Vietnam Bucket List: Must-Have Experiences in Vietnam
Vietnam is a country full of stunning places to visit and unique things to do, from beach destinations to mountainous areas. Try these must-have experiences in Vietnam to celebrate your vacation in this lovely country.
It is easy to get caught up in the magnificence of Halong Bay, the serenity of Hoi An or the liveliness of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam has much to attract travelers from all over the world. This small country in South East Asia is full of surprises that never fail to charm any travel lovers. If you plan to visit this country, take note of these must-have experiences in Vietnam to capture every moment with it.
Must-have experiences in Vietnam
We’ve compiled the bucket list of must-have experiences in Vietnam for tourists. It’s worth your effort to fill your next trip with these fantastic destinations.
1. Eat Bun Cha in Hanoi
While travelers with an artistic bent love Hanoi for ancient towns, foodies have a weakness for Hanoi cuisine. Hanoi food boasts some of the best traditional Vietnamese food that you can’t help but fall in love with. Apart from the brand name of Pho, Hanoi also takes pride in Bun cha.
Walking around Hanoi, you will find no end of Bun cha stalls on the street. Bun cha is typically served with grilled fatty pork, rice noodle, herbs, and dipping sauce. You can add in some more flavors with an optional dish of Nem cua be (crab spring rolls). Hanoians are famous for their pickiness, and eating Bun cha will make you love that trait of character.
If you visit the capital city of Vietnam, check out 10 Best Attractions in Hanoi Vietnam
2. Cruise overnight in Halong Bay
Halong Bay, as the UNESCO World Heritage site, always lures visitors with its unique charm from the sunrise to the sunset. At different time of the day, Halong Bay is alluring in different ways. Under the sunshine, you can admire the vivid scene of the bay with over 3,000 islands rising out of the emerald green water. When the night falls, this Instagram-friendly becomes glittering in the light.
Cruising overnight in Halong Bay is a bucket list item you don’t want to miss. It’s time to find yourself surrounded by the cool breeze and whirling waves. There’s nothing better than the serenity brought you by sky sparkling with stars and a sip of champagne. See more details on Halong Bay Cruise – Shore Excursion.
Read more on Beach Destinations in Vietnam the Whole Family Will Love
3. ‘Touch’ the sky in Sa Pa
Located at an altitude of 3,143 meter, Fansipan in Sapa is dubbed ‘the rooftop of Indochina’. When you reach its peak whether by trekking or cable cars, you have entered the paradise of clouds and it’s so close that you feel like you can touch the sky. If there was a staircase to heaven you would see it made out of clouds in Sa Pa.
Thanks to endless layers of clouds, the whole mountainous sketch of Sa Pa seems more alluring and mysterious. More than the biggest mountain in Vietnam, conquering Fansipan is the dream that every Vietnamese and traveler to Vietnam dream of.
4. Ride through the rice fields in Ninh Binh
A trip to the Northern Vietnam would not be complete if you skip Ninh Binh which is nicknamed the “Halong Bay on land”. The rustic beauty of Ninh Binh’s countryside makes it a unique part of any Vietnam trip. It’s all about laid-back and serene experiences in Vietnam that you are probably seeking.
Biking is a great option to get around Tam Coc so that you can marvel at the rice fields at their best vivid green in the rainy season. This is a wonderful chance to commune with nature when you see the birds, storks, cows, buffalos, goats dotted the scene. Everything here is simple but it’s really worth crossing off the bucket list – Full Day Ninh Binh Experience.
5. Make a pilgrimage to Yen Tu
Yen Tu is in Quang Ninh Province. If you don’t recognise this northern province of Vietnam, Quang Ninh is home to the World Heritage Site – Halong Bay. Yen Tu is an attractive destination for hiking, trekking, and pilgrimage.
Yen Tu comprises a series of temples, pagodas and shrines. The Truc Lam Yen Tu is the main attraction where thousands of visitors flock to practice Buddhism and celebrate the Yen Tu Pagoda Festival every year. A pilgrimage to Yen Tu is a true journey to the capital of Buddhism in Vietnam and a great experience in Vietnam if you want something like ‘walking on clouds’.
Read more on Vietnam Travel Myths You Shouldn’t Believe
6. Stroll through the Complex of Hue Monuments
Hue, Vietnam is a city that history buffs will find extremely intriguing. The Complex of Hue Monuments, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, is a great combination of palaces, temples and shrines. The vast complex encompasses the Capital City, Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, and Inner City.
The used-to-be capital of Vietnam during the 19th and early 20th century, Hue Citadel, witnessed many ups and downs in history. This is a good chance for you to learn about feudalism in Vietnam and marvel at the elaborate architecture. If you have only one thing to do in Hue, a stroll through this heritage heartland is the best bet.
7. Admire the beauty of bridges in Danang
What sounds better than to enjoy the greatness of bridges in the ‘City of Bridges’? The Golden Bridge, as one of the most popular spots on Instagram, has quickly grabbed the world’s attention and become a must-visit for travelers since its opening in 2018. Danang has some more alluring bridges with photo-worthy scenes that make them worth your experiences in Vietnam.
Don’t miss out on the Dragon Bridge – symbol of the city’s prosperity. You can enjoy the fire breathing show at around 9.00 PM every weekend, watching the Dragon Bridge to spout fire and water in combination with multi-colored LED lights. For people in love, the Love Bridge is fantastic to stoke romance. If you have a thirst for the city’s history, find a local guide and listen to interesting stories about Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge and many more.
» See more on Iconic Bridges in Danang, the City of Bridges in Vietnam
8. Release lanterns on the river in Hoi An
The Ancient City is charming not only during daytime but when the night falls. Hoi An shines under the sun with rows of ancient houses painted in yellow, making the city named the “Yellow City of Vietnam”. At night, you can see another shade of yellow in Hoi An which is from magical lights.
Daily after 6.00 PM the whole city is illuminated by thousands of lanterns and twinking lotus candlelit lanterns floating on the Hoai River. As a general belief, releasing lanterns will bring good luck and love. And if you’re already lucky enough to have nothing to wish for, just enjoy the exquisite beauty of Hoi An at night and make the most of photo ops here. From marvelous architecture to authentic cuisine, there are reasons to love Hoi An.
» See more on Danang & Hoi An Private Day Tour
9. Snorkel and watch coral reefs in Binh Ba, Nha Trang
Snorkeling in Nha Trang is a marine adventure that makes the most of your time in Vietnam. Not to mention many visitors are enchanted with Nha Trang’s idyllic beaches or tempting seafood, the underwater is another spectacular feature Nha Trang has to offer.
In the water, your eyes will be constantly engaged with magical colors of marine creatures. There’s nothing more amazing to surprise your friends than a photo taken with lovely coral reefs and fish at the depth of 10-20 meters. After some minutes to learn essential techniques, you will be given professional equipment to explore the ocean without fear. See Best of Nha Trang Private Tour.
10. Discover the charm of Dalat
Dalat offers cool climate all year round and romantic sceneries that Vietnamese often call it the “City of Love”. Dalat is favored for its rich flowers, vegetables and fruit from local farmlands, evergreen forests and countless Instagram spots for millennials.
The Valley of Love, Xuan Huong Lake, and Than Tho Lake fill the city with mystery. Other newly emerging destinations awake the whole city. Some of them are the Sunny Farm with the “Stairway to Heaven”, Hoa Son Dien Trang with the “Floating Heart” or the Café F with a stunning garden of purple lavenders.
11. Explore the sand dunes of Mui Ne
Mui Ne is a coastal fishing town in the south-central Binh Thuan Province, around 200 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. This place is best known for luxury resorts, seafood and crystal clear waters. If you find it sounds too similar to other beach destinations like Nha Trang or Phu Quoc then try a new experience with sand dunes.
There are two main sand dunes in Mui Ne, The White Sand Dunes and The Red Sand Dunes. As their name suggests, these sand dunes feature different colors of sand which are perfect for photography and sand sliding. You can rent plastic sleds, keep cool, and fling yourself down the dunes. What’s more, you may swear by sunrise and sunset experiences and dramatic pictures.
12. Experience nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night? If your legs are still fine after a hard day tour then continue to explore the sleepless city with endless fun. Soaking up the nightlife in Saigon starts with a stroll through Ben Thanh Street Food Market. Saigon street food is perfect for late-night snacking, and you don’t have to worry too much for your fragile stomach.
It would be a big mistake if you visit Saigon and skip Bui Vien Walking Street. These places are filled with an explosion of lights, different kinds of evening entertainment, and crazy party vibes. If you’re not interested in chilling outside, simply watch the world go by at The Cafe Apartment on Nguyen Hue Street. Ho Chi Minh City has everything to match your interests.
» See more on Full Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour
13. Take a sampan ride in the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is like no other region in Vietnam. 13 provinces in this area pride themselves on different ways of life, cuisines, and festivals. One thing in common among them is a variety of greens and winding rivers. A Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City is a must-have experience in Vietnam for you to know how important waters are to this part of the country.
A relaxing float on the sampans will reveal the Mekong Delta’s beauty in its simplicity. Cruising through the canals and quiet waterways of the Delta, you can’t help but commune with nature, listen to your soul and find peace. What a fantastic getaway from uproars in the city!
14. Climb up to Jesus’ shoulders in Vung Tau
Vung Tau is a famous beach destination in Vietnam, but it does not have only beaches. Vung Tau takes pride in a mighty 105-foot-stall statue of Jesus Christ. After you have successfully conquered 847 steps to the top of Tao Phung Mountain and 100-plus stairs to the top of the statue, you can literally stand on Jesus’s shoulders. For stunning coastal views of the coast, it’s worth your efforts, right?
Be prepared that you may face the scorching sun. So, take along water and try to depart before 9.00 AM to avoid extreme heat and crowds. Plus, make sure you follow the strict dress code here. Don’t let your effort go to waste just because of short shorts or tank tops. Pack a wrap which can tie around your waist or purchase a T-shirt from the gift store. Read more on Vung Tau Vietnam: The Ultimate Travel Guide.
15. Fish squid at night at Phu Quoc Pearl Island
Charming beaches, romantic sunsets, evergreen forests make Phu Quoc dazzling as a pearl of Vietnam. After admiring the pristine beauty of the sea, the mountains and local life, you can experience another amazing activity after sunset – squid fishing. The night fills the whole island with serenity, but it will be more hustling with fishing activities.
To catch the great number of squid, you have to fish in the deep waters and try to toss the bait away. You just need some minutes to learn essential skills to fish the squid by yourself. Grab this opportunity to become a real fisherman and enjoy a bowl of squid porridge.
It’s no wonder why many destinations in Vietnam was listed among the best by many well-known travel magazines like TripAdvisor, The Lonely Planet, and CNN Travel. You can see the most breath-taking views of just some of the best destinations in Vietnam through magazines or films. But the best experiences in Vietnam are definitely ‘go see’. You may want to see 15 Day Best of Vietnam Tour or 20 Day Tour Best of Vietnam.
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Trinh Tran written for Maika Tours
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