26 best things to do in Vietnam

There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites across Vietnam, with seven more under review. You’ve probably heard of Ha Long Bay and its limestone islands or Hue’s old imperial palaces. These places give you a window into thousands of years of history. You might end up hiking through one of the largest caves in the world, paddling through old canal systems, or spending time in a village; it’s easy to find things to do in Vietnam. Here are our favorites.
 

1. Visit the markets

Exploring ethnic minority markets in northern Vietnam is a great way to get a feel for rural life, and a great way to spend a Vietnam itinerary. Markets like Bac Ha and Can Cau are known for their bright traditional dress, lively exchanges, and strong community energy. Bac Ha’s Sunday market is the big one—things start early and really get going between 8 and 10 am, with Flower Hmong women browsing for fabric and accessories.

If you're around on a Tuesday, the flower market is a quieter alternative. Women from Nung, Flower Hmong, and Dao groups come to trade cut flowers, mostly for use in ceremonies or local sales. It’s smaller and more relaxed but still deeply rooted in local traditions. Check in with a guesthouse or guide before you go, since market schedules sometimes shift.

How to get to Bac Ha and Can Cau markets

If you're wondering how to plan a trip to Vietnam to see these markets, you'll want to base yourself in Sapa or Lao Cai. From Sapa, you can rent a motorbike or book a tour. Lao Cai has public buses that head to Bac Ha. The roads are winding and steep in places, so travel time can be longer than expected—especially during the rainy season.

When to visit the markets

Sunday mornings at Bac Ha are the most active. Try to get there by 8am for the best atmosphere. The Tuesday market is smaller and less busy. Summer is easier for walking around but can be hot.

2. Explore temples and pagodas

Temples and pagodas show a lot about Vietnam’s religious traditions and are some of the best places to visit in Vietnam. In Nha Trang, Long Son Pagoda is one of the more visited ones. It was built in the 1930s and sits at the base of a hill, with a big white Buddha up a staircase behind it—about 180 steps.

In Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda stands on a hill above the Perfume River. The seven-level tower is the most recognizable part, but the whole place has a quiet feel, especially early in the morning. Locals still come here to pray, and monks hold daily rituals.

How to get to Long Son Pagoda and Thien Mu Pagoda

Long Son Pagoda is just outside downtown Nha Trang—you can walk or take a short taxi ride. For Thien Mu, the easiest option is to hop on a dragon boat along the river, which usually includes a few other historic stops along the way. Or you can just take a taxi straight there.

When to visit the temples and pagodas

Most Vietnam travel experts will say to go  early, around 7 to 9am, if you want to avoid crowds and heat. These hours are usually quieter, with a chance to see daily rituals too. Hue’s dry season is from February to April, while Nha Trang stays mostly dry from January through August. During national holidays, both sites get busy with locals visiting to pray.
 

3. Celebrate Tet

Tet marks the Lunar New Year and is the biggest holiday of the year. People decorate their homes, go shopping for flowers and sweets, and gather with family. Streets fill with dragon dances and fireworks, and many families hold a big meal on New Year’s Eve, known as Tat Nien, to close out the year together.

You’ll see a big change in pace during Tet—cities go quiet for a day or two as people head home, and a lot of family-run businesses close temporarily.

Where to see the Tet celebrations

Tet is celebrated across the country, but the larger Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue usually have the most going on in public spaces. Bigger hotels and some restaurants stay open, but many local shops shut down. 

If you’re staying in a homestay or with locals, you might get invited to join the festivities. Just be sure to book your accommodation and travel early—locals are also on the move during this time.

When to visit for Tet

Aim to get there at least three days before the holiday to catch the build-up—flower markets and food stalls pop up all over. The biggest events happen on New Year’s Eve and during the next few days. You'll want to plan a 10 day Vietnam itinerary atleast around this time to make sure you can experience the time around New Years Day.

Tet usually falls between late January and mid-February. Weather during this period is generally mild, but it varies depending on where you are in the country.

4. Examine Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels stretch for over 150 miles (250 km) and were used by the Viet Cong during the American War (what’s usually called the Vietnam War in the West). This underground system gave them a way to live, move, and plan attacks without being seen.

Visiting the tunnels gives you a clearer sense of how the war played out on the ground. It's not just about seeing narrow passageways—it’s about understanding the way people adapted to survive.

You’ll see how traps were made, how rooms were set up for planning missions, and how they moved underground. There are also bomb craters left behind by B-52s, which show how intense the fighting got in this region. Some newer exhibits include video interviews and stories from people who actually lived down there. 

We feature the tunnels in our sample week-long Vietnam itinerary.

How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels

From Ho Chi Minh City, most people go with a tour since it includes transport and a guide. If you want to go on your own, take the public bus from Ben Thanh Bus Station to Cu Chi town, then grab a motorbike taxi for the last leg. You can also hire a car or motorbike taxi for the whole day.

When to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Go early in the morning when they open or later in the afternoon—this helps you avoid the crowds and the worst of the heat. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends. Between December and April, the dry weather makes it easier to move around the tunnels. Plan on setting aside at least half a day, including the drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
 

5. Visit the Citadel in Hué

The Citadel in Hué covers about 1,300 acres (520 hectares), with a moat that stretches around 1.5 miles (2.5km) and walls that reach over 30 feet (10m) high. It was built in the early 1800s and became the center of Vietnam’s imperial government under the Nguyen Dynasty—the last royal family before colonial rule.

This place gives you a look into what court life used to be like. It’s one of the few historical sites in the country that still has large sections standing. 

Inside, you’ll walk through old halls, gardens, and temples where important rituals used to take place. The Royal Theater has been restored and now hosts shows of Nha Nhac—Vietnamese court music that’s been recognized by UNESCO. Archaeologists are still digging in parts of the site and finding new things, like artifacts and underground rooms in the Forbidden Purple City.

How to get to the Citadel in Hué

It’s easy to get to if you’re already in Hué—just walk or grab a motorbike taxi or cyclo. Local buses also pass nearby. If you're arriving from another city, Hué has a train station and an airport, both connected to bigger cities. Renting a bicycle is a nice way to get around and see more of the area.

When to visit the Citadel in Hué

February through April tends to be the most comfortable, with lower humidity. Mornings are usually quieter and cooler, which makes walking around more pleasant. Give yourself a full day to explore. If you're there during the Hué Festival (usually in April or June), you’ll catch extra performances inside the Citadel—but it’ll be busier, so expect more people.
 

6. See the water puppets

Water puppetry (múa rối nước) has been around since the 11th century. It started in flooded rice fields and was part of harvest celebrations. Today, puppeteers stand behind a screen in waist-deep water, using long rods to control wooden puppets that move across the surface. A live band plays traditional instruments while the story is told through music and singing.

The shows are built around short scenes that often focus on rural life, legends, or historical events. It’s a mix of humor, storytelling, and music.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi has made the performances a bit more modern with lighting effects and more detailed puppet movement. Each show usually features different characters—like dragons, farmers, or fishermen—and runs for just under an hour. While lots of tourists go, Vietnamese families still attend too. Translation devices are available if you want to follow along more closely. This is a great thing to do if your traveling to Vietnam with kids.

How to get to Water Puppet Shows

In Hanoi, the main theater is near Hoan Kiem Lake and easy to reach from the Old Quarter. You can walk, grab a taxi, or take a motorbike. Other cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hué also have their own theaters. Tickets can sell out during busy seasons, so it’s worth booking in advance.

When to visit Water Puppet Shows

There are usually several shows each day. Evenings are the most popular, but you’ll find more seat options if you go in the morning or afternoon. Try to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to get a good view. Performances last about 50 minutes.

7. Trek around Sa Pa

Sa Pa sits up in the mountains of northwest Vietnam, where steep hills are carved into some of Vietnam’s best terraced rice fields. It’s also home to ethnic groups like the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Giay.

Most people come here for the trekking, but it’s more than just hiking trails. You can stay overnight in a local home, see how hemp is spun and dyed with indigo, and learn how communities have been farming these slopes for centuries.

If you’re in town on a weekend, head to the Bac Ha Sunday market. It’s about a 2-hour drive and brings in groups from nearby villages dressed in traditional clothing to trade food, goods, and livestock.

There’s also a lot of plant and animal life here—more than 230 bird species and some orchids you won’t find anywhere else. Local efforts are starting to focus more on keeping tourism in check so the environment and culture don’t take a hit as more people come through.

How to get to Sa Pa

Most people start from Hanoi. You can take the overnight train to Lao Cai, then a shuttle or van for the final hour to Sa Pa. There are also direct sleeper buses (6–8 hours), which are faster than they used to be thanks to the new expressway. 

A private car is an option too if you want an easier ride. Once you’re there, it’s easy to walk around town, or you can rent a motorbike to reach surrounding villages. You can plan to come as a day trip or take a longer 7 days in Vietnam itinerary.

When to visit Sa Pa

Late September through November is a good time, when the rice terraces turn golden and the skies tend to be clear. March to May is another decent window—cooler temps and flowers in bloom. Summer (June to August) gets wet, and the trails can be muddy and slippery. December through February is cold and often foggy. Occasionally there’s snow, which changes the feel of the whole area, but you’ll want warm layers.
 

8. Go to Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba is the biggest island on the edge of Ha Long Bay, and it draws a different crowd than the cruise-focused scene over in Halong City.

The main town’s a bit chaotic — lots of scooters, guesthouses, and seafood places — but head outside of that and you’ll find cliffs for climbing, jungle trails, and quiet bays for kayaking.

Lan Ha Bay, just south of Ha Long Bay, has the same dramatic limestone landscape without the big tourist boats. Things are slowly shifting toward eco-tourism here, though not every place is as sustainable as it claims, so it’s worth checking reviews before booking.

How to get to Cat Ba island

Most people start in Hanoi and take a bus to Hai Phong, followed by a high-speed ferry to Cat Ba town. The ferry takes about 45 minutes. You can also book a combo bus-and-boat ticket through Hanoi travel agencies. If you’re piecing it together yourself, go through Hai Phong using local buses and then a ferry. There’s also a route from Halong City—speedboats run to Cat Ba in under an hour during high season.

When to visit Cat Ba island

April through October is a good stretch for swimming, hiking, and being out on the water. September and October usually come with fewer tourists and more stable weather. June through August can be busy with local tourists, especially on weekends. November through March tends to be cooler with light rain here and there, but it’s a lot quieter, and prices tend to drop. 
 

9. Visit Phong Nha caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a massive limestone area known for having some of the world’s biggest caves. The underground systems are still being mapped, and new sections are being discovered all the time.

To see Phong Nha Cave, you’ll take a dragon boat up the river and right into the cave’s entrance. Inside, you drift past huge rock formations—some stalactites are the size of trees. Guided tours now go further in than they used to. For those up for a challenge, there are multi-day hikes that take you deeper into the more remote parts of the park.

How to get to Phong Nha caves

Fly into Dong Hoi from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, then grab a taxi or shuttle—it’s about 1 hour (60 km/37 miles) to Phong Nha town. There are also overnight trains to Dong Hoi from most major cities. If you’re on a tighter budget, sleeper buses run directly to Phong Nha from Hanoi, Hue, and Da Nang, but they take longer and aren’t always the most comfortable.

When to visit Phong Nha caves

February through August is the dry season, which means caves are more accessible. April to July sees more travelers. September to November can be nice too, though there’s a small risk of flooding if it’s been raining heavily. December and January are cooler and good for hiking, but mornings can be foggy. Try to avoid October to early December—heavy rain during this period can shut some caves down completely.

Ready to start planning your trip? See our two week Vietnam itinerary.

10. Explore traditional M’nong culture at Lak Lake

Just off Highway 27, Lak Lake offers a quiet break from the usual Central Highlands chaos. It's a wide, glassy expanse surrounded by rice paddies and stilt houses, home to the M’nong people, one of Vietnam’s many indigenous groups. Skip the staged elephant rides (still a thing, unfortunately), and go for the growing number of community-run homestays instead. 

These places give you a chance to slow down and get a sense of life here—hearing gongs echo through the hills, and sharing meals cooked over a fire.

How to get to Lak Lake

Lak Lake is about 30 miles (50 km) south of Buon Ma Thuot. Public buses leave regularly from the city’s southern terminal. If you’re riding a motorbike, the trip along Highway 27 is scenic. For an easier ride, you can hire a car and driver in Buon Ma Thuot for the day or stay overnight. Some tours from Dalat or Nha Trang include Lak Lake if you’d rather not plan it yourself.

When to visit Lak Lake

The dry season runs from November to April. December through February tends to bring cooler, clearer weather, which is great for walking around and exploring. In March and April, wildflowers start popping up across the hills. During the rainy season (May to October), the landscape turns bright green, but the roads can get muddy. If you want to time your visit with M’nong festivals, try coming right after the harvest season.

11. Spend a few days in Hoi An

Hoi An has a laid-back rhythm that’s easy to fall into. The town is full of history, with preserved merchant houses, old assembly halls, and a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European influences showing up in the architecture. It’s also a great place to slow down—how long you stay really depends on how much time you want to spend wandering the streets, trying the food, and checking out the local markets.

You’ll definitely come across the Japanese Covered Bridge, which is probably the most photographed landmark here. But it’s worth looking beyond that. Many of the town’s historic buildings were built by Hoi An’s Chinese community, which still makes up about a quarter of the population.

How to get to Hoi An

Fly into Da Nang International Airport, then it’s a 30–40 minute drive by taxi or shuttle. If you’re coming from Hue or Nha Trang, you can take a bus to Da Nang, then continue by taxi or local bus. Train travelers also arrive in Da Nang before making the last leg of the trip. If you’re up for a ride, the route from Hue via Hai Van Pass is beautiful on a motorbike.

When to visit Hoi An

February through April usually brings comfortable weather and fewer crowds. May to July can be hotter, but still pleasant if you plan your outings in the morning and evening. If you’re in town during a full moon, don’t miss the lantern festival—it’s a nice way to see the Old Town lit up. Late summer into early autumn (September–November) can be a good time too, though flooding is sometimes an issue in October.

12. Take a trip around the Red River Delta

Just outside the chaos of Hanoi, the Red River Delta opens up into rivers, rice fields, and old villages where Vietnam’s earliest civilizations took root. It’s a good area to explore if you’re interested in traditional crafts or religious architecture or are just looking for a slower pace for a day or two.

At the Perfume Pagoda, you’ll start with a quiet boat ride—wooden rowboats steered by local women—through limestone karsts before climbing up to Huong Tich Cave. Inside, the cave feels like a natural cathedral, with stalactites believed to bring good luck when touched.

Thay Pagoda is worth a visit for its layout and age, while nearby Tay Phuong Pagoda has a striking collection of jackfruit-wood Buddha statues carved in the 1700s. Each one is different, showing subtle expressions and postures you don’t see in more modern works.

Craft villages are another highlight. In Van Phuc, silk makers still work on looms using techniques passed down for over a thousand years. Bat Trang is known for ceramics—everything from simple tea sets to intricately painted vases. 

How to get to the Red River Delta

Most of these destinations can be done as day trips from Hanoi. Hiring a private driver gives you the most flexibility, but you can also join organized tours or use local buses. For the Perfume Pagoda, you’ll drive to Duc Wharf and then take a boat. Bat Trang is especially easy—it’s just outside Hanoi and reachable by local bus #47. See how many days you need in Hanoi to decide if you have time to take a day trip.

When to visit the Red River Delta

Dry season (November to April) is the most comfortable for getting around. If you're visiting the Perfume Pagoda, try to avoid its festival period (usually January to March on the lunar calendar) unless you’re okay with crowds. The rice fields are greenest in late spring and golden in early autumn, while the craft villages are most active on weekday mornings.

13. Float down the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is one of those places where everything revolves around water. You’ll see it in the way people live, trade, cook, and travel. Covering around 15,000 square miles (40,000 sq km), it’s also one of Vietnam’s most productive farming regions, especially when it comes to rice.

Most people head here for the floating markets—Cai Rang and Cai Be are the big ones. Boats loaded with produce show what they’re selling by hanging a sample from a bamboo pole, kind of like an old-school billboard.

Recently, some areas in the Mekong Delta have been affected by climate change, causing increased salinity and changes in water levels. You should check local conditions before planning your trip. 

How to get to the Mekong Delta

Most people start in Ho Chi Minh City and take a bus from Mien Tay Station. Can Tho is a good base if you want to see the floating markets, while My Tho is a bit closer and good for shorter trips. For a deeper look, consider a guided multi-day tour that includes boat rides and stays with local families. Hiring a private driver is also possible but will cost more.

When to visit the Mekong Delta

The dry season runs from November to April and usually brings less rain and more comfortable humidity. Floating markets are easier to navigate during this time because the water levels are lower. May to October is the rainy season—it’s greener, less crowded, and great for fruit harvests (durian, mangosteen, rambutan), but travel can be disrupted by flooding.

14. Take a cyclo ride

Taking a cyclo is a slow, simple way to get around Vietnam’s cities—a three-wheeled bike with a passenger seat in front. You sit face-forward, right at street level, which makes it great for people-watching and getting a feel for daily life.

They’re not as common as they used to be, but you’ll still see them around major sights in Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City. Many drivers are older men who’ve been doing this for years—they often have interesting stories and know the city well. They also weave through narrow alleys that cars can’t reach. It’s a low-impact way to get around, and by choosing a cyclo, you’re helping someone keep a traditional job alive.

How to get a cyclo ride

You’ll find cyclos around tourist-heavy areas in big cities. Before you hop in, agree on a price and duration—30 to 60 minutes is typical. Ask your hotel to help you set expectations if you’re unsure. Some hotels can connect you with trustworthy drivers or arrange longer rides through local companies.

When to take a cyclo ride

Go early in the morning (around 6–8am) to beat the heat and traffic. Evening rides around sunset are also nice — cooler, with good lighting for photos. Avoid riding during the hottest midday hours, especially in the summer, and be aware that heavy rain is common in the afternoons from May through October.

15. Take a boat trip in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is known for its towering limestone islands and quiet inlets. It’s a strange, dreamlike landscape that doesn’t look real until you’re right in the middle of it. Most people see the bay on a wooden junk boat, which cruises between the cliffs and sheltered lagoons.

While the views are a big draw, there’s more to it. You can kayak into hidden corners, swim in calm waters, or hike up to viewpoints on some of the islands. At night, if you’re lucky, bioluminescent plankton may trail behind your boat.

In recent years, some companies have started taking better care of the environment—reducing plastic use, limiting group sizes, and trying to avoid damaging marine life. If that matters to you, it’s worth asking detailed questions when you book. Some boats are more committed than others. 

How to get to Ha Long Bay

Most people start from Hanoi, which is around 105 miles (170 km) away. Many tours include hotel pickup and transportation to the pier. If you're going on your own, you can take a public bus from My Dinh Station to Ha Long City or arrange a private car through a ride-share app. Thanks to a newer highway, the drive now takes about 2.5 hours. Some boats depart from Got Pier, which is quieter than the main Tuan Chau marina.

When to visit Ha Long Bay

October through April is generally the best window. December through February is dry and cooler, with clearer skies. March and April are a bit warmer and usually less busy. June through August is hot and humid, and cruises may get canceled due to typhoons. September tends to be the wettest month. 

16. Unwind on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc  sits just off Vietnam’s southern coast and makes a good base if you’re looking to spend time by the water. The west side of the island, especially around Long Beach (Bai Truong) near Duong Dong, has the most guesthouses and hotels. It’s the kind of place where you can swim in the late afternoon, linger over a seafood dinner, and not do much else if you don’t feel like it.

But if you want to break things up, you’ve got options. You can take a boat down to the An Thoi Islands for snorkeling in clear water or head inland to check out forest trails and pepper farms.

Long Beach gets the most attention, but quieter places like Bai Sao and Ong Lang are some of the best beaches in Vietnam. The island is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

How to get to Phu Quoc Island

The quickest way in is by plane. There are direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and a few other cities. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City takes just under an hour. If you're traveling overland, you can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to either Rach Gia or Ha Tien, then catch a ferry to the island. High-speed boats from Ha Tien take about 80 minutes. 

When to visit Phu Quoc Island

Dry season runs from November to April, with December through February bringing the mildest temperatures and calm seas. Rainy season hits from May to October, and the heaviest showers usually fall in September and October — typically in the afternoons. 

17. Ride the Reunification Express

Taking the train through Vietnam is a good way to slow things down and see the country roll by. The Reunification Express isn’t a single train but a nickname for the north–south route connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. The full ride takes over 30 hours, but most people break it into sections.

The short stretch between Da Nang and Hue is especially scenic, skirting cliffs and coastal views. Longer overnight rides — like Hanoi to Hue or Hanoi to Lao Cai (for Sapa) — give you a solid glimpse of the countryside and a break from the airport shuffle. You can bring your bike along if you want to explore in between stops.

Trains vary in quality. Some carriages have been updated with air-con and cleaner sleepers, while others still feel a bit worn-in. It’s not fancy, but it’s functional — and a memorable way to travel.

How to get to the Reunification Express

You can book tickets on the Vietnam Railways website, through their app, or at the station. For overnight trains, it’s worth reserving your sleeper a week or more ahead, especially if you’re traveling around holidays. The four-berth soft sleeper cabins strike a good balance between comfort and price. If you're not confident navigating the booking system, English-language third-party websites can help.

When to ride the Reunification Express

The trains run daily all year. March to May and September to November tend to have the nicest weather — good light for window views and fewer delays. Tet (Vietnamese New Year, in January or February) is peak travel time and sells out fast. During the rainy season (May–September), expect some delays but also lusher landscapes along the way.

18. Explore Da Nang

Da Nang has grown into a relaxed, livable city with a mix of urban energy and beach access. It’s set along the Han River, with a compact center shaped like a stretched-out oval. Landmarks include the Cham Museum and the Dragon Bridge, which occasionally breathes fire at night. The riverside promenade along Bach Dang is where you’ll find a lot of the city’s bars and restaurants.

While it’s often used as a base for visiting nearby Hoi An or the Marble Mountains, Da Nang itself is worth a look — especially if you want a city that’s easy to navigate, relatively uncrowded, and close to the beach.

How to get to Da Nang

Da Nang International Airport has direct flights from major Asian cities like Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It’s also on the Reunification Express train line, so you can ride in from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Hoi An is only 30km south and easy to reach by public bus or private shuttle. Once in Da Nang, ride-sharing apps and motorbike taxis are your best bet for getting around.

When to visit Da Nang

February to May usually means warm weather and lower humidity. September to November is another good stretch, with lighter crowds. The summer months (June to August) bring higher heat but make for good beach days. If you’re around in June, the International Fireworks Festival is a big draw.

19. Enjoy traditional music

Music plays a big role in Vietnamese culture, and catching a traditional performance is something worth making time for. Some of it dates back thousands of years—like the dan da, a stone percussion instrument thought to be one of the oldest ever found. You’ll also see influences from China, India, and Europe layered into different styles over time—from opera and chamber music to rhythmic drumming and improvisation.

These days, there’s been a renewed interest in keeping those traditions going. Cultural centers in bigger cities often host performances, and you’ll find more happening during national holidays or local festivals.

How to get to traditional music performances

This is one of the best things to do in Hanoi, and you can check out performances at the Opera House or the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre. Some hotels with cultural programs also have live music in the evenings. In Hue, shows at the Imperial Citadel focus on court music that started right there. Smaller towns sometimes hold local music nights at community centers, usually on weekends. 

When to visit traditional music venue

You can catch performances year-round, but there’s more going on during Tet (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Most shows start around 7–8pm and last for about an hour to an hour and a half. If you’re in Hue in April during their biennial festival, or traveling in October when music competitions happen across the country, it’s a good time to catch even more events.

20. Explore Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave, tucked deep inside Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, feels more like a hidden canyon than a cave. It was discovered in 1991 and fully explored in 2009. The size is hard to wrap your head around — some of the chambers are over 820 feet (250 meters) high and 490 feet (150 meters) across. There’s even an underground jungle, lit by natural skylights where the ceiling has collapsed.

Getting in isn’t simple. Access is limited to small groups to protect the cave, and tours often fill up far in advance. It’s not a casual hike — it involves trekking through jungle, wading rivers, scrambling over rocks, and camping inside the cave itself. 

How to get to Son Doong Cave

You’ll need to book with an official tour operator based in Phong Nha. They’ll organize transport — usually a jeep ride to the trailhead — and then it’s a 6–8 hour trek through the forest to reach the entrance. The trip includes guides, porters, camping gear, and safety support. Because of the permit system, most people book their slot anywhere from six months to a year in advance.

When to visit Son Doong Cave

The cave is open to visitors between February and August. February through May tends to be the most comfortable, weather-wise. From September to January, heavy rains make the area unsafe to enter. Even in dry months, expect humid conditions and some tough terrain. 

22. Walk along Mui Ne sand dunes

In Mui Ne, the sand isn’t just for sunbathing. Just north of town, the white dunes stretch out like a mini desert near the coast. You can rent a quad bike or a dune buggy and race across them—loud, a bit chaotic, and definitely fun if you’re up for it.

If that sounds too fast, check out the Fairy Spring. It’s not really a spring, but a shallow stream that winds through strange-looking red and white sand formations. The entrance is tucked away on a small path west of Mui Ne village. Its' best to leave your shoes at the edge and walk through the warm water. It’s soft underfoot, and the scenery makes it feel a bit like a dream.

How to get to Mui Ne Sand Dunes

he white dunes are about 19 miles (30km) northeast of central Mui Ne, while the red dunes are around 6 miles (10km) away. Most people book a jeep ride through their hotel or a local company, usually timed for sunrise or sunset. If you’re confident on a motorbike, that’s another way to get around on your own. For the Fairy Spring, keep an eye out for a small entrance along the road between Mui Ne and Ham Tien—it’s easy to reach by taxi or motorbike.

When to visit Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Dry season runs from November through April and is generally the easiest time to explore the dunes. Sunrise (5–7am) and sunset (4:30–6pm) are cooler and better for walking or riding around. The midday sun gets intense, and the sand can burn your feet. December and January usually bring steady wind, which draws in kitesurfers.

22. Visit Bahnar villages

About 24 miles (38km) east of Pleiku, along the road to Quy Nhon, you’ll find four Bahnar villages: Dek Tu, De Cop, De Doa, and Dek Rol. They’re surrounded by forest and streams and have a quiet, lived-in feel that hasn’t been heavily shaped by tourism.

The stilt houses here are built from bamboo and straw, raised up on posts above the ground. Each village has a tall communal building called a rong, with a steep, peaked roof. These are used for festivals and meetings and usually sit in the center of the village.

Dek Tu is also known for its cemetery. Each grave is built with its own small roof, and bamboo ladders are leaned up against them—meant to help the soul reach the next world. Families often leave food or drinks as part of their traditions.

Some local groups are working with the communities to support tourism that benefits the villages directly and helps maintain the surrounding environment.

How to get to Bahnar Villages

You can get there from Pleiku by hiring a local driver or joining a small tour through your guesthouse. The villages are right along the road to Quy Nhon, so they’re easy to reach. Some trips also include overnight Vietnam homestays that are arranged through community-based projects.

When to visit Bahnar Villages

The dry season, from November through April, is the best time to go, since the roads are easier to travel. March and April are especially active, with festivals like the Buffalo Sacrifice that include music, dance, and shared meals.. Be sure to ask before taking photos, especially near religious or ceremonial places.

23.  Taste local street food

Street food is part of everyday life in Vietnam—and one of the easiest ways to eat well without spending much. Pull up a plastic stool, point at something on the grill, and dig in. Most places focus on just one or two dishes, and they tend to do them really well.

You’ll find these tiny kitchens all over cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. They don’t always have signs, but if you see a crowd, that’s usually a good clue. Some of the best meals come from places that have been around for years, passed down through families.

These days, more Vietnamese food vendors are starting to accept contactless payments, so you don’t always need to carry cash.

How to get to street food stalls

They’re everywhere—just walk around. Hanoi’s Old Quarter and District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City are full of them. Look for low tables and a crowd of locals. Meal times are typically around noon and 6pm. If you’re new to it, joining a food tour can be a great way to learn what to look for and how to order.

When to visit street food stalls

Early mornings (6–8am) are good for breakfast dishes like pho or banh mi. Evening markets (6–10pm) usually have the most variety. Between October and April, the weather is more comfortable for eating outside. Some stalls open for just a few hours, serving one dish at one time—so if you show up and it’s closed, check back later or try somewhere nearby.

5. Chill out in Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a good place to take it easy for a while. There's a 4-mile (6km) stretch of yellow sand running right alongside the city. On one side, you've got the sea, and on the other, a line of cafés, restaurants, hotels, and the occasional quirky sculpture.

You can spend the day swimming or just lying around. If you’re up for more, this is one of the best places to dive in Vietnam. There’s also snorkeling and day trips out to the nearby islands. These usually involve a bit of hiking, time in the water, and a seafood lunch on the boat.

The city itself has been changing. There are more restaurants now—some casual, some more polished—and a growing number of boutique shops and bars.

How to get to Nha Trang

Nha Trang has its own international airport, with direct flights from major cities in Vietnam and a few places across Asia. If you’d rather not fly, overnight trains from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi are comfortable and let you sleep through the trip. Buses also run from Da Lat (about 4 hours) and Hoi An (around 10 hours). Once you're in town, the main beach is within walking distance of most central places to stay.

When to visit Nha Trang

Dry season runs from February through August, with the sunniest weather in June, July, and August. September through December can bring rain and the chance of typhoons. January tends to be mild but can get windy. If you’re visiting during July or August, expect more domestic travelers. 

26. Stroll through the rice fields in Tam Coc

Tam Coc sits just outside Ninh Binh and has a mix of rice paddies and dramatic limestone cliffs that feels a bit like Ha Long Bay, just without the sea. It’s quiet and easy to get around by bike or boat.

The usual way to explore is by taking a rowboat from Van Lam village. The trip lasts about two hours and takes you along a river that winds through green fields and under steep cliffs. You’ll pass through three tunnel-like caves—Hang Ca, Hang Giua, and Hang Cuoi—that were carved naturally through the rock. After heavy rain, the boat can get pretty close to the ceiling in places.

It’s a calm ride, with the occasional kingfisher darting by and goats perched up on the cliffs. After the boat trip, you can explore more by bike. Nearby you’ve got Bich Dong Pagoda and the hike up Hang Mua for a wide view of the valley.

How to get to Tam Coc

Tam Coc is about 4.3 miles (7 km) from Ninh Binh. Buses from Hanoi take around 2 hours, or you can catch a train if you prefer a more relaxed route. From Ninh Binh, it’s easy to reach the boat pier by bike, taxi, or part of a tour. A lot of travelers combine it with nearby sights.

When to visit Tam Coc

May and June are when the rice fields are at their greenest. In September and October, they turn golden during the harvest. Try going before 9am or after 3pm for cooler temperatures and better light. Weekdays are quieter—weekends can get busier with local visitors.