The Best Things to Do in Vietnam: A Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
Step off the plane in Vietnam during the monsoon months and the air smells of wet earth, fresh herbs, and motorbike smoke. It clings to you like a memory. Streets pulse with life: plastic chairs line the pavements, markets hum with the sound of bargaining, and the honking never really stops—but somehow, it’s not noise. It’s rhythm. Vietnam is also gaining popularity among travellers from the GCC and Europe, thanks to its visa ease, rich culture, and budget-friendly experiences.
If you’re travelling from India this year, whether for a family holiday, honeymoon, or solo adventure, Vietnam has a gentle way of sneaking into your heart. And with Christmas lantern festivals in Hoi An and low off-season prices during the monsoon, August is an underrated but thrilling time to go.
What is Vietnam really like?
Vietnam is a land of contrasts. From the French colonial charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the buzzing energy of Ho Chi Minh City, from the misty mountains of Sapa to the postcard-perfect beaches of Da Nang—every region feels like a different world stitched together by history, food, and sheer resilience.
And it's not just stunning to look at—Vietnam is supremely affordable, especially with a curated Vietnam tour package. You can eat a full meal for less than ₹150, take intercity trains for the price of a Mumbai auto ride, and stay at boutique hotels with balcony views for what you’d pay for a dorm bed in Europe.
Where is it, and how do you get around?
Vietnam stretches vertically like a long ribbon between China, Laos, and Cambodia. Most travellers fly into Hanoi in the north or Ho Chi Minh City in the south and make their way across in either direction.
- Best time to visit Vietnam? October to April is cool and dry, but August gives you fewer crowds, cheaper stays, and that moody, romantic rain.
- Domestic flights are cheap; sleeper buses and trains are scenic and budget-friendly.
- Want something different? Take a night train from Hue to Da Nang and wake up to coastal views that’ll leave you speechless.
The best things to do in Vietnam (that not everyone talks about)
Hanoi: The capital of contradictions
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake at 6 AM and watch the city do tai chi in silence. By 8 AM, the same spot will be a chaotic swirl of scooters, bánh mì vendors, and vintage Vespa tours.
Don’t miss:
- Bun cha from a nameless shop in the Old Quarter
- The hidden egg coffee café—Café Giảng—tucked in a narrow alley
- Train Street (timed visits only—check with locals)
Halong Bay: But make it slow
Most tourists take a day cruise. Want something better? Opt for a 2-day junk boat cruise with a kayaking stop at Lan Ha Bay instead. Fewer crowds, same emerald magic.
Hoi An: Lanterns, lakes, and late-night magic
Every full moon, the streets go dark and the river comes alive with lanterns. Even if you miss that, the yellow-hued houses and tailor shops give this city its UNESCO-worthy charm.
Insider tip: Rent a bike and explore the rice fields to An Bang beach before the sun rises.
Da Nang: Where beach meets Buddha
Too often skipped, Da Nang has some of the best Vietnam places to visit—including the Marble Mountains and the towering Lady Buddha statue with a view you’ll never forget.
Alike Tip: For couples, Da Nang is ideal for a laid-back honeymoon break with fewer crowds and gorgeous coastline stays.
Ho Chi Minh City: Gritty, grand, and gutsy
This is where old Saigon meets new-age skyscrapers. Expect top-tier rooftop bars, gritty alleyway pho shops, and scooters that fly past like the wind.
Unusual experiences:
- The War Remnants Museum—haunting and necessary
- Cafés inside antique buildings—check out The Hidden Elephant
- Ben Thanh Market at night for snacking and bargaining
Vietnam itinerary ideas
If you’ve got a week, try this:
- Day 1-2: Hanoi + Train Street + Night market
- Day 3-4: Halong Bay cruise
- Day 5-6: Fly to Hoi An + Da Nang
- Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City and fly out
For longer Vietnam holiday packages, consider adding Sapa (trekking with Hmong guides) or Phong Nha Caves (underground rivers and jaw-dropping limestone karsts).
What to eat, buy, and photograph
- Food: Bánh mì, pho, mango sticky rice, egg coffee, banh cuon (try it fresh at Dong Xuan market)
- Shopping: Ao dai (traditional dresses), lacquerware, lotus tea
- Photo spots: Japanese Bridge in Hoi An, Halong Bay sunsets, incense villages near Hue
A little etiquette goes a long way
- Don’t point feet at altars or people.
- Always smile—it’s worth more than you think.
- Cross streets slowly—trust, the scooters will avoid you.
Why Alike is your go-to for Vietnam?
From visa guidance to curating dreamy honeymoon stays in Da Nang or helping you uncover things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that don’t feel touristy, Alike’s Vietnam travel packages are tailor-made for Indian travellers. You won’t have to worry about navigating foreign language menus or planning 20 tabs-worth of travel logistics—we’ve got it sorted.
Whether you’re backpacking solo, planning a romantic getaway, or taking the whole family on an unforgettable holiday, we’ll make Vietnam feel familiar in the best way possible.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Vietnam from India?
What is the best time to visit Vietnam from India?
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
Do Indians need a visa for Vietnam?
How many days are enough to explore Vietnam?
How many days are enough to explore Vietnam?
What are the must-try foods in Vietnam?
What are the must-try foods in Vietnam?
Is Vietnam safe for solo travellers and families?
Is Vietnam safe for solo travellers and families?
