Vietnam is one of my absolute favourite countries. And I’m not alone in this! Most people who visit Vietnam fall in love with it, because it’s worth falling in love with! If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and are looking for tips for travelling in Vietnam with the best things to do in Vietnam, you’ve come to the right place!

Vietnam is a long skinny country in SE Asia with a little bit of everything. The chaos of the cities in Vietnam is exhilarating. There’s stunningly beautiful countryside. The people are incredibly friendly and I admire their resilience. And the food…the food is some of the most delicious food found on this planet!

Our first Vietnam trip was inspired by the food, specifically by Pho soup. Randy is obsessed with Pho soup, so we traveled to Vietnam to have a taste of the “real deal”. And while the Pho soup didn’t disappoint, we fell in love with this country for more than just the food (although that’s still obviously a BIG part of it!).

There’s SO much to consider when planning a trip abroad. We’ve spent months in Vietnam, on multiple trips, and have helped lots of friends when planning a trip to Vietnam. (Mostly because I love the country, and also because I love planning travel!)

I’ve got loads of Vietnam travel advice to share, so make sure you check out the other Vietnam planning post; The Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary and, if you’re headed to Vietnam with Kids, I’ve got you covered too!

Travel Tips and Things You Need To Know Before Travelling Around Vietnam

Best Time To Visit Vietnam

Vietnam has quite a varied climate given it’s small size. It’s long and skinny, running from the Gulf of Thailand in the south to the mountains in the North. It can be quite hot in Ho Chi Minh at the same time that it’s snowing in SaPa (yes, it DOES snow in Vietnam occasionally!).

When to visit Vietnam partly depends on where you want to go! The rainy season tends to be in the summer in the North and South, and in the Winter in the central regions of the country. Hoi An occasionally floods in the late fall, typically between November and mid-December, so it’s best to avoid this time of year if possible! (Plus, it’s starting to get cold in December anyways).

Typhoon season can hit in the south from May to September, and in the north from October to April.

Northern Vietnam can get cold in the winter, and central heating is relatively uncommon. You may find an air conditioning unit that can pump out a bit of hot air to take the edge off, but if you’re traveling during the winter months make sure you bring some warm layers for sleeping. When we visited SaPa in February we could see our breath in the hotel room! They did have heated blankets on the bed, so sleeping was fine, but I didn’t want to get out of my hot shower into the cold room!

The best time to visit Vietnam is in October or March. You’ll generally miss rainy season, and other than the chance of flooding in Hoi An, the weather is pretty temperate throughout the country during these months.

Vietnam Tourist Visa

The Visa process in Vietnam is a bit more complicated compared to the rest of SE Asia. It differs greatly depending on your passport, and whether you’re arriving by Air or overland.

If you’re from the UK, Japan, South Korea and some Western European countries, you may be eligible for 15-days of visa-free travel in Vietnam. However, if you want to stay longer than 15 days, you’ll need a Visa.

If you’re from the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, you’ll need a Vietnam travel Visa for any length of trip to Vietnam. The easiest way to do this is to apply for an e-Visa. I’ve used Vietnam Evisa multiple times in the past, and have recommended it to lots of friends. It’s worked every time!

*expert tip – fill out ALL your paperwork before you arrive in Vietnam. Last time we went I put Randy in charge of the Visa process. He didn’t fill out the paperwork and it took us an HOUR longer to get through customs compared to our friends (who had the paperwork pre-filled!).

If you want to enter Vietnam overland from Laos, Cambodia or China you’ll need to get a visa from a Vietnamese embassy in the bordering country you’ll be crossing from.

If your stay is less than 30 days, you can obtain an e-visa (depending on your nationality). However, e-visas cannot be used to cross into Vietnam overland. If you want to cross into Vietnam from Laos, Cambodia or China and you wish to stay longer than 15 days, you’ll need to get a physical visa from a Vietnamese embassy. These can be easily obtained from the bordering country that you’re in.

You can get visas on arrival for up to 90 days if you’d like to stay in Vietnam for a longer time. These require a letter of invitation and can only be obtained when arriving by air. You can also obtain a Visa extension at any land border if you want to stay in the country longer than 90 days (just be sure to get your extension before your Visa expires).

Money in Vietnam – credit cards, ATM

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong. It’s available in bank notes from 50 to 500,000 dong, although the notes less than 1000 dong aren’t very common. Coins from 200 to 5000 dong are still available although they’re not being made anymore. With an exchange rate hovering around 20,000dong/US Dollar, you’ll be an instant millionaire when you exchange your money!

It’s easy to exchange dollars for dong. You can do this at banks, hotels and the airport, although the exchange rate will be relatively high. The cheapest place to change money is at the various jewellery shops in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and near Ben Thanh market in HCMC. As around to ensure you’re getting the best price before settling on a shop to exchange money.

As with many countries, to get the best exchange rate you’ll want to ensure your bank notes are in new-condition without dog-ears, rips or wrinkles.

If you’re traveling long-term, or you don’t want to carry a wad of US cash, you can withdraw money from various ATM machines around the country. The ones in Hanoi and HCMC tend to be the most reliable but even then it can sometimes be an exercise in frustration. The HSBC ATM (beside the Starbucks in Hanoi’s Old Quarter) was the most consistent for me. There are also a few more ATM’s along the West bank of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Most banks have a maximum withdrawal limit of 4-9million dong ($170-385 USD). ANZ and Citibank have the highest withdrawal limits, although they also tend to have the highest withdrawal fees.

*expert tip – when withdrawing money abroad, ensure you know the transaction fee charged by your card or bank. This is often around $5 and can really add to the cost of withdrawing money.

Cell phone, SIM Cards & WiFi

Wifi is common in most accommodations these days and tends to be fast and consistent. This is the cheapest way to stay connected as it’s free! You can also find free wifi at some business (mainly tourist coffee shops), but I wouldn’t count on this as it’s not as widespread.

We used a local VietTel SIM card in Vietnam that was easy to obtain and cheap. We bought it at the airport while we were waiting for our eVisa to be processed…it was a great use of our waiting time! You can also get it after you’ve left customs and picked up your bags. Our tourist SIM had unlimited data (but only 5GB at 4G) for 40 days, and cost $18US for 2. (prices change all the time).

 If you’re flying into Vietnam, you can also Pre-order a SIM for the Ho Chi Minh airport or the Hanoi Airport from Klook to use while you’re in the country. (You can also have one delivered to your hotel in Hanoi, HCMC, Hoi an, Da Nang and Nha Trang).

You can also bring a pocket-wifi, such as a SkyRoam. This is our go-to when we’re only in a country for a short time. It’s a bit more expensive compared to a local SIM, but there’s NO hassle! Just put your phone on airplane mode, connect to the Skyroam wifi, and continue on as usual.

Is Vietnam Safe For Travellers?

When we first traveled to Vietnam (years ago), many people asked, “is Vietnam safe to travel?” At that time we were pretty sure it was safe, but started to question it because of everyone’s curiosity. Over the past decade travel in Vietnam has become more common place and less people worry about the safety.

In my experience, Vietnam is a relatively safe country for travellers, although there’s the usual potential for pickpockets and basic scams (mainly in Hanoi and HCMC). I’ve never felt unsafe in Vietnam, and haven’t had any issues. Use your common sense and you should be fine!

  • Use a cross-body bag or an antitheft backpack to keep your belongings safe.
  • Never walk alone at night
  • Keep your valuables hidden
  • As your hotel or hostel which areas of the city to avoid after dark

The most dangerous thing you’ll probably do in Vietnam is cross the road!! Traffic is chaotic and takes a bit of getting used to. Vehicles will whiz past both in front of you and behind you. Just keep a steady pace when crossing the road as the oncoming vehicles will anticipate where you’ll be and move to avoid you.

*expert tip – When crossing the road ensure you keep a steady pace. It will be VERY uncomfortable at first, but if you keep a steady pace the oncoming traffic will anticipate where you’ll be and avoid you (I promise it works…maybe watch a few locals do it before attempting yourself!)

How To Stay Healthy in Vietnam

When planning a trip to Vietnam it’s important to consider how you’ll keep yourself healthy while you travel.

As with most developing countries, the tap water is NOT safe to drink in Vietnam. Some hotels will offer filtered water, or you can buy bottled water as you go. In an effort to decrease our plastic consumption, we always travel with a filter water bottle. This was we have safe drinking water wherever we are, we don’t have to spend money on water, and we’re not polluting the oceans with unnecessary plastic bottles.

Most food in Vietnam is safe to eat, even the street food! I’m of the opinion that good street food is even safer than most restaurant food. Our general rule for street food is the stall needs to be busy so we know everything is fresh that day. Also, the smaller the menu the better (fewer ingredients to store and potentially go bad). My ideal street food stand is a busy stall selling one item, extra points if it’s Pho soup! Perfection!!

If you’re buying fruits or vegetables, make sure you either wash them with filtered water, cook them, or are able to peel the skin off. Steer away from salads and anything potentially contaminated with local water.

I always travel with good Travel Insurance, for me it’s worth the peace of mind to know I’ll be taken care of if something awful was to happen during a trip. We use World Nomads travel insurance. Luckily we’ve never had to make a claim ourselves, but I’ve talked to others who have and they all rave about how easy they are to deal with.

Vaccinations Needed For Vietnam

If you’re wondering which vaccinations you need for Vietnam I highly recommend visiting your medical travel specialist. The basics you’ll want to look into are;

  • Dukoral (to avoid traveler diarrhea and enjoy the street food without worry)
  • TwinRx (or Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B)
  • Typhoid
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
  • dTap (dypyheria, tetanus & pertussis)
  • Influenza
  • Japanese Encephalitis (only if you’re planning on spend a long period of time in the jungle, not needed for 10 days in Vietnam).
  • Rabies (likely also not needed to a 10 day trip to Vietnam, just don’t pet any stray dogs…of which there aren’t many in Vietnam).

How to Travel Within Vietnam

There are so many different ways of getting around Vietnam and most trips will include a combination of the various modes of transportation. Transportation in Vietnam is generally cheap and easy to book.

Train

The Vietnam Railway generally runs from South to North (and vice versa) and connects Hanoi with HCMC. There are 4 seating options; hard seat, soft seat, 6-bed soft berth and 4-bed soft berth. If you’re going a short distance I recommend the soft seat, and if you’re taking an overnight train I recommend the 4-bed soft berth.

You can buy tickets online and pick them up at the train station, have your accommodation book for you (for a small fee), or book them yourself at the train station. Booking at the train station is the cheapest option, and is actually quite easy. There will be a schedule posted somewhere. Just figure out which train you want, which class you want, and talk to the agent. Usually there’ll be someone around who speaks English!

Van hire

If you’re traveling as a group a van hire may be the most economical way to travel, especially short distances. It also has the benefit of leaving on your own schedule. We took a private van from Da Nang to Hoi An, and from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha (return). Both were arranged through our accommodation, ran on time, and the drivers were relatively safe (for Vietnam!).

Plane

Since Vietnam is such a long skinny country, it’s hard to avoid traveling by plane unless you have a LOT of time. Airplane travel in Vietnam is the fastest and most efficient way to travel long distances. There are multiple airline options to choose from, including some decent budget airlines. Just remember if you’re booking a budget airline (like Jetstar or VietJet) you’ll need to pay for checked bags, food, drink and seat selection in addition to your ticket.

My favourite place to look for airfare is Momondo. I find they have the best variety of flights compared to everywhere else on the internet!

Bus

Buses in Vietnam are actually pretty comfortable, but they’re not fast! There are multiple options for local and tourist buses, and usually you can just show up at the bus station and book your ticket. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, most accommodations will be able to book for you as well. Almost every hostel throughout the country advertises bus tickets for purchase!

You can also look up bus schedules and book your tickets at 12go.asia or baolau, both specialize in asian destinations. There’s a selection of all sorts of types of buses and minivans throughout the country (and the rest of Asia!).

If you’re traveling on a “sleeping bus” (with beds rather than seats) I suggest sitting closer to the front as the engine is at the back and it gets hot. If you’re prone to motion sickness, opt for a bottom bunk. The top bunks offer better views, but tend to sway a lot as the bus jostles it’s way down the road.

Vietnam Trip Cost

I’m sure you’re wondering, “how much is a trip to Vietnam”?

Vietnam is one of those countries that can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make it. We travel as a family of four, and on our most recent trip our Vietnam travel cost averaged $206CAD/day total ($50CAD per person). I’d consider this a mid-range budget. It included 3 flights, a decently nice resort in Phu Quoc, and a few different day trips and guides.

A backpacking Vietnam budget can be as low as $10US/day per person if you stay in the cheapest dorm rooms, eat street food away from the tourist stalls, and hitchhike. This is an absurdly low amount of money! It’s do-able, but you may end up missing out on some experiences (like Ha Long Bay). A reasonable backpacker’s budget would be in the $20-30US/day range.

If you’re prepared to spend $40-50 US/day (per person) on your Vietnam travel budget, you won’t miss out on anything (well, nothing important anyways!). You’ll be able to travel comfortably, stay at mid-range accommodations and take a few day tours to make the most of your time in Vietnam.

If your Vietnam trip budget is more than this, the sky’s the limit! High-end hotels seem to be similarly priced no matter where you are in the world. You can hire a private car and driver, eat at fancy restaurants (although I’m not sure why you’d want to, the street food is SO good!), and fly between destinations.

Vietnam Travel Tips

  • The electricity in Vietnam is 220V, and most outlets will accept both the North American and European plug. In this day-and-age, everything we travel with plugs into a USB, USB-C or has it’s own power-converter, so we only travel with a small US to Euro travel adapter. If needed, we plug our super-awesome Anker travel charger into the wall, and everything plugs into it. It does all the converting and provides surge-protection so our precious electronics are safe!
  • Unlike it’s neighbours, the Vietnamese language uses the Latin alphabet (just like English) so names are easier to recognize although still VERY difficult to pronounce. Vietnamese is a tonal language, which means the WAY you say something completely changes it’s meaning. English is widely spoken on the tourist trail. Even in the smaller cities where tourism is less common, it’s possible to find someone who speaks English. When all else fails, download Vietnamese on Google translate and you’ll be able to get by!
  • Download an offline map before you leave wifi so you don’t have to use data while you’re adventuring. Maps.me and a downloaded Google map are both great options.
  • Grab (the Asian version of Uber) is the easiest way to get around the cities in Vietnam. Prices are reasonable, it’s available in most cities (and expanding constantly), and it eliminates the language barrier because you don’t actually have to talk to your driver!

The Best Things To Eat In Vietnam

  • Pho Soup, the reason we initially visited this incredible country, is a MUST EAT when you’re in Vietnam. The Pho in the South tends to come with more herbs and accoutrement. The Pho in the North is simpler, but still delicious!
  • In Southern Vietnam, mainly Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), you HAVE TO eat Banh Xeo. It’s a delicious, crispy around the edges, rice flour pancake that you stuff with a bunch of delicious leafy green veggies and herbs and dip in fish sauce. I may not be explaining it in a way that makes it sound super yummy, but trust me…it’s incredible!!
  • If you like sandwiches, Banh Mi should be on your list of foods to try in Vietnam. The best place to eat it is in Hoi An, because the baguettes are the best in Hoi An, but you can generally find decent Banh Mi anywhere. This baguette sandwich is typical stuffed with grilled meat, pate, mildly picked veggies and some greens.
  • The other Hoi An specialty is Cao Lau. This noodle dish is made of special Cao Lau (fat) flour noodles a small scoop of broth, and is typically garnished with grilled pork and greens.
  • In Hanoi, Bun Cha is the local noodle specialty. You’ll get a plate of rice noodles, herbs and pickled veggies as well as a bowl filled with grilled pork, pork meat balls and a sweet & salty broth. I eat it by using one of the extra side bowls and putting a bit of everything in my own bowl to enjoy it. This, in my opinion, is the perfect dish. It’s sweet, salty, savoury, crunchy, fresh…pretty much every flavour imaginable is found in Bun Cha Hanoi!

Sample Itinerary For Your Vietnam Trip

Since Vietnam is a long and skinny country, it’s best visited from South to North or North to South. If you’re coming from abroad I recommend you fly into Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and out of Hanoi, or vice versa.

Spend a few days hanging out in Ho Chi Minh City, getting acclimatized to the craziness that is Vietnam. Head to Phu Quoc for a few days of relaxing on the beach and spend a night in a homestay in the Mekong Delta before heading North.

Skip the central coast and fly from HCMC to Hoi An (via Danang). Join a lantern making class and eat the Hoi An specialty, Cao Lao. Hop on a comfy tourist bus to Phong Nha and spend a few days exploring some of the world’s most spectacular caves (including the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doon if you can spare the 4 days and have managed to snag a spot on one of the weekly trips well in advance).

From Phong Nha, taxi to Dong Hoi to catch the train north to Tam Coc (Ninh Binh). Float through the limestone karsts of Trang An Grottoes and visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu before getting back on the train to Hanoi.

You can spend a few days eating your way through Hanoi, or continue on the train up to SaPa to go trekking in the stunning rice terraces. Finally, end your trip cruising around Ha Long Bay, kayaking and swimming in the South China Sea before returning to Hanoi for your flight home.

The Best Things To Do In Vietnam (By City)

This Vietnam guide is set up to walk you through the best cities to visit in Vietnam. It’s comprehensive, so you shouldn’t feel like you’ll miss out if you don’t see everything in this post! We’ve spent 8 weeks in Vietnam, over multiple trips, and still haven’t done everything in this post.

There always seems to be something more to see and do, so don’t worry if you’re not able to include everything when planning a trip to Vietnam. I figure this is actually a good thing because there always need to be something to return for! Keep reading my Vietnam travel blog for info on all the cities to visit in Vietnam.

Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): 2-3 days

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is one of my least favourite cities, but it’s one of the best first places to go in Vietnam. Most international flights will land here, and it makes for a good jumping off point for your Vietnam travel adventure.

There’s lots to do in HCMC, so it’s worth spending a couple days. If you’ve just come from overseas I’d suggest taking 3 days so you can move at a slower pace and get over jet lag! If you’re coming from somewhere else in Asia, 2 days in HCMC is enough. It may not be one of the best cities in Vietnam to visit (in my opinion), but it’s hard to avoid!

The Best Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is right in the center of HCMC and located near many of the main tourist accommodations. There’s a fantastic food court near the back with everything from Pho Soup to fresh fruit smoothies.

The market is home to a variety of souvenir shops, clothing, houseware and much more. Haggling is definitely expected, and they’re used to tourists, so don’t feel bad about driving a hard bargain.

Once you’ve made your way through the market, head around the back to where the market spills onto the street. You’ll find fruits & veggies, seafood, shellfish and frogs (our favourite!).

An Dong Market

An Dong market is the largest market in the city for textiles and other handicraft items, with prices typically lower than Ben Thanh (although you have to work for it). There’s a mix of wholesale and retail, and you really need time to browse and haggle if you’re hoping to snag a good deal.

You can also find a snack or drink at the foot court in the basement if you get hungry or thirsty.

*expert tip: The bathrooms here are some of the worst I’ve experienced anywhere on my travels (and I’ve experienced some pretty awful bathrooms), so consider heading elsewhere if you’ve “gotta go”!!

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum isn’t the one of the best Vietnam places to visit if you have a faint of heart or weak stomach. However, it is one of the important Vietnam sights if you’re interested in learning about the country’s history. There are horrific images from the war displayed throughout the museum, warning of the horrors of war and the importance of peace.

Massive pieces of US military equipment are displayed both inside and outside. These were left behind when the ARVN (the Southern Army) fled as the Northern Army pushed into HCMC. They’re impressive, but don’t leave quite the same impression as the photos inside.

Independence Palace

Also known as the Reunification Palace, the Independence Palace was the home of  General Nguyen Van Thieu, the Southern Vietnamese General during the war. In 1975, a tank belonging to the Northern Vietnamese Army crashed through the front gates, effectively ending the war.

Today this historic building looks the same as it did in 1975, with artifacts, maps, a bunker and antique furniture adorning it’s rooms and halls. It’s one of the top Vietnam tourist attractions in Saigon.

What to see in Vietnam
(Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Photos)

Saigon Skydeck

The Saigon Skydeck is found on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. It offers incredible views over the city and is a great place to come for sunset. The only downside is the Skydeck is enclosed, so all your photos will be through the windows.

If you don’t want to pay to just to go the Skydeck, you can stop in at the Cafe for a drink. You’ll spend a pretty penny on the drink, but the view’s free!

Phoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda

This beautiful taoist temple in HCMC dates back to 1902. It’s not the largest temple in the city, but it’s full of intricate carvings, beautiful lanterns and vivid artwork. There’s also a large display of brass ornaments and antique weapons.

It’s not worth going out of your way to visit, but if you’re in the area it’s worth the stop (especially since entrance is free!).

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are fascinating and one of the top Vietnam tourist spots in the country. The tunnels were used by the Vietcong guerrillas during the American War and offer an interesting perspective into just how determined the Vietcong were to win the war.

The tunnels are an expansive series of chambers stretching 30km out of HCMC. Two sections are currently open to visitors, as well as a number of other activities; swimming pool, shooting range, temple, etc.

*expert tip – If you’re traveling with young kids, or have a tendency to be claustrophobic, I suggest you skip this one.

top places in vietnam

Find the perfect tour for Ho Chi Minh City

 

Where To Stay In HCMC

The best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh is near Ben Thanh market. There’s a great selection of restaurants for all budgets, and most of the things to do in HCMC are within walking distance. Click the hotel name for the best pricing and availability.

Where To Eat In HCMC

There are SO MANY great places to find food in HCMC, and honestly any busy street food stall is going to be worth stopping at!

If you head West from Ben Thanh market, along the south side of Saigon Central Park, you’ll see a number of small alleyways heading away from the road. Most of these extend to Bui Vien street in the heart of the backpacker district. There are food stalls and restaurants set up at all times of the day. We’re eaten at many and have yet to be disappointed!

Banh Xeo 46A – the one restaurant I think is a MUST DO in HCMC is Banh Xeo 49A. It’s become quite popular recently, but it’s still delicious. The specialty is Banh Xeo, large rice pancakes that you stuff with delicious herbs and dip in fish sauce. They’re heavenly, and this restaurant makes THE BEST in the world!

How To Get To Ho Chi Minh City

Airplane

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (airport code: SGN) is the largest airport in Vietnam. It has connections to many international destinations, most of which are in Asia. If you’re starting your Vietnam adventure in Ho Chi Minh, you’ll likely fly in here.

The airport is about 6km north of the center of town, and takes anywhere from 45min-1.5hrs via car. It’s relatively straightforward to take a cab from the airport. Head to the left once you go out the main door and join the taxi queue. Make sure to ask the driver to turn the meter on once you get in the car.

  • Cost: 150,000-200,000 VND ($8.50-11.25CAD) plus the 10,000 VND ($0.55CAD) airport fee. 

Mekong Delta: 1-2 Days

The Best Things To Do In The Mekong Delta

If you’re wondering what to do in Vietnam, aside from spending your time in the big cities, head out into the Mekong Delta. You can opt for a multi-day trip with a homestay, or pop in for a day trip. If you’re short on time, an organized Mekong Delta tour or a VIP Speedboat tour is the way to go (we visited on a speedboat tour, although it was a bit bumpy at times!).

River Cruise
A river cruise is an ideal way to see life along the Mekong Delta. These tend to be more on the luxurious side, making them an incredibly comfortable way to see this part of Vietnam.

 

Cai Rang Floating Markets

This is the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta, and the most interesting to visit. Because of this it can get busy so it’s best to arrive as early as possible, ideally before 7am. The best way to visit is by boat – head to the Ninh Kieu Warf near the Can Tho market to catch a boat (40,000-80,000 VND ($2.25-4.50 CAD)/person or around 600,000 VND ($34 CAD)/boat). If you don’t want to visit in a boat, you can wander along the side of the river and catch a few great photo-ops from the Cai Rang bridge.

Vietnam best places to visit
Vegetable merchants at Mekong floating market

Another great way to visit the Cai Rang Floating Markets is via a tour from HCMC. This is easiest if you’re short on time or don’t want to go through the hassle of visiting on your own!

Vinh Trang Pagoda

The Vinh Trang Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located on a large plot of land on the banks of the Bảo Định canal. We visited from our speed boat as part of a day-tour to the Mekong Delta. It’s not one of the top Vietnam tourist places, but is worth visit if you’re in the neighbourhood. One thing I find in Vietnam is that it’s often difficult to find beautiful, spiritual buildings. This definitely fits the bill, and is worth visiting because of this.

Cao Dai Temple

There are a number of Cao Dai Temples in the Mekong Delta, each as intricately decorated as the next. The easiest one to visit is the My-Tho Cao Dai Temple, very close to Vinh Trang Pagoda. I loved the vibrant colours of the Cao Dai temple. It was so bright and cheery, the way I think a religious site should be!

Where To Stay In The Mekong Delta

Can Tho is the most popular city to stay in if you’re going to spend the night in the Mekong Delta. There’s a variety of options from basic budget dorm beds, to incredible homestay and high-end resorts. Click the hotel to find the most up to date availability and pricing.

Multi-Day Tours To The Mekong Delta

 

Mui Ne: 1-2 Days

Mui Ne is all about the sand dunes, one of the most unexpected thing to find on your Vietnam vacation! A day is really all you need to enjoy some epic sand dune adventures, but you can add a second day if you want some time to chill out on the beach!

The Best Things To Do In Mui Ne

White Sand Dunes

The white sand dunes are about 25km from Mui Ne and well worth the trek get to them. Once you’re there, the best thing to do is go on a quad tour. Bumping along the dunes in this other-worldly destination should definitely top your Vietnam bucket list!

After your quad tour, make sure to stick around to watch the sunset from the Lotus Pond.

  • Location: Find it on Google Maps here!
  • Hours: The dunes are technically open all hours. If you want to join a quad tour it’s best to either book in advance or just find someone during daylight hours.
  • Cost: Visiting the sand dunes is free, beware of scammers trying to extract an “entrance-fee” from you.
top things to do in Vietnam
(Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Photos)
Red Sand Dunes

The perfect complement to the White Sand Dunes are the Red Sand Dunes! These are much closer to town and accessible on foot if you’re up for a sweaty walk! They’re also a great place to catch a sunset, or simply rent a plastic sled and go sand-tobogganing (sledding for all you Americans!).

The Famous Fairy Springs

This cute little stream is tucked amongst beautiful limestone walls and gorgeous green trees all while leading to a waterfall (of course!). The water is crystal clear, warm and only ankle deep making it ideal for wading and splashing.

The fairy springs is quite a touristy destination and is showing up increasingly more on lists of where to go in Vietnam. You’ll want to arrive first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Visit Mui Ne Fishing Village

Along the North (East) stretch of Mui Ne Bay there’s a colourful collection of fishing boats bobbing among the gentle ocean waves. In the early morning they bring in their catch to sell in the market. This is the best time to visit (as it’s the most active). Alternatively you can visit at sunset for the perfect photo op!

vietnam things to see

Where To Stay In Mui Ne

Mui Ne is all about the beach, so you want beach front accommodation! Everything listed is beach front, because in Mui Ne you don’t have to compromise location for price. There’s a HUGE variety of options, everything from single-digit priced dorm rooms to fancy resorts.

Where To Eat In Mui Ne

Chi Em – This family run seafood joint is a great bet for fresh seafood with a distinct Vietnamese flavour. Chi Em is located along the beach west of Mui Ne.

Check out Google or TripAdvisor for other great restaurants as there’s always something new popping up.

How To Get To Mui Ne

Bus – There are a number of daily buses from HCMC that take around 5hrs. One of these is partly overnight, which I suggest avoiding as it’s such an awkward time and doesn’t allow enough time to get a decent sleep.

Find the latest schedule and pricing from HCMC to Mui Ne on Bookaway.

Train – In my opinion the train is a far more comfortable way to travel compared to the bus. It’s about 4 hours on the train to Mui Ne (Muong Man, a short taxi from Mui Ne) from HCMC in the South if you’re traversing the country from South to North. If you’re going North to South, you can train to Mui Ne from Hoi An or Nha Trang in the North. I highly recommend pre-arranging pickup at the train station with your accommodation, it takes the stress and hassle out of it!

Da Lat: 2-3 Days

Da Lat is a cute little mountain town and one of the few places in Vietnam to offer respite from the (sometimes oppressive) heat along the coast of Vietnam. The fresh mountain air can be a welcome change from the sweltering, sticky soup that passes as air in HCMC. I wouldn’t put this on the top of my list of things to see in Vietnam. But, it’s worth a visit if you love the mountains, or if you just want a break from the heat!

The Best Things To Do In Da Lat

Ho Xuan Huong Lake

This is the perfect place to sit in the shade and relax in the cool, crisp, mountain air. If you’re feeling (slightly) adventurous you can rent a paddle board and do a lap of the lake. If not, grab a picnic and find a lovely spot to hang out in the shade.