Adventuring in Vietnam: 10 Things You Will Want To Do and Know
This week I’m sharing highlights from my unforgettable trip to Vietnam, including exploring Hanoi's famous Train Street, cruising through the stunning landscapes of Bai Tu Long Bay, hiking among the rice terraces of Pu Luong, and having custom clothing and shoes made in Hoi An.
I’ll also dive into practical travel tips on visas, transportation, cash, accommodations, and the experiences that were most worth the time and money. Whether Vietnam is already on your bucket list or you're looking for inspiration for your next adventure, this blog offers plenty of ideas for planning an incredible trip!
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Vietnam wasn't high on my bucket list until recently. Now, after spending time there, I can confidently say it's one of the most incredible destinations I've ever visited.
From bustling cities and floating cruises to rice paddies and custom-made clothing, Vietnam completely exceeded my expectations. The landscapes were stunning, the food was delicious, and the people were so welcoming.
If you're planning a trip, here are my favorite experiences, plus a few things I wish I had known before arriving.
Before You Go: What to Know
Get Your Visa Ahead of Time
Apply through the official Vietnam visa website several weeks before your trip.
You'll need:
Your passport
The address of your first accommodation
The standard visa is inexpensive compared to expedited third-party services.
Cash Is Important
Don't worry about exchanging money before your trip.
Instead:
Use an ATM when you arrive.
Many small shops, markets, spas, and local businesses prefer cash.
ATMs are easy to find throughout the country.
Hanoi: Food, Culture, and Train Street
Hanoi was our first stop, and it was the perfect introduction to Vietnam.
Don't Skip a Food Tour
One of the highlights of our time in Hanoi was a food tour through the Old Quarter.
Favorite things about the experience:
Trying local dishes we never would have ordered ourselves
Learning about Vietnamese food culture
Exploring hidden spots throughout the city
Visit the Rural Villages Outside Hanoi
This was one of the most meaningful experiences of the entire trip.
We joined a photography tour that took us outside the city to visit traditional craft villages.
Incense Village
Watching incense being made by hand was fascinating.
We learned about:
Harvesting and preparing materials
Hand-painting the incense sticks
The generations of families keeping the tradition alive
What struck me most was how much manual labor goes into something I had always assumed was factory-made.
Fish Basket Village
We also visited a village known for weaving traditional fishing baskets.
Today many of these baskets are sold as décor, but they were originally used by local fishermen.
Meeting the artisans and hearing their stories made the experience unforgettable.
Experience Train Street
If you've seen photos of Hanoi, you've probably seen Train Street.
It's exactly as wild as it looks.
Picture this:
A narrow alley lined with cafés
Tables and chairs pushed right against the walls
A train passing just feet away from where you're sitting
As the train approaches, everyone scrambles to move their chairs back behind the safety line.
It's one of those travel experiences that makes you think: "This would never happen at home."
And that's part of what makes it so memorable.
Other Hanoi Highlights
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
Explore the Old Quarter
Visit the beautiful cathedral
Stop by the famous Notes Café
Spend time simply wandering and people-watching
One of the Best Things in Vietnam: Massages
If there's one thing I wish I had done more often, it's getting massages.
Seriously.
Spa treatments in Vietnam are:
High quality
Extremely affordable
Available almost everywhere
Some of my favorites included:
Foot massages
Traditional massages
Hotel spa treatments
My biggest mistake? Not scheduling one every day!
Cruise Through Bai Tu Long Bay
Many travelers visit Ha Long Bay, but we chose neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay for a quieter experience.
It ended up being one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.
Why the Cruise Was Worth It
The scenery was breathtaking:
Limestone islands rising from the water
Hidden beaches
Calm emerald waters
Our cruise included:
Multiple multi-course meals
Kayaking adventures
Visits to fishing villages
Oyster farm excursions
The Private Beach Lunch
The standout experience was a private beach barbecue.
The crew transported tables, chairs, food, and supplies to a secluded beach and created an unforgettable lunch experience.
Between the incredible scenery and the kayaking, it felt like something out of a dream.
Pu Luong: Vietnam's Stunning Countryside
After the cruise, we headed into the countryside.
Pu Luong offered a completely different side of Vietnam.
Wake Up for Sunrise
Our bungalow overlooked rice paddies and mountains.
The first morning, I stepped outside at sunrise and couldn't believe the view.
The bright green rice fields stretching across the valley were some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever witnessed.
Hike Through Rice Fields
One of the reasons I booked this trip was for the hiking.
The trails took us through:
Rice terraces
Forests
Small villages
Mountain viewpoints
Every turn felt like a postcard.
Cool Off at Thác Hiêu Waterfall
After hiking, we visited a waterfall area filled with swimming holes and cascading water.
Tip: Keep walking farther up the trail.
Most visitors stay near the entrance, but the quieter swimming spots are farther back.
Explore by Bicycle
Another favorite activity was biking through the countryside.
Riding between rice fields and small villages gave us a closer look at everyday life in Vietnam and was one of the most peaceful experiences of the trip.
Hoi An: Tailors, Shopping, and Relaxation
Hoi An felt completely different from every other destination on the trip.
This city is famous for one thing: Custom-made clothing.
Bring Inspiration Photos
Before your trip, create a Pinterest board or save photos of:
Dresses
Linen sets
Jackets
Shoes
Having photos makes the process much easier.
You'll simply:
Show the tailor what you want.
Choose your fabric.
Get measured.
Return the next day for a fitting.
It's amazing how quickly they work.
Custom Shoes Were My Favorite Purchase
I ended up having multiple pairs of shoes made.
The process was surprisingly simple:
Choose a style
Select your leather
Have your feet measured
Return for a fitting
Watching the shoes come to life was so much fun.
Here’s the address for the shoe shop we went to!
Thanh Sinh Shoes, 307 Nguyen Duy Hieu St. Hoi An
Leave Time to Relax
Hoi An isn't just about shopping.
You'll also find:
Beautiful resorts
Beaches
Great restaurants
Spas
Riverside lantern displays
If I returned, I would add an extra day or two simply to enjoy the atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
What made Vietnam so special wasn't just one destination. It was the variety.
In one trip, I experienced:
Bustling city life in Hanoi
Traditional villages and cultural experiences
A cruise through one of the world's most beautiful bays
Mountain hikes and rice terraces
Custom tailoring in Hoi An
Incredible food everywhere we went
Every stop felt completely different from the last.
If Vietnam isn't already on your travel bucket list, I hope it is now. It's a destination filled with beauty, adventure, culture, and experiences that stay with you long after you return home.