A country as magical as Vietnam can only guarantee travel experiences that are varied and vast. From the frenetic, motorbike-filled city streets of Ho Chi Minh to the breathtaking, hazy seascape of Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands, Vietnam promises destination after destination rife with unique scenery and experiences. It’s no wonder this Southeast Asian gem is a tourist favorite. With so much to see and do here, one visit simply won’t suffice. You’re also sure to discover something new each time you come back. Eager to explore Vietnam? Here’s a list of some of the bucket-list experiences you must have in Vietnam.
1. Practice mindfulness over a traditional tea ceremony in Hanoi (from USD 26.0)
This zen experience invites you to a traditional tea ceremony in Hanoi, wherein you’ll get to delve deeper into the world of tea. Participants will start with a meditation to clear their minds before tea time. The ceremony, led by the tea master, then begins with preparing the tea. Typically, traditional Lotus green tea is used but you can opt for different varieties as well. Learn about the tea culture in Vietnam (and specifically, Hanoi), the proper way of brewing tea, and how it is made, from the hosts’ personal experiences. Enjoy delicious traditional sweets with your tea. You also have the option of buying some tea to take home with you.
Vietnamese Tea Ceremony by Tea Master
Duration: 1 hour
2. Paddle down the Cai River and and witness a spectacular sunset (from USD 19.0)
If you’ll be around the coastal city of Nha Trang, this stand-up paddle boarding activity is ideal for a single afternoon. Be at the meeting point at exactly 3pm. At the riverside location, get a brief lesson on stand-up paddleboarding, which is important especially if you’re a first-timer. Once you’re handed your vessel and you’ve gotten used to controlling it, you can start to paddle down the Cai River. This relaxing trip down the river will last only a couple of hours and end just in time to catch the spectacular sunset over the river.
Paddle Boarding (SUP) down the Cai River
Duration: 3 hours
3. Explore the famous Ha Giang Motorbike Loop (from USD 308.0)
This four-day tour from Hanoi will take you through the twists and turns of Vietnam’s northernmost region of Ha Giang on a motorbike. Travel to Ha Giang City by van on the first day and ride 45 km (30 mi) to Nam Dam before checking into your accommodation. The second day will take you hiking to Lung Khuy cave and then on a ride to North Point. On the third day, drive along Ma Pi Leng Pass and swim under a waterfall, before having a farewell dinner in the city. On the last day, return to Hanoi - surely with remarkable memories! The whole experience is organized by expert guides and includes three nights’ accommodations and meals.
The Famous Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Adventure
Duration: 1 day
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Discover Vietnamese coffee in Ho Chi Minh (from USD 5.0)
Coffee enthusiasts will agree that Vietnam has some of the best coffee in the world. This hour-long experience in Ho Chi Minh will introduce you to the art of growing, roasting, and preparing Vietnamese coffee. It will be conducted in a local coffee shop, where you’ll not only get to taste five different preparations of original Vietnamese coffee, but also get to make traditional drip coffee by yourself. Learn about the history of coffee and what makes it a well-loved delicacy in Vietnam. As a bonus, you’ll also get to check out the bustling Cambodian market and the biggest flower market in Ho Chi Minh.
VIETNAM COFFEE BEAN -LEARN-ROAST-TASTE
Duration: 1 hour
5. Craft your own lantern in Hoi An (from USD 18.0)
Front and center on this cultural experience are the mesmerizing lanterns of old Hoi An, now known as the “city of lanterns”. Formerly a port city for trade, Hoi An welcomed its first lanterns around the 16th century. Now, scores of these lanterns beautifully light up the city at night. Learn to make your own traditional lantern on this three-hour experience, as guided by a third-generation maker. The host will welcome you with herbal tea, special Hoi An cake and fruit, as well as give you a glimpse into their daily life and various other creations.
Making your own lantern in a Hoian house
Duration: 3 hours
6. Surf the waves in Phan Thiet (from USD 43.0)
Vietnam is home to some of the most scenic beaches and amazing surfing spots in the world. This particular surfing experience takes place in Little Buddha Beach in Phan Thiet, where more skilled surfers will be glad to encounter left-hand point breaks. However, this two-hour activity is actually perfect for beginners, too. An expert instructor will first go over take-off, standing, and paddling exercises and safety tips to get you warmed up and used to the longboard. Head out to the sea once you’re ready to hit the waves.
Surf in Vietnam with a local!
Duration: 2 hours
7. Personalize a Non La with folk art in Ho Chi Minh (from USD 33.0)
If you’re wondering what a non la is, it might actually be more familiar than you think. It is conical hat made of palm leaf, and is considered to be the traditional symbol of the country. Get to paint and personalize a Non La at this fun cultural experience in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll learn about Dong Ho folk art, including its history and status, and apply its painting principles on your very own work of art using the Non La. Enjoy working in an artist’s studio, with live flute and piano performances and traditional tea and cookies.
Paint & Personalize a Vietnamese Non La
Duration: 2.5 hours
8. Acquire a new and unique skill through a juggling workshop in Ho Chi Minh (from USD 30.0)
What better to take home from a vacation than a new and unique skill? If you’ve got a free 90-minute pocket on your trip, we highly recommend taking this creative and surprisingly zen juggling workshop. Conducted by a Guinness World Record juggler, this experience will let you discover that juggling is a great way to relieve stress and improve your concentration. This no-frills workshop is conducted on the rooftop pool area of a hotel and also includes refreshments. Try it out, because, why not?
Learn How To Juggle With Guinness World Champion
Duration: 1.5 hours
9. Get a real experience of the Mekong Delta (from USD 97.0)
The Mekong Delta is a center of life in Vietnam, providing much of the country’s sustenance through rice and fish. To fully experience this area, a quick day trip is not enough. This tour of the Mekong Delta by bike, boat, and kayak will certainly go beyond typical itineraries and take you closer to real life around the Mekong Delta countryside. Starting at 7am and ending right at sundown, this experience is sure to make for a jam-packed, adventure-filled day. A guide will pick you up and take you riding through the villages, on a boat ride to check out the floating markets, and kayaking through the canal. Lunch is provided as well.
Experience Mekong by bike & kayak
Duration: 10 hours
10. Learn about Vietnamese ingredients and make your own food from scratch in Ho Chi Minh (from USD 73.0)
If Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh, happens to be your base on your trip, this agri-tour and cooking class experience is an ideal option for a near full day’s itinerary. A group of up to six people can be accommodated on this masterchef-crafted tour that starts out at HCM Agricultural Gardens. Here, guests will get to gather classic Vietnamese ingredients such as herbs, spices, and vegetables and also learn about their practical uses before making four dishes from scratch. This experience also comes with complimentary tea, a certificate, a T-shirt, and various recipes, as well as includes a side trip to a rubber tree forest and the historic Cu Chi tunnels.
Full Day CuChi Tunnel with Masterchef
Duration: 10 hours
When in Vietnam
The rich landscape of Vietnam abounds with destinations for tourists of all kinds. If you want to learn more about the local coffee or tea, if you prefer a motorbike road trip up north, or if you desire to discover Vietnam’s art and culture, there’s a bucket-list experience on this list with your name on it. Vietnam awaits!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10 Most Unique Experiences You Must Have In Goa, India - Updated 2024Virginia Maryann Dcruz -
Create an account to