🇻🇳map Vietnam [Activities]

Outdoor Activities

Vietnam stacks dramatic landscapes like chapters in a travel novel, and the outdoor options fit every energy level. In the north, cooler months (roughly November to March) are prime for trekking around Sapa’s terraced valleys or riding the Ha Giang Loop—arguably the country’s most scenic motorbike route. Central Vietnam draws hikers and cave lovers to Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, home to spectacular karst scenery and some of the world’s largest caves. Down south, Cat Tien National Park offers lowland jungle trails and birdwatching, a good alternative to the highland treks if you prefer warm weather.

Water lovers won’t be bored. Ha Long Bay and neighboring Lan Ha Bay are classics for overnight cruises and kayaking among limestone islets, while Ninh Binh’s Trang An delivers a quieter “inland bay” by rowboat. Along the coast, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Quy Nhon mix long beaches with gentle surf; Mui Ne is Vietnam’s kitesurfing capital from about November to April thanks to steady winds. For warmer, clear-water escapes, Phu Quoc and Con Dao islands offer snorkeling and boat trips, especially pleasant in the southern dry season (roughly November to April). Wildlife watchers can look for gibbons and hornbills in Cat Tien or sea turtles around Con Dao when conditions allow.

Urban Entertainment

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City each have distinct rhythms that expats quickly learn to love. Hanoi’s Old Quarter hums with craft beer bars and hidden jazz clubs, while the French Quarter brings quieter wine bars and galleries. In Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 is the go-to for rooftop lounges and live music; District 3 and Thao Dien (District 2) add a more resident-friendly mix of cocktail dens, indie cafés, and international dining. Street-level fun is easy: Bui Vien in HCMC and Ta Hien in Hanoi deliver people-watching and late-night energy, though they’re touristy.

For daytime culture, Vietnam’s museums anchor a rainy-day plan. In HCMC, the War Remnants Museum and the History Museum provide context, while in Hanoi, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum and the Fine Arts Museum are concise and engaging. Shopping runs from big-city malls and local designer boutiques to atmospheric markets like Ben Thanh (HCMC) and Dong Xuan (Hanoi). When you need green space, look for lakeside promenades around Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem and West Lake or HCMC’s Tao Dan and Le Van Tam parks—great for morning tai chi, jogs, or simply a coffee break under the trees.

Sports and Recreation

Football is the national passion, and catching a V.League match or a Vietnam national team game in a café packed with fans is an experience in itself. If you want to play, expat football and basketball leagues in Hanoi and HCMC welcome newcomers; gyms and boutique studios (from CrossFit to yoga and pilates) are plentiful in urban areas and usually offer day passes. Golf has grown quickly, with quality courses near Da Nang, Hanoi, and HCMC, while tennis and badminton courts can be booked through local clubs or apps with a bit of help from your hotel or landlord.

For something more adventurous, consider canyoning in Da Lat, kitesurfing lessons in Mui Ne, or a certified dive in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc. Runners will find scenic loops around Hanoi’s West Lake or HCMC’s central parks, and several cities now host annual marathons that draw an international crowd. Cyclists gravitate to the Hai Van Pass near Da Nang for coastal views, or they join guided multi-day rides through the Mekong Delta. If you’re new to Vietnam’s roads, start with organized tours—traffic norms take time to read.

Cultural Experiences

Vietnam’s history is vivid and accessible, from the Imperial City of Hue and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An to the Cham ruins of My Son. You can fill a long weekend with temples and pagodas alone, whether it’s Hanoi’s Tran Quoc Pagoda glowing on West Lake at sunset or a pilgrimage day out to the Perfume Pagoda. In the south, the Cao Dai Holy See near Tay Ninh and the Cu Chi Tunnels make a fascinating pairing, blending religion and modern history in one trip.

Hands-on experiences are everywhere. Take a cooking class to decode fish sauce, herbs, and regional flavors, or try a lantern-making workshop in Hoi An. Traditional water puppetry shows remain a family-friendly favorite in Hanoi and HCMC, and contemporary galleries in both cities showcase young Vietnamese artists. Architecture fans will notice layers: imperial citadels, French colonial boulevards, stark mid-century blocks, and playful contemporary design—often all on the same street.

Beach and Coastal Activities

Vietnam’s coastline is long enough to match your mood. Da Nang offers swimmable city beaches and easy access to Son Tra Peninsula for coastal hikes and monkey-spotting. Nha Trang is resorty and social, with island-hopping boat days and a lively promenade, while Quy Nhon and Phu Yen feel quieter and more local. Further south, Mui Ne’s steady winds draw kitesurfers, and the red and white sand dunes make for surreal sunsets. Phu Quoc mixes white-sand beaches with cable-car rides to nearby islets; Con Dao trades crowds for calm coves and history.

Water sports range from paddleboarding to diving, with the clearest conditions typically in the southern dry season (roughly November to April). Central Vietnam sees its sunniest beach days from February to August, while late summer to autumn can bring typhoons and rough seas to the central coast. Wherever you land, check daily surf and wind conditions, heed local flags, and ask about jellyfish or currents. Beach culture is relaxed but modest—cover up when you step off the sand into town.

Family-Friendly Activities

Families do well here, thanks to easy food, friendly service, and lots of outdoor space. In Hanoi and HCMC, weekend walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake and Nguyen Hue Boulevard turn into car-free playgrounds with music, street games, and food stalls. Water puppet shows, botanical gardens, and small aquariums can fill an afternoon, and many cafés include play corners for younger kids. Theme parks are growing fast: Da Nang’s Ba Na Hills (with its famous “Golden Bridge”) is a big day out, while Phu Quoc has sizable amusement and safari parks.

Outside the cities, boat trips are a gentle way to explore without too much walking—think Trang An in Ninh Binh, the Mekong Delta’s canals, or short cruises in Ha Long and Lan Ha bays. Beach towns often have calm, shallow sections that are good for kids, and it’s easy to find family rooms or villas. Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are essential; Vietnam’s heat sneaks up on children faster than you think.

Day Trips and Excursions

If you’re based in Hanoi, the classic day trips are Ninh Binh (Trang An or Tam Coc boat rides and limestone peaks), Ha Long/Lan Ha Bay cruises, and the Perfume Pagoda. HCMC residents and nomads often pair the Cu Chi Tunnels with a Mekong Delta boat tour, or head to Vung Tau for a quick beach fix. From Da Nang or Hoi An, it’s easy to visit the Marble Mountains, ride the Hai Van Pass for coastal views, and detour into the imperial sights of Hue.

Organized tours simplify logistics and driving, but independent travelers can use trains, limos (shared vans), or ride-hailing to stitch together efficient day plans. Multi-day adventures are worth the extra time: caving in Phong Nha, motorbiking the Ha Giang Loop with a guide, or trekking around Sapa’s hill-tribe villages with a homestay. For something under the radar, consider Quy Nhon’s coastal temples and bays or the red-earth coffee country around Buon Ma Thuot.

Practical Information

Vietnam’s climate varies by region. The south has a dry season roughly November to April and a rainy season May to October; the central coast is driest around February to August but can see typhoons late summer to autumn; the north is cool and misty in winter and hot in summer. Plan hikes and motorbike trips for drier months, and save museums and cafés for stormy days. Activity costs remain friendly: city museum entries are often just a few dollars; guided day tours typically range from about $25–$80 per person; dive days or adventure tours can run $60–$150; fitness classes are commonly $5–$20 with day-pass gyms in a similar range.

Book ahead for popular cruises, cave tours, and major holidays like Tet, when many businesses close and transport sells out. Scooters are the default local transport—always wear a helmet, avoid riding in heavy rain, and consider starting with a driver or tour until you understand traffic flow. Bargaining is normal in markets but is done politely; cash is handy, though e-wallets and cards are increasingly accepted in cities. Accessibility varies: major museums and malls are better equipped with ramps and lifts, while older temples, narrow sidewalks, and island piers may involve stairs or uneven surfaces. When in doubt, call ahead or ask your hotel to confirm access details.

Li Wei
Li Wei is a financial services professional and cross-cultural consultant originally from Hong Kong, with over 12 years of experience in international banking and Southeast Asian business development. Having worked for major financial institutions including HSBC and Standard Chartered, Li Wei has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of international professionals to Hong Kong, Singapore, and other key Southeast Asian markets.