Vietnam is a captivating destination that offers a harmonious blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit for any traveler. From the serene stretches of Da Nang’s coastline, once a warzone, now transformed into a paradise with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town and blend of architectural influences, Vietnam is a land of contrasts. Whether you’re exploring the hidden gems of Hoi An, relaxing on the idyllic beaches of My Khe and Non-Nuoc, or experiencing the vibrant energy of Ho Tram, this Southeast Asian gem has something for every type of traveler. With its mix of history, culture, top class accommodation and natural beauty, Vietnam beckons you to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
Here is our list of the top things to do when you visit Vietnam.
Viet Cong tunnels
The Viet Cong tunnels were a famous hiding place for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War that ended in 1975. These secret cellars have become a tourist attraction and a fascinating historical adventure. Dug by hand, the tunnels hid people and weapons for attacks on US bases.
An hour northwest of Ho Chi Minh City you will find the Cu Chi tunnel complex – 200km of subterranean tunnels, with thousands of hidden entrances.
Vietnam Adventure Tours run full-day Mekong Delta and Cu Chi tunnel tours. The trip includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from districts 1, 3 and 4.
Da Nang
The Cycling off the Beaten Track tour is an easy five-hour 25-kilometre ride through the Da Nang countryside. Run by Path Bikers this trip will take you south-west of Da Nang on quite flat terrain to first a fishing village and then a vegetable village. By lunchtime you will have arrived in Duy Vinh Village where you will be treated to lunch at a local home. In the village of Duy Vinh you will see traditional boat building in action. It is important to bring sunscreen, a camera and sport shoes.
Path Bikers tours will pick you up from your hotel. Prices vary according to how many people take the tour.
Viet Cong tunnels
The Viet Cong tunnels were a famous hiding place for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War that ended in 1975. These secret cellars have become a tourist attraction and a fascinating historical adventure. Dug by hand, the tunnels hid people and weapons for attacks on US bases.
An hour northwest of Ho Chi Minh City you will find the Cu Chi tunnel complex – 200km of subterranean tunnels, with thousands of hidden entrances.
Vietnam Adventure Tours run full-day Mekong Delta and Cu Chi tunnel tours. The trip includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from districts 1, 3 and 4.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful spots. Hundreds of boat companies offer cruise trips every day. Talk to your Hoot Holidays expert about booking the right holiday to suit your needs. Designated a World Heritage site in 1994, Halong Bay is North Vietnam’s number one tourist destination. And it is not hard to see why, with towering limestone pillars rising out of the water to form one of the most picturesque scenes on the planet.
Food glorious food
Food is an integral part of Vietnamese culture. And there is no better way to explore the delights of Vietnamese food than by signing up for a cooking class. Hidden Hanoi is run by Tran Hanh An, a former journalist, who says she teaches people to cook the kind of food a Vietnamese mother would teach her children to prepare. She offers six different classes – Bun Cha (street food), seafood, monsoon, village, vegetarian and I Love Pho (don’t we all). The secret to Vietnamese cuisine is simple – make many, many courses, and make sure the food is as fresh as possible.
Precious Heritage Museum
Opened in 2017 by the French photographer Réhahn, the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum in Hoi An takes a photographic look at Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Réhahn spent eight years travelling to 53 of the country’s ethnic groups taking photos of villagers. The museum, in Hanoi’s French Quarter, is also a gallery for Réhahn’s portraits that you can buy for prices starting at $2.
On your bikes
Vietnam Vespa Adventures organise tours that take you to some of Ho Chi Minh City’s less frequented travel spots. You will be the pillion passenger, so you don’t have to navigate the traffic chaos, as a local guide takes you around the city. The Saigon (that’s the local name) After Dark tour shows you the best food, culture and nightlife that the city has to offer. VVA’s vespa tours run nightly from 6.30pm and last for about four-and-a-half hours on a vintage Vespa scooter.
The Rex Factor
The Rex Hotel (141 Nguyen Hue Boulevard; 84-8-3829 -2185; (www.rexhotelvietnam.com) during the Vietnam War was the home of the daily briefings the United States military gave the media. Originally built by the French in the 1920s, the palm-lined rooftop bar today provides the perfect view for sunsets over Ho Chi Minh City. It is a must-see destination for anyone familiar with scenes from the television coverage of the Vietnam War.
Shop, shop and shop some more
Vietnam is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from bustling markets to trendy boutiques. For the best shopping, head to Ho Chi Minh City, where Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit for souvenirs, local snacks, and handicrafts, while Dong Khoi Street offers high-end fashion and designer brands. In Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter for traditional silk, art, and quirky finds, or check out Lotte Center for modern mall vibes. If you’re after tailor-made clothing, Hoi An is famous for its skilled tailors who can whip up custom outfits in just a day or two. Wherever you go, be ready to bargain—and bring an extra bag for all your treasures!
Massages
Tam Quat is the traditional form of Vietnamese massage and it is a treatment that focuses on promoting healthy blood circulation by punching and clapping on treatment areas.
Vietnam is a haven for spa lovers, taking relaxation to the next level. At Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, you’ll find serene beachfront spa treatments surrounded by nature, perfect for unwinding with the sound of the sea. The Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa offers a unique daily spa journey including, massages, steam baths, and tai chi to balance body and mind. Meanwhile, Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa blends traditional Vietnamese techniques with luxurious touches, set in a charming riverside setting inspired by an old fishing village. Each of these resorts brings a special kind of zen to your Vietnam escape.
Hanoi Central Circus
The Hanoi Central Circus is one of the city’s oldest attractions. A mixture of Cirque du Soleil and traditional arts and dance performances, the circus is open from Tuesday to Sunday each week. The two-hour family friendly show starts at 8pm. You will find it at 67 Tran Nhan Tong, Hai Ba Trung which is a 10-minute drive from Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Water puppetry
This is a Vietnamese tradition and one of the best cultural experiences on offer. The stage is usually a large pool (4m by 4m) of water and the stars are the intricate wooden puppets – complete with orchestra in the background – that act out stories from Vietnamese folklore and fables. In fact, it is believed that water puppetry started in the 11th Century in the villages of the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam.
Three puppetry shows worth visiting include: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, Hanoi (the show lasts 50 minutes); Hoi An Theatre (the show lasts an hour); and Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, Ho Chi Minh City (Show lasts 45 minutes).
Now that you have a Vietnam to do list, it’s time to turn those dreams into reality! Whether you are looking for a couple’s getaway or a fun family holiday with the kids, Hoot Holidays offers a range of exclusive holiday packages in Vietnam to help you make the most of your trip. Contact Hoot Holidays today and start planning your unforgettable journey through Vietnam.