Things to Do in Vietnam 2026 — Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Hanoi & the Mekong

Destination Guide

One Long, Extraordinary Coastline

Vietnam unfolds over 1,600 kilometres of coastline, and the joy of it is how different each region feels — chaotic, atmospheric Hanoi in the north; the lantern-lit calm of Hoi An in the centre; fast, French-flavoured Ho Chi Minh City and the waterways of the Mekong in the south. It's also one of the best-value countries in the region.

A week comfortably covers the north and centre using a single domestic flight; add a few days to reach the south, Sapa or the Ha Giang Loop. Below are the experiences worth planning a Vietnam trip around.

🛂 Entry & fees — 2026

Australian travellers need an e-visa, applied for through Vietnam's official government portal (around USD $25, single entry, 90-day validity, roughly three working days to process). Your passport should have at least six months' validity. Vietnam is one of the cheapest destinations in the region — budget around AUD $80–150 a day mid-range. Always apply through the official portal (beware look-alike sites) and confirm current rules before you book. General information only, not travel advice.

12 of the Best Things to Do in Vietnam

From an overnight cruise among limestone karsts to a bowl of pho on a plastic stool — the experiences that define a great Vietnam trip.

⛵Ha Long / Lan Ha

Traditional junk boats among the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long / Lan Ha

Cruise Ha Long Bay Overnight

Nearly 2,000 limestone islands rise from emerald water — and an overnight cruise beats a day trip every time, with kayaking, caves and a seafood dinner as the crowds thin at sunset.

Tip: Quieter Lan Ha Bay next door has the same scenery with fewer boats; pick a reputable small-group cruise.

🏮Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town & Lanterns

A honey-hued UNESCO old town of tailors, temples and yellow walls that glows after dark. Take a boat on the Thu Bon River and float a lantern for the full effect.

Tip: Get measured for tailoring on day one so it's ready before you leave; the old town is loveliest at dawn and dusk.

🛵Hanoi

Hanoi

Hanoi's Old Quarter & Street Food

Vietnam's 1,000-year-old capital is best explored on foot through the Old Quarter's trade streets, fuelled by egg coffee, bun cha and pho, with Hoan Kiem Lake at its heart.

Tip: A guided evening street-food walk is the fastest way to eat well and learn the city — book a small group.

🌉Da Nang

Da Nang

The Golden Bridge & Ba Na Hills

The famous bridge cradled by two giant stone hands, reached by one of the world's longest cable-car rides into the hilltop resort of Ba Na, an easy day trip from Da Nang or Hoi An.

Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday cloud; combine it with the Marble Mountains on the way.

🏙️Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City

The underground network of the Cu Chi Tunnels and the sobering War Remnants Museum give context to the country's history, wrapped in the fast, buzzing energy of Saigon.

Tip: Do the tunnels as a half-day morning trip, then explore the city's rooftop bars and markets by night.

🚣South of HCMC

Sampan boats on a canal in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

South of HCMC

A Mekong Delta Boat Trip

Two to three hours from the city, the Mekong slows everything down — floating markets at dawn, coconut-candy villages, and narrow canals explored by hand-paddled sampan.

Tip: An overnight stay lets you catch the Cai Rang floating market at its early-morning best.

🛶Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh's Trang An Boat Ride

Often called 'Ha Long Bay on land', Ninh Binh's rivers wind between limestone peaks and through cave tunnels by rowboat, with the Mua Cave viewpoint for a panorama over it all.

Tip: An easy day trip from Hanoi; climb the ~500 steps at Mua Cave early before the heat builds.

⛰️Sapa (North)

Terraced rice fields on misty hillsides around Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa (North)

Trek the Rice Terraces of Sapa

In the far north, tiered rice terraces cascade down misty valleys around Sapa, home to hill-tribe villages and Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.

Tip: Go with a local homestay guide for the walks that matter; spring and autumn are clearest.

🏖️Da Nang

Da Nang

Da Nang's Beaches & the Hai Van Pass

Long sandy beaches, the Marble Mountains, and the spectacular coastal Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue — Vietnam's most liveable city makes a relaxed central base.

Tip: Ride (or be driven) the Hai Van Pass for the views; it's the scenic link to Hue.

🏯Hue

The moated Imperial Citadel of Hue, Vietnam

Hue

Hue's Imperial City

The former imperial capital, with a moated citadel, royal tombs scattered along the Perfume River, and a refined cuisine all its own — the historic heart of Vietnam.

Tip: Hire a bike or a boat to reach the royal tombs; pair Hue with Da Nang and Hoi An in the centre.

🏍️Ha Giang (Far North)

A winding mountain road on the Ha Giang Loop, northern Vietnam

Ha Giang (Far North)

Ride the Ha Giang Loop

The country's most dramatic road trip — a multi-day loop through towering karst mountains and remote ethnic villages near the Chinese border, on the back of a bike or self-ridden.

Tip: If you're not a confident rider, book an 'easy rider' guided tour and enjoy the view from the back.

🍜Hanoi / Hoi An / HCMC

Fresh spring rolls and herbs at a Vietnamese cooking class

Hanoi / Hoi An / HCMC

Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Start at a local market, then learn to build pho, roll fresh spring rolls and balance the herbs and fish sauce that make Vietnamese food so good — often on a farm or by the river.

Tip: Hoi An's classes often include a basket-boat ride through the coconut palms — a fun half-day.

Beyond the Classic Route

More time, or a repeat trip? These reward going further.

Phu QuocVietnam's biggest island — beaches and resorts, best Nov–Apr.

Nha TrangThe trending south-central beach city and its islands.

Phong NhaA national park hiding some of the world's largest caves.

Da LatCool-climate highlands, pine forests, waterfalls and coffee.

Cat Ba & Lan HaQuieter karst bays and kayaking near Ha Long.

Con DaoRemote islands with empty beaches and clear diving.

Practical Vietnam

🗓 When to go

Vietnam spans several climates. The north has four seasons — spring and autumn are best, winter is cool and drizzly. The centre is dry February–August (typhoons September–December). The south is warm year-round, driest November–April. Broadly, October–April works well across the country.

📅 How long

8–10 days covers the north and centre — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Da Nang — using one domestic flight. Add 12–14 days to include the south (Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong), Sapa or the Ha Giang Loop.

🏨 Where to base

Travel north to south. Base in Hanoi for the north (and Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Sapa), Da Nang or Hoi An for the centre, and Ho Chi Minh City for the south and the Mekong.

🚗 Getting around

Domestic flights are the key to covering distance (VietJet is the budget carrier; Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo are full-service). Grab (car and motorbike) is cheap in the cities. Trains are scenic but slow, and self-driving isn't recommended for visitors.

Vietnam — FAQ

What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

It varies by region. The north is best in spring and autumn; the central coast is driest February to August; the south is warm year-round and driest November to April. Overall, October to April is a good window for a north-to-south trip, avoiding the central typhoon season.

How many days do you need in Vietnam?

Eight to ten days comfortably covers the north and centre — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Da Nang — using a single domestic flight. Twelve to fourteen days lets you add the south (Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta), Sapa or the Ha Giang Loop.

Do Australians need a visa for Vietnam?

Yes — Australian travellers need an e-visa, applied for through Vietnam's official government portal (about USD $25, single entry, 90-day validity, roughly three working days to process). Your passport should have at least six months' validity. Apply only through the official portal and check current rules before booking.

Is a Ha Long Bay day trip or overnight cruise better?

An overnight cruise is well worth it — you experience the karst scenery at sunset and sunrise away from the day-trip crowds, with time for kayaking, caves and a seafood dinner. Consider quieter Lan Ha Bay next door for similar scenery with fewer boats.

Is Vietnam good value?

Very — it's one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia. Street meals cost a couple of dollars, and mid-range travel runs roughly AUD $80–150 per person per day, less if you eat and travel like a local.

How do you get around Vietnam?

Domestic flights are the most time-efficient way to cover the long distances between regions. Within cities, the Grab app (car and motorbike) is cheap and easy. Trains are scenic but slow, and self-driving isn't recommended given the traffic.

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