What to Do in Vietnam: 12 Unmissable Experiences

Looking for pointers on what to do in Vietnam's most popular destinations? From Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An to Hanoi and Da Nang - whether you’re stirred by spiritual places, love to haggle for souvenirs, or want to decompress on one of Asia’s finest beaches, Vietnam has it all. So much, in fact, that it can be hard to choose what to do.

We’ve curated this guide on what to do across Vietnam’s major cities, from iconic landmarks to local favourites worth seeking out. Whether you have a week or longer, these highlights will help you plan your perfect trip to Vietnam.

• Best for: First-time visitors who want a mix of culture, food, history, and beaches
• Cities covered: Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An
• Unmissable experiences: Old quarters, historic temples, local markets, street food, and beaches
• Travel pace: Ideal for trips of 10 to 14 days, with two to three days per city
• Who it suits: Couples, families, and solo travellers looking for variety
• Why go: Vietnam offers strong value, diverse landscapes, and memorable local experiences

Explore Hanoi's most colourful neighbourhoods to discover centuries-old institutions alongside bustling markets.

Best for: Discovering traditional Vietnam

Think of this sprawling district as Hanoi, distilled. The city’s Old Quarter has got museums, parks, temples, markets, and more, so it’s the perfect way to kick off a trip to Vietnam and orient yourself.

As the historic merchant’s district of town, the streets were named after the main product traded there, from Hang Trong (the Street of Drums) to Hang Bac (the Street of Silver). So it’s no surprise you’ll find the imposing St Joseph’s Cathedral, the oldest church in Hanoi, on Nha Tho — Church Street.

And if this bustling quarter gets a bit overwhelming, find respite in an authentic Hanoi café. Try Café Giang, known for their unusual brew that includes an egg yolk whisked with sweet condensed milk, cheese, and butter. There’s a guaranteed pick-me-up for you.

Best for: Soaking up calm in the city

Built in 1070, this was the site of Hanoi’s first university. A millennium later, its quiet courtyards and lush gardens remain a calm oasis in the centre of the city. But during the summer it’s common to find the spot swarming with local students, some sneakily rubbing the heads of turtle statues in a move thought to bring good luck. Don’t copy them though, as this is prohibited!

Best for: Souvenir hunting

Some markets are unabashedly geared towards souvenir-hunting travellers. Dong Xuan Market isn’t really one of them; hence why it’s so enticing. Most of its wares are bought in bulk by locals, which makes the stalls a pleasingly surreal sight.

Walk past pyramids of shoes, squadrons of silent mannequins, and acres of plush toys, and don’t miss the food section, brimming with pungent ingredients and exotic Vietnamese spices.

If you want a knowledgeable guide to offer tidbits of food and historic facts to these sights, many walking tours of Hanoi include a visit to Dong Xuan.

Best for: Sky-high views of the city

True to its name, Asia Park recreates wonders from across the region. You can wander through a mock-up of Shanghai in the 1920s in the China zone, and marvel at a miniature Angkor Wat in the Cambodia section. While the high-octane rollercoasters may be great fun, don’t miss a ride on the Ferris wheel, particularly at night. Past sunset, you can drink in the twinkling nightlife of Da Nang from 115 metres up.

Best for: Hiking enthusiasts and photographers

The five impressive marble and limestone peaks known as the Marble Mountains represent the elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Each one boasts stellar views of the landscape, so don’t forget to ready your camera. There are breathtaking sights inside too, such as the cave-set Trang Nghiem Tu Temple. Here you’re likely to spot local couples quietly praying to the Goddess of Loyalty for a long and happy relationship.

Best for: A chilled beach getaway

My Khe Beach’s main selling point is its solitude, particularly if you arrive earlier in the day. For the moment at least, it lacks many of the touts and outdoor music you would find in Bali or Phuket. So if you want to soak up the sun in peace and quiet, this is the spot for you. Manned by several sharp-eyed lifeguards, it’s also a good beach to take the kids to, making this spot one of the best things to do in Da Nang for families.

Best for: Sampling the best of Vietnamese cuisine

Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is perhaps Vietnam’s most famous food export, and one they take seriously. Even today, a Vietnamese mother might judge her daughter-in-law by her ability to make a strong pho broth. But where do you go to find the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City? Pho Phuong 25 in District 1 is one eatery that gets a lot of love, thanks to its rich, flavourful broth and tender noodles. Pho favourites differ from person to person, and every local has their own top spot for this traditional Vietnamese food — so ask around.

Best for: Serious shoppers

The sprawling Ben Thanh Market is crowded for a reason — it’s a shopaholic’s dream, an exciting sensory overload, and a great place to stretch your haggling muscles. Coffee aficionados should pick up a phin filter, to feed the memory of authentic Vietnamese brews post-holiday.

Tip: stick around after sunset, and the area turns into a giant food court, perfect for sampling as much Vietnamese street food as you can manage.

Best for: History buffs

A stirring place to learn more about the Vietnam War (though if you want to be respectful of local sensibilities, you may want to refer to it as the American War, as they do), the War Remnants Museum houses an amazing range of exhibits. View guillotines used by the French colonial authorities, get face to face with US fighter jets, and watch documentaries on the after-effects of Agent Orange. There are also regular culinary programmes that showcase how the beleaguered population ate during wartime.

Hoi An is easy to love, with walkable heritage streets, excellent street food, and plenty of adventure by the water.

Best for: Eyeballing ancient architecture

Legend has it that the Japanese Covered Bridge, a gorgeous piece of 16th-century architecture, was started by the local Japanese community in the Asian zodiac year of the dog, and finished in the year of the monkey. Hence why you’ll find the bridge bookended by a hound on one side, and a simian on the other. After snapping a romantic sunset selfie here, stroll around the Hoi An Night Market, a mere three-minute walk away across the river.

Best for: Indulging in classic fusion food

Ah, banh mi: proof that fantastic is born when East meets West. The classical French baguette is the perfect vehicle for a spectrum of Vietnam’s most delicious fillings. While each stall mixes up their own style, the star ingredients include creamy paté, rich warm pork, and a handful of veggies like crisp cucumber, coriander, and carrots.

Result: a taste sensation with every bite, and portable Vietnamese street food that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Banh mi stands are everywhere, but the best banh mi in Hoi An is reputedly found at Banh Mi Phuong. They sell a staggering three to four thousand sandwiches a day — clearly, they’re doing something right.

Best for: Exercise with a view

Need to burn off some calories? Do it at An Bang Beach. Here, the imaginatively named Sup Monkey stand-up paddleboard school offers lessons that promise to be a highlight of the trip.

There are a variety of classes and tours, but a standout is the Aloha Sunrise. Yes, you have to start at 4.45am, but you’ll be rewarded by a golden sunrise on the waves (and a well-deserved breakfast afterwards as part of the package).

From Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the beaches of Da Nang and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Accor puts you close to the experiences that matter most.

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