Top 10 things to do and see in Vietnam

Chris

by Chris on 10th September 2018

Chris is the CEO of The Adventure People and has over 20 years experience in the travel industry.

Vietnam - with paradise like landscape, rich culture, deep history and famous cuisine there is so much to do and see while you're here. Whether you're going on one of our tours (many include the below sights) or travelling solo, here is a list of 10 places you should not miss in Vietnam.

Whale Island

When in Vietnam you should not miss visiting the tropical island called Whale Island (also known as Hon Ong). This unspoiled island only has one resort where you stay in beach bungalows. The rest of the island is completely wild and still. This really is a chance to unwind and relax or while away the rest of the day swimming in the sea. Here you can snorkel, kayak or scuba dive. You can also walk around the island and get to a viewpoint with a 360 degree view of the island. Some of our tours include a visit and overnight stay here at Whale island, like this one

 

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s largest city is certainly worth a visit while you’re in Vietnam. The city was previously known as Saigon, and is a city filled with history, culture and incredible Vietnamese food. Don’t miss the markets, offering everything from food to souvenirs to fashion.And speaking of street food, there are plenty of options to try something new (crocodile anyone?) or stick to the more traditional Pho dish.We’re sure you’ll enjoy this fast paced city, just be sure to look out for the motorcycles!

 

Rice Terraces

When you Google Vietnam and look at the beautiful pictures, chances are a lot of them are showing the rice field terraces. Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty and Hoang Su Phi are the most famous, offering wonderful photo opportunities that are quintessential Vietnam.  The best time to visit when they’re the most green is in early autumn August - October.

 

Nha Trang beach

If you’re looking to combine your adventurous holiday with some relaxing in the sun we recommend a visit to Nha Trang. With a white beach and turquoise blue water, it’s the perfect place to catch some sun. There is also a famous lighthouse you can visit. Take the lift up to the 45th floor and watch the sunset with stunning 360 degree views. 

 

Halong Bay

Few places in the world can compete with the beauty of Halong Bay, Vietnam. Thousands of islands and limestone pillars make up this majestical UNESCO World Heritage Site which beauty needs to be seen to be believed. Best explored by boat, whether that’s a cruise or a so called junk boat (nicer than the name implies). There are plenty of opportunity to swim, snorkel and visit caves making it a trip you’ll remember a lifetime.

 

Visit a floating market 

Markets in Asia are a way of life, and in Vietnam in particular you can’t miss the floating markets. Here the stalls float around in boats, selling fruits and vegetables, souvenirs, household goods and much more! Try to visit early in the morning when you can float around in a boat, sipping your coffee and enjoying your breakfast while listening to the lively trading of the locals. Some of the most famous floating markets are Nga Bay, Nga Nam and Can Rang.

 

Homestay

Get the local experience when staying with a Vietnamese family. You will eat dinner with them as they’ll prepare you true Vietnamese food before you sleep in their home. There’s no better way to visit a country than by being shown around and having stories told by the locals who live here. A lot of our tours include homestays as a accommodation for one or a few nights, like this 20 Day Best of Vietnam tour 

 

Explore caves at Marble Mountain

The Marble Mountains is a popular sightseeing attraction worth visit for its natural beauty and deep history. Climb up the mountains for spectacular views, or repel down into the caves which were used by the Viet Cong as a hospital base during the war. There are also several temples to visit and a stone village where you can buy marble sculptures.

 

Cycle through countryside

Seeing the beautiful landscape of Vietnam is best experienced by cycling. Pedal along on easy to ride tarmac roads from one colour village to the next. Along the way you’ll pass tea, coffee and rice plantations, fishing villages and white beaches. Experience the local culture and cuisine and really get in touch with the country in a way not possible with other types of transportation.

 

Explore the Mekong Delta by boat

The Mekong, known as 'the rice bowl of Vietnam', produces much of Vietnam's fruit, sugar cane and coconuts. Spend some time at Cai Be from where you can begin a Mekong River boat trip passing a floating market and visiting typical riverside villages where you can learn about some of the local products for which the Mekong Delta is famous - e.g. popped rice, rice paper & coconut candy.