Top 5 Things to Do in Vietnam
Known by many as the “Land of the Blue Dragon,” Vietnam is a cultural gem filled with action-packed adventures as well as wondrous cultural and culinary delights. It’s a magical place where you can savor a delicious bowl of pho in the morning before exploring rice fields and tranquil villages in the afternoon. And don’t forget the epic hiking that can be found in this small, but mighty country, where scenic trails ascend through picture-perfect rice paddies and majestic mountains. This lush green landscape is even more awe-inspiring when combined with a once-in-lifetime sail through the thousands of islands of Ha Long Bay. Last, but not least, Vietnam is replete with ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites for those interested in taking some time to reflect or learn more about the history of this amazing country. Read on to learn about the top 5 things to do while visiting this hidden gem in Southeast Asia!
1. Sail in Stunning Ha Long Bay
The dramatic landscape of Ha Long Bay, situated just two and a half hours east of Hanoi, is among
the most spectacular in the world. According to legend, a few millennia ago the burgeoning nation
of Vietnam summoned the Mother Dragon to help them fight off an influx of invaders using a
combination of divine fire and giant emeralds. Locals believe that the remnants of this mythical
battle can now be seen in the form of thousands of immense limestone pillars surrounded by
mesmerizing emerald, blue waters.
This stunning mix of earth and water, along with the multitude of maroon-sailed junks dotting the bay amid numerous islets, give Ha Long Bay a mystic, timeless feel. Needless to say, this UNESCO World Heritage Site should be high on your must-see list!
2. Discover the Cultural Wonders of Hoi An
The small town of Hoi An, located on Vietnam’s central coast, is best known for its well-preserved ancient city center. Replete with stunning canals, this port city is a melting pot of history, which is reflected in its architecture. Sporting a mix of ornate Vietnamese tube houses, Japanese pagodas, intricate Chinese temples, and colorful French architecture, Hoi An is a feast for the eyes and great place to wander through.
Without a doubt, the best part about a visit to this UNESCO-listed town is the shopping! Tailor-made leather jackets, fruit-patterned suits and beautifully decorated rice paper lamps can be found around every corner. Just make sure to leave some extra room in your bag to bring home a few souvenirs.
3. Visit the Bustling City of Hanoi
Hanoi is a must-see for any traveler visiting Vietnam! Layered with Chinese and French influences, the city is teeming with tasty cuisine and incredible sights. Tree-lined boulevards that look like they could just as easily be in Paris lead visitors to the chaotic Old Quarter—the heart of the city—where narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade. As you wander past centuries-old temples, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for long, low tables with colorful, child-sized chairs—a clear clue that there is likely delicious pho close by! Fragrant and simple, these steaming bowls of noodle soup—the iconic dish of Vietnam—can be found throughout Hanoi!
For those looking for some late-night fun, check out one of the many jazz clubs which the city is famous for. Whatever you decide, just make sure to look both ways when you cross the street, as Hanoi is home to approximately 6 million scooters!
4. Journey to Stunning Ninh Binh
Just a few hours south of bustling Hanoi, Ninh Binh, the ancient capital of Vietnam and part of the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, is a mesmerizing place. Known to many as “Ha Long Bay on Land” thanks to its magical landscape, Ninh Binh is another bucket-list locale for any trip to Vietnam.
Sheer limestone mountains covered in dense green forest rise from the surrounding rice paddies, which turn golden in the fall. A meandering river, which visitors can enjoy via rowboat, cuts through these impressive karst peaks, creating a serene and unforgettable landscape. A word of caution— be prepared, your boat captain may paddle with their legs, gripping the oars with their feet!
5. Cook a Delicious Meal in Hue
Exploring a new place can make any adventurer hungry! Fortunately, Vietnam is brimming with delicious food. The majestic city of Hue, perched along the Perfume River, is a great place to savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine!
On our Vietnam Mountains & Bay Multi-Adventure, you’ll get the chance to craft your own tasty creation with a chef-led cooking class. After stopping at the local market, wander the stalls in search of the freshest ingredients before heading to your chef’s kitchen to learn how to cook several traditional Vietnamese dishes. Cap it all off by enjoying the fruits of your labor with a tasty homemade lunch!
Afterwards, to help you digest your tasty meal, take a walk through this incredible city, which is home to the Imperial Citadel of Hue, built in 1804. Next, head to Ba Dinh square, center of the impressive Ho Chi Minh complex, where you can see the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, One-Pillar Pagoda, and the Presidential Palace. Pro tip: Cap off your time in Hue with a rickshaw ride through the bustling Old Quarter, where artisans have sold their crafts for over 500 years!