Top Things to do in Vietnam: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Vietnam is becoming more and more popular with British travellers, offering culture, scenery and more at comparatively low prices. There's a huge amount to discover, from limestone islands to ancient temples, outstanding sandy beaches to mountain vistas. And that's not to mention all the food there is to try.

But if you're planning a holiday to Vietnam, knowing where to go and what to do can feel a little daunting. There's a whole country waiting to be discovered! In this guide, we at Trip.com have done the hard part for you. We've pulled together what you need to know when planning a trip to Vietnam, from cities to visit to activities to prioritise, plus savvy ways to save a bit of money along the way. Let's get to it!

Popular Activities in Vietnam at the Best Prices 🎫

• 🚡 Hon Thom Cable Car - Sun World Hon Thom ⭐ From £24.67 - Spectacular views of the ocean from above
• 🎡 VinWonders Phu Quoc ⭐ From £27.57 - Family thrills and entertainment that'll keep everyone happy
• 🛶 Grand World Phu Quoc ⭐ From £5.81 - Venice-inspired entertainment complex with all the restaurants and shopping you want
• 🎭 Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre ⭐ From £3.49 - Traditional theatre that'll delight and inspire

💡 Did you know? Vietnam is home to Son Doong Cave, located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is the world's largest cave. It is so vast that it contains its own jungle and river, and is large enough to fitted a 40-storey skyscraper. It even has its own local weather system, with clouds forming inside the cave!

What to Do in Vietnam Based on Your Stay

Vietnam is much bigger than many folks think. In fact, it measures 1,650 km from top to bottom. What you do and how you spend your time in the country all depend on how much time you have to spare.

We've put together a selection of recommended itineraries based on how long you're in Vietnam for, as well as your travel group size. So no matter how tight or flexible your schedule is, you'll get a wonderful taste of what this country has to offer.

Must-Visit Cities in Vietnam

Exploring Vietnam's rich selection of cities, towns, and islands is the best way to get more familiar with the country. Whether you're looking for excitement found in the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, or something a little more chilled out, like the beach city of Nha Trang, here are our recommendations on where to prioritise on your trip.

Ho Chi Minh City: Modernity meets history

Vietnam's largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, is located in the south of the country and brims with energy and atmosphere. A mixture of modern skyscrapers, French colonial buildings, great nightlife, and delicious street food, this is where you come to feel the pulse of present-day Vietnam.

So what is there to do? Plenty! Head to Bến Thành Market to grab a bowl of phở, make your way up Bitexco Financial Tower for a bird's-eye view of the city, and visit Saigon Central Post Office to take in the architecture and send a postcard home.

📌 The Trip.com tip: We recommend finding accommodation in or around District 1 when staying in Ho Chi Minh City. It's walking distance from a lot of the city's major attractions, meaning you don't need to worry about hailing a cab to get to the good stuff!

Hanoi: Ancient temples, culture and tradition

Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi, is slightly slower-paced than Ho Chi Minh City, but still as vibrant and full of life. Here, you'll find ancient temples and pagodas, street markets, picture-perfect tree-lined boulevards, and an outstanding variety of local and regional street food.

Things to pop on your sightseeing itinerary include the Old Quarter, where winding, narrow streets lead to a glorious mix of temples, coffee shops, and nightlife. Then there's Hoàn Kiếm Lake, which is slap bang in the middle of the city, and the perfect place for a quiet morning stroll. For history buffs, the former political centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, offers a glimpse into the country's ancient legacy.

Ha Long Bay: Dramatic coastlines and limestone islands

One of Vietnam's most recognisable sights, Ha Long Bay's unique rock formations, limestone islands, and emerald-green waters are truly something to behold. Lush and dense with plant life, this is the place to go to recharge during a busy holiday.

Although nowhere near as built up as the former destinations we've discussed, there's still a whole lot to discover when visiting Ha Long Bay. From boat trips to Lan Ha Bay and overnight cruises around Bai Tu Long Bay to kayaking excursions to Sung Sot Cave, there is a wide range of activities to cater to different preferences and experience levels.

Phu Quoc Island: A real island paradise

If white-sandy beaches, turquoise water, awe-inspiring sunsets, and tropical jungles are calling to you, be sure to make time to visit Phu Quoc Island. Popular with travellers looking to unwind, this island is the quintessential beach escape.

Catch the sun's rays on Long Beach, go snorkelling on Khem Beach, or simply soak up the verdant tropical forests found as part of Phú Quốc National Park. There are also plenty of local seafood dishes to savour, made from the day's freshest catches.

Nha Trang: Coastal city with a whole lot of culture

For folks looking to balance beach relaxation with the energy of the city, Nha Trang has you covered. With a white sandy beach right on the city's doorstep, seeing the different sights here is easy peasy, with many attractions within walking distance of each other.

With less rain than other beaches in the country, the coastline here is a safe bet for those wanting to soak up the sun or go island hopping. Culture-wise, there are the Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda, and Christ the King Cathedral ready to explore.

Da Nang: Contemporary Vietnam meets beach life

Sitting around halfway down the country, Da Nang is a great stop-off point for travellers on their way north or south. With long, clean beaches and impressive modern architecture, this coastal city brings many parts of Vietnam together.

Take a dip in the sea at My Khe Beach, walk the Dragon Bridge when it's literally ‘breathing fire', or take in the sights from the utterly unique Golden Bridge, which is in nearby Ba Na Hills.

Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Vietnam

Now we've introduced Vietnam's top cities and coastal islands, it's time to zoom in on some of the country's top attractions. From golden beaches to unwind on to hot mineral springs to reenergise you, here's our top five recommendations on what to add to your Vietnam bucket list.

Hon Thom Cable Car: Incredible views across the sea

Take in unparalleled views with a trip on the Hon Thom Cable Car. Connecting An Thới to Hòn Thơm Island, watch as your gondola travels over the sea and across islands. This unique attraction is found on Phú Quốc Island and is part of the Sun World complex, which itself has plenty to entertain and delight!

You'll truly feel like you're flying across the sea on this cable car ride, which is reported as one of the longest in the world! A one-way trip takes about 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to bask in the scenery around you.

📌 Trip.com tip: Going earlier in the day means you can beat the crowds. This is a very popular attraction, so arriving at opening time (and before most guests) will make for a much calmer experience. If early starts are a bit too much (hey, you are on holiday!), late afternoon is another good shout for a quieter, quicker queuing experience. Not to mention you'll miss the midday heat. Go on, enjoy the views!

Nha Trang Beach: Clear blue waters and golden sands

In a country bursting with beautiful beaches, deciding which one to visit is no mean feat. But be sure to consider Nha Trang Beach, which not only boasts miles of clean coastline flanked by palm trees, but is in spitting distance of the city's amenities.

The water here is calm and warm, making it perfect for dipping your toes as well as more adventurous activities, like jet skiing. For those wanting to go island-hopping, Nha Trang Beach is a great base to set off to Hòn Mun and Hòn Tằm Island.

📌 Trip.com tip: Head to the northern stretches of the beach, and go earlier in the morning for a calmer experience. And be sure to bring plenty of SPF with you - the UV index here is high, even on cloudy days. Sunburn on holiday is no fun at all!

Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc: Beyond a traditional zoo

Put a pause on sightseeing and spend time surrounded by animals with a trip to Vinpearl Safari Phú Quốc. With plenty of space for creatures to roam, this ‘semi-wild' conservation park has created areas to reflect natural habitats. See lions, giraffes, monkeys and more as you go, learning about their behaviours and unique characteristics.

The star of a trip to Vinpearl Safari is the safari bus tour, where you are driven through large, open enclosures and get an up-close look at many of the animals. A must for animal-lovers!

📌 Trip.com tip: The early bird gets the worm at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. We recommend going early in the day, as the animals tend to be more active before the midday heat. There are also shorter queues all round, especially for the safari bus tour. Plus, it'll be a much more comfortable temperature to walk around in!

Sunset Town: Evening entertainment sorted

Part themed-entertainment district, part seaside resort, Sunset Town in Phú Quốc is the perfect destination to unwind and have fun. Its playful Mediterranean-style architecture is home to live performances, light displays and more, and truly comes alive at night.

Whether you're in the mood for shopping, taking in a show, grabbing a bite to eat, walking along the “Kiss Bridge”, or simply taking in the colourful atmosphere, heading to Sunset Town is a great option for those looking for something a little different to do in the evening. What's more, the Hon Thom Cable Car is nearby.

📌 Trip.com tip: Sunset Town, as its name suggests, is best enjoyed in the evening and into the night. Don't forget to bring your camera, as there are plenty of great photo opportunities to make the most of!

Hot Mineral Springs I-Resort Nha Trang: Take time to chill out

Soak and unwind at Hot Mineral Springs I-Resort in Nha Trang, an outdoor resort dedicated to wellbeing and relaxation. With mud treatments, hot spring spas, herbal baths, slides, and more, this is the place to go when you need a little pick-me-up during your trip. 

A great way to loosen your muscles, the signature mud baths and mineral pools are great for a reenergising moment, readying you for the next part of your holiday. Plus, it's only a short journey from the city centre, meaning you won't have to travel too far to get there.

📌 Trip.com tip: Upgrade your experience with a massage or private jacuzzi for a true luxury experience! Choose from an extensive menu of add-ons and customise your time to meet your preferences.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam can be visited year-round, but like the UK, it has dry and wet seasons. The climate is consistently tropical, warm and humid, with cooler periods towards the north of the country during winter. Typhoons are common, especially in the middle of Vietnam, so it's wise to plan ahead if you plan to visit these parts during the monsoon season.

💡 The Trip.com recommendation: The most reliable weather in Vietnam can be found in the spring, where the weather is largely warm and dry, and the risk of typhoons is small. Whether you want to go sightseeing, spend time on beaches, or explore cities, springtime conditions remain consistent and easy to keep active in.

Day Trips from Vietnam

There's so much to explore in Vietnam, with plenty of destinations to visit on day trips. Whether you're staying in a city or along the coast, mountains, islands, and historic sites are usually no more than a couple of hours away. Here are three day trip ideas for excursion inspiration!

Ha Long Bay Cruise: An escape into awe-inspiring landscapes (from Hanoi)

Easy to get to from Hanoi, taking a full-day cruise across Ha Long Bay not only means you can take in the area's natural highlights, but pretty much everything is taken care of for you. Round-trip transfers, food, drink, and entertainment - going for an all-inclusive option means you can fully relax for the day.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: 2.5-4 hours from Hanoi
• Transport: Shuttle transfer or private taxi
• Must-sees: The Limestone karst islands, Sung Sot Cave, the floating fishing villages, and taking in the sunset across the bay

Hoi An Ancient Town: History perfectly preserved (from Da Nang)

See history stand still with a day trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, only a short journey from Da Nang. This walkable historic trading port makes a calm escape from busier cities, with plenty of lantern-lit streets, riverside cafes, picture-perfect bridges, and colonial-era buildings to explore. Walk, eat, and simply soak in the vibes.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: Around 45 minutes from Da Nang
• Transport: Taxi, Grab, or shuttle transfer
• Must-sees: The Japanese Covered Bridge, the pedestrian-only lantern-lit streets, the Thu Bon River waterfront, and the Hoi An Night Market

Mekong Delta Boat Trip: Authentic culture from the water (from Ho Chi Minh City)

Get a feel of the Mekong Delta in under a day with a trip from Ho Chi Minh City. An extensive network of canals, rivers, rice fields, coconut groves, and villages, this is a sharp contrast to the chaos of the city. Hop on a boat ride, visit a market, or take a workshop and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Essential information:

• Average travel time: Between 2 and 3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City
• Transport: Shuttle transfer, private taxi, or public bus
• Must-sees: The narrow coconut canals, tropical fruit gardens, and floating markets

Vietnam: Culture, history and natural wonders in the tropics 🌺🛕

Vietnam is brimming with experiences to cater to all sorts of travellers year-round. Modern culture, ancient history, and nature sit side by side, with so much to do that it can't all be fit into one trip. To get a true feel for the country, multiple visits and authentic, local encounters will broaden your understanding.

Must-do local experiences for your trip:

Whilst popular attractions are definitely worth your while, going off the beaten track and seeking out local experiences will make for a truly unforgettable trip.

• Cycling through rice fields and villages is not only peaceful, but provides a perspective of rural life that you can't get anywhere else.
• Take a workshop in one of Vietnam's traditional crafts, such as pottery, lacquerware, or silk weaving. Enjoy a deeper appreciation of these handcrafted traditions, with a unique souvenir to take home.
• Taking river transport or a ferry is a straightforward and cheap way to explore rural areas. Enjoy views of waterways that most tourists miss.
• Enjoy the food scene and try out local dishes. One of the best ways to get familiar with a new place is to explore its culinary culture. In Vietnam, look out for specialist iced coffee, phở soup noodles, bun cha meatballs, and fresh seafood.

Explore Vietnam & beyond 🧩