15 Best Things to Do in Vietnam for First-Time Visitors (2026 Local Expert Guide)

Vietnam offers countless exciting things to do and wonderful places to visit. But if you are visiting Vietnam for the first time and are unsure where to begin, there is no need to worry. Ms. Tam – a local tour guide from Truong Sa Tourist Vietnam DMC – will accompany you in this guide. With a local perspective and experience organizing tours for thousands of international travelers, we have selected the 15 best experiences in Vietnam, ideal for first-time visitors.

The list below not only includes standout destinations from North – Central – South Vietnam but also suggests activities rich in local identity, helping you enjoy a complete, memorable journey and easily plan your Vietnam trip in 2026.

1. Overnight Cruise in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay - one of UNESCO’s recognized natural heritage sites — is famous for its dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, formed over millions of years. Exploring Ha Long Bay by cruise has become a favorite choice for many travelers.
 

During the day, Ha Long is majestic; at night, it transforms into a mystical, tranquil scene, with only the gentle sound of waves against the boat. Staying overnight on a cruise is unlike any other form of accommodation. It is the feeling of immersing yourself in turquoise waters, breathing fresh sea air, and enjoying absolute peace.

What makes this experience truly special is the chance to admire a star-filled sky and a radiant sunrise over the sea. You will feel the harmony between humans and nature - a unique and unforgettable experience.

Moreover, the journey takes you past famous landmarks such as Fighting Cocks Islet, Thien Cung Cave, and Sung Sot Cave. Each location carries legendary stories that add mystery and fascination to the trip.

What will you experience?

• Watching sunset and sunrise
• Kayaking through caves and hidden lagoons
• Swimming in emerald waters
• Learning to cook Vietnamese dishes onboard
• Night squid fishing with crew members
• This is not simply sleeping on a boat — it is a meditative nature experience.

2. Join a Hanoi Street Food Tour

A Hanoi food tour brings exciting emotional layers as you taste countless delicious dishes and learn more about Vietnamese cuisine.

From simple street vendors lining narrow alleys to long-standing traditional eateries and modern upscale restaurants, each place offers rich flavors and emotional experiences, making your Hanoi journey more complete and unforgettable.

Highlights

• Sitting on small plastic stools to eat traditional beef pho
• Enjoying charcoal-grilled bun cha
• Drinking egg coffee
• Trying banh cuon, spring rolls, bun rieu
• A local guide explains the history of each dish, ingredients, and Hanoi dining culture — the fastest way to understand local culture.

3. Walk Hoi An Ancient Town & Release Lanterns

The best way to explore Hoi An Ancient Town is to walk slowly through its small streets and alleys with iconic yellow walls and moss-covered tiled roofs, feeling the timeless beauty at a relaxed pace.

Besides strolling, admiring lanterns, and taking night photos, a boat ride and lantern release is the most emotional activity, especially for first-time visitors. Sitting on a small boat gliding along the Hoai River, the old town glows magically, reflecting on the water, creating a peaceful and romantic scene. Releasing a lantern is not only experiential but also a cultural ritual linked to the Full Moon Festival, symbolizing wishes for peace, luck, and blessings.

Recommended experiences in Hoi An

• Releasing a wish lantern
• Walking the ancient town
• Joining a lantern-making workshop
• Tailoring clothes within 24 hours
• Taking photos in an Ao Dai among lantern streets

4. Take the Cable Car to Ba Na Hills & Walk the Golden Bridge

Ba Na cable car is not only modern transport but also a system holding multiple world records. From above, you can admire the Truong Son mountain range, waterfalls, ancient trees, and lush green hills.

On sunny days, the cable car passes through white clouds before reaching the summit — a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth capturing.

At the top, visit the Golden Bridge - a symbol of Da Nang, admired for its unique design and stunning scenery among clouds. The bridge resembles a golden silk ribbon held by two giant mossy stone hands, creating a remarkable first impression.

5. Listen to Hue Royal Court Music on the Perfume River at Night

Sitting on a dragon boat along the Perfume River while listening to royal court music feels like traveling back to imperial times.

This activity helps you:

• Understand Vietnamese royal music
• Feel Hue’s slow rhythm of life
• Experience culture beyond historical sites

6. Trek Rice Terraces & Stay in a Homestay in Sapa

Sapa is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking ethnic culture. With majestic mountains, lush rice terraces, and local traditions, Sapa offers peaceful and authentic experiences. Choose a homestay over a hotel to experience local culture and trek through terraced valleys with fresh mountain air.

7. Ride the Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is one of Vietnam’s most famous routes, loved for dramatic rocky mountains, winding passes, and rich ethnic culture. Around 370 km long, it reveals a wild yet emotional side of Vietnam. Guided motorbike tours are popular for safety and convenience.

Experiences include:

• Conquering Ma Pi Leng Pass
• Viewing Tu San Canyon from the Nho Que River
• Staying overnight in traditional stilt houses
• Meeting ethnic minority communities

→This journey is for adventure and nature lovers.

8. Boat Trip in Trang An

Located in Ninh Binh’s limestone mountains, Trang An offers one of Vietnam’s most impressive natural experiences. On a traditional sampan, you glide through emerald rivers, caves, and peaceful valleys. It combines nature, culture, history, and relaxation.

9. Enjoy Iced Milk Coffee & Saigon Rooftop at Night

Nothing captures Ho Chi Minh City’s spirit better than sipping Vietnamese iced milk coffee at a rooftop bar. At night, Saigon becomes vibrant and dazzling. The strong coffee blended with condensed milk reflects local flavor while the skyline shows modern urban life mixed with unique culture.

10. Crawl Through Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels offer insight into underground wartime life. Narrow spaces and smart structures make history vivid and memorable, showing Vietnamese resilience and creativity.
11. Boat Ride at Mekong Delta Floating Market at Sunrise

Gliding through floating markets at dawn, enjoying breakfast on the river, hearing boat engines and vendors’ calls, and buying fresh fruits creates an unforgettable experience. It reflects the river culture of generations in the Mekong Delta.

12. Snorkeling in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is perfect for tropical island beauty, with clear waters, white sand, and diverse coral ecosystems. Snorkeling among colorful reefs and tropical fish is accessible even for beginners.

13. Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Cooking classes offer cultural insight through cuisine. Available in Ho Chi Minh City, Tra Que Village, Bay Mau Coconut Forest, Hue, and Ha Long cruises. Learn to cook pho, fresh spring rolls, banh xeo, and more with local chefs.

14. Travel by Vietnam Reunification Express

This iconic railway connects North and South Vietnam. From the train window, landscapes shift from fields and villages to coastlines and cities. It offers a slow, emotional connection with the country.

15. Wear Ao Dai & Take Traditional Photos

Ao Dai symbolizes Vietnamese elegance and culture. Wearing it at heritage sites like Hoi An, Hue Citadel, or Hanoi’s Temple of Literature helps visitors connect with tradition and create meaningful memories.

Truong Sa Tourist Vietnam DMC – Your Trusted Local Partner

To fully experience Vietnam, choosing a professional local tour operator is essential. Truong Sa Tourist Vietnam DMC designs experience-based itineraries deeply connected with local culture while ensuring high service quality. With experienced guides and nationwide partners, they help first-time visitors enjoy smooth, safe, personalized, and meaningful journeys.

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