Whether you’re traveling to Vietnam solo or with family and friends, there’s no shortage of things to do in this country. From visiting Imperial Citadel of Hue and exploring the rice fields near Hoi An to mountain biking in Dalat (and even renting kayaks!), Vietnam is full of surprises and adventures that will keep you occupied for days on end. Here are some suggestions regarding what to do in Vietnam:
1. Visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue
A must-see destination in Hue is the Imperial Citadel. The former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The Imperial Citadel contains the tombs of the Nguyen emperors and their wives, as well as several other historic structures such as temples and palaces.
One of the best things to do here is visit Thien Mu Pagoda, which sits on top of a hill overlooking Perfume River – a great place for relaxation!
2. Cycle the rice fields near Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it was once known, is a bustling metropolis of 10 million people. It has many sights to see and things to do but if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy nature then head out on one of Vietnam’s many bicycle tours.
Hoi An is an ideal place for cycling because it has good weather most of the year and there are plenty of places where you can rent bikes cheaply (around $2 per day). There are also several routes through rice fields nearby that offer stunning views along with some interesting cultural experiences such as visiting local villages or stopping at roadside stalls selling fruit juices made from local fruits such as mangoes or bananas.
3. Go for a mountain bike ride in Dalat
Dalat is a great place to go for a mountain bike ride. It’s in the central highlands of Vietnam, so it’s quite mountainous, but there are plenty of trails for you to explore on your two wheels. You might even see some monkeys along the way!
If you’re looking for something less strenuous, Dalat is also known as being one of the best places in Asia for walking and hiking – there are plenty of trails through lush forests and past beautiful waterfalls that will take your breath away.
4. Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels that the Viet Cong used during the Vietnam War. They were built in 1959 and served as an underground base and hiding place for weapons and ammunition, as well as a hiding place from American soldiers.
- The Cu Chi Tunnels are located about 40km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), so you’ll need to take an hour-long bus ride there. You can either organize your own tour or sign up for one through Viator or TripAdvisor;
- both tours cost around $30 per person (which includes transport from HCMC). If you want something more personalized, try contacting Mr. Nguyen. He’s been taking tourists through these tunnels since 1981!
5. Visit Halong Bay (and Cat Ba Island)
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. Cat Ba Island is a good place to see monkeys, birds and other wildlife. It’s also a great place for hiking, swimming and kayaking.
If you’re looking for something more low-key than Halong Bay, then consider visiting nearby Lan Ha Bay (the second largest bay in Vietnam). The best way to get there is by boat from Ha Long City or Cat Ba Town on Cat Ba Island – both trips take about 2 hours by motorized sampan (small boat).
If you’re visiting Hanoi or Da Nang – or even if not! – rent a car or scooter and drive out west towards Lang Co Beach Resort where there are some great snorkeling spots that look out over Halong Bay itself; alternatively opt for something closer such as Cai Lan Island which has some great coral gardens near its shores but also has several beautiful caves to explore if time allows!
6. Visit Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and get lost in its cluttered streets, markets and parks.
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam and offers a wealth of attractions. It’s also one of the best places to start your trip if you’re planning on traveling around Vietnam, as it’s home to many hotels, restaurants and shops.
Many visitors will want to visit some sights associated with former U.S.-backed President Ngo Dinh Diem, who was killed during a coup d’etat in 1963:
The Reunification Palace: This is where South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu lived until 1972 when he fled from advancing North Vietnamese troops into exile in Taiwan following another coup d’etat led by General Duong Van Minh (known as “Big Minh”). Today this building houses a museum chronicling Vietnam’s recent history as well as several other museums including one dedicated solely towards Ho Chi Minh himself!
Entry costs VND 150k but includes entry into all five main buildings within its grounds so don’t worry about paying extra fees unless you want access beyond just those mentioned above – but be warned that some exhibits require headphones which cost extra money too… so keep track!
There are so many amazing things to see and do in Vietnam, but these are just some of our favorites. The country is an incredible place with plenty of history, culture and natural beauty to explore. Whether you’re looking for something adventurous or want a relaxing vacation by the beach – or both! – we hope these ideas will help guide your journey through this amazing country!
