Vietnam captivates travelers with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a newlywed couple, or an adventure seeker, this Vietnam travel guide covers the top 10 things to do in Vietnam that will make your 2025 trip truly unforgettable.
1. Cruise Ha Long Bay’s Emerald Waters
Why It’s a Must-Do
Ha Long Bay’s UNESCO-listed karst formations rise dramatically from jade-green waters. Overnight cruises let you kayak through hidden grottoes and enjoy seafood feasts on deck.
Insider Tip
Choose a small, boutique junk boat for an intimate experience—many include sunset tai chi, cooking demos, and cave visits.
2. Wander the Ancient Streets of Hoi An
Why It’s a Must-Do
Hoi An’s lantern-lit Old Town enchants with yellow-painted facades, tailor shops, and riverside cafes. Rent a bicycle to explore nearby rice paddies and hidden beaches.
Insider Tip
Stay until dusk to see hundreds of floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River, then sample cao lầu noodles at morning market stalls.
3. Sample Hanoi’s Legendary Street Food
Why It’s a Must-Do
Hanoi’s Old Quarter hums with vendors dishing out pho, bun cha, and egg coffee. Join a guided food tour to navigate the best stalls and learn local eating customs.
Insider Tip
Attend a local cooking class that begins with a market visit—perfect for mastering bánh xèo and fresh spring rolls.
4. Trek Sapa’s Terraced Rice Fields
Why It’s a Must-Do
Northern Vietnam’s Sapa region offers breathtaking hikes through emerald terraced fields and encounters with hill tribes like the H’mong and Red Dao.
Insider Tip
Opt for a homestay trek to support local communities and savor home-cooked meals in remote villages.
5. Explore Hue’s Imperial Citadel
Why It’s a Must-Do
The former Nguyen dynasty capital features the vast Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and the Perfume River’s serene pagodas.
Insider Tip
Hire a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) driver who doubles as a guide, and visit Thien Mu Pagoda at sunrise.
6. Conquer the Hai Van Pass by Motorbike
Why It’s a Must-Do
This scenic coastal road between Hue and Da Nang twists along cliffs with panoramic views of the South China Sea.
Insider Tip
Rent a well-maintained scooter in Hoi An or Da Nang and ride early in the morning to avoid traffic and catch misty mountain vistas.
7. Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels Near Ho Chi Minh City
Why It’s a Must-Do
Venture underground into the network where Vietnamese soldiers lived and fought during the war. Interactive exhibits and tunnel crawls offer stark historical insight.
Insider Tip
Combine a half-day Cu Chi tour with a Mekong Delta cruise for a full-day excursion from Ho Chi Minh City.
8. Unwind on Phu Quoc’s Sun-Kissed Beaches
Why It’s a Must-Do
Phu Quoc’s white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and pepper farms make it a tropical paradise. Snorkel at An Thoi archipelago or sip fresh coconut water by the shore.
Insider Tip
Book a beachfront bungalow in Long Beach for easy access to night markets and sunset bars.
9. Cruise the Mekong Delta’s Floating Markets
Why It’s a Must-Do
Experience life on Vietnam’s “rice bowl” waterways. Early-morning boat tours reveal bustling floating markets at Cai Rang or Cai Be.
Insider Tip
Hire a private sampan to navigate narrow tributaries and stop at riverside orchards for tropical fruit tastings.
10. Marvel at the Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach
Why It’s a Must-Do
Just outside Da Nang, the Marble Mountains are five limestone peaks dotted with caves and pagodas. Nearby My Khe Beach offers surf and relaxation.
Insider Tip
Climb up to Linh Ung Pagoda at Marble Mountains for sweeping city and sea views, then cool off in the waves at My Khe.
If you’re looking for things to do in Vietnam beyond sightseeing, this Vietnam travel guide also recommends:
- Taking a Vietnamese cooking class
- Touring mountain passes by motorbike
- Experiencing traditional village spa treatments
- For adrenaline adventures, check our Outdoor Adventure Hotspots.
- Taste global flavors with our Foodie Vacations 2025.
- Stay safe on the road—read our Travel Insurance 2025 Guide.
Explore Vietnam.
FAQ
What are the top attractions to visit in Vietnam in 2025?
Must-visit attractions include Halong Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Sapa’s rice terraces, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Vietnam a good destination for first-time travelers?
Yes, Vietnam is beginner-friendly with a mix of natural beauty, rich culture, delicious food, and affordable travel experiences, making it perfect for first-time travelers.
What is the best time of year to visit Vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam is from March to April or October to December, when the weather is pleasant across most regions.
Are activities in Vietnam affordable?
Absolutely. Vietnam is known for its budget-friendly options—accommodation, transportation, food, and tours are generally affordable for all types of travelers.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam in 2025?
Most travelers need a visa, but Vietnam offers e-Visas for many nationalities. Always check the latest entry requirements on the official government website.
What are some unique things to do in Vietnam besides sightseeing?
Try a Vietnamese cooking class, take a motorbike tour through mountain passes, or relax with a traditional spa treatment in a local village.
