Things to Do in Vietnam: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide

Pack your bags, foodie heart, and curious soul—Vietnam is waiting with open arms, steaming bowls of pho, buzzing scooters, and beaches so pretty they’ll make your Instagram cry with joy. Whether you’re here for ancient temples, floating lanterns, or just that caffeine rush from the legendary Vietnamese coffee, this country will spoil you with options. So, ready for the ride? Let’s go!

Why Vietnam Should Be on Your Bucket List

Vietnam is one of those places that doesn’t just check boxes—it redefines them. You’ll find:

• Nature: From mountains to emerald bays.
  
• History: Ancient citadels, French colonial charm, and war museums.
  
• Food: Pho, banh mi, fresh spring rolls—basically heaven.
  
• Culture: Ao Dai dresses, street-side tea, and Buddhist pagodas.
  

Oh, and did we mention the affordability? Vietnam gives you luxury-on-a-budget vibes.

👉 Before you pack, make sure you’re connected. Forget those overpriced airport SIM cards—just grab a Commbitz eSIM and boom—you’re online in seconds. No queues, no stress, just vibes.

Top Things to Do in Northern Vietnam

Cruise Through Ha Long Bay

Imagine limestone karsts popping out of jade-green waters, mist rolling like a movie set, and you lounging on a deck with fresh seafood. That’s Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Take a day cruise or go extra and book a 2-day luxury junk boat.
  
• Kayak between hidden caves and floating fishing villages.
  
• Pro tip: Sunrise yoga on deck? Chef’s kiss.
  

👉 External link for inspo: UNESCO Ha Long Bay

Get Lost in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Welcome to Vietnam’s buzzing capital! Hanoi is a sensory explosion—honking scooters, sizzling street food, and French architecture standing proud.

• Grab a tiny plastic stool and sip bia hoi (fresh beer).
  
• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
  
• Hunt down egg coffee—yes, coffee + egg = happiness.
  

Trek Sapa’s Rice Terraces

If you want nature with a side of culture, Sapa is your place. Terraced rice fields cascade down mountains like a giant’s staircase.

• Trek with a local Hmong or Dao guide.
  
• Stay in a homestay and eat authentic meals.
  
• Visit in September for golden harvest season.
  

Best Things to Do in Central Vietnam

Discover Hoi An’s Lantern Magic

Hoi An is like stepping into a painting—lanterns glowing over the river, streets lined with tailors, and food that’ll ruin you for life.

• Take a lantern-making class.
  
• Eat Cao Lau noodles (a Hoi An specialty).
  
• Rent a bike and ride through rice paddies.
  

Don’t miss the Full Moon Lantern Festival—magical!

Conquer the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills

The Golden Bridge (aka the one held by giant stone hands) is one of Vietnam’s most Instagrammed spots.

• Ride the world’s longest cable car up Ba Na Hills.
  
• Explore the French Village (yes, in Vietnam!).
  
• Snap those iconic golden bridge photos.
  

Explore Hue’s Imperial Past

History buffs, rejoice. Hue was Vietnam’s ancient capital and still flexes with imperial palaces, tombs, and pagodas.

• Wander the Imperial Citadel.
  
• Take a dragon boat on the Perfume River.
  
• Sample Hue’s famous spicy dishes.
  

Unmissable Things to Do in Southern Vietnam

Feel the Chaos of Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon (locals still call it that) is a whirlwind of modern skyscrapers and old-world charm.

• Visit the War Remnants Museum.
  
• Chill on Bui Vien Street (backpacker party central).
  
• Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the skyline.
  

Cruise the Mekong Delta

Hop on a wooden boat and glide through canals shaded by coconut palms.

• Visit floating markets like Cai Rang.
  
• Snack on tropical fruits straight from the orchards.
  
• Try a homestay for an authentic Mekong experience.
  

Chill at Phu Quoc Island

Dreaming of turquoise water, white sand, and hammocks? Phu Quoc is your answer.

• Snorkel around tiny islets.
  
• Feast on fresh seafood at the night market.
  
• Rent a scooter and explore hidden beaches.
  

Vietnamese Food You MUST Try

Because half of your trip will be eating, let’s be honest.

• Pho: The national dish, slurp it like a local.
  
• Banh Mi: A French-Vietnamese love child.
  
• Bun Cha: Grilled pork with noodles, Obama loved it.
  
• Che: Sweet dessert soup (don’t knock it till you try it).
  

👉 Foodie hack: Always eat where locals eat. Street stalls > fancy restaurants.

Pro Tips for Traveling Vietnam (with Commbitz eSIM!)

• Stay Connected: Grab a Commbitz Vietnam eSIM before you fly—no SIM swaps, just scan & go.
  
• Cash is King: ATMs are everywhere, but bring cash for street food.
  
• Scooter Smart: If you’re renting, practice your balance—it’s traffic Tetris out here.
  
• Respect Culture: Cover shoulders at temples, and always smile—it’s universal currency.
  

FAQs About Vietnam

Q1: What’s the best time to visit Vietnam?
A: March–April and September–November give you the perfect balance of sunshine and not-too-crazy humidity.

Q2: Is Vietnam expensive?
A: Nope! You can travel on $25–40/day comfortably (excluding flights).

Q3: Do I need a SIM card in Vietnam?
A: Skip the hassle. Get a Commbitz eSIM before your trip and stay connected instantly.

Q4: What’s one thing I shouldn’t miss in Vietnam?
A: Ha Long Bay cruise + street food tour in Hanoi = chef’s kiss.

Q5: Is Vietnam safe for solo travelers?
A: Absolutely. Just watch your belongings in crowded areas and you’re golden.

Final Destination

Vietnam isn’t just a trip—it’s a vibe. From sunrise treks in Sapa to midnight lantern festivals in Hoi An, every corner is alive with stories, flavors, and adventures waiting for you.

But let’s be real: exploring is fun only when you’re connected. No stress about maps, translations, or cashless payments. With Commbitz eSIM, you’re basically travel-proof.

👉 So what are you waiting for? Book that ticket, grab your eSIM, and let Vietnam show you how life’s meant to be lived—one bowl of pho, one scooter ride, and one magical sunset at a time.