Top Things to Do in Vietnam | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Vietnam pulls you in with a wild stretch of coast - over 3,200 kilometers long - green stepped mountains, old streets glowing with paper lamps, busy cities shaped by centuries of change. Instead of just one story, it’s layers: Cham ruins mixed with French balconies, then buzzing street life today - linked up by cheap night trains that rattle between hubs, winding scooter trails, or short hops on local planes. You can paddle around Ha Long Bay, weaving past nearly two thousand jagged green rocks rising from gray water; alternatively, sleep in wooden homes with Hmong families where fog clings to endless rice fields near Sapa. Whether chasing hostels and dirt-cheap eats, traveling with kids, booking fancy boat trips, or diving into village rituals - you’ll find something real here no matter how you roll. This rundown hits everything worth seeing: top spots broken down clearly, smart route ideas running from north to south, when each zone shines most weather-wise, tricks to move without hassle, even which eSIM works best so your ride apps, museum narrations, and social clips don’t freeze mid-scroll while bouncing through farms, river stalls, or city madness.

Why Vietnam Belongs on Every Bucket List

Vietnam’s eight UNESCO spots - like Ha Long Bay’s rock formations or Hue’s old palace - hold tales of kings, uprisings, and sea routes that changed Southeast Asia, pulling in over 18 million travelers each year through big airports such as Noi Bai near Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat in Saigon. Its narrow shape, stretching from top to bottom, makes a typical 2–3-week loop possible by comfy overnight trains on Vietnam Railways (think Hanoi to Sapa or Hue), quick VietJet flights between cities like Da Nang and Phu Quoc, or coastal roads built for bikes offering wide-open rides. Mobile networks from Viettel and Mobifone now cover far-flung mountain communities and distant isles, keeping key tools running - Grab for scooter pickups, Google Translate when bartering at markets, Klook to book boat trips in Ha Long, Agoda for last-minute stays - with spotty signals becoming less of a hassle.

Hanoi’s French Quarter stands apart from Phu Quoc’s sandy shores, yet central Hue shows off imperial enclosures that match China’s grand Forbidden City. You’ll spend about 30–80 bucks a day on local noodle bowls (roughly 40k VND), heritage site passes (like 200k Vnd for Ha Long access), night coaches (around 300k VND), plus budget stays (~$15 per room), though splurging past $150 gets you top-tier Halong sails or guided hikes near Sapa. Since travel picked up after global lockdowns, eco-conscious choices have grown - think village-led walks and beaches free of plastic waste - with clear English signs popping up across visitor spots and home-style kitchens opening doors with warm smiles. Visit northern areas between November and April to skip Hanoi’s misty spells; southern regions sparkle from February through May ahead of rainy bursts - and stay connected easily using switchable eSIM plans.

Hanoi and Northern Vietnam: Imperial History Meets Highland Drama

Hanoi’s a lively entry point up north - packed with character, though wild at times; old French houses sit near Hoan Kiem Lake, where folks practice slow moves at dawn. These scenes link through night trains rolling toward fog-covered peaks and dreamlike coastlines.

1. Wander Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

The 36 old guild lanes kick off at sunrise with silk sellers, staying alive till late-night bia hoi nooks where bikes dodge around century-old shopfronts now dishing out conical hats, handmade trinkets, or vintage war prints. Turtle Tower juts out from Hoan Kiem’s waters - a tale tied to King Le Loi giving back a divine blade after triumph; stroll the crimson Huc footbridge to see Ngoc Son’s famed lake reptile relic. See Thang Long’s water puppet shows, rooted in flooded fields of the 1100s, backed by real drumming and fiddles - ideal close to a meal of smoky bun cha (the kind even Obama raved about). Quick tip: hop on no-cost guided walks through GuruWalk; crash near Ta Hien’s brew hubs when chasing night vibes. Core Vietnamese travel zones packed with grit, myth, and bold tastes.

2. Cruise Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (UNESCO Masterpiece)

Over 2,000 limestone peaks rise through green waters recognized by UNESCO - some hide caves like Sung Sot with hanging rock formations. Floating communities such as Vung Vieng run fish farms right on the surface. Secret coves open into quiet spots perfect for kayaking while local boats head to Cat Ba’s market at dawn. Boats named Paradise or Violet let you stay overnight - they come with squid hunts under torchlight. Mornings often start with slow-motion stretches facing the sun. You can learn how to wrap spring rolls from crew chefs during downtime. Massages are available between stops if booked early. For extra comfort try Bhaya Cruises - their decks have more space and shade. Nearby Lan Ha looks just like the famous bay but emptier. Ti Top Island sits off the main route where fewer people go ashore. Grab tickets using Klook app a couple days before departure. Calm waves usually show up between November and March. This place gets snapped more than any other coastline worldwide - it's one of Vietnam’s biggest draws.

3. Trek Sapa Rice Terraces and Hill Tribe Villages

French-made tracks head up toward Fansipan’s base - Vietnam’s highest peak - at 1,600 meters. Up there, Hmong folks with silver jewelry, Red Dao women in floral hats, along with Giay communities, carve stepped farms into steep slopes. Golden crops ripen during September and October. Trekking here takes two or three days, leading past Cat Cat’s blue-dyed cloth cascades. You’ll stop at Ta Van villages, trying meals cooked in bamboo tubes. Views of Silver Waterfall pop up around bends. Riding an overnight train from Hanoi gives a cozy vibe. Best months? September through November when fields glow bright. Skip February - it’s packed due to Tet celebrations. This trip feels real, close to everyday lives.

4. Ninh Binh "Inland Ha Long Bay" Karst Country

Tam Coc’s small boats float on still water through green fields and tall limestone cliffs, slipping by workers and muddy buffaloes. Instead of kayaks, folks ride dragon-shaped vessels weaving through Trang An’s trio of caves, old temples, and shrines. Climbing Hang Mua means tackling half a thousand stairs - reward? Sky-high views like from a flying camera. Back then, Hoa Lu served as royal grounds, now it tells quiet tales of kings. At Bai Dinh, a giant golden Buddha sits heavy with calm. Best way around? Two-wheeled rides looping trails. Go between November and April when rain stays away.

Central Vietnam: Lantern Towns, Imperial Cities, and Beach Bridges

Hue's Perfume River and Hoi An's silk streets anchor golden beaches and "Hands of God."

5. Hue Imperial Citadel and Tombs (Nguyen Dynasty Legacy)

A sprawling 520-hectare fortress-like palace echoes Beijing’s grandeur - home to fallen Forbidden Purple City remains where emperors once ruled between 1802 and 1945. Perched above the water, Thien Mu Pagoda’s seven tiers watch over boat trips leading straight to Khai Dinh’s shiny burial site, glittering with wild mosaic art. Ride a motorbike along the Royal Tombs Route to explore Minh Mang’s serene lake-side halls. This place? A UNESCO treasure.

6. Hoi An Ancient Town Lantern Festival (Merchant Venice of Asia)

By night, the old merchant town shines thanks to hundreds of silk lanterns drifting down the Thu Bon River - part of its UNESCO charm from the 1600s to 1700s. Locals toss basket boats into whirlpools just to show off. You can learn how they make those glowing paper lights on the spot. The famous Japanese Covered Bridge stands strong after eight centuries. Need a custom ao dai? Skilled sewers whip one up in under two days. Try Cao Lau - the local noodle dish that’s been around forever. When the full moon hits the 14th day, power shuts off… and suddenly everything feels enchanted.

7. Da Nang's Golden Hands Bridge and Marble Mountains

Ba Na Hills’ 150-meter bridge, gripped by massive concrete hands, overlooks a foggy French-style town; when rain hits, Fantasy Park keeps folks entertained with indoor rides. On Son Tra Peninsula, the Marble Caves tuck away quiet pagodas; meanwhile, surfers hit waves at My Khe Beach. The cable car here stretches longer than any other on Earth.

8. My Son Sanctuary Cham Towers (Hindu Rival to Angkor)

More than fifty red-brick towers from the 4th to 13th centuries climb up a forest-filled gorge; carved apsaras twist mid-air while Shiva lingams hint at how strong the Champa Kingdom was across the Indian Ocean. These are the most intact Cham remains anywhere on Earth.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Mekong Delta: Urban Pulse and River Life

A lively southern mix where old battles meet drinks on top floors plus boats doing business.

9. Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum (Vietnam War Legacy)

Crawling through 250km of Viet Cong tunnels - full of hidden traps, cooking spots, medical rooms - you’ll fire AK-47s at target zones. Inside the museum, old tanks sit beside grim shots of Agent Orange’s impact. Grab a bundled tour deal to dodge the hottest hours.

10. Ho Chi Minh City Icons and Ben Thanh Market Chaos

Reunification Palace with tanks stuck in action; Notre Dame plus Central Post Office by Saucerey; rooftop view at Bitexco Tower. After 6, hit Ben Thanh for meat dishes, fakes, or steaming bowls of pho.

11. Mekong Delta Floating Markets and Cai Be Villages

Cai Rang wakes at dawn - pineapples stacked on poles, ready for barter. Ride a bike through shady coconut patches instead of streets. Skip factories, find sweet spots where folks pull golden caramel by hand. Swap hotels for homes beside slow-moving waterways. Tag a Cao Dai shrine stroll onto your trip, quiet and bright. Sleep once in Can Tho - that old favorite loop.

Island and Beach Escapes

12. Phu Quoc Paradise Beaches and Night Markets

Sao Beach’s soft sand stretches 7km; ride the planet’s longest cable car over to Hon Thom’s Aquatopia splash zones. Evening stalls serve charred squid, local pearls.

13. Nha Trang Snorkeling and Vinpearl Wonderland

Coral reefs bustle with parrotfish - take a 3,320-meter cable ride linking fun park rides to fish tanks. Close by, ancient Cham spires rise.

Nature's Hidden Gems

14. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Caves (World's Largest)

Paradise Cave glows for 31km with lit-up crystals; meanwhile, Dark Cave mixes zip-lining with paddling by kayak. The massive Son Doong, run by Oxalis, starts through a hole about the size of a beer can - the largest known cave on Earth - but you need a lottery win just to enter.

15. Cat Ba Biosphere and Lan Ha Bay

Hiking Ha Long’s rugged islands leads to Cannon Fort; from there, kayaking reveals hidden coves where langurs peek through trees. Beach lounging comes after paddling. Up above, a cable car glides toward Monkey Island, lifting riders over green peaks and quiet bays.

Culture, Heritage, and Expert Insight

Vietnam’s UNESCO spots hold ancient towers and royal fortifications. According to historian Duong Thu Huong, Hoi An shows how Vietnam linked sea routes across Southeast Asia - its harbor life still pulses today.

Staying Connected: eSIMs and SIM Cards

Viettel’s travel SIMs - 15GB for a month, costs 390k VND - are sold at airports. Meanwhile, SimCorner Vietnam offers eSIMs that turn on before your flight, helpful when heading to spots like Sapa where signals drop or booking trips in Ha Long.

Shahzeb Shaikh quote: "Flags trace heritage paths, eSIMs capture live lantern rivers and cave glows."

Check out the Vietnam eSIM tips for endless data from top to bottom.

Pho to Festivals: Culinary and Cultural Calendar

Bun cha keeps you going, while banh mi adds a kick. Com tam powers through busy days. During Tet, dragon dances steal the show when Hoi An’s full moons light up the night.

North-South Itineraries

14-Day Classic: Hanoi (2), Ha Long/Sapa (3), Hue/Da Nang/Hoi An (4), HCMC/Delta (3), Phu Quoc (2).

21 days all set: toss in Phong Nha, swap to Quy Nhơn’s shores, then hit Con Đảo jail sites.

Capture Your Vietnamese Journey with SimCorner eSIM

Ha Long’s kayak rides lead to Hoi An’s glowing lanterns - moments that stick. SimCorner eSIM keeps you online while chasing Grab rides, showing off Sapa’s hillside views, posting your steaming pho snaps right away.

Get an eSIM before you fly - or grab a local SIM at the airport - to stay online across Vietnam. Dive into adventures, snap foggy sunrise shots, while your journey keeps running smooth.

FAQs: Top 15 Things in Vietnam

Where should you go in Vietnam when it's your first trip?

Halong Bay sails past thousands of rocky peaks - always a top pick. Then there’s Hoi An, where old lanes glow with paper lights and sewing spots pop up everywhere. Wander Hanoi’s narrow alleys packed with sizzling street bites. Head to Sapa for muddy paths through green paddies, staying with local families along the way. Down south, Ho Chi Minh sparkles at night from high-up drink spots near busy markets. A two-week loop covers coastlines, traditions, hills, and urban life without missing a beat. Get a Vietnam eSIM - it makes ride apps and tour buys work on the fly.

How long enough to check out Vietnam’s top spots?

A 10–14 day trip hits key spots: spend 3 or 4 days up north around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, then head south for about 4 days exploring Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang. Finish off with 3 to 4 days checking out Ho Chi Minh City plus the Mekong Delta. If you’ve got 17 to 21 days, toss in some beach downtime on Phu Quoc Island - it’s a solid upgrade. Weather-wise, visit the northern areas from November through April when it's cooler; for southern zones, aim for February to May before heavy rains start. To move between cities without losing much time, overnight sleeper trains are cheap and effective. Or jump quickly across regions using budget airlines like VietJet. Stay connected hassle-free by grabbing an eSIM - this keeps your apps running smoothly so you can book train tickets live, check daily weather shifts, track local events such as Hoi An’s lantern festivals during full moons, and navigate Vietnam’s long S-shaped stretch without ever going offline.

Which spots in Vietnam are great for families to visit?

Trang An’s boat trips glide past Ninh Binh’s limestone peaks - gentle but exciting. Cat Ba isn’t just sand; it’s where you might spot rare langurs or hop on a cable car instead. In Hoi An, shops stitch bright ao dais made just for little ones - not mass-produced junk. Vinpearl in Nha Trang? Think splashy slides paired with underwater walkways through fish crowds. Over at Phu Quoc, Sao Beach keeps things soft - shallow, quiet waters perfect for wading. Things work well here: paths are stroller-ready, signs clear. With a Vietnam eSIM, you’re never offline - check ride lines, pick dinners using real guest notes, then beam photos back before anyone misses home.

How much cash do folks usually spend on fun stuff in Vietnam?

$30–80 a day (700k–2M VND) gets you pretty far: a Halong Bay boat trip runs about 500k VND, Hoi An entrance is around 120k VND, pho or banh mi cost 40–70k VND, overnight buses are roughly 300k VND, while guesthouses average $15 per night. Some high-end Halong cruises go past $200. For data, eSIMs like Viettel’s 15GB/30-day plan run ~$10 - way cheaper than $50+ roaming fees. Eating street food and riding public buses helps save cash; meanwhile, mobile apps help grab last-minute discounts - so budget travel mixes well with occasional treats depending on where you are.

Top season for activities in Vietnam?

North: Nov to Apr skips fog and downpours - great for Halong boat trips or hiking Sapa. Central: Feb through May treats you to clear skies, glowing Hoi An lamps, plus solid sightseeing at the Hue fortress. South: Dec till April gives golden beach days before Phu Quoc’s rainy stretch kicks in. Steer clear of Tet - around February's lunar shift - since most spots shut across the country. Grab a local eSIM to follow weather updates, festival nights, full moons, and when those pretty lantern events light up Hoi An; smart regional timing means dust-free paths, smooth waters, bustling street life no matter where you land.