Ultimate Vietnam Bucket List: 40 Amazing Things You Must Do

Vietnam is so much more than bustling markets and temple hopping. This Southeast Asian gem offers an extraordinary mix of vibrant culture, awe-inspiring natural beauty, rich history and incredibly warm hospitality that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

Having travelled through this stunning country and falling head over heels for its charm, I have handpicked 40 of the best experiences in Vietnam that will truly make your trip unforgettable. 

From wandering around the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An to kayaking around the dramatic limestone karsts of Halong Bay, participating in early morning tai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake and taking scenic boat rides. These are the moments that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

This curated Vietnam bucket list is your ultimate guide to planning an adventure that’s equal parts romantic, exciting and authentic. Whether you’re craving epic street food, thrilling motorbike rides, hidden gems or serene escapes, I have covered it all in this guide of things to do in Vietnam.

If you’re dreaming of a trip to Vietnam and wondering what to add to your bucket list, this guide is the perfect place to start.

1. Take a cruise to Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of those places that makes you go, “Wow, this is actually real?” Picture jade-green water, limestone cliffs rising like ancient towers, and a peaceful stillness that just hits different. Whether you choose a day cruise or go all-in with an overnight stay on a traditional junk boat, this is one of the most magical ways to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty and something that needs to be on every Vietnam bucket list. 

We booked a two night cruise as I was keen to go kayaking around Halong Bay. Ending the day watching the sun set from the deck, feet up, drink in hand was pure bliss. One of the best decisions we made on our trip to Vietnam!

📍 Location: Northern Vietnam, near Hanoi

🛶 Suggested tour: Paradise Elegance Cruise (this is the one we booked)

🏨 Where to stay (before/after): Hanoi Old Quarter – We stayed at Eliana Signature Hanoi Hotel.

2. Experience Tet, if you time it right

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is Vietnam’s biggest and most vibrant celebration, usually falling in late January or early February. Streets are bursting with red and gold decorations, families gather for huge feasts and fireworks that light up the sky. 

Be aware that some shops close for the holidays if you are here during Tet, so book hotels in advance. The experience sounds magical.

📍 Location: Nationwide.

🎉 Suggested experience: Join a local family for a Tet dinner or take part in New Year’s Eve celebrations at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi

3. Wander around Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO world heritage site is breathtakingly beautiful, with lanterns lighting the streets everywhere you look. The mustard-yellow buildings, riverside cafes, laid back vibe of the locals all adds to its charm. 

Spend your time wandering around without a plan, popping into artisan shops and grabbing snacks along the way. I wasn’t ready to leave this enchanting Ancient Town.

📍 Location: Hoi An, Central Vietnam

🕯️ Suggested activity: Explore early morning or evening to avoid the crowds and catch the best light.

🏨 Where to stay: We stayed at RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa, my favourite hotel of our entire Vietnam trip.

4. Go canyoning in Da Lat

If you’re up for something thrilling and adventurous, canyoning in Da Lat is one of the best adrenaline rushes Vietnam has to offer. You will be abseiling down waterfalls, sliding through natural water chutes and leaping into deep rock pools. There are three abseils: One dry cliff (18 meters) and two wet cliffs: The biggest 25m waterfall and the Washing machine. It’s intense, scary and insanely fun.

📍 Location: Da Lat, Southern Vietnam

🧗‍♂️ Suggested tour: Extreme Dalat canyoning water activity

🏨 Where to stay: MerPerle Dalat Hotel 

5. Try a traditional egg coffee

Okay, hear me out. I know egg coffee sounds weird, but trust me, it’s a must try in Vietnam. Originating in Hanoi, this specialty is like dessert in a cup. Picture a rich, velvety egg custard sitting on top of bold Vietnamese coffee. It’s creamy, frothy, and certainly an acquired taste. 

I had mine in a tucked-away café in Hanoi, and it felt like discovering a local secret. You’ve got to try it at least once, but I will warn you that it is an acquired taste. Personally, I wouldn’t try it again though many others were repeat customers.

📍 Location: Hanoi, Northern Vietnam

☕ Suggested spot: Cafe Giang (supposedly the birthplace of egg coffee).

7. Visit Nha Trang, Vietnam’s stunning coastal gem

Nha Trang is a coastal city, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene. If you’re craving beachy vibes and a bit of fun, Nha Trang is the place to be. Think beach clubs, seafood feasts and turquoise water that can scuba dive in.

It’s a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure, offering a mix of leisure activities, island hopping, historical sites, and natural beauty. 

📍 Location: South Central Vietnam

🏖️ Suggested tour: Half day trip to Ba Ho Waterfall from Nha Trang.

🏨 Where to stay: InterContinental Nha Trang – offers beach views and insane comfort.

8. Visit the iconic Train Street

I am pretty sure Hanoi Train Street is on everyone’s Vietnam bucket list. It is exactly what it sounds like; a narrow residential street with a train that passes through, just inches away from people sat outside the cafes and restaurants lining the street. 

It’s one of those Vietnam experiences that’ll leave you wide-eyed (and maybe holding your breath a little). Grab a drink at one of the tiny cafes lining the tracks and wait for the rumble of the train. Note, you might be waiting a very long time for the train, as the schedule doesn’t always run to plan.

📍 Location: Hanoi, Northern Vietnam

🚂 Suggested experience: Visit around 3 PM or 7 PM when trains are most likely to pass (times can change, so check locally). Or book this top rated Guided Train Street visit.

🏨 Where to stay: We stayed at Eliana Signature Hanoi Hotel, within walking distance of Train Street.

9. Uncover Vietnam’s past at the War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum hits hard, but it is a powerful and important stop in Saigon. Uncover Vietnam’s past and dive deep into the realities of the Vietnam War from their perspective. Some of the exhibits are graphic, but they are raw, real and incredibly moving. 

This museum is not a light-hearted visit and it’ll stick with you long after.

📍 Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam

🖼️ Suggested activity: Give yourself a few hours to take it all in—don’t rush this one. Buy your entrance ticket here for less than £1.50.

🏨 Where to stay: The Myst Dong Khoi – close by, in District 1 and full of charm.

6. Take a sampan ride down the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is lush, tropical, and filled with culture and life along the riverbanks. Taking a sampan boat ride through the maze of canals, visiting floating markets and chatting with locals in stilt houses gives you a real glimpse into rural life in southern Vietnam. 

Sure the tours are a total tourist trap, but they will give you a great feel for the region you are in. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike and explore on your own terms.

📍 Location: Southern Vietnam, near Ho Chi Minh City

🛶 Suggested tour: Day trip from HCMC or rent a motorbike and make your own way there.

🏨 Where to stay: We stayed at Silverland May Hotel in HCMC or I would book The Island Lodge in My Tho for  a tropical escape on the river.

10. Explore Thủy Tiên

If urban exploration is your thing, you have to add Thuy Tien to your Vietnam bucket list. It’s an abandoned waterpark that feels like a scene from a post-apocalyptic film, complete with rusting water slides, creepy dragon statues and vines reclaiming everything. It is technically closed to the public, but visitors still sneak in for the eerie vibes and wild photos. Just go respectfully and at your own risk. You didn’t hear this from me!

📍 Location: Hue, Central Vietnam

🐉 Suggested tip: Hire a motorbike or grab a taxi for the short ride from Hue city

🏨 Where to stay: Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa – quiet and lush, top rated resort in Hue.

11. Get a custom outfit tailored in Hoi An 

Hoi An is world-famous for cheap tailoring. Whether it’s a slick suit, a dress or a blazer, there is no shortage of tailors here. They are all speedy, highly skilled and shockingly affordable. 

With tailor shops lining the streets of the Ancient Town, you will be spoilt for choice. They each have catalogues of items to choose from, or you can simply show them inso photos on your phone. Jass had two formal suits custom made in less than 2 days in Hoi An for a fraction of the price they would cost in the UK – and the quality was outstanding.

📍 Location: Hoi An, Central Vietnam

🧵 Suggested spots: Peace Tailor, or Bebe Tailor (great for everyday wear).

12. Relax on the beach with some cows

Yes, you read that correctly. Cua Dai beach frequently has herds of cows visiting in early spring, and it is not uncommon for people to find themselves laying on the beach with cows in close proximity.

I don’t know of anywhere else in the world that you can experience this!

📍 Location: Just outside of Hoi An

🏨 Where to stay: Stay in Hoi An

13. Drink all the Vietnamese Coffee

If you’re a coffee lover, Vietnam is the place to be. I found myself sipping cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) every day. Vietnamese coffee is strong, sweet and seriously addictive. I don’t even have a sweet tooth, but it quickly became a daily ritual for me—and I’m not even sorry about it.

If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, you will be pleased to hear that so many places across Vietnam offer cashew or oat condensed milk, which is incredible!

📍 Location: Everywhere in Vietnam, but especially popular in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

☕ Suggested experience: Try Chay365 in Ho Chi Minh City, or Chayfood in Hanoi.

14. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Sapa

Sapa looks like it is straight out of a postcard. With its dramatic mountains, cascading rice terraces and cosy homestays complete with fire pits and herbal baths. You can trek through the rice terraces here, which are among the top 7 most beautiful rice fields in the world because of the perseveringly hard work of local farmers.

📍 Location: Sapa, Northern Vietnam

🥾 Suggested tour: 2-day guided trek with local homestay (Ta Van or Lao Chai are great villages) or the Eco Adventure tour of terrace fields and local villages.

🏨 Where to stay: Sapa Clay House – Mountain Retreat is rustic chic with panoramic views of the mountains.

15. Practice tai chi with the locals at Hoan Kiem Lake

I loved waking up early and heading to Hoan Kiem Lake; it’s a great spot for watching the city come alive in a gentle way. I love people-watching and at the time of the morning, you will see locals doing tai chi, out in the open – and you can join in.

There’s something peaceful and grounding about mornings here, and it’s a great way to feel part of local life – plus, you’ll beat the heat and humidity too.

📍 Location: Hanoi, Northern Vietnam

🌅 Suggested experience: Go at sunrise for the best vibe, and visit Ngoc Son Temple on the lake.

🏨 Where to stay: Hanoi La Siesta Central Hotel boasts rooftop views over the lake.

16. Visit the ancient My Son Sanctuary

If you haven’t yet visited Angkor Wat in Cambodia, My Son Sanctuary is like a mini version of that. Tucked away in the jungle, the My Son Sanctuary is a cluster of Hindu temples built between the 4th and 13th centuries. The ruins are weathered and mysterious, with moss-covered stone and a misty atmosphere that makes you feel like Indiana Jones. Go early to avoid the heat and crowds.

📍 Location: Near Hoi An, Central Vietnam

🏛️ Suggested tour: Early morning half day tour with breakfast with a knowledgeable guide from Hoi An.

🏨 Where to stay: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort is perfect for combining culture and relaxation.

17. Explore Hoi An by bike

Hoi An is one of those magical places where time slows down, in the best way. Renting a bike and cruising around the Ancient Town, past rice paddies and riverfront cafés, is such an exhilarating vibe. The scenery is stunning, and it’s the perfect way to explore the town at your own pace. 

I spent an evening, once the temperature had dropped slightly, just getting ‘lost’ around the Ancient Town on purpose and it was wonderful.

📍 Location: Hoi An, Central Vietnam

🚲 Suggested experience: Rent a bike from your hotel (ours had complimentary bikes) or book a morning countryside cycling tour.

🏨 Where to stay: We stayed at RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa.

18. Learn to cook Vietnamese food

I always think cooking classes are the perfect holiday souvenir. They are firmly on my Asia bucket list and something I try to do in every country I visit. 

Vietnamese food is complex in that it varies quite noticeably from each region. Most cooking classes across the country usually start with a trip to the market, learning how to pick the freshest herbs and veggies, before you whip up classics like fresh spring rolls, pho, or bun cha. 

There is nothing better than taking these authentic recipes home with you to recreate.

📍 Location: Popular in Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

🍲 Suggested tour: vegan cooking class in Hoi An or check out Hidden Hanoi for classes.

19. Head on a riverboat to Tam Coc

Tam Coc has earned its title as the “Halong Bay on land” with its limestone cliffs, serene rice paddies and peaceful river rides down the Ngo Dong River. You’ll be rowed by locals, often using their feet and will go past caves and countryside so green that it hurts your eyes! Tam Coc is one of the most photogenic places in Vietnam and still feels off the beaten path compared to Halong.

📍 Location: Ninh Binh Province, Northern Vietnam

🚣 Suggested tour: Half-day Tam Coc boat tour.

🏨 Where to stay: Tam Coc Garden Boutique Resort where you will be surrounded by nothing but nature!

20. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

This charming little bridge is one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 1590s by the Japanese community, it’s both beautiful and symbolic, connecting different cultures in the heart of the town. There is a small temple inside that you can visit for a fee, but honestly, the bridge looks a lot more impressive when viewed from a distance rather than walking through it.

📍 Location: Hoi An, Central Vietnam

🌉 Suggested activity: Visit early morning to beat the crowds and catch dreamy light.

21. Visit all the local markets

Vietnamese markets are a sensory overload in the best way possible, and they are all over the country. You’ll find mountains of fresh produce, the sizzle of street food and vendors animatedly shouting out deals with flair. Local markets are all different, so whether it’s Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh, Dong Xuan in Hanoi or Hoi An’s Night Market, it’s an experience that really brings you into daily Vietnamese life.

My favourite was wandering through Cho Hoi An in the day. The vibe is calm and peaceful, with nobody trying to grab your attention. Lots of fresh produce around with an equal mix of locals and tourists. Wherever you go, don’t forget to haggle, it is expected at all of these markets!

📍 Location: Everywhere, but highlights include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An.

🧺 Suggested markets: Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi), Ben Thanh Market (HCMC), Hoi An Night Market.

Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton” gives you a sobering look at the colonial and war periods. You can see the conditions the prisoners were kept in. It is an emotional, but essential for understanding Vietnam’s story.

📍 Location: Hanoi, Northern Vietnam

🏛️ Suggested tour: This visit to Hoa Lo with a guide.

🏨 Where to stay: Hanoi Pearl Hotel is located near Hoa Lo. 

23. Explore the hidden depths of the Cu Chi Tunnels

You can quite literally step into Vietnam’s intense past at the Cu Chi Tunnels; crawling through the narrow, underground network used by the Viet Cong, which is both mind-blowing and claustrophobic. It is an immersive journey that offers a unique perspective on the challenges and strategies of wartime survival.

You’ll experience the ingenuity and resilience of the fighters during the Vietnam War. Crawling through the historical passageways, you’ll uncover hidden rooms, kitchens and even hospitals that were crucial to the war. The network of tunnels have been recreated so that tourists can fit through them, as they were originally too small.

📍 Location: Cu Chi, near Ho Chi Minh City. Southern Vietnam

🏛️ Suggested tour: Half-day Cu Chi Tunnel tour from HCMC.

24. Pull up a tiny plastic stool to try Vietnamese Street Food

The best way to experience Vietnamese street food is to pull up a little plastic stool on the street – you will see them everywhere! Street vendors will be cooking fresh pho, bun cha, spring rolls, BBQ skewers and more. It’s casual, fast, and the food is packed with flavour.

📍 Location: Everywhere, especially Hanoi, HCMC, and Da Nang.

🍜 Suggested experience: Eat where the locals are crowding or check the availability for this top rated street food tour in Da Nang.

25. Discover the historic Imperial City of Hue

Hue is where Vietnam’s imperial past comes to life. The citadel, ancient temples, royal tombs and dragon boat rides on the Perfume River make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a little quieter than other cities, which is part of its charm.

📍 Location: Central Vietnam

🏛️ Suggested tour: Imperial City full-day tour from Da Nang or alternatively, book the day tour from Hoi An.

🏨 Where to stay: If you want to stay in Hue, the Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa is the top rated resort to stay at.

26. Drink the cheapest beer in the world, bia hoi

Welcome to Vietnam, where beer is cheaper than water and the vibe is unbeatable. You’ll find little street corners packed with locals and travellers alike, all sipping bia hoi, fresh beer that costs as little as 10,000 VND (approximately 30p).

It is more about the experience than the taste to be honest. There’s something really special about sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on low stools, cheers-ing with strangers and watching the chaos of the city swirl around you.

📍 Location: Hanoi, Northern Vietnam

🍺 Suggested spot: Bia Hơi corner at Ta Hien Street (also called “Beer Street”)

27. Drive the Hai Van Pass on a scooter

The Hai Van Pass is the ultimate road trip in Vietnam. If you’re a confident driver then this is the experience for you. This route is known as one of the world’s most scenic roads. Twisting through misty mountains and hugging the coastline between Da Nang and Hue, the Hai Van Pass offers hairpin turns, dramatic ocean views, and total freedom – the perfect exhilarating experience. 

Whether you ride it yourself or hop on the back with an Easy Rider, it’s one of those “wow” moments that’ll stick with you forever and the perfect addition to your Vietnam bucket list.

📍 Location: Central Vietnam – Highway 1 between Da Nang and Hue

🛣️ Suggested tour: Hai Van Pass motorbike tour with Easy Rider or you can take a Jeep tour, which is the option I would choose!

🏨 Where to stay: Vedana Lagoon Resort is a tranquil halfway point along the Hai Van Pass with gorgeous views over the water.

28. Take a Vietnamese lantern-making class

The charming town of Hoi An is famous for its colourful lanterns. There are plenty of places where you can make your own, and it’s surprisingly easy and super relaxing. Plus, you’ll get to take home a unique souvenir that won’t just sit in a drawer!

📍 Location: Hoi An, Central Vietnam

🏮 Suggested class: Check availability on this popular foldable lantern-making workshop.

29. Visit Ba Na Hills and walk the Golden Bridge

Ba Na Hills feels like a quirky combination of a French village, amusement park and mountain escape, but the real showstopper here is the Golden Bridge. Held up by two giant stone hands, it’s one of the most iconic photo ops in Vietnam. 

Sure it is touristy, so make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds. You’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the lush Ba Na Hills walking along the elevated pathway. The bridge’s unique design and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for any Vietnam bucket list.

📍 Location: Da Nang, Central Vietnam

🌉 Suggested tour: Day trip to Ba Na Hills + Golden Bridge with transfers from Da Nang or Hoi An.

🏨 Where to stay: Mercure Danang French Village Ba Na Hills is the perfect place to stay inside Sunworld, particularly if you want to be the first to visit the bridge without the crowds.

30. Ride a basket boat through the coconut forest

Have you ever seen those round woven basket boats being spun around on the river, on Instagram and thought they look really cool? You can take a ride in one of these at Cam Thanh coconut village. You’ll get to ride one through peaceful waterways while your local guide spins the boat in dizzying circles (if you’re brave enough). 

It’s a quirky, fun glimpse into local fishing culture in Vietnam.

📍 Location: Cam Thanh, just outside Hoi An

🌀 Suggested tour: This Basket boat ride is super popular and great value.

31. Admire the stunning scenery of Trang An with a boat trip

If you want to see more of ‘Halong Bay on land’, Trang An is like a fantasy movie set. You can take a boat trip to admire the towering limestone karsts, lush greenery and slow, winding rivers, while floating through caves, temples and landscapes that look like they’re straight out of a postcard. It offers a peaceful, photogenic, and offbeat adventure that sticks with you.

📍 Location: Ninh Binh Province, Northern Vietnam

🛶 Suggested tour: Trang An boat tour (choose the route with the most caves!)

🏨 Where to stay: Tam Coc Garden Resort is surrounded by rice paddies and views for days.

32. Wander around Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the beating heart of Hanoi; chaotic, colourful, full of culture and completely captivating. You’ll find yourself dodging scooters, sipping coffee on the street and popping into hole-in-the-wall shops that sell everything from silk scarves to handmade pottery to knock-off designer shoes. Every turn feels like a scene from a movie, and no visit to Hanoi is complete without getting a little lost here. It was my favourite city to visit.

📍 Location: Hanoi, Northern Vietnam

🚶 Suggested activity: DIY walking tour or book a local-led street food walk (this one is a Michel Guide street food tour). 

🏨 Where to stay: We stayed at Eliana Signature Hanoi Hotel – centrally located, mid range hotel.

33. Go snorkelling at Cham Islands

The Cham Islands are perfect for a snorkelling trip from either Hoi An or Da Nang. Discover the stunning beaches of the island and colourful coral reefs on a boat tour. You can spend the day swimming, snorkelling, visiting cultural destinations and relaxing with lunch.

📍 Location: Cham Islands, Central Vietnam

🏝️ Suggested tour: Cham Island speedboat tour with snorkelling + island hopping tour.

🏨 Where to stay: You can stay at a guesthouse or hostel on the Cham Islands, but I would suggest staying somewhere a lot nicer in nearby Hoi An or Da Nang. My top pick would always be RiverTown Hoi An Resort & Spa.

34. Take a photography tour of Hoi An

Hoi An is truly a photographer’s dream, with glowing lanterns, golden-hour reflections, ancient architecture and a soft riverside light at night. Every corner of this photogenic town is Insta-worthy.

If you are a keen photographer, I highly recommend booking a tour with a local guide to help you find all the hidden gems this charming town has to offer.

📍 Location: Hoi An, Central Vietnam

📸 Suggested tour: Sunrise or sunset private photo tour with a local guide.

35. Ride the Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is a jaw-dropping motorbike route in northern Vietnam, packed with winding mountain passes, misty valleys and tiny ethnic minority villages. It is a three or four-day motorcycle loop through some of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes; raw, remote, and ridiculously beautiful. 

If you’re not confident on a motorbike (I certainly am not), you can hop on the back of one with an easy rider (driver).

📍 Location: Ha Giang Province, Northern Vietnam

🏍️ Suggested tour: 3 or 4-day Ha Giang Loop with Mr Hung. You can customise the length of time you want to spend on the tour and choose packages for hiring an easy rider guide, riding by yourself or sitting behind a friend.

🏨 Where to stay: Panhou Retreat is basic accommodation to stay at before or after the loop for some well-earned rest.

36. Go on a lantern boat ride in Hoi An

Gliding down the river that sparkles at night, in a little wooden boat while releasing colourful lanterns into the water is as magical as it sounds. You will be surrounded by floating lights and the Ancient Town of Hoi An glowing all around you. Yes, it’s super touristy, but honestly, I didn’t care. I loved the atmosphere, even though I have a fear of getting in and out of little boats.

📍 Location: Hoi An, Central Vietnam

🛶 Suggested tour: Book in advance or on the spot near the riverside, either way, it is the same price.

🏨 Where to stay: Anio Boutique Hotel Hoi An is a charming, boutique hotel that is not too far from the river.

37. Eat a bánh mì

No Vietnam bucket list is complete without this iconic sandwich. A crispy French baguette stuffed with savoury meat or tofu, pickled veg, fresh herbs and a drizzle of sauce – it is chef’s kiss. It’s the perfect grab-and-go meal, with each region putting its own twist on it.

As someone who only eats bread as a treat, these were delightful. Give me Vietnamese pickles on anything and I will love it!

📍 Location: Found all over Vietnam, but particularly good in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. 

🥖 Suggested tour: Personally, I would book this Vegan street food tour of Hanoi – check availability first.

38. Chase sunsets in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc boasts the best sunset spots in Vietnam. You can be on the beach with a sundowner in hand and the sky will erupt into hues of gold, orange and purple. Long Beach and Sunset Sanato are popular spots, but even a random stretch of sand in Phu Quoc will give you postcard-worthy views.

📍 Location: Phu Quoc Island, Southern Vietnam

🌅 Suggested spot: Sunset Sanato Beach Club or Rory’s Beach Bar 

🏖️ Suggested tour: Alternatively, you can book an island hopping day tour by speedboat to 4 islands which includes a cable car ride and a water park experience.

🏨 Where to stay: Salinda Resort is a luxury resort with a private beach area and a perfect sunset spot.

39. Eat all the pho

You can’t come to Vietnam and not fall in love with pho (pronounced ‘fur’). Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or a late night snack, pho is everywhere! 

There’s something so comforting about slurping down a bowl of steaming broth, rice noodles and protein – I particularly loved it for breakfast as I struggle to eat soup in the heat. Every region has its own twist, so don’t stop at just one bowl and ensure you try it everywhere you visit. Hanoi’s version is light and fragrant, while Ho Chi Minh City’s is rich and punchy.

📍 Location: Everywhere, including hotel buffet breakfasts.

40. Go to the Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are a cluster of limestone peaks with caves, Buddhist temples and pagodas, offering incredible views you can tick off your Vietnam bucket list.

Each of the five mountains represents one of the five elements, and climbing through tunnels and grottos to hidden temples is half the fun. Don’t skip the panoramic view from the summit—it’s worth every step.

📍 Location: Da Nang, Central Vietnam

⛰️ Suggested tour: Check availability on this Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave Tour.

🏨 Where to stay: TIA Wellness Resort, a beachfront luxury with wellness vibes.