You’re starting to plan your itinerary in Vietnam and wondering what you absolutely shouldn’t miss? You’re in the right place!
We’ve selected 10 must-do activities for your trip to Vietnam. Of course, this selection is subjective and you may be interested in other experiences… and this list will probably grow over time. But not too much! Our goal is to focus on what is truly unmissable during a journey through Vietnam.
It is entirely possible to enjoy all 10 activities during a classic discovery tour of Vietnam, so go for it — you won’t regret it!
Feel free to contact us for personalized advice.
Take a cruise in Halong Bay
It probably won’t surprise you: a cruise in Halong Bay is the number one must-do activity during a trip to Vietnam! Discovering the bay and its karst peaks is a magical and peaceful moment that we recommend to all our travelers.
To enjoy this experience in the best possible way, we suggest taking a traditional junk cruise in Lan Ha Bay. This area of Halong Bay is much quieter than the main bay, which today hosts far too many boats. In one of our articles, we help you choose the best boat depending on your budget.
Four Seasons Junk in Lan Ha bay, Vietnam.
Discover the terraced rice fields
After Halong Bay, exploring the terraced rice fields of Northern Vietnam is without a doubt the activity not to miss during your stay in Vietnam. The most beautiful terraces are found in Northern Vietnam, in Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Hoang Su Phi.
In addition to choosing the right destination, you will also need to choose the right season: the best time to see the rice fields is September, during the harvest, when the colors are at their most stunning. The landscapes are also beautiful from May to August during the rainy season. If this activity is your top priority, avoid traveling between November and April, which is the dry winter season — you would likely be disappointed.
>> Discover our 5-day tour to explore the most beautiful sculpted rice terraces of Northern Vietnam
Terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet / Parfum d’Automne
Visit an ethnic market
During your stay in Northern Vietnam, we recommend visiting one of the many ethnic markets that take place on Saturdays and Sundays. The most famous is Bac Ha market in Lao Cai province. The Flower Hmong are essentially the hosts of this market, as they are the dominant ethnic group in Bac Ha. Visiting the market is therefore a great opportunity to see many people gathered in one place, all wearing their traditional clothing. But Bac Ha is not the only market worth a visit.
Some lesser-known markets are perhaps even more authentic, such as Coc Ly or Xy Man. In Ha Giang province, the Hoang Su Phi market is another beautiful yet little-known market.
>> Discover our 6-day tour to meet the communities of Ha Giang.
Hmong women at Bac Ha market, Vietnam. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet / Parfum d’Automne
Sleeping at a local’s home
In addition to visiting a market, spending at least one night with a local family is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the culture of your hosts, who are often members of ethnic minority groups.
Many villagers now open their homes to travelers. For a truly authentic experience, make sure with your tour operator that you will be staying in the family’s actual house and not in a “homestay” designed for tourists. Locals who welcome visitors often arrange their homes simply, with mattresses and curtains separating the sleeping areas. Pillows and mosquito nets are also provided.
It is especially during dinnertime that you will be able to talk with your hosts, thanks to your guide. Conversations tend to flow easily—with a little help from rice wine! Each meal is an opportunity to toast with the local drink!
Toasting with locals, Vietnam. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet / Parfum d’Automne
Sleeping in an ecolodge
During your stay in Northern Vietnam, we recommend alternating between nights in hotels, with local families, and in ecolodges. What is an ecolodge? It is an accommodation built in a natural setting that respects, preserves and integrates with its environment. Several beautiful ecolodges exist in Vietnam, especially in the North.
We particularly recommend spending a night at PanHou Village in Hoang Su Phi district (Ha Giang province) or at Pu Luong Retreat (Pu Luong Nature Reserve). Accommodation usually takes place in tastefully designed bungalows. A night will certainly cost more than in a city hotel, but the experience will be completely different—and well worth it.
>> Discover our tour that takes you to the most beautiful ecolodges in Northern Vietnam.
Ecolodge in Pu Luong, Vietnam
Visiter le Vieux Quartier de Hanoï
Let’s come back to the city for a moment… During your stay in Hanoi, exploring the Old Quarter is a must-see! The “36-street district” is in fact the historical and cultural heart of the Vietnamese capital. It is well worth a visit: narrow and crowded streets, street vendors, tangled electric cables, an uncountable number of small shops… You will surely be surprised!
Visiting the Old Quarter will likely be your first real contact with Vietnam… and what a contact! We recommend exploring it on foot or by cyclo, accompanied by a French-speaking guide who can explain the history of the Vietnamese guilds. A must-do!
Explore Hanoi by Cyclo. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet / Parfum d’Automne
Visit Ninh Binh, the Halong Bay on land
We could have placed a visit to Ninh Binh (the Halong Bay on land) higher on the list, but your trip should offer a variety of experiences, and a stay in the mountains is a must! That said, it would be a shame to skip the Terrestrial Halong Bay, located 150 km from Halong City (and 125 km from Hanoi).
The landscapes are just as breathtaking as those of Halong Bay. The surroundings of Tam Coc (the tourist village where most hotels are located) are full of activities: a boat ride in Tam Coc or Trang An, a visit to the former capital Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Mountain, the Jade Pagoda, and more. As with Halong Bay, we recommend spending 2 days and 1 night on site.
>> Check out our complete guide to Ninh Binh Province
Hang Mua in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet / Parfum d’Automne
Take a food tour in Hue
Beyond its stunning landscapes and welcoming population, Vietnam also offers healthy and delicious cuisine. You would be missing out if you didn’t fully enjoy it during your stay! Fast food is now available in Vietnam, but try to taste local food whenever you can…
And what better way than opting for a food tour? We suggest doing it in Hue, just as our friends from the blog Prépare Ta Valise did. Hue, the imperial capital, had a cuisine worthy of its royal heritage! The food tour we recommend runs from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and takes you to discover the small eateries in the city center. Strolls, anecdotes, and above all, delicious flavors await you in this activity not to be missed!
Banh Beo dish from Hue. Photo credit: Prépare Ta Valise / Parfum d’Automne
Visit the ancient town of Hoi An
Let’s finish this top 10 with the ancient town of Hoi An, a charming fishing port in central Vietnam. Hoi An is a small town located in Quảng Nam Province, 30 kilometers from Da Nang.
Formerly a renowned fishing port and an important stop for silk traders from the 15th century onward, Hoi An has undergone numerous influences that can still be seen in the architecture of its ancient town. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, it contains no fewer than 844 noteworthy buildings.
Just like in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we recommend wandering around at the best time of day… Prefer late afternoon for the beautiful light or very early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists.
The pretty streets of Hoi An, Vietnam. Photo credit: Prépare ta Valise / Parfum d’Automne
Visit a floating market in the Mekong Delta
Let’s head further south to reach the Mekong Delta… Visiting the Mekong Delta means discovering a local lifestyle entirely shaped by the river. In the Mekong Delta, people navigate more than they walk
We can only recommend spending a few days in this region of the country so you can truly experience its unique way of life and taste the local products, especially the tropical fruits! Since water navigation is the main means of transport, the markets also take place on the water. Our private tours will take you to discover these colorful markets, such as those of Cai Rang or Cai Be.
Boats sailing in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Photo credit: Pixabay / Parfum d’Automne
We have reached the end of our top 10 must-do activities in Vietnam.
Would you like to treat yourself to a tailor-made trip to Vietnam?
Plan your journey with us!
