{"id":43459,"date":"2020-03-06T06:00:42","date_gmt":"2020-03-06T14:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=43459"},"modified":"2025-08-20T13:48:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T20:48:14","slug":"things-to-do-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/things-to-do-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"9 UNFORGETTABLE THINGS TO DO IN VIETNAM"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even though the paths and trails around Vietnam are well beaten by thousands of international visitors who come here every year, it is still an exhilarating country to visit. Diverse natural beauty, dynamic cities, vibrant streets lined with delicious food stalls, pristine beaches, and inspiring culture are attracting adventurers, backpackers, and high-end travellers because this country has something for everyone.<\/p>\n

From trekking epic landscapes in the countryside, where life still follows in the rhythms of the rice harvest, through exquisite cuisine, to ancient pagodas and more recent history of the tragic Vietnam War (in Vietnam it is referred to as the American War), unforgettable experiences in Vietnam are everywhere.<\/p>\n

It was my dream to visit this country for a long time, so when I finally managed to plan my trip here in June last year, I wanted to see as much of it as possible.<\/p>\n

These are my top most favourite things I did in Vietnam, which I will surely never forget. I hope they will inspire you to visit Vietnam and help you to plan your next trip.<\/p>\n

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1. Climb The 500 Stairs Up To The Hang Mua Caves<\/h2>\n

Hang Mua means the \u201cdancing cave\u201d and it is related to the story of a prince from the Tran dynasty, who was coming here to this spot to watch local beauties dance and perform. Today, Hang Mua<\/a> is the top attraction in Ninh Binh and an ultimately unmissable place to see in this area. However, if you are expecting to explore some amazing caves in Hang Mua, I have to stop you right there.<\/p>\n

Even though its name suggests that you can visit a cave, it isn\u2019t what people are coming here for. It\u2019s quite the opposite actually!<\/p>\n

After conquering the 500 zigzag steps carved in stone in the extreme heat and humidity, you will find yourself on top of a mountain with its scenic views spreading wide and far over the picturesque rice paddies, small villages, limes stone hills and twisty river of the Ninh Binh Province. The climb is not easy but the spectacular views are worth it.<\/p>\n

The ticket costs 100,000 Vietnamese Dong (~$4.50) and it is paid at the entrance, or you can book a tour in advance<\/a> where the fee is included in the price.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

2. Explore Trang An Grottoes On The Traditional Rowboat<\/h2>\n

Trang An Grottoes is not only a set of few caves – it is an outdoor geological museum and eco-tourism complex with numerous mountains, hills, rivers, some unique plants, and historic relics.<\/p>\n

The little caves, or \u201cgrottoes\u201d, are almost exclusively located on the river so taking a boat ride to explore them properly is a must. Apart from the breathtaking natural scenery, riding the small wooden motor-less boat is a unique experience too, because the boats have a long tradition in the Ninh Bing region and they are solely operated by older Vietnamese women. One boat can take up to 4 passengers and if your group is \u201ctoo heavy\u201d for the lady, she will ask you to help her paddle.<\/p>\n

Trang An Grottoes<\/a> is a vast land and a UNESCO heritage site, spreading across 1,500 acres of Ninh Binh region. While paddling through the waterways, you will witness some amazing low-ceiling caves, limestone hills, ancient temples and absolute peace of the beautiful Vietnamese nature.<\/p>\n

There are a few routes you can choose from and they last for about 2 to 3 hours each. You can see on the map at the entrance how many caves and pagodas you will explore during each tour.<\/p>\n

The tickets are 200,000 VNG (~$8.50) per person or your can book a full day tour<\/a> that includes tickets. Fun fact about this place is, that at some parts, they were shooting the movie Kong: Skull Island<\/a>, so you will actually find yourself at the movie set!<\/p>\n

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3. Visit The Most Extravagant Cemetery In Hue<\/h2>\n

There are many reasons to visit Hue and many amazing places to see around the city. From the tombs of ancient emperors, through the Citadel to the countless pagodas, this former capital of the Nguyen Empire reminds us of the times of imperial Vietnam in all its glory.<\/p>\n

The city centre is particularly picturesque with the flowing Perfume River, modern hotels, old city walls, and charming temples. However, the most unforgettable experience I got in Hue was visiting An Bang cemetery<\/a>, also called \u201cthe city of ghosts\u201d.<\/p>\n

The cemetery is not located directly in Hue, but in the An Bang village about an hour’s drive on a motorbike from the city. After Vietnam\u2019s reunification after the war in 1975, many inhabitants of An Bang emigrated to Europe and America and were sending money back home, which made An Bang one of the most affluent villages in the country.<\/p>\n

\"an<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not rare to see big houses with expensive cars in the driveways here. And when every family member had their fancy house, but money from abroad kept coming, they started to build tombs. Tombs, like I\u2019ve never seen before! Extremely extravagant, super colourful, few stories high, some of them with toilet, shower or even kitchen inside and most of them are still empty.<\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t believe my eyes when I came to this place. Besides us, there was absolutely no one, no locals nor other travellers. The cemetery is massive, it runs along the beach for 3 km and I have a strong suspicion that it\u2019s actually larger than An Bang town itself. This place is definitely the most unusual one I\u2019ve visited on my travels across South East Asia.<\/p>\n

\"an<\/p>\n

4. Admire The Beauty Of Halong Bay From A Kayak<\/h2>\n

Halong Bay<\/a> is a true natural wonder that doesn\u2019t need an introduction. With its towering limestone cliffs and hundreds of islets covered with lush green jungle, that rise up from the emerald waters of Gulf of Tonkin, it\u2019s not a surprise that this place is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> and it is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Halong Bay is the number one tourism hub in northern Vietnam and for me, it was a must place to see. We opted for a two-night cruise, which took us to many places around the bay with very little or no other boats at all.<\/p>\n

However, the best way to explore the hidden coves and wind-shaped grottoes of Halong Bay is definitely from a kayak. You can take your time and soak in the wild beauty of this area.<\/p>\n

If you decide to take an overnight boat trip in Halong Bay, most of the boats have kayaking in the itinerary. Because Halong Bay is fairly large, there is a good chance that they will take you to a cove where they have special access guaranteed so there won\u2019t be too many other people. <\/p>\n

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5. Get Lost In The Little Alleys Of The Old Town In Hoi An<\/h2>\n

Known also as the Venice of the East, Hoi An<\/a> belongs to the most atmospheric towns in Vietnam (if not in whole South-East Asia). The Ancient Town is cut through with canals and has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> since 1999.<\/p>\n

The city centre is a perfect very well-preserved example of a traditional Asian port with old historical buildings that blend of local and foreign influences. Yes, it is touristy, but the old town is surprisingly spacious with many little streets, so it can accommodate even bigger amounts of visitors without feeling too crowded.<\/p>\n

Besides the historical old town, Hoi An is also famous for its local cuisine, hundreds of lanterns hanging literally everywhere, beautiful beach nearby and for its skilled tailors whose craftsmanship and reasonable prices are well-known wide and far. This city is simply an excellent place to break your journey midway through Vietnam.<\/p>\n

\"Hoi<\/p>\n

6. Enjoy The City Views From A Sky Bar In Ho Chi Minh City<\/h2>\n

Ho Chi Minh City<\/a>, formerly known as Saigon, is attracting thousands of visitors, ex-pats, celebrities, and locals all year round and it\u2019s, without doubt, one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. The city is pulsing with energy, history, adventure, and culture.<\/p>\n

You can find here sleek designer malls, fancy restaurants, and modern skyscrapers, as a contrast to the well-preserved French colonial architecture, ancient temples and tiny street food stalls serving simple yet delicious dishes\u2026 Either you choose to explore the city, take a day trip to Delta Mekong or go in the footsteps of the war, every day in Saigon will bring you a new memorable experience.<\/p>\n

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Moreover, HCMC is also renowned for its nightlife and cool sky bars. There\u2019s nothing like watching the sunset from an outdoor terrace of a nice rooftop while enjoying a delicious cocktail. Personally, I was doing South East Asia on budget, but in HCMC I decided to treat myself and splurge a little and I have no regrets.<\/p>\n

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7. Ride A Bike Through Wild Nature Of Cat Ba National Park<\/h2>\n

Cat Ba is the largest of 367 islands comprising the Cat Ba archipelago in Halong Bay. Approximately half of the surface of this island, together with adjacent waters, has been protected National Park area<\/a> since 1986.<\/p>\n

The national park is home to a great variety of natural ecosystems, pristine beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, limestone cliffs, tropical jungles, swamp forests, few endangered animals, like Cat Ba langur and tiny fishing villages.<\/p>\n

In recent years, tourism started its boom in this area and in the biggest city you can find some hotels<\/a> and nice restaurants, however, most of the island is still untouched.<\/p>\n

We spent one day cruising through the island on our bicycles, discovering the villages, admiring nature and spending time with the locals over a glass of snake wine (yes, there was a dead snake in the bottle, but I didn\u2019t dare to try!).<\/p>\n

Cat Ba is definitely a place to visit and I regret a little bit that we didn\u2019t stay for longer than just a day. Even though tourism is booming, it\u2019s still pretty much undiscovered by masses.<\/p>\n

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8. Eat All The Traditional Street Food In Hanoi<\/h2>\n

Hanoi is Vietnam\u2019s famous capital and the second-largest city in the country.<\/p>\n

Located on the banks of the Red River, the city is a fascinating mix of well-preserved French-colonial architecture, Chinese influences, Buddhist pagodas, and some modern skyscrapers, that grew up quite quickly after the ravages of the war were over. The streets are always busy with rushing scooters, loud horns, ever-present merchants, a myriad of street food stalls and rickety food carts that will delight your taste buds.<\/p>\n

Street food is the \u2018heart and soul\u2018 of many Asian nations and Vietnam is surely not an exception. Hanoi<\/a> has rich culinary traditions and many famous Vietnamese dishes originated here, for example, well-known beloved Vietnamese soup pho was firstly cooked in Hanoi and sold at dusk by street vendors right from their carts.<\/p>\n

If you are not very fond of eating in the streets and you are not sure what to get, I would advise joining a food tour<\/a> to really experience the authenticity of Hanoi and get a deeper knowledge of the dishes.<\/p>\n

\"hanoi<\/p>\n

9. Sunbath On One Of The Stunning Beaches<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no doubt that Vietnam has some of the most pristine beaches with soft sand, warm sea, and endless palm trees. Add a little bit of sunshine and a fresh coconut and you\u2019ll get the perfect beach day!<\/p>\n

You can find some of the best beaches of Vietnam in the middle part around Hoi An and Da Nang, on the South, or on the smaller Vietnamese islands like Phu Quoc, Quan Lan or Con Dao. Vietnam offers its visitors lots of incredible sightseeing, which can get tiring after a week, so spending a lazy on a beach will help you gain energy and recharge the batteries!<\/p>\n

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What To Know For Visiting Vietnam<\/h2>\n

Visa<\/h3>\n

Getting a tourist visa to Vietnam is easy, however, the process is a little bit more complicated than with other Southeast Asian countries. There are a few steps to follow:<\/p>\n