Things to do in Vietnam
Not sure how to spend your time in Vietnam? From exploring famous attractions to trying unique local activities, our guide to the top things to do will make your trip unforgettable.
Top 49 curated things to do in Vietnam

Explore caves and pagodas at Marble Mountains
Marble Mountains is a cluster of five limestone and marble hills just south of Da Nang. This half-day to full-day activity combines easy hiking, Buddhist pagoda visits, and exploration of atmospheric caves carved into the hills — ideal for culture, photography, and gentle adventure. Expect steep stone steps, carved grottoes, panoramic coastal views, and the nearby Non Nuoc stone-carving village.

Hoi An Ancient Town lantern walk
An atmospheric evening stroll through Hoi An's UNESCO-listed Old Town when lanterns light up the streets and the Hoai River. The walk combines cultural sight‑seeing, photography opportunities, local snacks, and the chance to release a floating paper lantern on the river. It can be experienced as a self-guided wander or as part of small guided tours led by local guides who explain the history and symbolism of the lanterns and the town's architecture.

Hoi An Vietnamese cooking class
Hands-on cooking experience in Hoi An (Quang Nam) that introduces participants to Vietnamese ingredients, traditional techniques and iconic Central Vietnam dishes. Classes typically include a visit to a local market or herb garden, a short boat ride to the cooking school, demonstrations by a local chef and step-by-step guidance to prepare 4–6 dishes that you then enjoy for lunch.

Get tailor-made clothing in Hoi An
Get high-quality, custom-made clothing in Hoi An — Vietnam’s tailoring capital. Local tailors can create suits, dresses, shirts, coats, traditional áo dài, shoes and bags from a wide range of fabrics with fast turnarounds and several fittings. The experience combines fabric selection, measurements, fittings and final pickup — all at very competitive prices compared with Western markets.

My Son Sanctuary (Cham temples)
My Son Sanctuary is a cluster of partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries by the Champa Kingdom. Located in a lush valley surrounded by small mountains and rice paddies, My Son is a culturally and historically significant site that showcases Cham art, brickwork, and religious architecture. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a compact, atmospheric visit — especially evocative at sunrise or in the cooler morning hours.

Snorkel or dive the Cham Islands
Explore the protected coral reefs and clear waters of the Cham Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve off the coast of Hoi An (Quang Nam), Vietnam. The trip combines boat transfers, guided snorkeling or diving at healthy reef sites, and time on tranquil island beaches and fishing villages.

Surf at My Khe Beach
Surf at My Khe Beach — My Khe is a long, wide sandy beach in Da Nang famous for its clean water, soft sand and consistent beach breaks. It’s one of Vietnam’s most popular surf spots, suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers with multiple surf schools and board rental options along the promenade. The setting includes views of the Son Tra Peninsula and Marble Mountains and easy access to cafés, showers and accommodation.

Kitesurf the Mui Ne coast
Mui Ne, on Vietnam’s south-central coast, is one of Asia’s premier kitesurfing destinations. Expect steady, reliable winds, long shallow bays ideal for learners and freestylers, and a vibrant beach community of schools and shops. This activity covers beginner lessons through advanced guided sessions and freeride days along the coast, with options for private coaching and multi-day surf-and-stay packages.

Sunrise at the White and Red Sand Dunes
Experience the spectacular sunrise over the White and Red Sand Dunes near Mui Ne (Phan Thiet), Binh Thuan. This early-morning outing combines serene desert-like landscapes, photographic viewpoints, and optional adventure activities like sandboarding or ATV rides. Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a memorable start to the day.

Canyoning at Datanla Falls
Canyoning at Datanla Falls is a guided adventure combining waterfall rappelling, natural water slides, cliff jumps, short swims and jungle trekking through the basalt canyon below Datanla Falls near Đà Lạt. The route weaves through rainforest, pools and cascades and is suitable for adventurous beginners through to experienced canyoneers when accompanied by trained guides.

Coffee farm tour and tasting
Experience the heart of Vietnamese coffee country with a guided visit to a working Arabica/Robusta coffee farm near Buon Ma Thuot. Learn about planting, harvesting and processing methods used in the Central Highlands, watch a roasting demonstration, and take part in a professional coffee cupping (tasting) that highlights local flavor profiles.

Island hopping and snorkeling
Discover the marine gems of Nha Trang Bay on a guided island‑hopping and snorkeling trip. Visit coral-rich spots such as Hon Mun Marine Protected Area and scenic islands like Hon Tam, Hon Mot and Hon Mieu. Tours typically include guided snorkel sessions, boat transfers between islands, a beach or boat lunch, and free time to relax or explore. Suitable for beginners and intermediate snorkelers; many operators offer equipment rental and optional glass‑bottom boat rides.

Mud baths and spa therapy
What it is: Therapeutic geothermal mud baths and mineral spa treatments using locally sourced marine mud and hot springs. Popular facilities in Nha Trang include Thap Ba Hot Springs & Mud Baths and several resort spas offering combined mud, mineral baths, steam rooms and massages. Benefits: skin exfoliation, relaxation, relief for muscle/joint aches and improved circulation. Experience level: suitable for most adults; choose gentler packages if you have medical conditions.

Po Nagar Cham Towers
Po Nagar Cham Towers are a cluster of well-preserved Cham temple towers built between the 7th and 12th centuries, dedicated to the mother goddess Yan Po Nagar. Located on a hill overlooking the Cai River and Nha Trang Bay, the complex showcases classic Cham brickwork, carved stone sculptures and active Hindu-Buddhist shrine practices still observed by locals.

Dive around Whale Island
Dive around Whale Island (Hòn Ông) offers sheltered coral reefs and clear water a short boat ride from Nha Trang in Khánh Hòa province. The site is prized for its colorful hard and soft corals, bommies, swim-throughs and abundant reef fish. Trips range from beginner-friendly guided dives and discovery dives to multi-tank outings for certified divers. Visibility commonly ranges from 10–25 m in the best months and currents are typically mild, making it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced divers.

Cu Chi Tunnels experience
Cu Chi Tunnels is a vast underground network used during the Vietnam War, located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. The experience combines a short documentary, guided exploration of restored tunnel sections, demonstrations of wartime traps and weapons, and a chance to crawl through narrow tunnel sections — offering a powerful, immersive look into Vietnam's history and guerrilla life.

War Remnants Museum
War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City documents the impacts of the Vietnam War (known in Vietnam as the American War) with a focus on civilian suffering and wartime atrocities. The museum combines photographic exhibits, wartime artifacts, reconstructed prison cells, and an outdoor display of military vehicles. Expect a powerful, often graphic presentation intended to educate and provoke reflection.

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
Two iconic French‑era landmarks in the heart of District 1. Visit the neo‑Romanesque Notre‑Dame Cathedral (Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception) and the adjacent Saigon Central Post Office — both superb examples of late 19th‑century colonial architecture, only a short walk from each other and perfect for a 1–2 hour cultural stop.

Cafe-hop and try Saigon specialty drinks
Experience Saigon's vibrant café culture on a relaxed walking tour through Districts 1 and 3. Sample classic Vietnamese drinks and modern specialty creations — from the iconic cà phê sữa đá to silky cà phê trứng and refreshing coconut coffee — while visiting a mix of street-side stalls, retro colonial cafés, and hip specialty coffee bars.

Shop Ben Thanh Market and night markets
Visit the iconic Ben Thanh Market for daytime shopping, street food and local life, then experience Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant night markets — lively stalls, local eats and bargain shopping in the evenings. This combined experience is great for shopping, tasting Vietnamese street food and soaking up the city atmosphere.



















