Vietnam continues to rise as a must-visit destination with its dynamic cities, pristine beaches, and deep-rooted cultural heritage. From the buzz of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, the country offers an unforgettable mix of experiences. This year, Vietnam unveils fresh opportunities for adventure, culinary exploration, and meaningful cultural connections that align with growing travel trends. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to see more, the timing couldn’t be better. This guide highlights exactly what to prioritize in Vietnam for a truly rewarding journey this year.
Savor Fresh Bia Hơi in Hoi An’s Ancient Town
Locals gather in the fading golden light of Hoi An’s narrow lanes to sip freshly brewed Bia Hơi, Vietnam’s famously crisp draft beer. Brewed daily without preservatives, this light lager is best enjoyed seated at plastic stools in open-air shophouses where beer flows freely and conversation is easy. The unique experience of enjoying Bia Hơi amidst the ancient town’s lantern-lit ambiance offers cultural immersion and a flavorful taste of Vietnamese social life. Vendors serve the beer cold and cheap, often accompanied by local snacks like bánh xèo or grilled skewers. With centuries-old architecture and riverside views, Hoi An becomes even more magical at nightfall, where the refreshing beer becomes part of the rhythm of local life. For travelers seeking authentic interaction and culinary enjoyment, few experiences rival this laid-back, communal beer culture. It’s not just about drinking—it’s about embracing the daily rituals that define Vietnamese hospitality.
Embark on a Culinary Adventure with Hanoi’s Street Food Tours
Winding through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter reveals a mosaic of flavors waiting to be sampled on expertly guided food tours. Vietnamese street cuisine is celebrated globally, and there’s no better place to experience it than at roadside stalls where local chefs serve time-honored recipes. These tours typically include bánh mì, phở, bún chả, and egg coffee—each offering a distinct profile rooted in Vietnamese tradition. Travelers gain more than just a full belly; they walk away with stories about family-run operations, cultural food taboos, and historic preparation methods. Knowledgeable guides share the origins of each dish, enhancing appreciation for culinary craftsmanship. Along the way, guests absorb Hanoi’s electric street life—scooters zipping past, vendors calling out, and locals enjoying evening meals. This intimate exposure to Vietnamese flavors and customs elevates understanding beyond surface-level dining. Food tours here aren’t just meals—they’re windows into the soul of the capital.
Explore the Mystical Tú Làn Cave System in Quang Binh
Deep within Quang Binh Province lies the untouched majesty of the Tú Làn Cave System—an underground labyrinth renowned for its raw beauty. Adventure seekers hike through dense jungle, cross rivers, and swim through cave passages to reach this extraordinary site. Unlike its more famous neighbor Son Doong, Tú Làn offers an off-the-beaten-path feel with equally stunning limestone chambers, subterranean waterfalls, and colossal stalactites. Trekking tours are carefully guided and cater to different experience levels, often including overnight camping under the stars near waterfall-fed lagoons. The caves remain protected, limiting access to preserve the pristine environment, making each visit feel like a privilege. Wildlife sightings, natural pools, and eerie silence deepen the sense of mystery. For those drawn to geology, nature, and adventure, Tú Làn provides a holistic, immersive experience. It’s not just exploration—it’s a physical journey through one of Vietnam’s last untouched wilderness frontiers.
Cycle Through the Serene Rice Paddies of Mai Chau
Green fields stretch endlessly in Mai Chau, where traditional stilt houses overlook patchwork rice paddies and cycling paths wind between them. Renting a bicycle here offers a peaceful way to absorb this valley’s rural charm. The ride is flat and easy, meandering past water buffalo, friendly farmers, and children waving from doorsteps. Unlike busier tourist spots, Mai Chau feels timeless, with ethnic Thai villages maintaining age-old customs and wooden homes surrounded by palms. Guided tours often include stops for fresh home-cooked meals, allowing deeper cultural connection. Throughout the day, the changing light dances across flooded fields, creating photogenic vistas at every turn. The tranquility of cycling here encourages reflection and appreciation for Vietnam’s agrarian roots. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a casual rider, pedaling through Mai Chau’s landscapes provides an unhurried glimpse into authentic rural life—making it one of the most memorable activities in Northern Vietnam.
Attend a Traditional Water Puppet Show in Hanoi
Centuries-old tradition comes to life through the captivating art of water puppetry, which remains a must-see in Hanoi’s cultural circuit. Originating from Northern Vietnam’s rice paddies, this performance features wooden puppets maneuvered over water by skilled puppeteers hidden behind a screen. Accompanied by traditional music played on instruments like the đàn bầu and drums, each show portrays Vietnamese folklore, farming scenes, and mythical tales with humor and artistry. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, located near Hoan Kiem Lake, is one of the best venues to witness this rare spectacle. Both locals and tourists find themselves enthralled by the synchronized choreography and storytelling. While dialogues are in Vietnamese, the expressive movements and melodic accompaniment transcend language. Watching a water puppet show offers more than entertainment—it preserves national heritage and showcases the ingenuity of Vietnamese performing arts, all in an atmosphere that delights audiences of every age.
Relax at Ninh Van Bay’s Secluded Beaches
Mountain-backed white sands and clear aquamarine waters define Ninh Van Bay, a hidden coastal enclave just a boat ride from Nha Trang. This destination appeals to those seeking luxury, seclusion, and a break from busy resorts. Villas built into rocks and jungle slopes offer private access to the sea, where waves gently lap against the shore. Beyond sunbathing, the bay invites visitors to snorkel coral reefs, kayak over glassy waters, or unwind in eco-luxury spas. The surrounding natural beauty, including forested hills and biodiverse marine life, enhances its appeal. Despite its exclusivity, Ninh Van Bay maintains a low-key, sustainable charm. Staff often include locals who share regional insights and traditions. Time seems to slow here, where silence is broken only by rustling palms and the hum of cicadas. If Vietnam’s urban intensity feels overwhelming, Ninh Van Bay delivers the tranquility and upscale retreat so many travelers crave.
Discover the Vibrant Night Markets of Ho Chi Minh City
After dusk falls, Ho Chi Minh City transforms into a dynamic haven of sights, sounds, and aromas—none more iconic than its buzzing night markets. Popular spots like Ben Thanh and Binh Tay come alive with stalls selling street food, souvenirs, and fashion finds. Aromas of grilled meats, fresh bánh xèo, and sticky rice desserts draw in hungry visitors, while neon lights and chatter create an electrifying atmosphere. Locals bargain over prices with vendors, adding to the vibrant spectacle. Beyond shopping and snacking, these markets offer cultural discovery—where traditional crafts, modern trends, and regional delicacies intersect. Tourists often engage with sellers to understand the significance of handmade goods or sample exotic tropical fruits like rambutan and mangosteen. Navigating the lanes of these lively spaces isn’t just about commerce; it’s about connecting with the rhythm of Saigon life. Every visit becomes a sensory memory etched in color and flavor.
Participate in a Lantern-Making Workshop in Hoi An
Guided by local artisans, crafting traditional silk lanterns in Hoi An becomes a creative immersion into Vietnamese heritage. These lanterns, synonymous with the city’s identity, symbolize prosperity and are seen glowing throughout the Old Town each evening. Workshops offer hands-on experience in shaping bamboo frames, selecting vibrant silk, and assembling the final piece. Beyond artistry, these sessions often include stories of ancestral craft traditions and their role in cultural celebrations like Tết. Families, solo travelers, and couples find it an enjoyable, meaningful activity that fosters a deeper appreciation for local customs. Best of all, participants take home their handcrafted lantern—a personal souvenir filled with memory and craftsmanship. Tucked into cozy shophouses or garden courtyards, these studios offer a peaceful break from sightseeing. Rather than just observing cultural artifacts, making a lantern allows travelers to contribute to their story. It’s where creativity meets cultural continuity in one memorable experience.
Experience the Tranquility of Ba Bể Lake
Nestled within Ba Bể National Park, this freshwater lake is a sanctuary of calm surrounded by limestone cliffs, jungle-clad hills, and misty horizons. Vietnam’s largest natural lake, Ba Bể is best explored by boat, where gentle paddling unveils hidden caves, wildlife, and ethnic minority villages. The still waters reflect the sky like glass, creating a surreal atmosphere that invites mindfulness and rest. Eco-lodges around the lake offer rustic stays with opportunities to dine on regional cuisine and interact with Tay and Hmong communities. Hikes through nearby forests lead to waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints, adding adventure to the serenity. Unlike more commercialized destinations, Ba Bể remains off the mainstream tourist path, ensuring peace and authenticity. Those looking for soulful connection with nature find solace here, especially in the quiet early mornings when the lake steams with gentle fog. It’s a place where time slows and every breath feels restorative.
Take a Cooking Class in Da Nang
Hands-on cooking classes in Da Nang provide more than just recipes—they offer insights into Vietnamese culture through its culinary roots. Classes often start with a guided market tour, where participants learn to choose fresh herbs, seafood, and spices, gaining exposure to local ingredients and food etiquette. Back in the kitchen, expert chefs guide attendees through preparing classic dishes such as nem rán (spring rolls), bánh xèo, or Cao Lầu noodles. These interactive sessions are often set in charming homestays or garden kitchens, adding to the atmosphere. Each step of the process—chopping, seasoning, frying—is infused with tradition and technique. Stories behind the dishes add cultural depth, while the shared meal afterward offers connection and laughter. Travelers not only walk away with new cooking skills but also a deeper respect for the complexities of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s education, entertainment, and gastronomy rolled into one rewarding experience.
Explore the Ancient Ruins of My Son Sanctuary
Set amid jungle-covered hills, the My Son Sanctuary reveals remnants of the Champa Kingdom that once thrived between the 4th and 13th centuries. These red-brick temple structures, many now partially reclaimed by nature, showcase intricate carvings, tower relics, and altars dedicated to Hindu deities like Shiva. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son offers a unique window into Vietnam’s lesser-known history, where Indian influence blended with Southeast Asian architectural styles. Guided tours explain the spiritual symbolism, religious rituals, and tragic war damage that shaped the complex over time. Morning visits are ideal for cooler weather and fewer crowds, with mist hanging over moss-covered walls. The site’s quiet atmosphere contrasts with other more crowded attractions, offering a serene space for historical contemplation. For archaeology enthusiasts and cultural travelers alike, My Son provides depth, beauty, and historical perspective rarely matched elsewhere in Vietnam.
Visit the Cái Răng Floating Market in Cần Thơ
Each sunrise on the Mekong Delta brings a flurry of boats converging for commerce at the Cái Răng Floating Market. This iconic scene features vendors on wooden sampans selling everything from pineapples and dragon fruit to noodles and coffee—all from the decks of their boats. Local traders hoist produce samples on tall poles, allowing buyers to spot goods from a distance. Unlike tourist-targeted markets, Cái Răng remains a vital hub for regional commerce and offers a rare chance to observe daily life on the water. Visitors can hire small boats with guides who navigate the market’s flow and share stories about local trading traditions. A bowl of hủ tiếu (rice noodle soup) served boat-side adds flavor to the journey. The energy, authenticity, and unique logistics of this floating marketplace make it an unforgettable experience that highlights the richness of life in Vietnam’s riverine south.
Trek Through the Terraced Fields of Mù Cang Chải
Golden staircases of rice fields ripple across Mù Cang Chải’s mountain slopes, offering one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural spectacles. Trekkers follow narrow trails that snake between terraces, carved meticulously by Hmong farmers over centuries. These fields shift in color depending on the season—lush green in summer and radiant gold in autumn. The trek itself ranges in difficulty but rewards visitors with sweeping valley views, encounters with ethnic minorities, and glimpses into agricultural traditions still practiced by hand. Local homestays dot the route, providing warm meals and cultural immersion that deepen the experience. Photography enthusiasts flock here for sunrise and sunset shots, when light transforms the landscape into a painter’s dream. Unlike more commercial hiking destinations, Mù Cang Chải offers serenity, community, and awe-inspiring beauty. It’s not just a hike; it’s an intimate walk through one of Vietnam’s most iconic and enduring landscapes.
Explore the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City
Located in District 3, the War Remnants Museum presents a sobering yet essential look into Vietnam’s wartime history through powerful visual documentation and preserved artifacts. Visitors encounter graphic photojournalism, decommissioned military equipment, and firsthand accounts that highlight the human cost of conflict, particularly during the Vietnam War. Exhibits cover everything from Agent Orange effects to prison conditions under colonial and American regimes. While emotionally intense, the museum’s unflinching honesty fosters understanding of the country’s resilience and enduring quest for peace. Outdoor courtyards display helicopters, tanks, and fighter planes, while indoor galleries provide historical context and personal narratives. This isn’t merely a museum—it’s a place of reflection and education that honors the voices of survivors. For anyone seeking deeper comprehension of Vietnam beyond its scenic beauty, the War Remnants Museum offers a sobering, necessary stop on the journey through this complex nation.
Attend the Perfume Pagoda Festival
Vietnam’s largest religious pilgrimage centers around the Perfume Pagoda Festival, held annually during the first three lunar months. Set in a vast complex of Buddhist temples built into the limestone Huong Tich Mountains, the festival begins with a boat ride along the scenic Yen Stream, surrounded by karst cliffs and blossoms. Pilgrims and visitors alike climb or cable-car up the mountain to reach the sacred Huong Tich Cave, believed to bestow fertility and fortune. Along the way, chants echo from temples while food stalls offer vegetarian specialties and prayer beads. The event blends spirituality with vibrant cultural displays, drawing thousands from across the country. Visiting during the festival offers rare insight into Vietnamese religious devotion, folklore, and seasonal rituals. Although crowded, the energy is respectful and harmonious. It’s a spiritual and cultural immersion that adds depth to any traveler’s understanding of Vietnamese faith and tradition.