Last Updated on March 24, 2023
Vietnam stretches along 1,650 kilometers from north to south with over 3,260 kilometers of coastline. And it is known to be the country of all types of terrains. From mountain ranges to deltas and beaches, the Asian country offers spectacular landscapes. Visitors can enjoy all sorts of exciting activities, including sightseeing, biking, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, cruising among many others. There are so many things to do in Vietnam for adventurous and foodie travelers.
If visiting Vietnam is not on your bucket list yet, we are sure it will be after checking out the best 3 activities you can’t miss when traveling to Vietnam.
1. Explore cave systems
Exploring cave systems is one of the best things to do in Vietnam, not only for people who love exploring but also for those who admire nature. Some caves in Vietnam are not only extremely beautiful and mysterious but they even have their own climate and clouds! The most famous cave systems are in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and Halong Bay, of which Son Doong Cave is the largest in the world! It is so large that it has its own climate and nature, becoming the most captivating attraction to experience in the country.
TAKEAWAY: Son Doong cave was formed two to five million years ago by river water eroding away the weak limestone underneath the mountain. The cave is over 5km long with sections reaching up to 200m tall and 150m wide. This is large enough to house an entire New York City block, complete with 40 story skyscrapers!
At the moment, only one tour operator can organize tours to discover the Son Doong cave. Each year, only a limited number of tourists can join the cave visit and each group is for 10 people maximum. Those who wish to join the tour need to meet the health requirements as they will trek about 50 km, and navigate through the caves.
The best time to discover the cave is from January to August when the weather is cool. During the cave to the cave, visitors have to be very respectful and never touch anything in the cave. Stalactites, for instance, are in a continuous process of formation and just a touch could stop their development process.
2. Dive in beautiful beaches
Vietnam is a wonderful country with a coastline stretching approximately 3,000 km. Thus, it is so easy to reach the beaches when you are in Vietnam. Apart from relaxing on the beach, diving is a popular activity both for locals and visitors. There are a lot of diving sites that are suitable for both experienced divers and beginners in Vietnam. Some of the most beautiful ones are Moray Beach, Madonna Rock, Electric Nose, Nudibranch Gardens, Whale Island Bay, and Hon Nhan. Joining in this activity, divers can enjoy the crystal clear water, many beautiful and colorful corals as well as special fishes.
3. Try regional food specialties
Vietnam is also a paradise for foodies. Trying some regional Vietnamese dishes is a real pleasure for the senses. From luxury dishes in restaurants to street food, every visitor should enjoy the wonderful and traditional dishes in Vietnam.
Moreover, each region has its own food and trying these specialties is one of the best ways to experience the culture of the country:
Phở in Hanoi – Noodle soup
Bún Chảin Hanoi – Grilled pork vermicelli soup
Bún thịt nướng is a dish similar to Bún Chả served across all regions of Vietnam – Rice vermicelli and grilled meat
Chả Cá in the Nort particularly in Hanoi – Rice noodle with grilled fish
Cao Lầu in Hoi An – Rice noodles with barbecued pork, greens and croutons
Bánh Bao Vạc in Hoi An – White rose dumplings
Cơm Gà in the Quang Nam province – Chicken and rice with mint
Mì Quang in the Quảng Nam Province – Noodles, meat, herbs and broth
Bún bò huế in Hue – Hue beef thin noodle soup
Cơm Hến in Hue – Rice with clams
Coconut Mousse in Mekong Delta
Bot Loc Cake in Hue – Shrimps and pork cake
Banh Khot in Vung Tau – Shrimp roe cake
If you are brave enough, you can also try some weird street foods in Vietnam.
And last but not least, an important tip: remember to consider if you need a visa to go to Vietnam. And if so, how to apply for it. You may want to visit vietnam-visa.com to learn more.
Now that you know what are the top things to do in Vietnam, your trip will be one of the most memorable experiences in your life. If you been to Vietnam before, we would love to hear your recommendations in the comments below. Cheers!