Things to do in Vietnam
Cruise around Halong Bay
This dreamy seascape is one of Vietnam's most iconic scenes, with over 2,000 giant limestone boulders emerging from the waters![]()
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest marine karst landscape. Set sail on a classic wooden junk, paddle into secluded caves and admire the sunset over the karsts from the deck of your boat. Visit the surrounding fishing villages and a floating school – or take a trip out with a local fisherman and learn to catch crustaceans off the coast.
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh vacation in Vietnam
Capture the spirit of Vietnam on this compact adventure
From
US $1188 to US $1620
10 days
ex flights
Vietnam small group cycling vacation
The best of Vietnam on two wheels
From
US $2165 to US $2655
14 days
ex flights
Cycle Vietnam vacation
Vietnam by bike, Hanoi to Saigon
From
US $2190 to US $2550
14 days
ex flights
Vietnam family vacation
A fabulous family vacation including the best of Vietnam
From
£2250 to £3500
15 days
ex flights
Vietnam and Cambodia activity vacation
Adventure your way through Vietnam and Cambodia
From
US $2315
14 days
ex flights
Get a taste of old Vietnam in Hoi An
Provincial and pretty, this ancient port town is deserving of its UNESCO status. In place of traffic, skilled tailor shops fill the lantern-lined streets, along with traditional wooden houses, pagodas and temples. But you don’t need to just stand back and watch; Hoi An has a wealth of workshops for all ages to get involved in, from fabricating decorative lanterns to paddling out in a basket with a local fisherman and learning to cook the delicious regional cuisine. If you’d rather be cooked for, try the central market food hall – or the Streets Restaurant, staffed by former homeless and disadvantaged children, now trained to an incredible standard.
If that’s not enough, some of Vietnam’s best beaches are just a short moto ride away – with their empty stretches of sand, rustic-luxury lodges, surf breaks and scrumptious seafood.
If that’s not enough, some of Vietnam’s best beaches are just a short moto ride away – with their empty stretches of sand, rustic-luxury lodges, surf breaks and scrumptious seafood.
Meander along the Mekong
As the Mekong River predated roads, you have riverside villages, floating villages... the places are built around the water![]()
Lesley Schofield, from our supplier All Points East, on her favourite things to do in Vietnam:
"You’ll be interacting and stopping in communities and markets, seeing life as it is, whereas if you’re traveling by road you’re actually bypassing places. So it means there are lots of places to stop off and there are a lot of really interesting cottage industries down there. It’s also really nice for families.”
Our top trip
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh vacation in Vietnam
Capture the spirit of Vietnam on this compact adventure
From
US $1188 to US $1620
10 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
Departs every Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday & selected Wednesdays throughout the year
Departs every Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday & selected Wednesdays throughout the year
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Vietnam or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
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Get stuck into the culture
Mrs Vo Thi Bich Ha from our supplier Haivenu, is Vietnamese and has lived and travelled all over her home country. She shares her favourite things to do in Vietnam:
“You always read about the main tourist attractions. But there are a lot of other places that are so special, and a lot more authentic. Around Sapa there’s a colourful culture that’s remained intact from the outside world. It feels special and real and spiritual. You just have to make a bit of effort – the roads are bumpy, it can be a full day’s trip just to get to a market, but it’s so rewarding. It’s not just about what you see, but you can sit down and interact with people. It gives you long-lasting memories. The way they dress, the colours of the clothes, all the jewellery, what they sell, what they eat, the culture... and the markets. There are hardly any brochures that highlight those. Yet there are over 50 ethnic minority groups, each with their own culture, and a lot of them have their own spoken and written languages. And it’s something I would like people to know about when they are going to Vietnam.”
More Vietnam articles
Vietnam is a long, narrow country, with monsoons and heatwaves shifting north to south.
How to explore the Mekong Delta, travel by train, and have an unforgettable Southeast Asian vacation.
This long and diverse country hugs the entire east coast of Southeast Asia, stretching over 1,600km from north to south.
Discover the highlights as you follow the coast from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City...
It is within the kitchens, the markets and on the streets that you'll uncover Vietnam's soul.
Away from the cities, life in the tribal villages flows, as it always has, without the trappings of the modern world.
There's a lot of world history in Vietnam, and it's not just the story of its war with the United States that's worth telling.
A great opportunity to compare and contrast landscapes, the food and the cultural heritage...
Junk boats in Halong Bay, motorbikes in Hue and dragon boats on the Perfume River...
Understand local attitudes, taboos and laws, and discover the best places to go to enjoy the country in full.
There's plenty to entertain kids: colourful markets, cyclo rides and stunning beaches...
For if you're wondering where the best beaches are, and what to do if you're hassled by street vendors...
Read about pollution in Halong Bay, and fair treatment for Hoi An's tailors...
For more on all the types of vacation you could have in Vietnam, you need look no further than our guides.
