Vietnam Holidays

In the forested valleys around Dalat, canyoning is not just about waterfalls. You’ll be lowering yourself down wet rock faces, jumping into clear pools, and moving through narrow gorges where the water picks up speed. Routes can be fairly easy or quite technical, depending on experience.

Inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the scale of the caves is what catches most people off guard. Some of the largest cave systems in the world sit here, including Son Doong, and reaching them takes effort. Expect long jungle treks, wading through underground rivers, and overnight cave camping.

The Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam is less about speed and more about control. The roads twist through mountain passes, often narrow, sometimes steep, with sudden drops and changing visibility. Riders are expected to have experience, along with an international lic

Fansipan stands at 3,143 metres and is the highest point in Vietnam, but getting to the top on foot takes some effort. Most trekking routes run over two to three days, moving through dense forest and climbing steadily over uneven, often muddy ground.

Away from the busier coastal climbing spots, Cát Bà Island has quieter limestone routes tucked into its interior. Reaching them often means walking through forest trails before clipping into your harness and starting climbing. The routes vary in difficulty, so both intermediate and experienced climbers will find options.

In Lan Ha Bay, the setting changes completely. Climbing routes rise straight out of the sea, and getting to them often involves a short kayak or boat ride. Some climbers prefer deep-water soloing here, using the water below instead of ropes.

Just outside Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels give a direct sense of how underground networks were used during the Vietnam War. Sections are open for visitors to walk through, though they can feel tight. Guided visits usually explain daily survival techniques and wartime strategies.

Set along the northern bank of the Perfume River, Hue’s Imperial City was once the political and cultural centre of Vietnam’s Nguyen dynasty. Although parts were damaged during past conflicts, many gates, temples, and courtyards have been restored. Walking through the complex gives a clearer sense of royal life.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum presents a detailed, and at times heavy, account of the Vietnam War. Exhibits include photographs, military equipment, and personal stories. It’s not a casual visit, but it does provide important context before exploring other historical sites.

Often referred to as the “Hanoi Hilton,” Hoa Lo Prison was originally built during French colonial rule and later used during the Vietnam War. The preserved sections show prison conditions from different periods. Displays are straightforward, focusing on both colonial history and wartime narratives.

Hidden in a valley near Da Nang, My Son is a collection of ancient Hindu temples built by the Champa civilisation. Many structures are partially ruined, but the site still reflects its historical significance. Visiting early in the day helps avoid both heat and crowds.

Located in Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, this is where Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body is preserved. Visits follow a strict, quiet process, and queues can form early in the day. Dress modestly, and check timings in advance, as the mausoleum closes periodically for maintenance.

Also known as the Reunification Convention Hall, this building in Ho Chi Minh City marked the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Many rooms have been kept as they were, including meeting halls and underground bunkers. It’s an easy site to explore at your own pace.

The underground village in Quang Tri, located in central Vietnam, the Vinh Moc Tunnels were built to shelter entire villages during heavy bombing periods. Unlike Cu Chi, these tunnels feel less confined in places, with living spaces, wells, and meeting areas. Visiting gives a more personal perspective on wartime resilience.

Scheduled in Da Nang from 30 May to 11 July 2026, this festival stretches over several weeks rather than a single night. 10 Fireworks teams from 9 countries perform on scheduled evenings along the Han River. Expect large crowds, ticketed viewing zones, and noticeably higher hotel demand during event dates.

Taking place on 30 May, 28 June, 27 July, and 26 August of the year 2026, this monthly event transforms Hoi An’s old town once the lights go off. Streets are lit with lanterns, and small candle-lit floats are released into the river. It’s atmospheric, though evenings can get crowded.

Observed on 31 May 2026 Vesak is one of the most important Buddhist dates in Vietnam. Temples become more active, with prayer ceremonies, offerings, and processions. While not designed as a tourist event, visitors can quietly observe rituals, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Falling on 26 August 2026, Vu Lan centres around honouring ancestors and departed souls. Temples see an increase in visitors making offerings, and you’ll notice small ceremonial setups in homes and public spaces. It’s more reflective than festive, giving insight into local spiritual traditions.

Celebrated once a year between April and June in southern Vietnam, this festival draws large numbers of pilgrims to the Ba Chua Xu Temple. Rituals, processions, and offerings take place over several days. Accommodation nearby fills quickly, so planning ahead is important if you intend to visit.

Tết Nguyên Đán, usually known simply as Tết, is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year and the country’s most important annual festival. Celebrations centre on family gatherings, traditional customs, festive meals and visits to relatives, with homes and streets decorated for the occasion.

Observed on 2 September, this marks Vietnam’s declaration of independence. Major cities host parades, cultural events, and fireworks displays. Public spaces get crowded, and some roads may close temporarily, so it’s worth factoring that into your plans if you’re travelling that day.

Held on 24 November, this is a quieter observance focused on promoting cultural heritage. Museums, schools, and cultural centres may host exhibitions or performances. It’s not a large-scale festival, but it can still be a good time to experience local traditions in a more relaxed setting.

Watching the Thang long water puppet show in Hanoi is one of those experiences that feels simple at first, then surprisingly intricate. Performances take place over a pool and use the movement of water to create drama, with puppets controlled from behind a screen.

Right in the middle of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature feels noticeably calmer once you step inside. It dates back to the 11th century and was once a centre for learning of Vietnamese culture. It retains its original architecture, with restorations repairing damages to resemble the initial design.

Head further north, and the pace changes quite a bit. Around places like Sapa or Ha Giang, small villages like Cat Cat Village and Thôn Tha Village are home to different ethnic communities, each with their own customs and way of living. Stays are usually basic, often with local families, but that’s part of it.

Cultural performances centred around the Ao Dai, Vietnam’s traditional dress, are staged in cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, and Hue. These shows combine fashion, music, and storytelling. They’re easy to attend in the evening and work well if you’re looking for something structured yet relaxed.

Walking through Hoi An’s old town feels very different once the evening sets in. Historic houses, temples, and shopfronts remain well preserved, but it’s the lantern-lit streets that stand out. Entry to certain heritage buildings requires a ticket, which is usually valid across multiple sites.

This museum in Hanoi goes beyond display cases. Outdoor exhibits include traditional houses built by different ethnic groups, giving a clearer sense of regional diversity. Plan a couple of hours here, especially if you want context before travelling further into rural parts of the country.

Tea culture in Vietnam is more informal than in some neighbouring countries, but still deeply rooted. In quieter settings, you may come across small, guided tea sessions explaining preparation and significance. It’s not always a staged activity, which makes it feel more authentic when you find it.

Just outside Hanoi, this open-air performance takes place on a water stage with the countryside as its backdrop. It blends folklore, music, and visual storytelling rather than a fast-paced plot. Shows run in the evening, and arranging transport in advance makes the visit far smoother.

Set on a purpose-built island in Hoi An, this large-scale show follows the town’s history through dance, lighting, and costume. It’s more visually impressive than narrative-driven. Performances happen after sunset, and seating choice matters if you want a clearer, uninterrupted view of the stage.

In the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, the Opera House hosts a mix of modern and traditional performances. Even if you’re not attending a show, the building itself is worth seeing from outside. Evening performances tend to be the main draw, so booking ahead is usually a good idea.

Reached by one of the world’s longest cable cars, Ba Na Hills feels more like a themed complex than a quiet escape. There’s a mix of viewpoints, attractions, and the well-known Golden Bridge. Mornings are usually less crowded, while afternoons can feel noticeably busier.

These two streets, in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi respectively, are where things stay active well into the night. Expect music, street-side seating, and a steady flow of people. It’s lively rather than refined, so it depends on whether you’re in the mood for noise and crowds.

This narrow residential street became popular because trains pass extremely close to cafés and homes. Access has been restricted at times, depending on safety rules, so entry isn’t always guaranteed. If you do visit, timings matter, as trains only pass at specific hours.

Located on an island off Nha Trang, this park combines rides, water attractions, and entertainment shows. It’s easy to spend a full day here, especially if you’re travelling with family. Ferries and cable cars connect it to the mainland, with return timings worth checking in advance.

In Da Nang, the Dragon Bridge draws crowds on weekend evenings when it releases fire and water in short bursts. The display only lasts a few minutes, but people gather early along the riverfront. Positioning yourself ahead of time helps avoid last-minute crowding.