Things To Do
in Vietnam
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its breathtaking natural beauty, including lush mountains, bustling cities, and iconic rice paddies. It has a rich history that reflects a blend of influences from various civilizations throughout the ages, most notably visible in its vibrant culture, architecture, and cuisine.
The nation is both modern and traditional, with a rapidly growing economy and deep-rooted cultural practices that continue to captivate visitors from around the world.
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi" - Sorry
- "Tạm biệt" - Goodbye
- "Bạn khỏe không?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in Hanoi with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Explore the ancient architecture surrounding the lake before heading to a local breakfast spot for pho.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda for a glimpse into Vietnam's history. Take a walk through the Old Quarter, letting the vibrant street life and markets captivate you.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant. End the day with a stroll around the lake, witnessing the city light up at night.
Travel to Hue and start with the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore its historic citadel. Learn about the Nguyen Dynasty as you walk through the ancient structures.
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue, located beside the Perfume River. Enjoy a boat ride on the river to appreciate the lush landscape and serene environment.
Savor traditional cuisine at a local restaurant, trying dishes unique to Hue. Explore the night market for a taste of local life and to pick up unique souvenirs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culture and history with diverse traditions.
- Low cost of living compared to many Western countries.
- Breathtaking natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and heritage sites.
- Growing economy with increasing opportunities for business and investment.
- Delicious and diverse cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients and flavors.
- Friendly and hospitable people.
- Rapidly developing infrastructure and urban areas.
- Traffic congestion and challenging road conditions in major cities.
- Air pollution in urban areas can be a concern.
- Language barrier, as English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas.
- Political restrictions and limited freedom of expression.
- Healthcare system may not be up to par in rural areas.
- Natural disasters such as typhoons and flooding can affect certain regions.
- Issues with corruption and bureaucracy in some sectors.
Best Activities in Vietnam
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning rice terraces and local hill-tribe villages in the northern highlands.
Paddle through the emerald waters and limestone islands of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ride through the picturesque countryside and ancient town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved architecture.
Scale the limestone cliffs and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and ocean.
Tours
Uncover the best of Vietnam with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Vietnam
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests.
Famous for its terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and the stunning Fansipan mountain.
Home to the Marble Mountains, beautiful beaches, and the iconic Dragon Bridge.
A well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port with a mix of eras and styles and delightful riverside restaurants.
Characterized by its rice paddies, limestone mountains, and the picturesque Trang An Grottoes.
Food in Vietnam
Vietnam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and your choice of meat. Found at street stalls and local eateries throughout the country, with some of the best in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Must-Try!
A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with a variety of ingredients such as grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and herbs. Available at street food vendors and bakeries, particularly famous in Hoi An.
A Hanoi specialty featuring grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served in a broth with rice noodles and herbs. Best enjoyed at local eateries in Hanoi.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Vietnam better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Ho Chi Minh City, this bustling market is a great place to sample a wide variety of Vietnamese street food, from pho to fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
A vibrant market offering an array of local delicacies, including Cao Lau (a regional noodle dish) and White Rose Dumplings, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the ancient town.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Vietnam, it is important to show respect to elders by addressing them with appropriate titles and using polite language.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home or certain public places in Vietnam as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
When dining in Vietnam, it is polite to wait for the eldest or most senior person to start eating before beginning the meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Vietnam with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Vietnam
Ensure a smooth experience
In Vietnam, tipping is not expected or common practice. In most situations, service charges are included in the bill, especially at hotels and restaurants. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash is widely used in Vietnam for small to medium transactions. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in larger establishments and tourist areas, but it's always good to carry cash, especially in more rural areas. Mobile payments and digital wallets are becoming increasingly popular, especially in urban centers.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with warm weather and blooming flowers. Expect crowded tourist attractions and higher prices.
Hot and humid weather, perfect for beach vacations. Expect occasional rain and typhoons in coastal areas.
Cooler weather with lower humidity. Best for trekking and outdoor activities. Expect occasional rainfall.
Cool and dry weather in the north, milder temperatures in the south. Perfect for exploring cultural sites. Expect occasional cold spells in the north.
Vietnam at Night
Hiking in Vietnam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known as the 'Roof of Indochina', Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, located in the Lào Cai Province. It offers challenging hiking trails with breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna.
Situated near Da Nang, Ba Na Hills provides a unique combination of stunning mountain landscapes and the famous Golden Bridge. There are several hiking trails for various skill levels.
Sapa is renowned for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority cultures. The area offers numerous trekking routes through mountains and valleys, making it a popular destination for hikers.
Located on Cat Ba Island, this national park features lush forests, limestone mountains, and beautiful coastal scenery. It has multiple hiking trails that allow exploration of its biodiversity.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park is famous for its limestone karst landscapes and extensive cave systems. It offers several hiking trails through its stunning natural scenery.
Located in Ninh Thuận Province, Núi Chúa National Park features rugged mountains and beautiful beaches. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the coastline and diverse ecosystems.
Tam Đảo is a mountainous area located less than two hours from Hanoi, offering cool weather and a variety of hiking trails through forests and waterfalls.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Vietnam through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Vietnam by plane.
Located in Ho Chi Minh City, it is the busiest airport in Vietnam.
Located in Hanoi, it serves as the main gateway to the northern part of Vietnam.
Situated in Da Nang, it is the primary airport for central Vietnam.
Located in Cam Ranh, it serves the Nha Trang area and is growing in international traffic.
Located near Hue, it serves the historic city as well as the surrounding areas.
Located in Haiphong, it serves both domestic and international flights.
Located on Phu Quoc Island, it connects Vietnam to many international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Vietnam, comprising about 85-90% of the population.
One of the largest ethnic minorities, predominantly residing in the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam.
A significant ethnic minority known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional practices, mainly found in the northern provinces.
An ethnic group closely related to the Kinh, predominantly living in the northern mountainous areas.
An ethnic group mainly residing in the southern Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, known for their distinct language and culture.
An ethnic minority group living primarily in the northern mountainous regions, known for their agriculture practices.
A hill tribe that predominantly lives in the mountainous areas of northern Vietnam, having a unique culture and lifestyle.
An ethnic minority group found in northern Vietnam, notable for their colorful traditional dress and rituals.
A lesser-known ethnic group located in the central highlands of Vietnam, maintaining traditional lifestyles.
An ethnic group primarily associated with the Cham Islands and coastal regions, known for their Islamic heritage and culture.
An ethnic minority group residing in the central highlands, recognized for their distinct language and culture.
The Soul of Vietnam
Discover the essence of Vietnam through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Vietnam, with a massive fan base and a vibrant amateur culture. The Vietnam national football team has gained significant support in recent years.
Badminton is widely played in Vietnam, both recreationally and competitively. The country has produced several strong players who compete in international tournaments.
Volleyball, including both indoor and beach variants, is popular in Vietnam, especially among women. It has a strong following at schools and universities.
Basketball is rapidly gaining popularity in Vietnam, particularly among the youth. The Vietnam Basketball Federation promotes the sport through various leagues and competitions.
Traditional Vietnamese martial arts, such as Vovinam, are practiced widely. These martial arts not only serve as a sport but also emphasize discipline and cultural heritage.
Table tennis is a common sport in Vietnam, with many players engaging in it both casually and professionally. The country has performed well in regional competitions.
Cycling, both as a sport and a mode of transport, is popular in Vietnam. Competitive cycling events attract many participants and spectators.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Vietnamese cuisine features a lot of meat, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available, particularly in Buddhist-influenced areas and restaurants. Dishes like Vegetarian Pho and Fresh Spring Rolls are popular choices.
Many Vietnamese dishes are naturally gluten-free, centered around rice and rice noodles. However, caution should be taken with sauces and condiments, as they may contain gluten. It's advisable to communicate dietary restrictions clearly at restaurants.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Vietnam with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Vietnam.