{"id":8671,"date":"2024-11-05T02:02:58","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T02:02:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/?p=8671"},"modified":"2026-06-25T10:06:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T10:06:02","slug":"the-ultimate-bucket-list-things-to-do-in-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-bucket-list-things-to-do-in-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Bucket List: 30+ Best Things to Do In Vietnam (2026 Update)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vietnam is not a country you can understand in one stop. Hanoi wakes you with the sound of motorbikes and metal coffee filters. In Hoi An, yellow walls glow at dusk before the lanterns come on. In my home province of Quang Binh, the best moments often happen before the cave tour even starts, when the morning mist still sits low over the limestone hills.<\/p>\n

This guide brings together the best things to do in Vietnam for 2026, from famous first-trip highlights such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City to slower local experiences in Phong Nha, Ben Tre, Lan Ha Bay and the Mekong Delta. I\u2019ve written it with a photographer\u2019s eye and a local\u2019s sense of pace, so you can plan a trip that feels full but not rushed.<\/p>\n

Quick Answer: The best things to do in Vietnam<\/h2>\n

For a first trip to Vietnam, prioritise these unforgettable experiences:<\/p>\n

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  1. Cruise through Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay<\/li>\n
  2. Explore Hanoi\u2019s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake<\/li>\n
  3. Wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town<\/li>\n
  4. Trek through Sapa\u2019s rice terraces<\/li>\n
  5. Ride the Ha Giang Loop if you\u2019re feeling adventurous<\/li>\n
  6. Take a boat ride through Ninh Binh\u2019s limestone scenery<\/li>\n
  7. Climb to the Mua Caves viewpoint<\/li>\n
  8. Visit Hue\u2019s Imperial City and royal tombs<\/li>\n
  9. Cross the Hai Van Pass between Hue and Da Nang<\/li>\n
  10. Ride the cable car to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge<\/li>\n
  11. Relax on An Bang Beach or My Khe Beach<\/li>\n
  12. Discover Ho Chi Minh City\u2019s bustling streets<\/li>\n
  13. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the Vietnam War<\/li>\n
  14. Cruise the Mekong Delta and visit floating markets<\/li>\n
  15. End your trip on Phu Quoc Island with fresh seafood and beach time<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    For a first trip, allow 10 to 14 days<\/strong>. Start in Hanoi, add Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, continue to Central Vietnam for Phong Nha, Hue, Da Nang or Hoi An, then finish in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta or an island stay.<\/p>\n

    Why Vietnam Should Be on Every Traveller\u2019s Bucket List<\/h2>\n

    Vietnam is an amazing country because it offers so much in one trip. Northern Vietnam is known for breathtaking landscapes, mountain passes, ethnic minority villages, rice terraces and the limestone seascapes of Ha Long Bay. The Central is where you\u2019ll find ancient towns, imperial history, coastal drives, beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Site experiences. Southern Vietnam brings bustling cities, river life, floating markets, tropical islands and a different rhythm of authentic Vietnamese culture.<\/p>\n

    \"Timing