In 2026, Vietnam will remain one of the most exciting travel destinations in Southeast Asia. For its stunning natural settings, diverse history, dynamic urban centres, incredible food, and very warm welcome, we know that the country sets itself apart from the rest. From the adrenaline junkie, to the serious historian, to the food connoisseur, to that person who just wants to relax on the beach, there is truly something special for all types of travellers in Vietnam. Also, travel reports will note that the country is a true treasure trove for any kind of traveller.
From the limestone isles of Halong Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the go-go energy of Ho Chi Minh City, each location has a story to tell. If you’re planning a trip, check out our list of 25 amazing things to do in Vietnam for 2026, which we think you’ll want to add to your travel plans.
Cruise around Ha Long Bay.
A cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay is a must-do in Vietnam. Pass by thousands of limestone islets, go into hidden caves, paddle through emerald waters, and savour spectacular sunrise and sunset from the ship.
Explore the Ancient City of Hoi An.
Hoi An is known for its well-preserved old structures, colourful lanterns, riverside cafes, and tailor shops. In the Old Town, as also in historic temples, go walking, take a lantern boat ride, out at dusk, that is magical.
Explore the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam’s largest city is a mix of the modern and the colonial past. See Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Ben Thanh Market and also check out the live music and wide variety of food which the city has to offer.
Visit the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Hanoi’s historic district is a maze of narrow streets that house traditional shops and street food vendors, also home to architecture that is hundreds of years old. It is the best place to experience real Vietnamese culture, at the same time as trying local specialities like pho and egg coffee.
Witness the beauty of Sapa’s rice terraces.
In the north of Vietnam is Sapa, which presents to you amazing mountain scenery and rice terraces. Trek through local villages, meet ethnic minorities, and enjoy stunning panoramic views.
Relax at the pristine beaches of Da Nang.
Da Nang has some great beaches, which include My Khe Beach. We see visitors who enjoy the sea, try out water sports, and also enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.
Cross the Golden Bridge.
The Golden Bridge, which is supported by giant stone hands, is a favourite with photographers. It is in Ba Na Hills near Da Nang, and it provides amazing mountain views and unique architecture.
Check out the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Near the city of Ho Chi Minh, the Cu Chi Tunnels tell of Vietnam’s past wars. Visitors may go into the below-ground tunnels from the wartime period and learn of the country’s resilience.
Explore the Mekong Delta.
A tour of the Mekong Delta by boat includes visiting floating markets, coconut farms, fruit orchards, and traditional riverside villages. This is the best way to see rural Vietnam.
Visit the Imperial City of Hue.
Hue was home to Vietnam’s imperial court for over a century. In the city, you may visit ancient palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and the great Imperial Citadel, which will give you a picture of the royal past.
Travel the Hai Van Pass.
Also known for its spectacular coastal settings, the Hai Van Pass is a favourite with motorbike tourists, which is to say that it is very popular.
Enjoy Real Vietnamese Street Food.
Vietnam is a food lover’s haven. Try out famous dishes like pho, banh mi, bun cha, fresh spring rolls, banh xeo, and very tasty Vietnamese coffee as you go through local markets and street food scenes.
Go on a Lantern Boat Ride in Hoi An.
At night, the Thu Bon River is decorated with colourful lanterns. Go out to put a floating lantern in the water, which is the most romantic thing to do in Vietnam.
Visit the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Adventurous types will want to check out Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which has some of the largest caves in the world, including Son Doong. Also, you’ll be able to do hiking, kayaking and cave exploration.
Explore the limestone terrains of Ninh Binh.
In a similar fashion to Ha Long Bay, we present to you Ninh Binh, which has amazing limestone mountains, rivers, rice fields and ancient temples. Also, we highly recommend a boat trip through Trang An.
Experience Vietnam on a motorbike.
Renting out a motorbike or joining a guided motorcycle tour allows travellers to see the beautiful countryside, mountain roads, and pretty villages at their own pace.
Visit us at the Marble Mountains.
In the vicinity of Da Nang, the Marble Mountains have caves, Buddhist temples, pagodas and also great views of the coast.
Shop at your local markets.
Vietnam has a large variety of arts and crafts as well as fresh produce available in its markets. Ben Thanh and Dong Xuan are among the top places that visitors shop at.
Watch a live Traditional Water Puppet performance.
Water puppetry is a very old Vietnamese art form that has been around for centuries. The bright shows present folklore, legends, and rural life via very fine puppets.
Try out the Vietnamese egg coffee.
In Hanoi, they came up with egg coffee, which is a mix of strong Vietnamese coffee we put together with a whip of egg yolk and sweetened with condensed milk. A must-try for coffee connoisseurs.
Visit to Cat Ba Island.
Cat Ba Island has perfect beaches, hiking trails, limestone cliffs, and access to Lan Ha Bay, which in turn gives a quieter option to Ha Long Bay.
Explore the Sand Dunes at Mui Ne.
Mui Ne is known for its white and red dunes, which are perfect for jeep tours, sandboarding and watching beautiful sunrises over the desert-like landscape.
Discover Con Dao Islands.
For those who are in search of peace, the Con Dao Islands present crystal clear waters, coral reefs, abundant diving and natural beauty that is far from the large tourist crowds.
Celebrate Your Neighbours’ Festivities.
If you are travelling during the festival season, go out to see celebrations of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival, or local temple festivals, which put forward the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Enjoy the coffee culture of Vietnam.
Vietnam is a large-scale producer of coffee and also has a very distinctive cafe culture. Indulge in stylish cafes which serve up traditional drip coffee, coconut coffee, salted coffee or the more modern speciality brews which have grown in popularity across the country.
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