Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations, offering a unique combination of limestone harbours, rice fields, ancient temples, stunning cities, and beaches. Vietnam is a great destination for an adventurous traveller, food fanatic, cultural tourist, and nature lover. Vietnam will give you an experience of a lifetime, so here are 25 things to do in Vietnam in 2026.
Things to do in Vietnam in 2026:
1. Take an overnight cruise in Halong Bay
The best way to see the limestone islands and granite peaks of Ha Long Bay is to embark on an overnight cruise while taking part in kayaking and swimming and enjoying spectacular sunsets.
2. Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi
A trip to Vietnam’s capital is not complete without discovering the labyrinth of streets, cafes, and markets.
3. Soak up the atmosphere in Hoi An Ancient Town
Observe the lit lamps, old shrines, body of water cafes, and the nighttime bazaars.
4. Cruise the waters of Trang An in Ninh Binh.
enjoy the caves, waters, and high rocky peaks in one of Vietnam’s finest landscapes.
5. Go trekking in Sa Pa.
Enjoy the great trekking trails in the rice paddies and find out about the different cultures of the local ethnic groups living in the beautiful mountains of Vietnam.
6. Explore Ho Chi Minh City.
Buy goods at the local market, visit historical places, and enjoy the rooftop bars and nightlife.
7. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
Get to know the history of Vietnam through this exciting underground tunnel network.
8. Have Fun in Phu Quoc Island
This tropical island destination is famous for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.
9. Visit the Imperial City of Hue
Famous for being the former capital of Central Vietnam, this place is home to ancient palaces, tombs, and temples of the emperors.
10. Enjoy Da Nang
Tucked in the Central region of Vietnam, Da Nang boasts of a spectacular beach, mountains, and bridges.
11. Explore the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
The two fascinating caves and rivers in this national park are among the many attractions that you may explore during your adventure in Vietnam.
12. Ha Giang Loop Road Trip Adventure
A motorbike ride will lead you through this mountainous road that will give you an epic view of the area, as you make your way around the beautiful province of Ha Giang.
13. Mekong Delta Boat Tour
A boat tour is one of the best ways to experience the fascinating floating markets, fruit orchards, and local villages in this intriguing region of Vietnam.
14. Sunrise over the Mui Ne Sand Dunes
This desert landscape offers an exciting activity that involves having fun on the rolling dunes as you discover the charm of Mui Ne.
15. Vietnamese Cooking Class
Learn how to prepare local specialities such as pho, spring rolls, and banh xeo in a Vietnamese cooking class with a professional chef.
16. Taste street food
Vietnam is famous for its street food and variety of local dishes like pho, banh mi, bun cha, fresh seafood, egg coffee, and desserts.
17. Visit My Son Sanctuary
Considered to be one of the best-preserved ancient Champa temples and a special cultural, religious, and historical region in Vietnam, My Son Sanctuary has gained its place on Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage list.
18. Taste coffee
Coffee drinking is a speciality in Vietnam, so make sure to have a taste of Vietnamese egg coffee, coconut coffee, and traditional Vietnamese drip coffee.
19. Bike-ride along rice fields
A biking adventure is a wonderful activity to enjoy in Vietnam on a countryside trail along the rolling hills of Hoi An or Ninh Binh.
20. Take a trip to Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island offers some unique opportunities for exploring the country’s natural beauty. Take a walk and a kayak in this national park or have a less adventurous day on the quieter and less-known Lan Ha Bay.
21. Take a tour of local floating markets
These floating markets are one of the most unique experiences in Vietnam that will allow you to witness the local way of trading in the Mekong Delta region around Can Tho.
22. Go kayaking
This adventure will lead you to the caves, lagoons, and emerald waters of Vietnam’s most renowned Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay.
23. Visit Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills are home to the world’s longest cable car and a 5-kilometre-long Golden Bridge that was built on top of huge stone hands.
24. Experience Vietnam’s night markets
Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City are famous for their local night markets where you can find various souvenirs, clothes, street food delicacies, and many more.
25. Have fun at traditional water puppet shows
A wonderful way to end your Vietnamese adventure is by witnessing a traditional water puppet show. Watching performances of Vietnamese folk tales acted out in this unique way will surely be an experience of a lifetime for you.
Best time to visit Vietnam:
The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April. The weather varies from place to place in Vietnam; while the northern part is the coolest in spring and the warmest in autumn, the central and southern regions are most comfortable for travellers during the dry season.
Some tips for you:
• Pack light; 10-14 days is a good time for a trip around Vietnam.
• Take a domestic flight if you need to get around the country.
• It is advisable to have some cash with you for local eateries and markets.
• Taste local specialities in every region.
• Be careful in holy places and ancient ruins.
• It is a good idea to book a cruise and tours in advance during peak season.
Conclusion:
Vietnam is a land of striking natural beauty, cultural treasures, and culinary delights. Whether you want to experience a cruise on the bay of Ha Long, hike in the mountains of Sa Pa, shop in local markets, or taste local specialities in the capital, you will find something that will hook you in Vietnam. All the following 25 things to do in Vietnam will help you explore the country and fall in love with it even more in 2026.
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