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Must-do highlights of Vietnam

From visiting Hue's ancient temples to an overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay, and from making paper lanterns in Hoi An to eating Pho in Hanoi, there are many incredible things to see and do in Vietnam. Here are the must-do highlights.

Updated by: Aimee White - Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 26 June 2025

 

Hearty bowls of pho in Hanoi. Tranquil junk boats in karst-studded bays. Lantern-lit charm in Hoi An. However you want to explore Vietnam, this is a country jam-packed with atmospheres and experiences that make it stand out from the rest. 

 

It might be a little cliche to say that Vietnam offers something for everyone, but it's true; this southeast Asian country is effortlessly varied, where you can cycle the length of the country on two wheels, or join a food tour for a dedicated taste of its delectable cuisine. You could upgrade your stay with on-site spas at elegant hotels, or get stuck in with martial arts classes and local homestays – ideal for families with children and teenagers.

 

If you're thinking of visiting Vietnam but aren't sure where to start, we've got you covered with our must-do highlights of Vietnam. Read on to inspire your next unforgettable adventure:

1. Eat Pho in Hanoi

Pho, pronounced ‘fuh’, is Vietnam’s national dish and the city of Hanoi practically runs on this delicious beef noodle soup. Typically eaten by locals for breakfast or as a late-night snack, head to one of the noodle bars in the historic French Quarter to pick up a steaming-hot bowl of this tasty broth and get stuck in.

This is the best food and drink to try in Vietnam

2. Crawl through Cu Chi Tunnels

Pay respect to soldiers lost in the Vietnam War with a visit to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Experience the tiny, cramped conditions in which the Viet Cong troops lived in this real-life history lesson. Uncover a secret weapons bunker in the city’s backstreets and crawl through decommissioned underground Cu Chi Tunnels.

 

On our two-week Inside Vietnam tour, you'll end your Vietnam adventure with a visit to these cramped tunnels, which once formed an underground command base during the 1968 Tet Offensive. If you're looking to step into history, the Cu Chi Tunnels provide a fascinating insight.

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Walk the back alleys of Old Saigon

Duck behind the curtain of highrise buildings and bright lights to unearth the more traditional pathways of Ho Chi Minh City on a walking tour through Old Saigon’s back alleyways. Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere and wander through a maze of narrow streets lined with bustling markets, fragrant florist stalls and enticing cafes.

 

Kids will love the buzz of activity that rings through the air. On our family Vietnam adventure, you'll take to cyclos (cycle carriages with a seat at the front) to explore District 3 before exploring the maze of narrow streets on foot.

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Stay overnight on a junk boat in Halong Bay

Wake up to panoramas of towering karst islands and jade-green waters on an overnight junk boat cruise in Halong Bay. Glide along tranquil waters and kayak around the craggy islets of limestone cliffs jutting out of the water. Drop anchor near to a golden sand beach and dive into the glistening warm sea for a swim before enjoying a delicious lunch of fresh seafood onboard your boat.

 

This is one of the most unique things to do in Vietnam, combining your sense of adventure with some much-needed relaxation.

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Sarah's take on Vietnam:

"Vietnam is a melting pot of flavours, cultures and landscapes. Constantly changing as you travel through it. The three things that never change in the country: the mouth-watering flavours in every dish, the spectacular landscapes and the wonderful, smiling friendly people greeting you wherever you go."

Make paper lanterns in Hoi An

A key part of Vietnamese culture, traditional paper lanterns are often hung outside homes to bring happiness, wealth and luck to the local people. These elegant illuminations embellish every street corner, bringing lots of colour into the city. Join a lantern-making workshop in Hoi An to try your hand at crafting one of these beautiful beacons of light and take a little piece of Vietnam back home with you.
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Cycle the Hon Giao Pass

Embark on an exhilarating Vietnam bike ride up and down the Hon Giao Pass on a Vietnam cycling tour. Pedal through the hills of Langbiang Plateau and dig deep as you ascend through lush pine forests and towering mountain scenery. Enjoy magnificent views at the top and enjoy a thrilling, non-stop, 30km descent, through the valleys to a well-deserved lunch stop in Khanh Vinh.

 

Our Asia cycling trips see you take in an array of changing landscapes, share bonding moments with your group and challenge yourself however much (or little) you prefer, and many have e-bike options, too.

Your month-by-month cycling guide

Sip a rooftop sundowner in Ho Chi Minh City

While Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with energy, finding a quiet escape can be a challenge. On our Upgraded - Cycle Vietnam tour, you'll enjoy a serene vantage point: sipping sundowners in the privacy of your hotel's stylish rooftop bar, with the glittering skyline spread out before you. There's also a rooftop pool, meaning you can literally soak up the atmosphere while taking in the city from above. 

 

This premium hotel makes for a comfortable start to your cycling adventure in Vietnam. After spending the first two nights here in Ho Chi Minh City, it's time to hop into the saddle and spend the next two weeks pedalling north until you reach Hanoi.

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Tuck into Banh Mi in Hue

Banh Mi is one of the most popular Vietnamese street foods. It's essentially a variation of the French baguette – a ciabatta-style roll filled with meat and pickled vegetables, garnished with mayonnaise and spices, and best washed down with a strong coffee.

 

This on-the-go meal can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is a common sight in the backstreets of Hue. Tuck into this quintessential Vietnamese baguette on our Taste of Vietnam food tour, which stops off at Hue – and also includes a 10-course Royal Banquet!

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Take an overnight train along the coast

With a bag full of snacks and a good sense of adventure, mingle with the locals as you take an overnight train journey from Hanoi and along Vietnam’s coastline. Relax with a good book, play cards with fellow travellers and gaze out of the window to watch the lush rural countryside glide past as you journey along the tracks towards Hue.

 

Travelling to Vietnam as a family? Kids and teens alike will love riding the Reunidication Express sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue, with four passengers sharing each soft sleeper compartment.

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Walk across the Japanese footbridge in Hoi An

The beautiful Japanese Bridge of Hoi An is symbolic of the town’s UNESCO Heritage. First built in the late 16th century by the town’s Japanese inhabitants, this ornately carved bridge was recently restored. Monkey and dog statues guard the entrances of this sacred overpass and temples for the weather gods are left to ward off earthquakes.

 

On our Simply Vietnam tour, you'll explore the historic city of Hoi An on a guided walking tour, which includes a visit to this centuries-old bridge.

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Catch fish in the Thu Bon River

A Thu Bon River cast-net fishing lesson is a must-do activity in Hoi An. An ancient tradition of Vietnam, local fishers show you how to fling their brightly coloured nets into the river and haul in your catch. Take the opportunity to climb onboard a bowl-shaped bamboo ‘basket boat’ on our Vietnam Explorer trip and have a go at rowing it through the calm waters. 
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Cycle the tropical waterways of the Mekong Delta

For some of the best cycling in Vietnam, head to the Mekong Delta on our Cycle Saigon to Hanoi trip. Renowned for its lively floating markets, lush mangrove forests and dwarfing pagodas, this hidden network of quiet trails is a joy to explore by bike. Pedal under a canopy of lush green palm trees, traverse rickety wooden bridges and greet friendly locals as you journey along the tropical waterways on this unique an exotic cycle ride.

 

Sarah said of her experience: "On one of our first rides in the Mekong Delta, we stopped to watch as coconuts were harvested, buying them to crack open so we could drink the water before eating the delicious meat."

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Walk amongst the lush rice terraces of Pu Luong

Sapa’s quieter, lesser-known little brother in the north, the rice terraces of Pu Luong are among the very best in Vietnam. Trek through a myriad of lush-green galleries cascading down the hillside. Neatly cut into the valleys, the dewy landscape sparkles in the sunshine and a dramatic backdrop of forested mountains blankets the horizon.

 

And there's a pleasant twist – on this trip, you'll stay at the heart of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve at a stilt house with breathtaking views all around. This richly biodiverse area is home to the Thai ethnic minority tribe who live in stilt house villages here; you'll be at one with nature and community.

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Visit Hue’s ancient temples

A visit to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the country’s magnificent sacred temples. Discover ancient meditation practices passed down the generations in Hue’s temples on the banks of the Perfume River and immerse yourself in the spiritual calmness of Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most significant places of worship in the city.

 

Hue is an unmissable highlight of Vietnam, and you won't miss a thing during a guided city walk, with your expert tour leader filling you in with all the facts and interesting things to know. Here's one to whet your appetite: did you know that the palace was a copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing?

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Take an overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay

If it's about the journey and not the destination, then an overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay is what you need. Spend the night on a premium junk boat and enjoy panoramic views of the limestone karsts and emerald waters of this lesser-known bay. Compared to its popular neighbour Ha Long Bay, the bay's waters are more peaceful, offering a more intimate experience

 

You might also have time to stop and kayak through hidden caves and lagoons, before returning to the boat for a seafood dinner. That night, hunker down in your en-suite twin-share cabin and awake to sunrise views from the large picture windows.

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Visit the limestone formations of Tam Coc

Ninh Binh is described as 'Halong Bay on land' with its lush rice paddies, serene river landscapes and looming limestone karsts. It's a tranquil glimpse into traditional Vietnamese rural life, and it's in this greener-than-green area you'll find Tam Coc. Drift along the Ngo Dong river by traditional sampan, passing dramatic limestone formations that rise steeply from flat rice fields.

 

These natural towers are millions of years old and are draped in lush greenery; some also feature caves, which you might pass through. It all adds to Tam Coc's mystical charm.

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Don't just travel, Explore!

Explore our range of small group Vietnam tours. Whether you're a solo traveller, a couple, group of friends or a family, we've got a trip for you. Choose from cultural Discovery, walking, cycling and food tours, each with an itinerary packed with unforgettable experiences. 
View all Vietnam tours

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