The Top 12 Activities for an Exciting Vietnam Vacation You Will Never Forget

Vietnam has not always been a popular destination, but today it is one of the most visited countries in the world. This is thanks to its culture, its history, and its cuisine, all of which draw in visitors from all over the world. This is matched by its attractions, activities, and stunning stretch of coastline, as well as the friendliness of the locals, who are always happy to see visitors passing through.

There are so many things to do and see in Vietnam, that you can easily spend a month exploring the country. From its mountains in the north to its stunning coastline, Vietnam has something to offer everyone. So much so that it is often hard to decide where to go, what to do, and what to see. If you are looking for some fun and exciting things to do and see in Vietnam, here are a few options.

Take a cruise in Halong Bay

This UNESCO World Heritage site is magnificently beautiful, with its limestone karsts jetting out of the sea. You can book a cruise to enjoy the stunning scenery, with cruises lasting anywhere from a day to three days, spending the night right on the boat. You can splurge and enjoy the scenery on a luxurious cruise ship, or go on a comfortable budget ‘junk’ boat. Regardless, you are sure to have a great time. Plus, not only is the scenery spectacular, but you can also have some fun, like kayaking around the sea, diving off the boat, snorkeling in the water, or fishing.

Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

This spectacular tunnel network spans underground for over 150 miles. It was built during the Indochina War and was used not only as hiding spots, but also as a means of transport and communication between Viet Cong soldiers. Today, it is possible to crawl through parts of these tunnels and see what it was like to actually for the Vietnamese that lived in these tunnels for so many years. Although this is definitely something that is fun for many, claustrophobics many want to skip this one.

Splash around in a theme park

Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park is the world’s first water park devoted to Buddhism and Buddhist animals. Instead of Mickey Mouse and Daffy Duck you will see dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, and tortoises. There are even live crocodiles! There is a large swimming pool, waterslides, island pavilions, and a unicorn house that happens to be surprisingly gory. You can ride a roller coaster, wander around a magical castle, and take a train ride through a mysterious forest. And the best part is, you don’t have to travel with the kids to have fun here. There are rides and games for all ages!

Slide down sand dunes

Just outside of the coastal fishing town of Mũi Né are magnificent sand dunes that stretch along the coast for nearly 12 miles. Not only are the dunes and the deep blue lake below them magical, but also fun, because you can slide down them. As soon as you enter the area there will be kids around that will rent you a plastic sled to go sliding down the dunes. It is an extremely fun way to enjoy the dunes and will be an unforgettable experience. You can also opt to ride an ostrich instead. Don’t forget to take pictures!

Scuba dive in Phú Quốc

This mountainous island is not only home to some of the best beaches and seafood in Vietnam, but it is also a fantastic place to go scuba diving. There are two locations that offer diving; one on the northwest side of the island and one at the south end of it. The northwest location boasts three separate dive sites, all of which have a maximum depth of 10 meters, and are surrounded by coral reefs and odd rock formations. These sites are fantastic for beginners, while the sites at the south end of the island range from 10 to 40 meters. There are 20 of these sites in total, most of which are surrounded by coral reef. Whether or not you are a scuba diver, this is a fun way to spend a day.

Tour around on a motorcycle

Head to a shop and rent a Honda Win or a Russian Minsk and ride around the country at your own pace. Riding a motorcycle around Vietnam is not only lots of fun, but also extremely rewarding. You can see off-the-beaten-path places, enjoy the breeze while you ride along the coast, or head into the mountains of Northern Vietnam and enjoy the countryside. Start in Hanoi and make your way down the coast to Ho Chi Minh City, and then loop back around north, or go the other way around.

For something completely different, head west from Hanoi to the Laos border and then northeast along the Chinese border, and back to Hanoi. You can even explore the Mekong Delta area on motorcycle, heading towards Cambodia. The possibilities are endless, and the result is 100% fun, and regardless of which way you ride, the scenery will be magnificent.

 

Not everyone that visits Vietnam does so with large pockets. In fact, it is a very popular destination for backpackers, especially those on a SE Asia tour. If you are a backpacker on a budget, check out these affordable things to do and see in Vietnam.

Visit Hằng Nga guesthouse

This funky guesthouse was designed by local architect Dang Viet Nga, but looks like something that was designed by Gaudi and Dali. It was built to look like a tree, complete with branches, sculpted animals, and a hollow stairway. Because of its odd design, it is known as ‘The Crazy House’ among travelers, which is exactly what it is. There are no rectilinear shapes in the guesthouse, everything is curvy and winding, much like a spider web. There are caves and tunnels leading through the house to its 10 animal themed guest rooms, all of which are just as unusual as the next. If you plan to stay here, be sure to book early, otherwise, everyone is welcome to visit the guesthouse and see its incredible design.

Cycle around Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a scenic countryside area in the mountains just north of Hanoi. It is an area of winding paths, beautiful paddy fields, bamboo stilt houses, and traditional weaving centers. It is a serene place to go cycling, boasting phenomenal views and scenery. You can even arrange a homestay, which will make it that much more enjoyable. If you are on a budget and want to cycle around, enjoy Vietnam’s countryside scenery, and breathe in the fresh air, head to Mai Chau for a day.

Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

This famous lake sits right in the historic center of Hanoi and is a focal point of the city. A walk around the lake is a fantastic way to spend a day, and it is completely free! Wander around the lake and snap photos of the Turtle Tower that sits in the middle of it, or walk across the Huc Bridge. Stop and sit on a bench to watch the locals pass by or to enjoy an ice cream from one of the stands around the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is a great place to read a book, meditate, write a page in your travel journal, and enjoy a nice afternoon. Be sure to also visit at night when Turtle Tower and the surrounding buildings light up, creating a beautiful sight.

Enjoy Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife

In addition to its classy rooftop bars and swanky nightclubs, Ho Chi Minh City has some hole-in-the-wall bars that are great for grabbing a cheap bear. There is also Pham Ngu Lao Street, which is known as the city’s backpacker district. Here you will find sidewalk bars, hostel bars, and pubs that cater to travelers on a budget. You can watch a football game, play a game of pool, or listen to some live music. You can also sit on a plastic chair on the sidewalk with a beer and watch the people go by.

Taste the food

Street food is the cheapest way to eat in Vietnam, and there are definitely some fantastic things to try. Pho (noodle soup) is one of the most popular, with pho stands being seen in every city and town across the entire country. No matter where you are you can be sure that you will be able to find a delicious, cheap, bowl of noodle soup. Banh xeo is also a cheap, fast thing that can be grabbed off the street, and it is also very tasty. It is basically a crepe that is bursting with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and served with a special sauce.

If you would rather eat while on the go, try Banh mi, which is a baguette with margarine and pate. It often is also packed with pickled vegetables, cheese, and coriander. If you want something that is a little bit healthier then be sure to try Goi cuon, or fresh spring rolls. These are non-fried spring rolls made out of rice paper that are filled with noodles, shrimp, basil, lettuce, and herbs that are eaten with a hoisin sauce. They are fresh and tasty, and a great break from all of the oil and heavy soups.

Go to the market

Visits to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are not complete without going to their markets. And you don’t have to spend money to enjoy them. You will easily have just as much fun walking around Hanoi’s Đồng Xuân Market and Ho Chi Minh City’s Bến Thành Market and mingling with the locals as you would shopping in them. They are packed with people buying food, cheap goods, clothing, and housewares. There are also handicraft shops, textile vendors, and souvenir shops where you can pick up a few gifts for friends and family back home. You can also use the markets as a great opportunity to sample local fast food. Đồng Xuân Market is also a wholesale market, so it is always packed with people tending to their business.