northeast monsoon. These emerging destinations typically feature accommodation at half the price of established beach resorts while providing authentic interactions with coastal communities.
22. Explore Vietnam’s Highland Coffee Country
The Central Highlands, encompassing Lam Dong, Dak Lak, and Gia Lai provinces, produce 80% of Vietnam’s coffee across 600,000 hectares at elevations of 500-1,600 meters. The region’s basalt soil, consistent temperatures (averaging 20-22°C), and distinct wet/dry seasons create ideal growing conditions for robusta coffee, though arabica production is increasing in higher elevations.
Tour Working Coffee Plantations in Dalat
Dalat’s highland terroir at 1,500 meters elevation has attracted coffee growers since French colonial times. The K’Ho Coffee Cooperative, established in 2012, offers immersive tours where visitors learn sustainable farming methods from ethnic minority farmers who traditionally harvest coffee from small family plots of 1-2 hectares. The cooperative’s specialty arabica varieties undergo meticulous processing, including honey processing where beans ferment in their own fruit mucilage, developing distinct flavor profiles with notes of chocolate, berries, and citrus.
Visit Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam’s Coffee Capital
Known as Vietnam’s “coffee capital,” Buon Ma Thuot hosts the biennial Coffee Festival each March, attracting 50,000+ visitors to coffee-themed events, barista competitions, and industry conferences. The World Coffee Museum, opened in 2018, displays 10,000+ artifacts related to global coffee history across 1,600 square meters. Coffee enthusiasts can stay at plantation homestays like Trung Nguyen Village, where accommodations sit amid working coffee farms and include tours of production facilities where visitors observe wet processing, drying, and roasting techniques before participating in traditional Vietnamese brewing demonstrations.
23. Travel Vietnam by Rail on the Reunification Express
The North-South Railway, colloquially known as the Reunification Express, spans 1,726 kilometers between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Completed by French colonists in 1936 but extensively damaged during wartime, the current line reopened in 1976 following Vietnam’s reunification, symbolizing the country’s healing.
Experience Vietnam’s Most Scenic Rail Sections
The most spectacular section traverses the Hai Van Pass between Hue and Da Nang, where trains climb 496 meters above sea level along the mountainous coastline. This 21-kilometer stretch passes through tunnels and across viaducts with panoramic views of the East Sea, particularly magnificent during the 6:00 AM southbound departure from Hue when sunrise illuminates the coastline. Another notable section between Nha Trang and Phan Thiet hugs the coastline with uninterrupted ocean views for almost 100 kilometers.
Choose Comfort Levels to Match Your Travel Style
The journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes approximately 35 hours, though most travelers break it into segments to explore cities along the route. Four main service levels exist: hard seats (lowest cost), soft seats (reclining), hard berths (six-person compartments), and soft berths (four-person compartments with more comfortable bedding). The Vietnam Railways Tourism Company offers premium tourist carriages on select routes with private two-person compartments, enhanced dining options, and dedicated attendants. These luxury carriages feature air conditioning, private bathrooms, and large windows specifically positioned to maximize scenic views.
24. Cycle Through the Tranquil Mai Chau Valley
Located 135 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, Mai Chau Valley offers a perfect introduction to rural Vietnam with flat terrain ideal for leisurely cycling. The valley floor spans approximately 20 square kilometers surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains rising 1,500 meters on all sides.
Bike Between Traditional Stilt House Villages
The valley contains dozens of White Thai minority villages accessible via gentle cycling routes on paved and dirt roads with minimal vehicle traffic. The main villages of Lac and Pom Coong connect via a 3-kilometer path through rice fields, while more remote settlements like Van Mai and Xam Khoe require 8-15 kilometer rides. Traditional stilt houses stand 2.5 meters above ground to avoid flooding and feature distinctive architectural elements including precisely balanced roofs requiring no nails in their construction. Several routes pass community-managed craft workshops where visitors observe traditional weaving on looms that produce the region’s famous cotton textiles.
Combine Cycling with Cultural Experiences
Beyond cycling, Mai Chau offers complementary activities showcasing local culture. Evening cultural performances in Lac village feature traditional Thai dances accompanied by gongs and drums, with visitors invited to join bamboo dances and try rice wine drinking rituals. Several tour companies offer guided cycling packages with cultural components, including Vietnam Marvel Travel’s 8-day tour that combines Mai Chau cycling with visits to other northern highlights. The valley’s moderate climate makes cycling pleasant year-round, though February-May and September-November offer the most reliable weather conditions.
25. Experience a Floating Market in the Mekong Delta
Floating markets have operated in the Mekong Delta for over 100 years, serving as essential trading hubs in a region where waterways historically provided better transportation than roads. While some markets have become tourist attractions, many retain their authentic commercial purpose serving local communities.
Visit Cai Rang, Vietnam’s Largest Floating Market
Located 6 kilometers from Can Tho city, Cai Rang floating market opens at 5:00 AM when hundreds of wooden boats gather to trade wholesale produce. Unlike Thailand’s primarily tourist-oriented floating markets, Cai Rang maintains its authentic function with approximately 400 boats conducting genuine business daily. Vendors identify their merchandise by attaching samples to bamboo poles (known as “cay beo”) extending up to 3 meters high—a practice developed before motorized boats when sellers needed to be visible from a distance. Peak activity occurs between 6:00-7:00 AM, with most business concluded by 9:00 AM.
Explore Smaller, More Authentic Markets
For less touristy experiences, visit smaller floating markets like Phong Dien (15 kilometers from Can Tho), which operates with around 100 boats between 4:00-8:00 AM. Unlike Cai Rang’s larger motorized vessels, Phong Dien features primarily small rowing boats managed by women wearing traditional ba ba outfits and conical hats. Another alternative is Long Xuyen floating market in An Giang Province, where ethnic Khmer and Cham traders sell goods transported from Cambodia. These smaller markets receive significantly fewer tourists, allowing for more authentic cultural interactions and photographic opportunities without staged elements.
26. Discover “Halong Bay on Land” in Ninh Binh Province
Just 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh Province offers landscapes similar to Ha Long Bay but set amid rice fields rather than ocean—earning it the nickname “Ha Long Bay on Land.” The province encompasses several protected areas, including Trang An Landscape Complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 for its exceptional scenic beauty and archaeological significance.
Take a Sampan Boat Ride Through Trang An or Tam Coc
Traditional sampan boat tours provide the best way to experience Ninh Binh’s karst landscape. In Tam Coc (“Three Caves”), local rowers guide flat-bottomed boats through three natural limestone tunnels spanning 127 meters, 70 meters, and 40 meters respectively. The 2-hour journey passes between limestone mountains rising dramatically from rice fields, with routes varying seasonally based on water levels. In the Trang An complex, longer boat journeys (3-4 hours) navigate through 12 different caves, including Sang Cave (220 meters long) and Dark Cave (350 meters), requiring passengers to duck as boats pass through low ceiling sections just 0.5-1 meter high.
Climb Mua Cave Mountain for Panoramic Views
For the most spectacular views in Ninh Binh, climb the 500 stone steps to the summit of Mua Cave Mountain (Hang Mua). The steep staircase leads to a rocky outcrop 200 meters above the surrounding landscape, offering 360-degree vistas of the Ngo Dong River winding between karst formations and rice fields. The summit features two viewing pavilions: one crowned with a stone dragon representing the King of the North in Vietnamese mythology, and another with a statue of Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy) overlooking the valley. Visit in late afternoon (4:00-5:00 PM) for optimal lighting conditions when the setting sun casts dramatic shadows across the landscape.
27. Wander Through Cao Bang’s Ban Gioc Waterfall and Ethnic Markets
Ban Gioc Waterfall, situated on the Vietnam-China border in northeastern Cao Bang Province, ranks among Southeast Asia’s most impressive waterfalls yet remains relatively undiscovered by international tourists. The falls drop 30 meters across a 300-meter-wide cascade divided into three main tiers, with the Quay Son River forming the natural border between Vietnam and China.
Marvel at Ban Gioc’s Tiered Cascades
The waterfall’s flow varies dramatically by season, reaching maximum volume during the rainy months (May-September) when water thunders over all three tiers. During this peak period, mist rises up to 50 meters, creating rainbows on sunny mornings between 9:00-11:00 AM. Visitors can approach the falls from viewing platforms or take bamboo raft rides operated by local villagers that navigate close to the smaller cascades (though international border restrictions prevent crossing to the Chinese side). The surrounding landscape features rice terraces carved into limestone hills and traditional villages of the Tay ethnic minority, whose distinctive stilt houses dot the valley.
Explore Cao Bang’s Vibrant Ethnic Markets
Cao Bang Province hosts colorful markets where ethnic minority groups (primarily Tay, Nung, Dao, and H’mong peoples) gather to trade goods and socialize. The Phong Nam market operates every six days according to the lunar calendar, bringing hundreds of villagers in traditional dress to sell handcrafted textiles, agricultural products, and medicinal herbs gathered from surrounding mountains. These markets retain their authentic purpose rather than being staged for tourists, offering genuine cultural experiences and photographic opportunities. Visit early (6:00-9:00 AM) to witness the most active trading and traditional dress before locals change into everyday clothing.
28. Unwind in Luxury Wellness Retreats
Vietnam has emerged as a Southeast Asian wellness destination, blending traditional healing practices with world-class spa facilities. The country’s diverse natural environments—from mountain highlands to coastal settings—provide ideal backdrops for rejuvenation.
Experience Ancient Vietnamese Healing Traditions
Traditional Vietnamese wellness practices draw from a 2,000-year history influenced by Chinese medicine, French colonial practices, and indigenous knowledge. Specialized retreats offer treatments like Vietnamese herbal steam baths (using lemongrass, ginger, and mint), cupping therapy, and coin rubbing (cao gio). The Almanity Resort in Hoi An centers its wellness program around the “Five Elements Treatment,” a 90-minute therapy based on traditional Vietnamese medicine that balances the five elements believed to govern health: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Each element corresponds to specific body organs, with treatments customized to individual constitutions determined through pulse diagnosis.
Indulge in Luxury Coastal Wellness Resorts
Vietnam’s 3,260-kilometer coastline hosts several world-class wellness destinations. The award-winning Fusion Maia Da Nang pioneered the “all-spa inclusive” concept, where unlimited daily treatments are included in room rates. The resort’s 16,000-square-meter wellness area features 16 treatment pavilions surrounding tropical gardens. In Nha Trang, the Amanoi Resort’s Wellness Villas offer private spa treatment rooms, thermal facilities, and infinity pools overlooking Vinh Hy Bay within a 29,000-hectare national park. These luxury properties incorporate local architectural elements like bamboo, thatch, and locally quarried stone while providing contemporary wellness technologies including hydrotherapy circuits and infrared saunas.
29. Discover Vietnam’s Emerging Wine Industry
While not traditionally associated with viticulture, Vietnam has developed a nascent wine industry over the past two decades, primarily centered around Dalat in the Central Highlands, where elevations of 1,500 meters and cool nights create suitable growing conditions for certain grape varieties.
Tour Dalat’s Pioneering Vineyards
Dalat’s wine production began in 1999 when Lien Son Wine Company planted the first experimental vineyards. Today, several estates welcome visitors, including Vang Dalat, which cultivates 12 hectares of Cardinal, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes adapted to Vietnam’s climate. Tours explain the challenges of tropical viticulture, including modified pruning techniques that allow for two harvests annually. The company produces both traditional grape wines and fruit wines using local ingredients like mulberry, rose apple, and passion fruit. Visitors can tour production facilities and participate in guided tastings of 8-10 wines paired with regional cheeses and cured meats.
Sample Vietnam’s Unique Fruit Wines and Rice Wines
Beyond grape wines, Vietnam produces distinctive artisanal beverages worth exploring. In the northern mountains, ethnic minority communities create potent rice wines (ruou) using traditional fermentation methods in earthenware jars, sometimes infused with medicinal herbs or entire animals believed to impart health benefits. More accessible to western palates are Vietnam’s fruit wines, including sim wine from Phu Quoc Island made from the indigenous rose myrtle berry, and mulberry wine from Dalat, traditionally believed to enhance longevity. Specialty shops in major cities offer tasting flights of these unique Vietnamese beverages, providing insight into regional drinking traditions and production methods.
Vietnam’s extraordinary diversity offers something for every traveler in 2025, from luxurious Ha Long Bay cruises to remote mountain adventures and vibrant urban experiences. This comprehensive guide merely scratches the surface of what awaits in this captivating country where ancient traditions and natural wonders blend seamlessly with forward-thinking innovation.
Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, culinary adventures, or simply relaxation, Vietnam delivers unforgettable experiences that will stay with you long after your journey ends. Consider exploring these destinations with Vietnam Marvel Travel, whose expertly crafted itineraries showcase the best this amazing country has to offer while providing insider access to authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist path.
The time to discover Vietnam is now—before some of these hidden gems gain worldwide recognition. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare for a journey that will engage all your senses and create memories to last a lifetime.
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Vietnam Marvel Travel – Your Gateway to Authentic Vietnam Experiences