20 Vietnam moments that are a must-have.

There are numerous types of great Vietnam moments. They may be the eye-opening first taste of phở or the messy thrill of sampling fruit in a floating market. They can occur on a quiet morning in the mountains or in the bustling streets of a city. Most of your favorite recollections of Vietnam will also likely involve a smile from a local, a delightful scent, or a burst of tropical sunlight.

These are 20 must-do Vietnam travel experiences, from the rugged North to the riverine South.

Riding a bicycle amidst the rice fields

It would be ideal if you could get up earlier for this. Put your thoughts aside and get pedaling. You will soon find yourself in a sea of green waves (or yellow waves, depending on the season). Along the route in the early morning hours, you will see families of hefty water buffalo, ponds filled with lotus pads, and flocks of ducks.

TIP: Do you enjoy riding bikes? For trips on two wheels, Hoi An, Hue, and Mai Chau are great options.

The sidewalk is covered in icy coffee

Until you have had a coffee on the sidewalk, you have not truly experienced Vietnam. No matter where you choose to sit—on a sidewalk in front of a cathedral, for example, or in a random alley—you are a member of the community. Pour over ice cà phê đá, a chocolate-flavored Vietnamese robusta, stir, and watch what happens.

TIP: To have a better understanding of Vietnamese coffee culture, schedule a half-day visit to the K'ho Coffee Farm in Da Lat, where you may sample the best arabica in the nation and witness the complete process.

Can Tho's floating market at dawn

With boats of all sizes loaded down with Mekong Delta fruits and alluring wafts of steam coming from the sampans of the noodle merchants, the Cai Rang floating market is a riot of vibrant colors. For a unique experience, check out the smaller floating market, which comes together for just an hour at dawn to trade juicy mangoes, prickly pineapples, newborn bananas, and mouthwatering stacks of food.

It is harvest time in the hills

Beautiful Mai Chau is a perfect place to visit any time of year, but during harvest season you can witness the fields' transformation—something that happens just once or twice a year—just three hours from Hanoi. To bring in the harvest, the farmers toil diligently in the sun. In a matter of hours, plots that required months to sow and nurture will be mowed down to make room for a fresh cycle.

Lunch or dinner at a homestay run by a family

Hold off on eating. You will be astounded by the enormous spreads of tantalizing food prepared the same day by Vietnam's home cooks. Enjoy fried fish, wrap delicate noodles and delicate herbs in rice paper, and have bowl after bowl of rice and veggies. A fruit dish to cap it all off (along with maybe a hammock snooze).  

TIP: For the best fruit in Vietnam and a genuine sense of Vietnamese friendliness, we suggest visiting the homestays in the Mekong Delta.  

Riding a bicycle in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Beep, beep, beep. Have you simply missed a bus? An elderly woman pushing a cart? A bike-riding flower vendor? Having close encounters is enjoyable on

TIP: In addition to the Old Quarter, cyclos are the best mode of transportation in Hue's historic capital, which has bridges and waterfront streets.

Canoeing through Halong Bay

You have heard the tales and seen the images. However, you should make the memories of paddling out on your own in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Halong's emerald seas are a serene, welcoming green, broken up by forested islets and floating communities. The waters are protected by thousands of ancient limestone karsts. Sail into this magnificent landscape at your own speed.  

TIP: The regions surrounding Cat Ba Island, past Halong Bay, will astonish you with its hidden lagoons, dripping grottoes, and deserted beaches.

For breakfast, noodles soup

Perhaps this is the beginning of something passionate. or simply have one more breakfast. In any case, you really ought to try consuming your morning meal the Vietnamese manner. Simply take a seat at a crowded stand that serves bún cá, hủ tiếu, or phở gà. Once the bowl is delivered, personalize it with lime wedges, herb sprays, and chili slices. Combine all ingredients and relish the initial taste.

Ride a motorbike on the Hai Van pass road

One of Vietnam's most picturesque coastline routes is Hai Van Pass, which is located around 27 kilometers from Da Nang's airport. The route climbs high above the glittering East Sea, hugging the jungle-clad mountains that divide Hue and Da Nang. It twists over huge stones. Riding a motorcycle is an exceptionally enjoyable experience as you can feel every gust of wind and heart-stopping plummet.

Chè in the summertime

When the temperature rises, chè is the preferred method of cooling off among Vietnamese people nationwide. In a matter of seconds, this adaptable concoction of fresh fruit, coconut cream, shaved ice, and tropical treats will make you feel better. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix it, or taste each component separately. There are so many different types of chè to try, which is its finest feature!

Visiting the museum

It might be challenging to "crack" Vietnam's mysterious culture, particularly on your first visit. A strategic museum visit will provide you with a foundation of knowledge to enhance your enjoyment of your journey. The Fine Arts Museum, the Women's Museum and Ethnology Museum in Hanoi, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Cham Museum of Sculpture in Da Nang are a few of Vietnam's greatest museums.

TIP: Culture-seekers can learn more outside of museums by taking one of Vietnam's fantastic tours, which include everything from modern art to culinary customs.

A stroll at Marble Mountain early in the morning

Visit Marble Mountain early in the morning to avoid the heat and congestion. You will be happy that you did. With the exception of a few early-rising monks, this amazing attraction will be exclusively yours. In complete peace, admire the intricate pagodas, carved gateways, large tunnels, and beautiful stone steps and walks across the property.

Dinner of seafood near the water

Return of hair? Return of the sleeves? Take a deep breath. Due to its extensive coastline, Vietnam offers plenty of opportunities for a beach supper, such as tamarind prawns, steamed clams with lemongrass, and whole grilled fish. When visiting Vietnam, make sure to set aside an evening to enjoy the country's excellent seafood. A good place to start is any of the seafood eateries in Phu Quoc, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne.

Guided tour of the tombs in Hue

Vietnam's most fascinating historical sites are without a doubt the tombs of the Nguyen kings. From 1802 until 1945, the capital city of Hue was the seat of the last dynasty in Vietnam. The opulent tomb designs of the Nguyen rulers contributed to their notoriety. Nestled in the rural areas of Hue are these amazing, intricate tombs, each one more fascinating than the last.

TIP: Emperor Gia Long, the first Nguyen emperor to unite the nation and create Hue as its capital, is buried the furthest away from the other monuments. It is well worth the hour-long ride to his tomb.

Phu Quoc sunsets are amazing

Although it is a little bit of a secret, we are happy to tell you about it. Drive to Nam Nghi Resort in Phu Quoc and take a two-minute boat ride to Rock Island. The island has a secluded beach for swimming, a wildly Instagrammable bar, and a romantic dining area out on the rocks. It faces the sunset. If you are unable to depart, spend the last hours of the day at a bar on Ðng Lang Beach.

In a national park, hiking

Vietnam's national parks entice visitors with stunning waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife, and nearly deserted pathways. You can choose to stay in a homestay with an ethnic minority, go on a multi-day cave exploration, or camp in a park, depending on your preferences. Too little, too soon? To see bubbling rock pools and sweeping peaks, consider taking a one-day climb.

Tour of street food on a motorcycle

One of the best things about traveling to Vietnam is the street cuisine, which is particularly delicious in Vietnam. As soon as you get here, we suggest booking a street food tour from the back of the bike to find out what all the excitement is about. Allow a local foodie to take you to sidewalk bars, unique restaurants, and hidden stalls for a mouthwatering introduction to Vietnam.

Enjoyable boat excursions in Ninh Binh

Surprisingly, Ninh Binh is becoming known as a bizarre destination with an abundance of historical and ecological treasures. The Trang An and Tam Coc waterways, a riverine system that winds between massive limestone karsts to create an unearthly setting that feels frozen in time, are among them. Experience this incredible environment up close during a two-hour paddleboat ride.

Posing for pictures on Da Nang's famous bridges

The contemporary seaside hub of Vietnam, Da Nang, appears to have an affinity for bridges. The canary-yellow Dragon Bridge is unmistakably distinctive as a representation of Vietnamese aspiration and advancement. The Golden Hands Bridge appears like something from an Instagrammer's fantasy, perched high in the hills. Saying "I am in Vietnam now" with a selfie at these unique locations could not be simpler.

A Lune Productions O Show

The focus of Lune Production's eye-catching, modern productions is Vietnamese culture, both traditional and modern. The world-class lighting, costumes, acrobatics, and dances on stage are enhanced by live traditional music, creating an incredible show. These hour-long shows will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Among the best pieces in the Lune repertory are A O Show and The Mist.