Vietnam Bucket List: 17 Must Do Experiences

Vietnam is one of those countries that sneaks up on you. It’s not flashy or loud about what it offers, but once you’re there, it grabs you in ways you don’t expect.

The street food is ridiculously good, the landscapes shift dramatically from north to south, and there’s a mix of chaos and calm that somehow just works.

I’ve traveled through Vietnam a few times now, and it’s one of the few places where I always feel like I’m discovering something new.

Whether it’s cruising through limestone karsts in Halong Bay, eating my way through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, or riding a motorbike along the coast, there’s always a moment that makes me think, “This is exactly why I love Vietnam.”

This Vietnam bucket list covers the experiences that actually matter. Some are the big-ticket items everyone talks about, and some are a little more tucked away.

Either way, if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, these are the things you don’t want to miss.

Explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An

Hoi An is one of those places that feels almost too picturesque to be real. The old town is packed with yellow colonial buildings, lantern-lined streets, and a river that lights up at night. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s also genuinely charming in a way that justifies the crowds.

Here’s the thing though. Don’t just show up after 4 PM, stay in the main town, and call it a day.

I’ve been to Hoi An multiple times, and the best advice I can give you is to explore more of the area than just the central old town strip.

The old town is best experienced in the evening when the lanterns come on and the streets glow. During the day, it’s quieter, and you can explore the old merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and local temples without the crowds.

Rent a bike and explore the countryside outside of town. The rice paddies and small villages give you a completely different perspective.

Eat Pho in Hanoi

Hanoi is the home of pho, the famous Vietnamese noodle soup that’s taken the world by storm.

But here’s the thing: the pho you eat in Hanoi is probably not the same as the pho you’ve had back home or even in southern Vietnam.

Northern pho is the original, and it’s simpler, cleaner, and more refined.

The broth in Hanoi is clear and delicate, made with beef bones, ginger, and star anise. You get fresh herbs, lime, and chilies on the side, but northern pho doesn’t come loaded with bean sprouts and hoisin sauce like the southern style does. It’s all about the broth here.

The best place to try it is at a street-side spot where locals are eating. Pho is traditionally a breakfast dish, so if you want the freshest bowls, go early. A good bowl will cost you around 30,000 to 50,000 VND.

Trek Through Sapa Rice Terraces

Sapa is one of the most beautiful regions in northern Vietnam, known for its terraced rice fields that cascade down the mountains in layers of green.

It’s also home to several ethnic minority groups who still farm the land using traditional methods.

The best way to experience Sapa is by trekking through the valleys and villages. You can do anything from a half-day hike to a multi-day trek with overnight homestays. The trails take you through rice terraces, bamboo forests, and small hill tribe communities.

The most popular trekking routes are around Cat Cat Village, Lao Chai, and Ta Van. If you want something more off the beaten path, head to Ta Phin or Ban Ho.

September and October are the best months to visit when the rice is greenest. Sapa can be foggy and chilly, especially in winter, so pack layers.

Visit My Son Sanctuary (Ancient Cham Ruins)

My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked into the jungle about an hour outside of Hoi An.

It’s an ancient complex of Hindu temples built by the Cham civilization between the 4th and 14th centuries, and while it’s not as grand as Angkor Wat, it’s still impressive.

The temples are made of red brick and covered in intricate carvings, though many have been damaged by time and war. Even in ruins, the craftsmanship and scale are striking.

The best time to visit is early morning before the heat sets in and tour groups arrive. You can explore on your own or hire a guide. The surrounding jungle adds to the atmosphere, and it’s one of the quieter historical sites in central Vietnam.

Take a Motorbike Tour Through the Countryside

One of the best ways to see Vietnam is from the back of a motorbike. Whether you’re riding through the countryside outside Hoi An, cruising along the coast, or weaving through the northern mountains, a motorbike gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want.

If you’re not comfortable riding yourself, you can hire a motorbike taxi or join an Easy Rider tour, where experienced drivers take you on multi-day trips through the highlands. These tours are especially popular in central Vietnam.

If you do rent a motorbike, make sure you have an international driver’s license and check the bike thoroughly.

Traffic in Vietnam can be chaotic, especially in the cities, so stick to the countryside if you’re not used to it. The feeling of riding through rice paddies and along coastal cliffs is unforgettable.

Wander the Imperial City in Hue

Hue was once the capital of Vietnam and home to the Nguyen Dynasty, and the Imperial City is what remains of that era. The complex is massive, with palaces, temples, gates, and gardens spread across a walled fortress along the Perfumed River.

A lot of the city was destroyed during the Vietnam War, but enough has been restored to give you a sense of what it once was.

The Forbidden Purple City is mostly in ruins, but the main halls and courtyards are still standing and worth exploring.

The Imperial City is quieter than other major tourist sites in Vietnam. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner. If you’re into history or architecture, Hue is worth a stop.

Experience Vietnamese Coffee Culture

There’s one thing I know I’ll be doing the moment I land in Vietnam, and that’s getting coffee. Coffee culture here is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Vietnam is one of the top coffee producers globally, and the coffee here is absolutely delicious. Here’s a warning: it’s strong. Vietnamese coffee is made primarily with robusta beans, which pack way more caffeine and bitterness than arabica.

The most popular way to drink it is as ca phe sua da, iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk.

The milk cuts through the bitterness, and the result is smooth, rich, and ridiculously addictive. It’s brewed slowly through a small metal filter called a phin.

Coffee culture in Vietnam is as much about the experience as the drink. People sit in cafes for hours, sipping slowly and watching the street. Find a local cafe, order a ca phe sua da, and take your time with it.

Take a Cooking Class

Vietnamese food is one of the best parts of traveling through the country, and taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to understand it.

Most classes start with a trip to a local market where you’ll learn about the ingredients that make Vietnamese food so flavorful.

Then you head to the kitchen and get to work. Depending on the class, you’ll usually make three to five dishes.

Think pho, spring rolls, banh xeo, cao lau, or bun cha. The instructors walk you through each step, but you’re doing all the prep and cooking yourself.

Classes are available all over Vietnam, but Hoi An and Hanoi are the two best spots. Hoi An classes often include a trip to the countryside, while Hanoi focuses more on street food and traditional northern dishes.

Cruise Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay)

Halong Bay is one of the most iconic sights in Vietnam. Thousands of limestone karsts rise out of emerald water, creating a landscape that looks almost otherworldly. Seeing it in person is still impressive.

Most people visit Halong Bay on an overnight cruise, which gives you time to explore the islands, kayak through caves, and watch the sunset from the deck. Just know that Halong Bay is heavily touristed, and the water isn’t always the cleanest.

If you want a similar experience with fewer boats and cleaner water, go to Lan Ha Bay instead.

It’s right next to Halong Bay, just as beautiful, and way less crowded. The cruises here are smaller and more intimate. Either way, an overnight cruise is the best way to experience the bay.

Explore the Mekong Delta by Boat

The Mekong Delta is a sprawling network of rivers, canals, and islands in southern Vietnam where life revolves around the water.

The best way to experience it is by boat, cruising through narrow channels lined with coconut palms, floating markets, and stilt houses.

The floating markets are the main draw. Vendors sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to noodles and coffee, all from their boats.

Cai Rang near Can Tho is the biggest and most famous, but it’s also the most touristy. Phong Dien is smaller and more authentic.

You can do a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, but if you’ve got time, spend a night or two in the delta. The pace is slower here, and it’s a nice contrast to the chaos of the cities.

Visit the War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh City)

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is heavy, confronting, and not an easy visit.

But it’s also one of the most important museums in Vietnam, and if you want to understand the country’s recent history, you need to go.

The museum covers the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. The exhibits include photographs, military equipment, and stories from civilians who lived through the war. There’s a section on Agent Orange and its lasting effects.

It’s not a neutral museum. The narrative is clearly anti-war and critical of American involvement. But that’s the point. This is Vietnam’s story, told by Vietnam. Give yourself at least an hour to walk through the exhibits.

Walk the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills

The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills is one of the most Instagrammed spots in Vietnam.

Two giant stone hands hold up a golden walkway that stretches across the mountains near Da Nang. It’s dramatic, surreal, and honestly a little bizarre, but it’s also genuinely impressive in person.

Ba Na Hills itself is a bit of a theme park with a French village, gardens, and amusement rides.

It’s touristy and artificial, but if you’re going for the Golden Bridge, it’s worth it. The views from the bridge are incredible, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the coast.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. You’ll need to take a cable car up to the top, which is one of the longest cable car rides in the world.

Relax on Phu Quoc Island Beaches

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand off the southern coast. It’s known for its white-sand beaches, clear water, and laid-back vibe. If you need a few days to do absolutely nothing, this is where you go.

The best beaches are on the west coast. Long Beach is the most developed, with resorts and beach bars.

Sao Beach is smaller and more pristine, with powdery sand and turquoise water. Bai Thom is quieter if you want something more remote.

Beyond the beaches, Phu Quoc is also known for its night markets and pepper farms. Phu Quoc is easy to reach by flight from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, and it’s a good way to end a trip through Vietnam.

Shop at Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City)

Ben Thanh Market is one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City. The market is a sprawling indoor space packed with stalls selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to fresh produce and street food.

It’s touristy, and the vendors can be aggressive, so be prepared to haggle and walk away if the price isn’t right. Start at about half of what they’re asking.

The market is also a great spot to grab food. The food court serves up Vietnamese classics like banh mi, pho, and spring rolls.

Ben Thanh Market comes alive at night when the surrounding streets turn into a night market with more food stalls and seating.

Ride the Hai Van Pass (Hue to Da Nang)

The Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic stretches of road in Vietnam. It’s a 20-kilometer mountain pass that winds along the coast between Hue and Da Nang, offering sweeping views of the ocean, mountains, and countryside below.

The best way to experience it is by motorbike. The road is smooth, the curves are fun to ride, and there are plenty of spots to pull over and take photos.

At the top, there’s an old French fort and vendors selling drinks. The views are incredible, especially on a clear day.

If you’re not comfortable riding yourself, you can hire an Easy Rider driver or do it as part of an organized tour. The pass is about an hour and a half from Hue and just under an hour from Da Nang.

Visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Paradise Cave)

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to some of the largest and most impressive caves in the world, including Son Doong, the world’s biggest cave.

Most people can’t afford the multi-day expedition to Son Doong, but Paradise Cave is just as stunning and way more accessible.

Paradise Cave is a massive limestone cave with stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations that look like something out of a fantasy movie. The main pathway is lit and easy to walk, stretching for about a kilometer into the cave.

The park is located in central Vietnam, about four hours north of Hue. You can visit as a day trip or stay overnight in Phong Nha town, a small, backpacker-friendly hub with cheap hostels and tour operators.

Try Banh Mi from a Street Vendor

Banh mi is Vietnam’s answer to the perfect sandwich. It’s a French baguette stuffed with grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili.

The combination is ridiculously good, and you can get one for around 15,000 to 30,000 VND.

Here’s the thing: banh mi tastes quite different depending on where you are. Northern banh mi tends to be simpler with fewer fillings, while southern versions are loaded with everything. The bread can vary too.

The best banh mi comes from street carts, not fancy cafes. Look for vendors who are grilling meat on the spot and have a line of locals waiting. In Hoi An, Banh Mi Phuong is famous (partly because Anthony Bourdain ate there).

Get a Custom Suit, Dress Made or Clothing in Hoi An

One of my favorite things to do every time I’m in Hoi An is to get some custom linen and cotton clothing made.

They make beautiful pieces, the quality is done well, and the best thing is it’s custom-fit perfectly for you. The prices are cheap compared to what you’d pay back home.

The process is straightforward. You pick a design, choose your fabric, get measured, and come back for fittings. Most tailors will do at least one or two fittings to make sure everything fits right.

The key is finding a reputable tailor. Quality varies wildly, so do your research and read reviews.

Some well-known spots include Kimmy Tailor, Bebe Tailor, and Yaly Couture. Give yourself at least two to three days in Hoi An for fittings and adjustments.

Final Thoughts on Your Vietnam Bucket List

Vietnam has plenty of places to see and things to do, and if you’re visiting for a limited time, there’s a high chance you won’t be doing everything on this bucket list unless you’re here for a month.

And that’s completely fine. Vietnam is one of those countries you’ll want to come back to.

There are a million reasons I keep coming back, but honestly, Vietnam is best understood when you visit it and see it for what it is. It’s not flashy, it’s not Europe, but it has its own very unique personality that makes it hard not to fall in love with after you visit.

This bucket list isn’t about checking every box. Pick the regions and experiences that genuinely interest you, give yourself time to enjoy them, and leave room for spontaneity.

Vietnam has a way of surprising you when you least expect it, and some of the best moments happen when you’re not following a plan.