Vietnam, a name too long associated with the horrors of war, has finally won its last battle – to capture the imagination of the traveling public. This list will help you to find the best things to do in Vietnam as well as how to prepare your adventure.
Taking a bike ride
Take a bicycle tour as Vietnam is an ideal place for cycling – much of the country is flat and the shortage of vehicles makes for light traffic. The easy part for cycling is the Mekong Delta area, Hue and Hoian in the center. For more challenging cycling adventures lovers, Sapa and the Northern part will be the perfect choice. Caution is needed however, especially on busier roads or in mountainous areas.
Beach relax
Relax on one of the many beautiful beaches, such as Vung Tau, southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc island, one of top ten beaches in the world (by Travel and Leisure travel magazine), Da Nang and Nha Trang beaches are great too in the central region, where there is some superb snorkeling around the many offshore islands. Onother great one is Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, one of most favorite beach in Vietnam for both locals and foreigners.
Made-to-measure outfit
Get a made-to-measure outfit in one of the many tailors of Hoi An, beautiful with its narrow trafficless streets lined with ancient houses and temples. Relax in one of the many cafes and watch the world go by.
Go hiking
Go hiking or horse riding in the beautiful countryside around Da Lat. Be pleasantly surprised at the emerald green lakes surrounded by mountains. Hike through Ba Be Lake National Park and Cuc Phuong National Park (near Hanoi), trekking to Sapa, and Cat Ba National Park on Cat Ba Island bring you another wonderful experience.
Go kayaking
Go kayaking in spectacular Halong Bay and paddle through the limestone karsts dramatically rising up out of the sea. Padlling on Ba Be lake, one of most well-known National park in Vietnam.
Taking a boat trip
Take a boat trip to explore the intricate network of rice paddies, swamps and forests interlaced with canals and rivers in the Mekong Delta. Enjoy junk cruise in Halong Bay, “the 8th World Wonder”.
Visiting war sights
See some of the Vietnam War sights. Walk part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, used as supply routes by the North Vietnamese during the war. Go underground into the claustrophobic network of tunnels used by villagers and guerrillas during the war at Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh city or Vinh Moc tunnels in the central region.
Taking the local train
Journey at least part of the route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on the Reunification Express to sample life on Vietnam’s railways. Or travel from Hanoi to Laocai with overnight train will be a great experience too.
Learning Vietnamese cookery
Learn the subtleties of Vietnamese cookery at a class in ancient Hoi An. Submerge into the hustle and bustle of the market to buy provisions before retreating to the calm of the kitchen. Courses are available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city too.
Drinking “bia hoi”
Your trip to Vietnam won’t be complete unless to take a seat in one of those small plastic chairs at a bia hơi stall. It’s commonly found on the streets of Hanoi and is bustling with people by the time night falls.
Eating “pho”
Pho is a delicious Vietnamese soup, popular all over the world. In Vietnam, pho is mostly served as a breakfast food.
Drinking Vietnamese coffee
Vietnamese coffee is the most delicious thing in the whole world. That is not an exaggeration, and it is a fact. This popular coffee drink is made of super-strong espresso and sweetened condensed milk, and is served hot or iced, anytime of the day.