10 Experiences you Can't Leave Vietnam Without Doing
I spent a month and a half traversing Vietnam from North to South. If you only have time for the best of the best, these are the 10 activities that defined my trip.
1. Ha Giang Loop
The Ha Giang Loop was, without a doubt, the absolute highlight of my entire backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. It’s more than just a motorbike ride, it’s an immersive journey through remote ethnic villages, hidden waterfalls, and the kind of “pinch-me” scenery that photos can’t even begin to capture. I fell so deeply in love with the raw beauty and the community spirit of the loop that I actually traveled all the way back up north just to do it a second time. Whether you choose to drive yourself or hop on the back with an “Easy Rider,” the 4-day tour is a non-negotiable for anyone visiting Vietnam—it is the true heart and soul of the country.
2. Custom Made Clothing in Hoi Ann
You haven’t truly experienced Hoi An until you’ve stepped into one of its world-famous tailor shops. This charming town is the capital of custom-made fashion, where you can have anything from high-end suits to trendy linen sets handmade to your exact measurements in as little as 24 hours. There is something so special about choosing your own fabrics and watching a design come to life. It’s the perfect way to upgrade your wardrobe with high-quality, personalized pieces that will serve as the ultimate souvenir from your travels.
3. Sand Dunes in Miu Ne
For an adrenaline rush that rivals the Ha Giang Loop, you have to head to the White Sand Dunes for a sunrise ATV tour. Watching the first light hit the vast, rolling hills of sand feels like you’ve been transported straight to the Sahara. Renting a quad bike to tear across the dunes is an absolute blast and easily the most exciting way to reach the best viewpoints before the crowds arrive. It’s a surreal, high-energy experience that makes that 4:30 AM wake-up call completely worth it!
4. Train Street in Hanoi
Hanoi Train Street is easily one of the most surreal and “only in Vietnam” experiences you’ll ever have. Tucked away in a narrow residential alley, this active railway is lined with tiny, vibrant cafes where you can sip an authentic egg coffee just inches away from a passing locomotive. There’s a palpable build-up of energy as the local shopkeepers begin clearing tables and ushering everyone against the walls; then, within seconds, a massive train thunders through the gap, rattling the very ground beneath your feet. Just remember to be respectful and follow the cafe owners’ safety cues, it’s a living neighborhood, and they know exactly when to get you out of the way!
5. Trang An River Boats in Ninh Binh
If you’re heading to Ninh Binh, the Trang An boat cruise is a non-negotiable. There are three routes to choose from, but for the ultimate experience, Route 1 is the clear winner for cave lovers. While Route 3 features the area’s longest cave (1km), Route 1 takes you through a staggering nine different grottoes, the most of any path. It’s the longest route, clocking in at around 3 to 3.5 hours, and offers the best value as you glide through shimmering, low-hanging stalactites that require you to duck right in your boat.
6. Coffee Making Class in Hoi Ann
Vietnam’s coffee culture is legendary, and there’s no better place to dive into it than Hoi An. Taking a coffee making class is such a fun, hands-on break from sightseeing where you’ll learn the secrets behind the famous Egg Coffee, Coconut Coffee, and the classic Salt Coffee. It’s more than just a tasting; you get to master the traditional “Phin” filter and understand the history behind the beans. It was one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon, and now I can bring a little taste of Vietnam back home with me!
7. Trekking in Sapa
No trip to Northern Vietnam is complete without trekking through the emerald-green mountains of Sapa. While many people stick to the main town, the real magic happens when you head deeper into the valley toward villages like Ta Van or Nam Cang. You’ll be hiking through massive rice terraces and staying in local homestays, which is such a grounded, authentic experience. If you can, book a multi-day trek that takes you away from the crowds; watching the clouds roll over the peaks from your doorstep is a memory I’ll never forget. It’s a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views are some of the most beautiful in all of Southeast Asia.
8. Phong Nha Caves
Phong Nha is a world-class destination for adventure seekers and home to some of the largest, most spectacular caves on the planet. Even if you aren’t an expert explorer, visiting spots like Paradise Cave or Phong Nha Cave is an absolute must. The scale of the underground chambers is mind-blowing—walking through the massive stalactites and cathedral-like ceilings feels like stepping into another world. If you’re feeling brave, you can even book a tour that involves swimming through dark river passages or trekking deep into the jungle to find hidden entrances. It is raw, untouched Vietnam at its finest.
9. Golden Hand Bridge
Perched high in the Truong Son Mountains near Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is a unique stop in Vietnam. It is most famous for the Golden Bridge, where two massive stone hands appear to lift a shimmering walkway out of the clouds. It’s every bit as photogenic in person as it is online. However, the bridge is just the beginning. The entire site is a massive hilltop resort and theme park, reachable by one of the longest and highest cable car rides in the world. Once you’re at the top, you can explore a surprisingly detailed French Village, stroll through manicured flower gardens, and visit the Linh Ung Pagoda.
10. Head Massage and Hair Washing
Last but certainly not least, you cannot leave Vietnam without experiencing a proper “Gội Đầu”—the traditional hair wash and head massage. This might sound like a simple salon visit, but it is a “small but mighty” bucket list item that quickly becomes an addiction. It’s an incredibly relaxing experience that usually involves an hour of deep scalp massage, herbal shampoos, and sometimes even facial and neck massages. It was so amazing and affordable that I found myself going back multiple times a week! It’s the perfect way to wash off the dust of the Ha Giang Loop or decompress after a long day of exploring. Trust me, your hair (and your stress levels) will thank you.
