The 25 best things to do in Vietnam

With Vietnam claiming the “World's Leading Heritage Destination 2023”, here are 25 bucket-list experiences you can try in the land of the “Ascending Dragon.”

1. Historical tour of the Cu Chi Tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City
2. Embrace tube-house architecture at Hanoi’s Old Quarter
3. Take a trip to Huế for a taste of the country’s royal imperial cuisine
4. Shop and savour Hu Tieu at the floating market of Cai Rang
5. Kayak through the emerald waters of Halong Bay
6. Soak up some Vietnamese sun on Phu Quoc Island
7. Step into the world’s largest cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
8. Sail along mangrove-lined riverways on a trip to the Mekong Delta
9. Light a lantern in Hoi An
10. Go on a night market crawl through Ho Chi Minh City
11. Trek through Sapa to see the lush green rice terraces
12. Explore Detian Waterfall on a bamboo raft
13. Walk around the UNESCO-recognised Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
14. Photograph the Golden Bridge Hand
15. Paddle in crystal clear lagoons in Quy Nhon
16. Dare to canoe around Crocodile Lake in Cat Tien National Park
17. Take a stroll through Da Lat, the Paris of Vietnam
18. Watch Vietnam’s water puppetry
19. Take a guided tour of the ancient Champa Kingdom
20. Try fresh fish and shellfish at Nha Trang aka the seafood capital
21. Visit Ninh Binh’s circuit of Buddhist temples
22. Sip on artichoke tea in Dalat
23. Unwind with bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
24. Visit the World Coffee Museum in Buon Ma Thuot
25. Climb to the top at the Marvel at Ban Gioc Waterfall

Budget Friendly: Vietnam is a great international trip for anyone on a budget. It is a backpacker-friendly destination with several hostels at affordable prices.