31 Choses Incontournables à Faire au Vietnam

Le Vietnam actuel est un pays occupé et bruyant, qui court pour rattraper les progrès de la Chine au nord et de la Thaïlande à l'ouest. Et bien que cela puisse être déroutant et ennuyeux par moments, tu découvriras bientôt un pays avec un passé riche et douloureux qui regarde vers un avenir brillant et plein d'espoir.

Malheureusement, le fameux conflit des années 60 et 70 domine toujours toute recherche Google que tu fais sur le Vietnam, mais il y a tellement plus à explorer ici.

Dans ce guide, nous avons choisi les 31 meilleures choses à faire au Vietnam afin que tu aies une meilleure idée des meilleurs endroits à voir dans le pays. Nous commencerons par Hanoï au nord et terminerons par HCMC et le delta du Mékong au sud.

Réservations: Certains des liens de cet article sont des liens d'affiliation. Cela signifie que si tu choisis de faire une réservation, nous recevrons une petite commission sans frais supplémentaires pour toi. Merci!

Les Meilleures Choses à Faire au Vietnam

Nous avons visité le Vietnam pendant 3 mois et avons même fini par y vivre à mi-chemin.

1. Explore la Vieille Ville de Hanoï

La capitale vietnamienne chaotique, avec plus de 8 millions d'habitants, est l'une des plus grandes villes d'Asie du Sud-Est. La Vieille Ville est le cœur de Hanoï et présente des rues étroites et labyrinthiques remplies de motos, de bus et de gens.

Pour vraiment explorer la Vieille Ville, tu dois t'éloigner des principales rues touristiques et t'aventurer dans les petites rues. Ici, tu trouveras de petits magasins qui exercent leur métier depuis des générations, des chaudronniers aux biens électriques faits à la main.

2. Visite le Lac Hoan Kiem

Ce pittoresque lac est situé au cœur de la ville et est entouré d'une légende mystique. Le lac est entouré de arbres et de parcs et est un endroit parfait pour se détendre, faire du jogging ou simplement s'imprégner de l'atmosphère.

A Mini-Guide to the Best Vietnamese Coffee in Hanoi

Vietnam’s buzzing capital is the perfect place to explore historic sites with a glass of ice-cold Ca Phe Sua Da. Or have a relaxing afternoon sitting on a balcony with a cup of mouthwatering egg coffee while people-watching. During our 3-month visit to Vietnam, I had more coffee than I’d

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Tu peux voir la porte rouge 'Thăng Tiên' qui se trouve sur une petite île au milieu du lac. Tu peux traverser l'île en bateau si tu le souhaites.

3. Visite Sapa

Environ 350 km à l'ouest de Hanoï, dans les montagnes, se trouve Sapa, une ancienne station de montagne française qui s'est transformée en une destination de randonnée populaire. Les principales routes de randonnée sont Randonnée à Sapa.

Le meilleur temps à Sapa est d'octobre à décembre et de mars à mai, quand l'air est dégagé et que tu as des vues spectaculaires des montagnes et des rizières.

Tu peux séjourner dans l'un des villages locaux des peuples de montagne. C'est une excellente occasion de connaître leur culture et leur mode de vie traditionnels.

Out of all the historic things to do in Hanoi, don’t leave without visiting the ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and the Vietnam Military War Museum. Both are located close to each other in the direction of the Ho Tay (West Lake) area to the north of the centre.

The Secret Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi

If you want to escape the motorbike-filled streets of Hanoi then pay a visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi. It’s a maze-like UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find beautiful architecture, secret bunkers and peaceful surroundings right in the centre of buzzing this city. It…

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While the War Museum is one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam, the Imperial Citadel should also make it to your list of the top things to do in Hanoi. Located in the heart of Vietnam, it’s an 11th Century UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Visite les Grottes de Tam Coc

Tu peux prendre un bateau à rames et ramer à travers les grottes tandis qu'un pêcheur local rame avec ses pieds.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Hanoi, consider booking a ticket to see the iconic Water puppet show.

Environ 170 km à l'ouest de Hanoï se trouve la zone extraordinaire de la Baie d'Halong, l'un des plus beaux endroits à visiter au Vietnam. Elle abrite environ 2.000 petites îles de calcaire impressionnantes.

Top 20 Things to Do in Hanoi, the Buzzing Capital of Vietnam

With a place as vibrant as Hanoi, you will not be short of historic sights to explore, excellent museums to visit, dramatic shows to watch and cultural monuments to admire. With vast history and modern approach, it’s a city that’s easy to fall in love with. Bookings: Some of the

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To see the show head to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi. For the best experience and the best seat, pre-book your skip-the-lines ticket in advance.

5. Trek Rice Fields in Sapa

La grotte à l'épreuve des bombes de trois étages, utilisée comme hôpital pendant la guerre du Vietnam(Américaine), abrite 17 chambres, dont une ancienne salle d'opération et une caverne naturelle comme cinéma.

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Trekking rice fields in Sapa is one of the most unique things to do in Vietnam that you don’t want to miss. This area is still home to many hill tribes and the ladies from the local villages can act as your personal trekking guides. This can often include a homestay at one of the nearby mountain villages such as Ta Van.

Top 10 Things to Do in Sapa and Beyond

If you’re looking for a list of things to do in Sapa, we have 10 top suggestions that will help you put together a perfect itinerary for your next trip to this Northwest region of Vietnam. From bustling markets and breathtaking panoramic views to post-trek restorative herbal baths, Sapa is

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The easiest way to get to Sapa is to take a sleeper train from Hanoi. Here’s our detailed guide on how to travel from central Hanoi to Sapa via Lao Cai on a Vietnamese sleeper train and bus.

Taking the Train from Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam

The train from Hanoi to Sapa is the easiest way to reach the lush green rice terraces of Sapa. So we decided to take the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Sapa in Northwest Vietnam to explore the area further. Here’s our guide on how to travel from central Hanoi

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Experience the Unique Ta Van Village in Northwest Vietnam

Nestled in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains of Northwest Vietnam, Ta Van village is home to the Giay people, one of Sapa’s ethnic minorities. As one of the bigger tribal communities in Lao Cai Province, it’s also one of the most popular overnight stops on the Sapa trekking route. If

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Take a day trip from Hanoi, spend a longer stay on a boat in the bay or venture over to Cat Ba Island just across the bay.

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If you decide to venture to the lush island, you can take the ferry from Halong Bay and stay for a day or two. We found many intriguing things to do in Cat Ba on our visit.

The 12 Best Things to do in Cat Ba Island

Within easy reach of Hanoi, Cat Ba island sits in the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin on the North Vietnam coast. There is a whole host of things to do in Cat Ba which makes it the ideal escape from travelling the Vietnam mainland for a few

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When planning your things to do in Vietnam itinerary, don’t miss the stunning Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set amongst the limestone karsts, it's home to five amazing caves close by, including the world’s biggest cave (so they claim).

Visiting Phong Nha Caves in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Situated in the limestone karst zone dating back to 400-500 million years, the jaw-dropping Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect base for exploring the magnificent Phong Nha caves. If you are planning to head there, plan to stay for a couple of

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To explore the smaller caves, stay in the small town of Phong Nha. Some cave visits require booking in advance so read up before you go.

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Said to be one of the most beautiful caves in Phong Nha (some claim in the world), the Paradise Cave can be explored independently. It’s one of those places to see in Vietnam that’s easy to reach and doesn’t require any special equipment to explore.

Paradise Cave: Visiting the Most Beautiful Cave in Phong Nha

Located in the spectacular Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Paradise Cave in Vietnam is a must-see destination in Vietnam. Home to the 360-million-year-old rock formations, the 31 km-long Thien Duong Cave is the longest and the most beautiful cave in Phong Nha, th…

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Hue (pronounced ‘hway’) was once the capital of imperial Vietnam with power transferring to Hanoi in 1945, marking the end of imperial rule. Today you can explore what was once the inner sanctum known as the Forbidden Purple City.

Visiting the Forbidden Purple City in Hue (Huế), Vietnam

Hear the words ‘Forbidden City’ and you might think of Beijing. But did you know there’s a Forbidden Purple City in Hue, Vietnam just waiting to be discovered? Hue became the capital city of a reunified Vietnam in 1802 until 1945 under the reign of the Nguyễn dynasty. It was

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Alongside exploring the ghostly Purple City, be sure to hop on a bike to discover the ancient tombs of Hue or join one of the tours for convenience.

Visiting the Stunning Hue Tombs

A stay in Hue (Huế- pronounced Huwey) would not be complete without a visit to the stunning Imperial Hue Tombs. The tombs are the elaborate resting places the Nguyen dynasty, who ruled over Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. Dotted along the banks of the Perfume River, which flows through the

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With its UNESCO status, the well preserved narrow streets of the old town area draw visitors here to experience a past vision of Vietnam. There’s much to see and do in Hoi An’s old colonial town so be sure to stick around for a couple of days if not more.

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The Best 15 Things to Do in Hoi An, UNESCO Coastal Town

Adorned with colourful lanterns and studded with tiny silk shops, Hoi An will steal your heart before you can blink. It’s a place of beauty, elegance and good food. Located on the coast of the South China Sea, it’s a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site to explore. You’

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When visiting Hoi An, take some time to visit a complex of Hindu temples dedicated to the god Shiva. Erected in the 4th-13th century, earlier than the Angkor temples, it's a site that celebrates the unique Champa Kingdom that occupied coastal Vietnam at the time.

Angkor Temples, Our Complete Guide to Visiting

We never expected to enjoy three long, sweaty days of exploring the Angkor Temples in Cambodia quite as much as we did. Just north of Siem Reap lies the stunning 400 square kilometres Angkor Archaeological Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to more than 50 ancient Khmer Empire

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Here you can enjoy the best of south-east Asia outdoors from hiking and climbing to canyoning. When it comes to active and adventurous things to do in Vietnam, hiking the tallest peak in Da Lat is one of them.

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Top Tips For Hiking Lang Biang Mountain in Da Lat, Vietnam

Located in Lac Duong District, Lang Biang, the tallest of the three peaks in Da Lat offers sweeping panoramic views across the highlands. But hiking Lang Biang peak in Da Lat can be slightly challenging. The 4 km vertical climb will leave you out of breath but the trek is

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The mix of weird and wonderful attractions makes Da Lat one of the most unique places to visit in Vietnam. But Da Lat is so much more than just bizarre things to see and do.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Dalat, Vietnam

It takes some effort and a few dongs to get to Dalat, but if you are on the run from the unbearable heat of Vietnam’s lowland coastline, this is the place to be. Dubbed the ‘City of Eternal Spring,’ Dalat is a honeymoon destination for the locals and

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Just off the main highway around halfway between Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City you’ll find the peace and tranquillity of Cat Tien National Park. It’s over 72,000 hectares of the wildly diverse park offering a range of safaris and hikes for visitors.

Visiting Cat Tien National Park in Vietnam

If you want to escape the coastal tourist trail in Vietnam, head inland to the natural wonderland of Cat Tien National Park. This 720 square km lowland tropical forest is located around halfway between Dalat and Ho Chi Minh City. You can stroll around the jungle at your own pace

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In recent years, alongside the stunning landscape, boats that the locals row with feet have become a major attraction in the area. The flourishing tourism industry in Vietnam brought large numbers of curious travellers to the mythical Tam Coc.

Tam Coc and Beyond – The Perfect Day Trip From Hanoi

Known as Ha Long Bay on Land, Tam Coc and its surroundings is a place of natural wonders. Adorned with sunken rice fields, glorious karst and the scenic Ngo Dong River, the area offers many things to see and do for all kinds of visitors. Located in Ninh Binh Province,

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You can either take a day trip from Hanoi or stay in Tam Coc for a couple of days to explore, which we highly recommend. The best way to reach the village is by catching a taxi from Nim Binh.

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Nguyen Hue Walking Street - this is a wide plaza area in the middle of District 1, with the beautiful City Hall at one end, stretching down to the river at the other. It’s flanked on either side by some beautiful French colonial architecture and is a popular spot for locals to hang out in the evenings.

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Bui Vien Walking Street - is the Saigon's equivalent to Bangkok’s Khao San Road, packed with rowdy bars, spots to eat and regular offers of massages. It’s a fun area to have a wander through even if loud music and cheap booze isn’t your thing, just stay alert to the usual tourist scams on offer.

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When visiting HCMC, don’t miss the French-influenced Notre Dame Cathedral and the striking Post Office building. The latter, built by Gustave Eiffel, is still in operation at full capacity.

Top 20 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City You Can’t Afford to Miss

These 20 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City will give you a good idea of what there is to see and do in Saigon. On this list, you’ll find a good mix of historic, cultural and fun experiences, all of which you can enjoy during your stay

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The mighty Mekong river starts in the Himalayas and flows past China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Here, it splits into smaller rivers known as tributaries slowly moving into the sea.

It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Vietnam. With a tour or independently, spare at least two days to explore the wonders of the Nine Dragons River Delta.

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In the bigger towns and cities, you’ll find places to exchange your money. Most banks will offer this service but don’t forget to use a handy app like the XE Currency Exchange app to check you’re getting a decent rate on the go.

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The website 12GoAsia comes in handy for comparing and booking airfares across Southeast Asia to find you the cheapest or most convenient option. It will also link you up with rail and bus travel for an all in one travel option for Vietnam.

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We opted instead to take the public ferry to Cat Ba Island from the mainland and our tickets cost 70,000 VND ($3.15 USD) each for a one-way trip.

How To: Cat Ba Island Ferry from Ha Long Bay

We travelled across Ha Long Bay on the Cat Ba Island Ferry to Cat Ba Island, which is way cheaper than any local private boats or day trips. The total cost of the trip, ferry plus bus on Cat Ba Island, was around $4.60. Here’s how to do it.

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Top Tip: To check information and routes we used the excellent Seat61.com rail travel website. Then we booked our Vietnam train tickets using the super friendly 12GoAsia website. Book online and there’s no need to print your tickets, just show them to the station staff before you board on your smartphone. No running around looking for a place to print anything. Nice.

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You can again use the friendly Vietnam travel website 12GoAsia to check times and prices for the major bus companies and show your tickets on your smartphone. Nice and simple.

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Obtain a visa on arrival at one of the 3 international airports in HCMC (Saigon), Hanoi or Dalat. To do this you will need a ‘letter of approval’ first. This is the route we took due to time restrictions and it avoids embassy visits but costs more.

Approval letters are available from agencies in person or online, however, there are many reports of bogus agencies that are happy to steal your money in return for a fake letter.

We used vietnamvisacenter.org online and had no issues. They are possibly not the cheapest but the service was quick and secure with clear English instructions and emails sent.

How much does a Vietnam visa cost?

As an example, we paid $45 per approval letter for a 3-month visa on the 1-day service. Then when you arrive at the airport in Vietnam head over to the ‘landing visa counter’ to obtain your visa. This cost us another $25 each for the ‘stamping fee’, it was a very nice stamp though.

So you can see that it was $70 each for a 3-month tourist visa but would certainly have cost less if we had taken option 1 at an embassy. Plus you can’t yet use this method if travelling via a land border.

Can you extend a Vietnam visa?

Officially it’s not currently possible to extend a tourist visa once you are inside Vietnam. However, during our 1 month plus stay in Hoi An we learnt of a few local agents that could possibly extend tourist visas.

As it transpired there were local elections taking place so extensions were not possible but that was set to change a few weeks later. Once you are in Vietnam ask around and it may be possible to extend your visa, and if not, there’s always the joy of a border run!

Health Issues in Vietnam

The number for emergency services in Vietnam is 115 from any local phone or cell phone.

Do you need travel insurance?

Make sure you are covered by good health insurance before visiting Vietnam. The country has both public and private hospitals and clinics. Foreigners will generally use the private option where available but it will need paying for.

Do you need injections for Vietnam?

Seek the advice of your healthcare provider before travelling to Vietnam, particularly if you are visiting more rural areas of the country. Getting vaccinated can take several weeks for a course of 2 or 3 injections if needed.

Do you need to take malaria tablets for Vietnam?

There is a low to no risk status for the majority of Vietnam but it’s advisable to take precautions against insect bites. You can find a handy malaria map and further advice by following the link. Again, seek advice before you go as above.

Can you drink tap water in Vietnam?

Do not drink tap water anywhere in Vietnam. Also, be cautious with ice in drinks as this can be made from untreated tap water. Bottled water is cheap and available pretty much everywhere.

Is street food safe in Vietnam?

When eating out use your common sense and avoid anywhere that looks unclean or poorly maintained. We would encourage you to try some street food, very often these spots are cleaner than restaurants where the kitchen is hidden.

At many local food joints, you’ll see some cut-up limes on the table. Wipe these over your forks or chopsticks to help sterilise them, it’s what the locals do. Then don’t forget to squeeze the remaining juice onto your food for even more flavour.

The two times we had a bad stomach bug in 3 months in Vietnam it was from a ‘western-style’ restaurant which says a lot. Higher prices do not always mean higher standards!

When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?

Vietnam is a long country, stretching from China down towards the equator, temperature and climate can vary dramatically. This means that there is no one ideal time to visit the whole country weather-wise.

Split Vietnam into 3 sections for the best weather months:

North (Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Ba Island) – October, November and December have less rain and clearer views. We were here in March and it was rather cold and misty.

Middle (Hue, Danang, Nha Trang) – January through to July for dry days with lower more comfortable temperatures.

South (Saigon, Mekong Delta) – November through to February/March are dry and slightly less hot.

Top Travel Tip: If you are travelling the whole length of the country light clothes will see you through most of it. Anything that will dry quickly is great, it can be hard to avoid the occasional storm. An umbrella can be useful too.

You might need warmer clothes for the northern areas. We picked up a couple of jackets in Hanoi for a few dollars each. Remember: don’t overpack!