Hey there, fellow adventurers! Ready to embark on a journey through the land of pho and conical hats? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into some seriously cool things to do in Vietnam that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that, and got the rice paddy-shaped tan lines to prove it!

Cruise through Halong Bay’s Limestone Labyrinth | 10 Things to Do in Vietnam

Picture this: you’re lounging on a traditional junk boat, sipping a cold Bia Hoi (local draft beer), while towering limestone islands straight out of a fantasy movie glide past. That’s Halong Bay for you, folks! But here’s a pro tip – skip the overcrowded day trips and opt for an overnight cruise. Why? Because when the sun sets and the day-trippers leave, you’ll have this UNESCO World Heritage site almost all to yourself.

I once kayaked into a hidden cave at dusk, only to find a secret lagoon inside. As the stars came out, the bioluminescent plankton in the water lit up like a million tiny fireflies. It was like swimming in a galaxy – talk about a bucket list moment!

Channel Your Inner Top Gear in Hai Van Pass

Remember that Top Gear Vietnam special? Well, it’s time to recreate it (minus the breakdowns, hopefully). Rent a motorbike and tackle the Hai Van Pass, a twisting mountain road that connects Da Nang and Hue. The views are absolutely breathtaking – on one side, you’ve got lush jungle-covered mountains, and on the other, the sparkling East Sea stretches as far as the eye can see.

Fair warning though, the road can be a bit hairy at times. I nearly had a close encounter with a cow that decided the middle of the road was the perfect spot for a nap. But hey, that’s all part of the adventure, right?

Get Lost in Hoi An’s Ancient Town | 10 Things to Do in Vietnam

Hoi An is like stepping into a time machine set to “charming AF.” This ancient town is a maze of narrow streets, colorful lanterns, and buildings that look like they haven’t changed in centuries (because they haven’t). But the real magic happens at night when the town is lit up by thousands of lanterns reflecting in the Thu Bon River.

Pro tip: skip the touristy lantern boat rides and instead, find a rooftop bar overlooking the river. I stumbled upon a hidden gem called The Deck, where I sipped on passionfruit mojitos while watching the lantern-lit boats below. It was like being in a real-life fairytale, minus the glass slippers and talking mice.

Slurp Your Way Through Hanoi’s Street Food Scene

Forget fancy restaurants – in Hanoi, the best food is found on tiny plastic stools on the sidewalk. From steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh mi, your taste buds are in for a wild ride. But if you really want to earn your foodie stripes, try some of the more… let’s say, adventurous dishes.

I’ll never forget the time I accidentally ordered a plate of still-beating snake hearts (yes, you read that right). Was it terrifying? Absolutely. Did it make for an unforgettable story? You bet your bun cha it did!

Trek with the Hmong in Sapa | 10 Things to Do in Vietnam

Nestled in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, Sapa is home to some of the most stunning rice terraces you’ll ever see. But the real treasure here is the chance to trek with local Hmong guides. These incredible women will lead you through remote villages, share their culture, and probably outpace you on the trails despite wearing traditional dress and flip-flops.

I spent a night in a Hmong homestay, where my host taught me how to make hemp cloth and tried (unsuccessfully) to teach me some phrases in her language. Let’s just say my attempts at pronunciation had the whole village in stitches!

Discover the Underground World of Cu Chi Tunnels

Ready to channel your inner secret agent? The Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City are a fascinating (if slightly claustrophobic) glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime history. These narrow underground passages were used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war, and today, you can crawl through a small section of them.

Word of warning: if you’re claustrophobic or just really tall, you might want to sit this one out. I’m not exactly NBA material, and I still felt like a sardine in a very tight can. But hey, it’s all part of the experience, right?

Float Through the Mekong Delta | 10 Things to Do in Vietnam

The Mekong Delta is like Vietnam’s version of Venice – if Venice had rice paddies, fruit orchards, and the occasional water buffalo. Take a boat trip through the maze of narrow canals, visit floating markets where vendors sell everything from pineapples to engine parts from their boats, and try your hand at rowing a traditional sampan (spoiler alert: it’s harder than it looks).

I once got so caught up watching a coconut candy-making demonstration that I nearly missed my boat back. Pro tip: always keep one eye on your watch, no matter how delicious the free samples are!

Conquer the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne

Who needs the Sahara when you’ve got Mui Ne? This coastal town is famous for its massive red and white sand dunes that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a desert planet in Star Wars. You can try sandboarding down the dunes, but fair warning – it’s not as easy as it looks.

I ended up with sand in places I didn’t even know I had after my less-than-graceful attempts at sandboarding. But the sunset view from the top of the dunes? Totally worth the sand-in-underpants situation.

Explore the Otherworldly Caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang | 10 Things to Do in Vietnam

If you thought the world’s largest cave system would be, well, cave-like, think again. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to some of the most spectacular caves you’ll ever see, including Son Doong, which is so big it has its own ecosystem and weather patterns.

While Son Doong requires some serious planning (and a hefty budget), there are plenty of other caves to explore. I took a boat trip through Phong Nha Cave, where the limestone formations looked like they were straight out of a sci-fi movie. Just remember to bring a good camera – your phone pics won’t do this place justice!

Learn to Cook Vietnamese Cuisine in Hue

Last but not least, why not take a piece of Vietnam home with you by learning to cook some of its delicious cuisine? Hue, the former imperial capital, is known for its unique and elaborate dishes, making it the perfect place to don an apron and get cooking.

I took a cooking class where I learned to make banh khoai, a crispy rice pancake stuffed with shrimp and pork. Did I nearly set fire to my hair while flambéing the pancake? Maybe. But did I also impress my friends back home with my newfound culinary skills? Absolutely!

So there you have it, folks – ten unforgettable experiences that’ll make your Vietnam trip one for the books. From crawling through wartime tunnels to floating through otherworldly caves, these adventures are sure to leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Just remember to pack your sense of humor along with your passport – you’re gonna need it!

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out Find Tour Go – they’ve got tons of great ideas for your next adventure