Guest post by Alexander & Laura of the expert travel blog, Lost Between Oceans.
Vietnam is a uniquely beautiful country full of adventure and excitement, from the cliffs of Halong Bay to the green rice fields of Sa Pa. As keen adventurers, we are here to share with you the 8 top things to do in Vietnam. These top things to do have been carefully chosen based on our experience of more than 30 activities in the country and spending more than 5 months in Asia.
Things to do in Vietnam
1. Halong Bay for a cruise
One of the most popular destinations in Vietnam is the otherworldly Halong Bay. This Hollywood-worthy bay is filled with thousands of greenery-topped limestone cliffs, where boats meander through the crystal-clear waters. The best way to experience Halong Bay is by taking a cruise. You can choose from various boats, from luxury yachts to traditional cruises.
Staying a night on a boat will give you the opportunity to travel much further than the ‘day tourists’, and you will discover less-touristy places where you can fully enjoy the beautiful nature and capture awe-inspiring sunsets! This is definitely one of the most iconic things to do in Vietnam.
2. Sa Pa for the rice fields and walks
If you’re looking for some incredible scenery and a chance to connect with nature, then Sa Pa is the perfect destination for you. This northern town is famous for its lush green rice fields in fascinating cascading terraces.
Once there, you can hike through the rice fields or take a guided tour. Our local guide took us through the fields and then to their village in the mountains, where they cooked us a traditional lunch. That’s when we fell in love with Sa Pa. Tasting the freshest, most authentic Vietnamese food with incredible views as the backdrop… even the rain showers are fun! It is better than a dream.
3. Phong Nha for caves
If you’re an adventure seeker looking for truly unique things to do in Vietnam, then Phong Nha is the perfect destination. This national park is home to some of the largest and most impressive caves in the world. You can go up to a kilometre inside some of the massive caves! The best way to explore Phong Nha is by taking a guided tour of the caves. We recommend a guided tour, as there is a lot of history behind the caves and their stalagmites. Despite the impressive features, Phong Nha is still a relatively unknown destination, making it perfect for those who want to venture off the beaten path.
4. Ninh Binh
If you love Halong Bay, then Ninh Binh is the perfect destination for you. This stunning area is often referred to as “Halong Bay on land” due to its limestone cliffs that rise out of the rice paddies and rivers that snake through the centre. You can explore Ninh Binh by taking a bike or boat tour, but the best way to see it is to go to Trang An and rent a kayak. You can paddle into caves, kayak right beside grand limestone cliffs, and get a different perspective from the water. Just like Sa Pa, Ninh Binh is a quieter and less touristy destination, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds.
5. Ho Chi Minh and the Cu Chi tunnels
For those interested in history and culture, a visit to Ho Chi Minh and the Cu Chi tunnels is a must. The Cu Chi tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and offer a unique insight into the country’s past. We had a private guide, and as a former student in political sciences, I learned a lot about the Cold War and US/Europe/Russia relations.
Ho Chi Minh City is a perfect base for a day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels. It is a bustling city filled with history, museums, and delicious food. It’s also a gateway destination to the magical regions of Phu Quoc and Mui Ne.
6. Phu Quoc
For those looking for a beach getaway, Phu Quoc is the perfect destination and just a short flight from Ho Chi Minh. Phu Quoc – also known as Pearl Island – is home to crystal-clear waters, beautiful golden-sand beaches, and stunning sunsets. Once there, you can lounge on the beach, snorkel, or explore the island’s fascinating history. This little slice of paradise is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it reminded us very much of one of Indonesia’s most amazing beaches in Uluwatu.
Stay here: The Polaris Villa is part of the Sailing Club resort in Phu Quoc. It’s super contemporary, with a gorgeous pool and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing the light to flood in. Make use of the resort’s fabulous amenities, including spa treatments, bars and restaurants, and a dedicated concierge service.
7. Mui Ne
The last stop on our list of top things to do in Vietnam is to visit Mui Ne, a small fishing village that has become a popular destination for kite surfers and windsurfers. This small town is known for its natural beauty, beaches, buzzing markets, and laid-back vibe.
Stay here: Villa Garden View is a beautiful villa spread over two floors and overlooking lush tropical gardens. Cool off in the pool, hire kiteboards or paddleboards, or have a sunset dinner on the beach! Bliss.
8. Celebrate Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year)
Visit Vietnam at the end of January, and you’ll be able to experience the country’s vibrant Lunar New Year (Tết) traditions. These include visiting flower markets, watching parades and lion dances, and indulging in traditional foods such as bánh chưng and bánh tét. Travellers can also explore less crowded tourist spots, like Halong Bay or the Mekong Delta, indulge in Tết-specific treats, and witness the festive spirit in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Tết is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s culture, food, and family-oriented celebrations.
From the stunning scenery of Halong Bay and Sa Pa to the unique experiences of Phong Nha and the Cu Chi Tunnels, this list of top things to do in Vietnam is sure to have something for you! Check out our gorgeous villas in Vietnam and explore the full portfolio on Oliver’s Travels. Contact our friendly concierge team for ways to make your holiday even more special!