Top Things to Experience in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of those places that quietly seeps into your soul. It doesn’t scream for attention the way Paris or Tokyo might. Instead, it whispers through the sizzle of street food stalls, the hum of scooters weaving through Hanoi traffic, the misty silence of Ha Long Bay at dawn. It’s a country of contrasts: chaotic yet calm, deeply traditional yet unmistakably modern. If you're planning a trip, or just daydreaming, here are some of the top things to experience in Vietnam — from someone who went for two weeks and ended up staying two months.

1. Get Lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a full sensory overload — and it’s fantastic. Think narrow alleys, tangled electrical wires, and buildings that look like they’ve lived a thousand lives. Walk the streets, dodge motorbikes (they're everywhere), and stop for a glass of bia hơi — the local draft beer that costs less than a dollar. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a street barber or an impromptu game of chess on the sidewalk, a must-visit on the list of top things to experience in Vietnam.

• Pro tip: try the egg coffee (cà phê trứng). It sounds weird — coffee with whipped egg yolk — but it tastes like dessert in a cup.

2. Cruise Through Ha Long Bay — But Do It Right

Next on the must-visit list of top things to experience in Vietnam is Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay is touristy, yes. But it’s also absolutely worth it. Picture this: hundreds of limestone karsts jutting out of emerald waters, like nature went a bit wild with the landscape brush. The trick is to avoid the super cheap tours that pack people on like sardines. Opt for a mid-range or luxury cruise — ideally one that includes a kayaking trip or overnight stay in Lan Ha Bay (quieter, cleaner, and just as stunning). Waking up to misty cliffs rising out of the water? Unforgettable.

3. Wander the Lantern-Lit Streets of Hoi An

Next on the must-visit list of top things to experience in Vietnam is Hoi An. Hoi An is the postcard version of Vietnam. It’s absurdly charming — like, almost suspiciously so. By day, it’s all yellow-walled houses, tailor shops, and riverside cafes. By night, the town glows under thousands of lanterns. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s a bit polished. But even the most cynical traveler can’t deny how magical it feels to float a paper lantern down the river during a full moon festival.

4. Motorbike the Hai Van Pass

Made famous by Top Gear, the Hai Van Pass is a winding mountain road between Da Nang and Hue. Rent a motorbike (or go with a guide if you’re nervous) and ride it. Trust me, it’s one of the most exhilarating ways to see the country. Ocean views on one side, green mountains on the other, and that delicious sense of freedom that only comes from riding through open landscapes, a must-visit on the list of top things to experience in Vietnam.

5. Venture into the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam in slow motion. Life here happens on the water — floating markets, houseboats, lush green rice paddies, a must-visit on the list of top things to experience in Vietnam. Take a boat ride through narrow canals lined with coconut palms. Visit local workshops where they make rice paper, coconut candy, and fermented fish sauce (brace yourself for that smell). It’s rural, peaceful, and feels like stepping back in time.

6. Explore the Caves of Phong Nha

Next on the must-visit list of top things to experience in Vietnam is Phong Nha. If you’re into adventure (and not too claustrophobic), head to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It’s home to some of the largest and most spectacular caves in the world, including Son Doong, which is so massive it has its own climate inside. Even if you don’t splurge on that once-in-a-lifetime expedition, there are more accessible caves like Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave that’ll still blow your mind.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam doesn’t try to impress you with glitz. Instead, it wins you over slowly, with warmth, flavor, scenery, and a sense of depth. Whether you're into history, nature, food, or just want to wander someplace completely different, there are a lot of things to experience in Vietnam. Just be ready to stay longer than planned. You won’t want to leave. For more information, visit our website now.