Vietnam Bucket List: Top Unique Things to Do in Vietnam

Vietnam is a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene rice terraces of Sapa, this Southeast Asian gem offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. With a rich history, Vietnam is home to countless cultural landmarks, stunning natural wonders, and a vibrant culinary scene.

Beyond its famous attractions, Vietnam offers a wealth of extraordinary and lesser-known experiences that make every journey unforgettable. In this guide, we explore some of the most unique things to do in Vietnam, from thrilling adventures and immersive cultural activities to hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Unique Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the Secret Cu Chi Tunnels

If you are a history lover, don’t miss the chance to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. This experience is unique because it offers an immersive look into guerrilla warfare, allowing visitors to crawl through narrow tunnels and discover hidden trapdoors. You’ll also gain insight into the resilience of the Vietnamese forces by exploring underground bunkers, viewing booby traps, and learning about survival strategies.

Highlights:

• Crawl through sections of the tunnels to experience the tight, dark spaces where soldiers once lived and fought.
• See hidden trapdoors and booby traps designed by the Vietnamese soldiers.
• Explore recreated living spaces to understand how people survived underground.
• Test your aim with an array of historical firearms, including AK-47s and M16s, at the on-site shooting range.
• Learn more about the history through informative videos, and sample boiled cassava experience the staple food for soldiers.

 

Explore the intricate Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a Vintage Vespa Street Food Tour

For a thrilling mix of adventure and gastronomy, a vintage Vespa street food tour is one of the best ways to experience Ho Chi Minh City at night. Riding through the city’s bustling streets on a classic Vespa, you’ll zip through hidden alleyways and lively markets while stopping at authentic food stalls. This tour gives you an insider’s look at Saigon’s vibrant street food culture, making it a must-try for food lovers.

Highlights:

• Ride on a retro Vespa, guided by experienced local drivers.
• Taste Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), grilled seafood, and fresh spring rolls.
• Discover great food stalls that only locals know about.

 

Experience the flavors of Vietnam as you zip through bustling markets

Take a Midnight Stroll Through Bui Vien Walking Street

Bui Vien Walking Street is the answer of Saigon to Bangkok’s Khao San Road, but experiencing it at midnight offers a whole new level of excitement. By day, it’s a quiet street with cafes and small shops, but by night, it transforms into a neon-lit party hub filled with street performers, bars, and vendors selling exotic snacks. Whether you’re a nightlife enthusiast or just looking to people-watch, a late-night stroll here is an unforgettable experience.

Highlights:

• Watch dancers, live DJs, and street performers in action.
• Try local late-night snacks like Banh Trang Nuong, Banh Trang Tron, Balut (fertilized duck egg).
• Visit an open-air bar for affordable beer and cocktails.

 

Walk through the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife

Unique Things to Do in Hanoi

Try Egg Coffee at a Hidden Cafe

Hanoi’s famous egg coffee (Ca Phe Trung) is a must-try for visitors, but why not go a step further and learn how to make it yourself? Hidden cafes across the Old Quarter offer intimate workshops where you’ll discover the history behind this creamy, decadent drink. Invented in the 1940s due to milk shortages, egg coffee is made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and condensed milk, creating a rich, frothy topping.

Highlights:

• Learn the traditional method of making egg coffee from local baristas.
• Discover the history and cultural significance of this unique Vietnamese drink.
• Relax in a hidden café away from the tourist crowds.

Experience the rich, velvety taste of Vietnam’s famous egg coffee

Train Street Coffee Experience

One of Hanoi’s most thrilling experiences is sipping coffee just inches from a passing train on Train Street. Nestled between narrow old buildings, this railway track has become a must-visit attraction for its unique atmosphere. While authorities have restricted access in recent years, some cafes still offer safe and legal viewing spots. Visiting Train Street lets you enjoy Hanoi’s famous strong Vietnamese coffee while witnessing a train zoom by at breathtakingly close range.

Highlights:

• Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee or egg coffee while waiting for the train.
• Capture thrilling photos as the train passes just inches away.
• Chat with cafe owners to hear stories about life along the tracks.

 

Capture the perfect shot as the train rumbles past

Ride a Cyclo Through Hanoi’s Old Quarter

A cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter is one of the most nostalgic and relaxing ways to explore the city. These traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxis have been a part of Hanoi’s streets for over a century, offering a slow-paced journey through bustling markets, colonial architecture, and ancient temples. Unlike motorbike tours, cyclos allow you to soak in the sights at a leisurely pace, making it a unique way to experience the city.

Highlights:

• Take a leisurely ride through the Old Quarter, past historic buildings and markets.
• Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market and watch the local hustle and bustle.
• Capture stunning street photography from a unique vantage point.

 

Experience Hanoi’s charm with a traditional cyclo ride

Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Show

Vietnam’s water puppetry is a centuries-old art form that brings folklore and history to life in a way you won’t see anywhere else. Performed on a water stage, wooden puppets dance and glide across the surface, controlled by hidden puppeteers. Accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music, the show tells stories of rural life, legendary heroes, and mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes. Watching a performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a must-do cultural experience in Hanoi.

Highlights:

• Watch hand-carved wooden puppets come to life on the water stage.
• Listen to live traditional Vietnamese music with instruments like the Dan Bau.
• Learn about Vietnamese folklore and village life through captivating performances.
• Visit the backstage area in some theaters to see how puppets are controlled.

 

Enjoy a mesmerizing water puppet show

Try Couple Rings Making Workshop

Celebrate your love with a one-of-a-kind experience in Hanoi: crafting your own couple rings together. In a warm, inviting studio nestled in the city’s heart, you and your partner will design and handcraft silver rings with the guidance of a local silversmith. It’s more than a workshop – it’s a shared journey of creativity, laughter, and lasting memories. Perfect for couples seeking a meaningful moment to mark their time in Vietnam.

Highlights:

• Handcraft personalized silver rings using professional tools and techniques.
• Discover the rich heritage of Vietnamese silversmithing from a local artisan.
• Take home a beautiful, handmade symbol of your time in Hanoi.

 

Craft Your Own Rings with Your Partner in Hanoi

Hanoi Backstreet Tour Half Day on a Vintage Jeep

Let’s hop into a vintage Jeep and uncover a side of Hanoi most travelers never see. With the wind in your hair and a passionate local guide by your side, this half-day adventure takes you deep into the city’s hidden alleys, vibrant markets, and historic neighborhoods. From the crumbling charm of French colonial buildings to the hum of everyday life along the railway tracks, every turn reveals a new layer of Hanoi’s soul.

Highlights:

• Ride in a Vietnam War-era Jeep for a nostalgic, open-air experience.
• Explore hidden backstreets, bustling local markets, and authentic neighborhoods.
• Hear stories and local insights from your guide while enjoying the breeze.

 

Half-Day Hanoi Backstreet Tour by War-Era Jeep

Unique Things to Do in Hoi An

Release Floating Lanterns on the Thu Bon River

One of Hoi An’s most magical experiences is releasing floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River. Every evening, the Ancient Town comes alive with colorful lights as locals and visitors participate in this beautiful tradition. Rooted in Buddhist beliefs, the act of floating a lantern symbolizes good luck, happiness, and peace. The best time to experience this is during the Hoi An Lantern Festival, held on the 14th day of the lunar month when the town turns off its electric lights, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Buy a handmade colorful lantern from a local vendor.
• Release your lantern with a wish for health, love, or success.
• Take a boat ride at sunset for the best views of the glowing river.
• Explore Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and soak in the romantic ambiance.

 

Release a glowing lantern onto the Thu Bon River

Get a Custom Ao Dai Made in a Day

Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops, and getting a custom Ao Dai = Vietnam’s traditional dress – is a special experience. Worn for celebrations, weddings, and formal events, the Ao Dai is an elegant, fitted dress with long slits on both sides, worn over pants. Skilled tailors in Hoi An can create a perfectly fitted Ao Dai in just 24 hours, allowing you to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Highlights:

• Select from a wide variety of fabrics and intricate patterns.
• Get fitted for a custom-made Ao Dai within a short time.
• Take stunning photos in your Ao Dai around Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets.

 

Get a custom-made Ao Dai, Vietnam’s iconic traditional dress

Explore the Coconut Basket Boat Village

Explore the Coconut Basket Boat Village
For a fun and culturally rich adventure, you can head to Cam Thanh Coconut Village and experience riding a traditional bamboo basket boat through a lush palm forest. Originally crafted by local fishermen, these round boats offer a unique way to explore the peaceful waterways near Hoi An. Highlights include exhilarating boat-spinning performances by skilled locals and insight into the area’s fishing heritage.

Prefer a quieter, more authentic setting? Escape the crowds and head to Tra Nhieu Fishing Village, a lesser-known alternative where you can enjoy the same basket boat experience in a tranquil, rural environment. Surrounded by unspoiled scenery, this peaceful village offers a deeper glimpse into daily life along the river.

Highlights:

• Ride a round bamboo basket boat through Cam Thanh’s iconic coconut forest or opt for a quieter journey in Tra Nhieu.
• Watch local boatmen perform incredible spinning dances on the water.
• Visit a local fishing village and learn about traditional techniques passed down for generations.
• Enjoy an off-the-beaten-path experience ideal for those seeking authenticity and connection with local culture.

 

Glide through lush coconut forests in a traditional basket boat

Take a Jeep Tour Through Hai Van Pass and Visit Hue in a Day

For travelers craving a mix of adventure, history, and breathtaking views, a vintage Jeep tour from Hoi An to Hue is an unforgettable journey. Drive along the legendary Hai Van Pass – one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal roads – where the mountains meet the sea. Along the way, stop at hidden beaches, fishing villages, and panoramic viewpoints before reaching Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

In Hue, step back in time as you explore royal tombs, ancient pagodas, and the iconic Imperial City, all with insights from a knowledgeable local guide. It’s the perfect one-day adventure for those who want to experience more of Central Vietnam’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Highlights:

• Ride in a vintage open-top Jeep along the dramatic Hai Van coastal route.
• Stop at scenic locations like Lap An Lagoon, Lang Co Beach, and old French bunkers.
• Discover Hue’s historical treasures, including the Citadel, royal tombs, and Thien Mu Pagoda.
• Enjoy a guided, full-day cultural experience with stunning photo opportunities along the way.

 

Half-Day Hanoi Backstreet Tour by War-Era Jeep

Other Must-try Experiences Across Vietnam

Ride the Ha Giang Loop on Motorbike

For thrill-seekers and nature lovers, the Ha Giang Loop offers one of the most breathtaking motorbike adventures in Vietnam. Winding through towering limestone mountains, deep valleys, and remote ethnic villages, this journey showcases Vietnam’s most dramatic landscapes. Unlike Sapa, Ha Giang remains relatively untouched, providing an authentic cultural experience as you stay with ethnic minority families in traditional homestays. Riding along the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, with its jaw-dropping views, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Highlights:

• Ride through Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic roads.
• Stay in a local homestay and experience authentic ethnic culture.
• Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
• Explore traditional H’Mong, Tay, and Dao villages along the way.

Embark on an epic motorbike adventure through Vietnam’s most stunning mountain passes

Explore the World’s Largest Cave – Son Doong

Hidden deep in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong Cave is the largest cave on Earth, large enough to fit an entire skyscraper inside. It boasts its own jungle, clouds, and ecosystem, making it a truly otherworldly adventure. Only a limited number of people can visit each year, as access is restricted to preserve its fragile environment. A multi-day trek into Son Doong is one of the most exclusive and awe-inspiring experiences in the world.

Highlights:

• Trek through ancient jungle trails to reach the cave entrance.
• Explore enormous underground chambers with towering stalagmites.
• Camp inside the cave, surrounded by surreal rock formations.
• Cross an underground river and see the “Great Wall of Vietnam” inside the cave.

Step into the awe-inspiring depths of Son Doong

Stay Overnight on a Halong Bay Cruise

Instead of a quick day trip, staying overnight on a Halong Bay cruise lets you fully experience the beauty of this UNESCO-listed wonder. Surrounded by thousands of limestone karsts, you can enjoy the peaceful scenery without the daytime crowds. As the sun sets, the bay transforms into a serene paradise, perfect for stargazing from the sundeck of your boat. Many cruises also offer kayaking, cooking classes, and visits to hidden caves.

Highlights:

• Kayak through hidden lagoons and discover mysterious caves.
• Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, one of Halong Bay’s largest caves.
• Enjoy a sunset dinner on the boat with fresh seafood and try Tai Chi on the sundeck at sunrise.

 

Experience the magic of Halong Bay as you drift through emerald waters

Visit the Sand Dunes in Mui Ne

Mui Ne’s red and white sand dunes offer a completely different landscape from Vietnam’s lush greenery. Often compared to a mini Sahara Desert, these rolling dunes create a surreal backdrop for sunrise or sunset photography. For adventure seekers, activities like sandboarding add an extra thrill. Nearby, the Fairy Stream provides a peaceful contrast, where you can walk barefoot through warm, shallow waters surrounded by striking red and white rock formations.

Highlights:

• Watch the sunrise or sunset over the massive dunes.
• Ride a jeep across the sandy landscape, or try sandboarding down steep dunes.
• Walk through the Fairy Stream, a unique red-and-white sand creek.

Take stunning photos of the ever-changing dunes shaped by the coastal winds

Admire the Golden Bridge at Sunrise

The Golden Bridge, held up by two massive stone hands, has become one of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks. Located in Ba Na Hills – Da Nang, this architectural marvel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. To avoid crowds, the best time to visit is at sunrise, when the bridge is wrapped in mist, creating a mystical atmosphere. The experience is part of a visit to Ba Na Hills, a French-themed mountain resort filled with gardens, cable cars, and amusement attractions.

Highlights:

• Capture stunning photos of the Golden Bridge at sunrise.
• Ride one of the world’s longest cable cars to Ba Na Hills.
• Explore French-inspired villages, flower gardens, and pagodas.
• Enjoy the cool mountain air and breathtaking scenery.

Marvel at the stunning design of the Golden Bridge

Trek in Sapa & Visit its Love Waterfall

Hidden in the lush forests of Hoang Lien National Park, Love Waterfall is one of the most romantic and peaceful spots in Sapa. The waterfall cascades 100 meters down mossy rocks, creating a dreamy mist that fills the air. A short trek through the dense jungle leads to this hidden gem, making it a perfect escape from the busier areas of Sapa. During the rainy season, the waterfall is at its most powerful, offering a truly magical experience.

Highlights:

• Take a scenic trek through Hoang Lien National Park.
• Visit Silver Waterfall, another nearby natural wonder.
• Enjoy a picnic by the waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery.
• Capture stunning photographs of the misty waterfall and jungle trails.

Listen to the soothing sounds of rushing water as you immerse yourself in Sapa’s beauty

Vietnam is a treasure trove of diverse and unique activities that go far beyond the typical tourist attractions. From the enchanting release of lanterns in Hoi An to the breathtaking landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop, each experience offers a glimpse into the country’s rich culture and natural beauty.

You should venture off the beaten path and discover these hidden gems that promise unforgettable memories. To ensure a safe and convenient journey, consider booking with a reliable travel agency like Absolute Asia Travel, we can provide expert guidance and tailored itineraries for an extraordinary Vietnamese adventure.