13 unmissable Vietnam experiences

Vietnam stands alone when it comes to diversity.

A visit to Hanoi feels worlds apart from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, just as the glowing lanterns of Hoi An contrast with the ancient citadels of Hue.

From scenic tea plantations and coffee farms to breathtaking bays, caves, and coastlines – each destination promises its own unique adventure.

And let's not forget the food. Vietnam is famous for having some of the freshest and most mouthwatering dishes in the world – try a steaming bowl of pho from a plastic stool, and you’ll get it.

From iconic must-sees to thrilling off-the-beaten-path excursions, here are some of the most unforgettable experiences in Vietnam:

Light a lantern in Hoi An

As one of Asia’s most picturesque locations, Hoi An offers endless photo opportunities. Yet, nothing compares to the enchanting Full Moon Lantern Festival.

At this monthly event, the city turns off its electric lights, allowing thousands of colorful lanterns to light up the night sky, illuminating the narrow streets of Old Town and floating on the Thu Bon River.

The festival, held to celebrate the full moon, takes place along the Old Town waterfront, where music, games, and lively entertainment fill the air with excitement.

For a more serene experience, visitors can rent a sampan boat and drift quietly along the river.

Joining in is simple: just buy a paper lantern and candle for a few dollars – depending on your bargaining skills – light the candle, place it inside the lantern, and set it adrift on the river, carrying your wishes for happiness and luck.

Hunt down the best pho in Hanoi

A bowl of pho is essential on any trip, whether it's your first or your fiftieth.

Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam, is considered the birthplace of the country's iconic dish, so it’s the perfect place to begin your search for the best pho in the country.

Hidden among grand colonial French architecture in the maze-like Old Quarter, the best pho shops are often simple, with minimal furniture and huge pots of simmering broth.

Here’s a tip: classic Hanoi spots like Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan, Old Quarter) and Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc, Ngo Thi Nham) are sure to satisfy your pho cravings.

Explore history in Ho Chi Minh City

During the Vietnam War, also known as the American War in Vietnam, an estimated 2 million Vietnamese civilians lost their lives. The war, which spanned almost two decades, took place from 1954 to 1975.

Regardless of your background, it’s essential to learn about the nation’s recent past to gain a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, present-day Vietnam.

We recommend dedicating a few hours to visit the museums and monuments in Ho Chi Minh City to honor the lives lost during the war and to gain insight into the conflict.

The War Remnants Museum, which opened in 1975, offers a stark look at the Vietnam War through powerful photographs and military artifacts – including helicopters, tanks, fighter jets, and replicas of prison cells, as well as exhibits on chemical warfare and a French guillotine.

Ride the Reunification Express

It might not be the quickest mode of transport, but the Reunification Express (officially known as the North-South Railway) is definitely the most scenic.

This 1,072-mile rail route travels from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, offering a 35-hour journey through an ever-changing landscape of stunning views and iconic landmarks.

The train offers several cabin options, including sleeper cars for those taking the full ride.

Many travelers prefer to take a multi-day trip, hopping on and off the train to discover Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes and historic towns.

Some of the must-see spots include the Van Long Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh, with its striking rice paddies and limestone formations, the ancient imperial city of Hue, and the coastal town of Nha Trang.

Take a scenic aerial tour of Halong Bay

Halong Bay is renowned as one of Vietnam’s most awe-inspiring destinations, and it’s easy to understand why.

The emerald waters of the bay are dotted with thousands of towering limestone islands, hidden caves, and diverse wildlife.

While most travelers explore this natural wonder by cruise, a new option now exists: take to the skies by helicopter.

Introduced earlier this year, Halong Heli Tours offers a bird's-eye view of the stunning seascape.

Tourists can select from 8 to 40-minute flights that take them over the bay’s islands, beaches, and fishing villages.

While you're in the area, consider a side trip to Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bays – Halong Bay’s quieter counterparts – where you can kayak, swim, and trek in peaceful isolation.

Beach hop in Phu Quoc

If crystal-clear waters and soft, powdery sand sound like your ideal getaway, Vietnam's 'Pearl Island' is the place to be.

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand off Vietnam's southwest coast, Phu Quoc offers a wide range of beaches, each with its own unique size and charm.

Among them, Sao Beach stands out as one of Vietnam’s finest, known for its pristine waters, palm-lined shores, and powdery white sand.

Ong Lang Beach, on the western coast, is quieter and more rustic – the kind of place where you might encounter a wandering cow or a local fishing boat rather than other tourists.

As the sun sets, grab a spot on Long Beach to witness the island’s legendary fiery sunsets, accompanied by cold beers and live music.

Cruise down the Mekong

The Mekong, the 12th longest river in the world, has been a vital artery for Southeast Asia for thousands of years.

Even today, it’s surrounded by fishing villages, rice paddies, lush islands, bustling food markets, and ancient imperial cities.

Perfect for those who enjoy a more leisurely pace, a Mekong River cruise offers easy access to remote rural communities and hidden natural wonders.

Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, we suggest a five- to 18-day cruise that explores southern Vietnam, continues through Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia, and, time permitting, reaches Luang Prabang in Laos.

Explore the world’s largest cave

It’s a rare opportunity to venture into the world’s largest cave.

We highly recommend setting an out-of-office message and diving into the full adventure of Son Doong: a four-day trek led by the adventure tour company Oxalis.

As the largest cave on the planet, Son Doong stretches over three miles and rises 650 feet high – tall enough to house a 40-story skyscraper, according to Oxalis.

Due to its vastness, this extraordinary cave is home to many natural wonders, from towering 262-foot stalagmites and underground rivers to rare species, massive rock formations, and even its own jungle – all of which you'll discover on your trek.

Embark on a motorbike journey through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Vietnam.

In Vietnam, motorbikes dominate the roads. While crossing the street in Hanoi can be a challenge, the country’s love for scooters has created endless opportunities for two-wheeled adventures.

Companies like Flamingo Travel, Cuong’s Motorbike Adventures, and FlipSide offer a range of cycling tours, from guided expeditions to bike rentals for solo riders.

Many passionate motorcyclists agree that the Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam, close to the Chinese border, offers one of the most rewarding rides.

Over a four- or five-day journey, you'll pass by everything from majestic mountain ranges to charming villages, deep canyons, and picturesque back roads.

Immerse yourself in the tea culture of Sapa

If you're in the north, a stop in Sapa for a few nights is highly recommended.

In this former French colonial hill station, it’s easy to fall for the cool highland climate, the mist-covered tea terraces, cascading waterfalls, and scenic trails – including the two-day trek up Mount Fansipan.

The region’s fertile hills are home to countless tea farms producing a variety of teas, including green, black, oolong, and cinnamon.

To fully experience the area’s distinct culture, consider staying with a local family in a mountain village, although upscale hotels are now also available.

Indulge in Dalat’s coffee culture

As the world’s second-largest coffee producer, after Brazil, Vietnam devotes much of its highland region to coffee farming.

A few days in Dalat, a picturesque mountain town just northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, will give you a firsthand look at the depth of the country’s thriving coffee industry.

There are numerous coffee plantations scattered across these highlands, including notable spots like Son Pacamara, Trai Ham Da Lat Weasel Coffee, and Cau Dat Plantation – each offering guided tours.

On these tours, you'll learn the art of growing coffee beans, roasting them to perfection, and then get to sample the finished product.

Whether it’s sweetened with condensed milk or brewed through a traditional filter, Vietnamese coffee – rich, earthy, and aromatic – never fails to delight even the most discerning coffee lovers.

Learn how to make vermicelli noodles in Cu Da village

From chewy vermicelli and delicate rice noodles to egg noodles, glass noodles, and the fettuccine-like banh pho, noodles are an essential part of Vietnamese cuisine.

Nowhere is the noodle culture more alive than in Cu Da Village.

A noodle lover’s dream, this historic village south of Hanoi churns out massive quantities of both white and yellow vermicelli to satisfy local demand.

It’s a fascinating scene: as you stroll through the French colonial-era buildings, you’ll see rows upon rows of thin, spaghetti-like noodles drying under the sun.

Several noodle tours offer hands-on cooking classes where you can master traditional techniques and pick up tips from a local family.

Cycle through the ancient ruins of Hue

As the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, making it one of the best places in Vietnam to explore historic sites.

The crown jewel for many visitors is the UNESCO-listed Complex of Hue Monuments – a walled fortress by the Perfume River that houses ancient temples, royal tombs, and numerous pagodas.

Given the sprawling size of the complex – covering 778 acres (315 hectares) – cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore it.

Starting early in the misty morning, visitors can cycle along tranquil canals, stop for coffee, and take in the grandeur of the inner citadel, outer walls, and countless altars before the crowds arrive.