Here’s what do in Vietnam to make the trip a rewarding one:

1. Cruising in the Halong Bay

Halong Bay, with its emerald green water and karst cliffs all around, makes for a picture-perfect destination in Vietnam. Local folklore calls the bay as the place ‘where the dragon descends into the sea.’ The natural scape of Halong Bay is as diverse as they come. The crystal surface of the lake is occasionally interrupted by limestone highlands, wave-eroded caves and grottoes all around. A cruise down Halong is among the best things to do in Vietnam.  

2. Take a cycle tour around Hue

Situated on the bank of Perfume River, Hue is the legacy of the Nguyen Empire. Along with the contemporary buildings erected for tourism purposes, the old edifices like the Citadel, the Tombs of the Emperor, the Forbidden City and the Pagoda stand out as a reminiscence of the past. In modern-day history, this town marked the bifurcation between the north and the south during the Vietnam War. One can explore this historic town on cycles, either pedaling by oneself or taking one of the cyclo vehicles available. When the destinations are all covered, one can enjoy a drink by the Perfume River. It is not among the regular Vietnam activities, but surely a rewarding one.

3. Trekking from Phong Nha

The small town of Phong Nha in central Vietnam is where many jungle trekking and cave diving tours start. It falls in the Quang Binh province, which is home to hundreds of very deep caves. The deepest is Hang Son Doong – a deep, dark, mysterious cavern big enough to fit a skyscraper. The surrounding jungles of the Phong Nha National Park are perfect for short trips of trekking in Vietnam, featuring waterfalls and occasional visits by monkeys and foxes. The cave tours, though scary, are among the top things to do in Vietnam.

4. Go down the Cu Chi Tunnels

Yet another Vietnam adventure to do, Cu Chi tunnels are an absolute must. But they are more than just underground tunnels. They are a 250 km long man-made network created for discreet communication and hiding during the both the Indochina Wars. There are winding paths, hidden chambers, arsenals and storerooms and branches heading up to Cambodia. Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc are the two important tunnels. Apart from the fact that it is such a fun thing to do in Vietnam, these tunnels offer a glimpse into the kind of past that the soldiers had to live through in this war-ravaged country.

5. Row down the Mekong Delta

Southern Vietnam is entirely defined by the River Mekong. Thus the Mekong Delta is an obvious Vietnam point of interest. It fertilises the tail of the dragon on Vietnam’s map after traveling for more than 4000 km from Tibet, and sets the scene for a perfect cruise ride along its languid pace. Take in the ambience of green paddy fields, the rural villages and the locals with their trademark triangular hat on.