The best things to do in Vietnam are cruising Halong Bay, exploring the lantern lit old town of Hoi An, wandering Hanoi's Old Quarter, trekking the rice terraces of Sapa, and eating your way through the country's famous street food. A north to south trip of 10 to 14 days covers the highlights comfortably.
Here are the top experiences grouped by region, with tips on when to go and how long to stay.
What are the top things to do in Vietnam?
| Experience | Where | Why do it |
|---|---|---|
| Halong Bay cruise | North | Limestone karsts and caves on an overnight boat |
| Hoi An old town | Central | Lantern lit heritage streets and tailors |
| Hanoi Old Quarter | North | Street food, history and buzzing markets |
| Sapa trekking | North | Rice terraces and hill tribe villages |
| Mekong Delta | South | Floating markets and river life |
| Cu Chi Tunnels | South | Wartime tunnel network near Ho Chi Minh City |
What can you do in northern Vietnam?
The north centres on Hanoi, a good base for a Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruise among thousands of limestone islands. From here you can also reach Sapa for terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages, and Ninh Binh, sometimes called Halong Bay on land, for boat rides among karst scenery.
What are the highlights of central Vietnam?
Central Vietnam is anchored by Hoi An, a UNESCO listed ancient town famous for its lantern lit lanes, riverside cafes and skilled tailors. Nearby Da Nang has beaches and the Golden Bridge, while Hue offers the historic Imperial City. Phong Nha national park holds some of the world's largest caves.
What can you do in southern Vietnam?
The south revolves around fast paced Ho Chi Minh City, with the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels nearby. From here, day trips reach the Mekong Delta and its floating markets, orchards and river villages. The island of Phu Quoc adds beaches and resorts.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometres, so weather varies by region. Broadly, spring from February to April and autumn from August to October offer the most pleasant conditions countrywide. The north is coolest from December to February, while the south stays warm year round.
For more planning, see our Vietnam travel guide, our list of the best places to visit in Vietnam, and our day by day Vietnam itinerary.
To have the cruises, city stays and transfers arranged for you, explore our curated Vietnam tour packages.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Vietnam?
Ten to fourteen days lets you travel from north to south, covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. A shorter week works well for one or two regions.
What is the number one thing to do in Vietnam?
A Halong Bay cruise is the single most iconic experience, sailing among thousands of limestone islands, ideally on an overnight boat to see it at sunrise and sunset.
Is Vietnam good for food lovers?
Very much so. Dishes like pho, banh mi, bun cha and fresh spring rolls are cheap and everywhere, and street food tours in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are a highlight for many travellers.
Is Vietnam easy to travel around?
Yes. Domestic flights, trains and sleeper buses connect the main regions, and organised tours make sights like Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta simple to visit.
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