Top 12 Things to Do in Vietnam for First-Time Indian Travelers

Vietnam is a country filled with beauty and flavour. It is made up of lively cities and quiet villages. It also has wide landscapes. There are many places to visit in Vietnam.

There are fun adventures all over Vietnam when you are a first-time visitor. You can stroll the busy streets of Hanoi or hop on a boat and cruise around the limestone rocks of Ha Long Bay. You may want to relax by a river with waterfalls in Hoi An. Each place gives you a special experience.

This guide will present the greatest things to do on your first trip to Vietnam. You will find natural beauty and kind people in Vietnam. Whatever you enjoy, there is something in Vietnam for you.

These twelve ideas about the things to do in Vietnam will assist you. 

1. Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Hanoi is full of vibrant character and tradition. The narrow streets and shops make it an interesting and engaging place to experience. You can roam old temples and French colonial architecture. 

Small cafes are filled with locals drinking strong Vietnamese coffee. You will have to try the popular street food along the lines of pho and banh mi and wander around Dong Xuan Market for clothing and local snacks. 

The excitement doesn’t stop at sundown. The markets and performances keep the energy up until midnight. Walking through Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a good area for sights and local cultural exploration. It’s busy but welcoming. 

2. Cruise Through Ha Long Bay

Out of the best things to do in Vietnam, ha Long Bay is one of the top recommendations. Ha Long Bay is naturally beautiful. The limestone cliffs rise peacefully from the emerald water. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the bay is by a boat trip.

Most boat trips include local food as well as exploring caves like Sung Sot and lagoons. A day trip lets you see beautiful views, watch fishing boats, visit floating villages, or simply relax on a yacht.

Ha Long Bay is a nice place to go where things are calm and slow.

3. Visit the Imperial City of Hue

Hue was previously the capital of Vietnam. It is located beside the Perfume River. Try to visit the Imperial City when you visit Vietnam. It is a place that holds some of the palaces and temples from the Nguyen Dynasty. 

You can visit both the Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City when you get to the Imperial City. Once you are inside, you will also see some of the royal tombs including Khai Dinh.

This tomb is beautiful in terms of design. It is very peaceful with beautiful surroundings. You will also find Hue very quiet and calmer than other larger cities. You can bike around the peaceful streets or gently float on the Perfume River.

Our Famous Vietnam Tour Packages

4. Ride a Motorbike in Da Nang

Da Nang is a modern city and a good place to learn to ride a motorbike. The roads are wide and the riding conditions are decent. It is easy to rent a motorbike in Da Nang. You can ride along the stunning My Khe Beach or head over to the Marble Mountains.

The views are lovely from the Hai Van Pass. The Dragon Bridge is stunning and lights up on weekends. You can stop along the way for fresh seafood, or a cup of coffee. The people are very friendly.

5. Wander the Lantern-Lit Streets of Hoi An

Hoi An is a beautiful town. Every street is covered with lanterns and ancient architecture. This old town has been recognized as a UNESCO site, which means there is a lot to see.

You may visit tailor shops and temples during the day. At night, the streets are filled with lanterns and light. You can also take a class on making a lantern or floating a lantern on the river for good luck. 

Visiting Hoi An with a loved one is cute and romantic. Hoi An is a very memorable stop for first-time visitors because it is very lively and beautiful.

6. Take a Mekong Delta Boat Tour

The Mekong Delta is made up of rivers and floating villages. A boat tour from either Can Tho or My Tho shows the local culture on the waterways.

You can visit floating markets like Cai Rang, where traders buy and sell food, crops, goods directly from boats on the river. You can see market traders trade and sell around palm-lined canals. 

Most tours last over 4 hours. They include stops at temples and farms. You get to meet lots of friendly local people. The place is peaceful, which will allow you to calm down and enjoy your surroundings.

This experience will give you a basic representation of peaceful living in the south of Vietnam.

7. Relax on the Beaches of Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island is a great place to ease stress. It has soft white sand. At Long Beach, you can swim and take in the brilliant golden hue sunsets as the sun sinks behind the ocean. 

You can swim at shallow coral reefs or hike in the national park with waterfalls and hiking trails. You can also enjoy cheap grilled seafood and tropical fruit at night markets. You can eat as much as you want.

The island is very calm. Wherever you visit you will be greeted with welcoming locals smiling back at you. You will find a lot of peaceful spots to just sit and feel the calmness of the Island. 

For first-time visitors looking for the best places to visit in Vietnam, this is the ideal escape from the mainland craziness and the bustle of busy towns.

8. Discover the Caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is the home of big limestone caves. It includes caves like Son Doong, which is the largest in the world.  For those who just want to try something easier, there are places like Phong Nha and Paradise Cave with easy tours that you can enjoy.

There are also organized boat tours that take you through underground rivers and showcase interesting rock formations and the chilling cave air.

The national park is an attractive place in a quiet area. In Phong Na town, you will find a lot of things, including cool cafes and guesthouses. If you love nature, I am sure you will enjoy this adventure.

9. Enjoy Street Food in Hue

Food is also one of the top Vietnam attractions​. Hue’s street food is cheap and full of history. Street food is a vital part of Hue culture. It is difficult to choose only one food vendor. 

Common dishes include bun bo Hue, which is a kind of beef noodle soup. It is really spicy too. The dishes also include smaller plate items such as a banh beo. Banh beo is a steamed rice cake with a lot of vegetables. 

The amount of street food in Hue is plenty. It can be found anywhere, especially along the Perfume River. Most of the vendors at Dong Ba Market will let you try multiple dishes at once!

In Hue, street food looks beautiful, which is a result of its royal past. Trying out street food in Hue is one of the best ways to connect with its cooking culture.

Food is sold more cheaply in Hue than anywhere else. More importantly, it is tasty and a great experience for first-time guests!

10. Trek Through the Rice Terraces of Sapa

Rice terraces in Sapa are a green staircase on the slopes of the mountain. You can walk through local ethnic villages while enjoying the beautiful views.

Most of the treks are led by women from the local tribes. You will likely see rivers and bamboo forests while trekking on the road. You also have the option to spend the night with a local family to get a better idea of their culture.

The best time of the year to trek is in spring or fall because the fields are either green or golden. The treks are slow and relaxed. The focus on the treks is people and nature!

Sapa is so quiet and has magnificent mountain views. It’s worth a trip!

11. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are located just outside of Ho Chi Minh City. They provide evidence of a hidden world during the Vietnam War. 

You will be able to crawl through a small section of the underground tunnels. These tunnels allow you to see traps used as a form of defence. It also allows you to watch a short film on the war.

The guides will provide information on how the locals lived and how people had to use the tunnels to survive and resist attacks. 

To us, this site is a clear reminder of a stunning history that shows courage and strength. After visiting these tunnels, you will leave with more knowledge. However, there is a lot of reflection and respect for the past.

12. Watch a Water Puppet Show in Hanoi

Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that has its origins in flooded rice fields. Located in Hanoi, the Thang Long Theatre performs daily. They perform music and a dancing puppet show.

While the theatre stage is water, the puppets themselves are moved via poles. They are hidden from the audience’s view.

The stories are generally of village life, legends, and local comedy. Even without understanding the language, you will enjoy the music and movement of the wooden puppets.

This show is for all ages. The water puppet is a fun experience.

Be sure not to miss this delightful show near Hoan Kiem Lake. It is a wonderful and easy activity in Hanoi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam  – 

Q: What are the best things to do in Vietnam for couples?

If you’re visiting Vietnam as a couple, you’re in for a romantic escape! Couples love cruising through Ha Long Bay on a private boat, watching the lanterns float in Hoi An, or enjoying beach sunsets in Da Nang or Phu Quoc. Don’t miss a couple’s spa in Hanoi or a candle-lit dinner by the riverside in Hue — it’s all about beautiful moments together!

Q: What are the top things to do in Vietnam with family?

Vietnam is full of fun and family-friendly activities! You can explore the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, take a boat ride in the Mekong Delta, or enjoy a cable car trip to Ba Na Hills. Families also love spending time at beaches like Nha Trang and visiting water puppet shows or museums that are fun and educational for all ages.

Q: What are the top things to do in Vietnam for kids?

Kids love Vietnam’s exciting mix of culture and fun! Take them to Vinpearl Land amusement parks, explore the magical Sun World Ba Na Hills, or go wildlife spotting in Cat Tien National Park. Cooking classes, bicycle tours, and puppet shows in Hanoi are also a hit with the little ones!

Q: What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam depends on which region you’re planning to explore. Generally, March to April and September to November are ideal months when the weather is pleasant across most areas. Northern Vietnam is best in spring and autumn, while central and southern parts are great in the dry season from November to April.

Q: What are the top honeymoon places in Vietnam?

Vietnam has some truly dreamy honeymoon spots! Ha Long Bay is perfect for a romantic cruise, while Hoi An charms with its lantern-lit streets and riverside cafes. Phu Quoc Island is a beach paradise for honeymooners, and Da Lat offers a cool, romantic hill-station vibe. Vietnam is full of couple-friendly places to create unforgettable memories!

Q: What are the top places to visit in Northern Vietnam?

Northern Vietnam is packed with natural beauty and cultural heritage. Don’t miss Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa (for rice terraces and trekking), Ninh Binh (for boat rides in stunning landscapes), and Mai Chau for a peaceful village escape. It’s perfect for both adventure and relaxation.

Q: What are the top places to visit in Central Vietnam?

Central Vietnam is where you’ll find a mix of history, beaches, and culture. Visit Hoi An for its ancient town charm, Da Nang for beaches and modern vibes, Hue for royal palaces and pagodas, and Ba Na Hills for fantasy park fun and the Golden Bridge. You’ll love the vibe here!

Q: What are the top places to visit in Southern Vietnam?

Southern Vietnam is vibrant and full of contrast. Explore Ho Chi Minh City for its energy, visit the Mekong Delta for river life, head to Mui Ne for sand dunes, or relax in Phu Quoc Island for stunning beaches and luxury resorts. It’s a mix of adventure and chill!

Q: What’s the average budget of a Vietnam tour package for 5 days?

A 5-day Vietnam tour package usually starts around ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 per person, depending on your travel style. This includes flights, hotels, meals, transfers, and sightseeing. Budget travellers can do it for less, while luxury packages will cost more. Always check if the package includes internal flights or visas.

Q: Is a Vietnam visa-free for Indians?

As of now, Vietnam is not visa-free for Indian passport holders, but the good news is it’s super easy to get an e-visa online. The Vietnam e-visa is valid for 30 days and usually costs around $25 USD. Just apply online and get it within a few days — no embassy visit needed!

Just connect with Wonder World Travels to arrange your visa process. just call & process your visa Now – +91 98113 78777

Conclusion: Things to do in Vietnam

Vietnam is an ideal place for new tourists. Vietnam will provide you with everything you could want. Are you searching for rocky landscapes or historic towns? Vietnam offers this and many more. 

All the things to do in Vietnam offer a unique experience. You will love the company of the folks in the country since they are friendly.

Vietnam gives visitors a chance to experience its history and interact with people daily. It gives something different to every type of traveller. 

Visiting Vietnam for the first time? Wonder World Travels makes your journey easy with personalised trip planning, hotel bookings, and expert local tips. 

Whether you want to explore Hanoi, relax on beaches, or try Vietnamese food, they’ll help you at every step. Trust Wonder World Travels for a smooth and unforgettable Vietnam experience.