Things to do in Vietnam

Things to do in Vietnam

Top 10 Things to do in Vietnam

Cities in Vietnam

Experiences for every interest

All Things to do in Vietnam

Explore Vietnam with a local of your choice

Learn about their personal stories, and find out how you can explore Vietnam together

What other travelers love about our local experts

Jesse
About local
11 September 2025
Huyen Made History Come Alive for Us

We were truly blessed to have Huyen as our guide in Ho Chi Minh City! From the very start, she greeted us with the cutest local doll, such a thoughtful and personal touch that set the tone for an incredible day. Her vast knowledge of history and expertise at the Cu Chi Tunnels made the experience unforgettable. She explained everything with passion and clarity, helping us truly appreciate the significance of what we were seeing. Exploring the tunnels was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Huyen made us feel like family throughout. The tour was seamless and comfortable, with a private shuttle and a very professional driver who made traveling stress-free. After the tunnels, we had some fun at the shooting range, adding excitement to the day. Huyen went above and beyond by suggesting excellent local restaurants and even helping us with a laundry service, which was a lifesaver after a week of traveling. Her friendliness, warmth, and fascinating stories made her not just a guide, but a highlight of our trip. Thank you, Huyen, for making our family’s time in Ho Chi Minh City so memorable. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide!

Erik
About local
7 September 2025
Wonderful and sparking tour!

We had a great tour with Anne who guided our family of 4 trough bustling Hanoi and showed us the wonderful food of Vietnam and Hanoi We started with a sample of streetfoods in a small kitchen of the beat track; great dumplings and fried rolls. In 3 hours we enjoyed great food and drinks as Anne showed as around. She chatted happily with our 2 daughters connecting on food and holidays! Great tour and many thanks to Anne for showing us around and sharing the vibe and food of Hanoi

Naomi Anne
About local
6 September 2025
Fabulous tasting tour with Hoa

Hoa provided a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with a wide variety of tastes, history and culture. Hoa’s English was exemplary and we loved her sharing stories and insights or beautiful Hanoi Vietnam

Matt
About local
5 September 2025
Absolutely brilliant, a must do with Thien

We were lucky enough to book the Mekong Delta day trip with Thien and had the most amazing experience imaginable. Every aspect of the day exceeded our expectations. The itinerary is so thoughtfully designed, offering intimate and authentic encounters with local people. Our driver was excellent, and my wife, our 7-year-old son, and I felt completely safe and cared for throughout. Highlights included visiting a traditional river clay brick workshop — a sadly fading craft but fascinating insight into working life on the Mekong — coconut candy and rice wine tasting, live music, boat rides big and small, and watching the most wonderful women making rice paper rolls and weaving mats. Each stop provided a beautiful glimpse into village life. What truly set the day apart, though, was Thien herself. Her rapport with the local people is extraordinary, and it’s clear how highly they regard her. That warmth extends to her guests, and nothing feels gimmicky, touristy, or mass-produced, even when visiting more popular spots. Instead, every moment feels genuine because of the connections she’s built. Thien is bright, insightful, witty, and simply a joy to spend time with. We’ve booked “With Locals” tours in several countries across Europe and Asia, and this day with Thien was by far the best experience we’ve ever had. Highly recommended — you will not be disappointed.

Amazing Things to do in Vietnam

There’s so much to love about Vietnam, from the food and the people to the stunning beauty of its landscapes. Vietnam is a fascinating country with differences in climate and traditions spanning from north to south.

  • Visit Hoi An Ancient Town

    Hoi An is considered Vietnam’s most atmospheric and charming town, with well-preserved Chinese temples, ancient tea warehouses, and tottering Japanese merchant houses. Declared a UNESCO World heritage site in December 1999, this town reflects a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures. Think Chinese and Japanese elements influenced by European vibes and ideas. It’s just mesmerizing!

    There are many beautiful places to visit and many things to do in Hoi An, but your local host knows the best ones. Hoi An riverside is the place to be at night: the old-fashioned lanterns and cozy atmosphere make it a beautiful spot. Take a private tour in Hanoi An and visit the old buildings, try the great food, go for a fun shopping or check the skilled tailors. Let your local friend show you this picturesque town!

  • See the Cu Chi Tunnels

    Go on a Historical Tour at Cu Chi Tunnels. One of Ho Chi Minh’s most iconic attractions is Cu Chi Tunnels, a historical site which includes more than 120 km of tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels are basically a huge war museum offering visitors a sneak peek at the underground life of Viet Cong-era soldiers.

    This place has a lot of history and stories behind it, known best by the local people, the kind of stories that were passed on from one generation to the other. . You can go the extra mile and learn how to shoot a rifle or sample some of the dishes Viet Cong soldiers used to eat. Ask your guide more about the secret network of deep underground tunnels. They have a lot to share with you!

  • Have Fun With Locals and Take a Nightlife Tour

    Vietnam`s nightlife is bustling and here you can find a large variety of nightlife options, which means there’s something to please everyone! Take in an amazing view at the night flower market in Saigon, stop at a local restaurant and enjoy some delicious food or have a full view of the city from a rooftop bar.

    If you’re looking to dance on a rooftop bar overlooking the city, there’s plenty of available options. You can also relax in a lounge bar with some soft tunes and mingle with the locals. Or better yet, sing along with a live band playing all time hits, karaoke is a favorite past-time in Vietnam! Ask your guide for suggestions and let the fun begin!

  • Get Your First Vietnamese Cooking Class

    What's the first Vietnamese food that pops to mind for you? Phở? Bánh mì? Spring rolls? Have you ever thought how interesting and fun l it could be to learn how to cook a traditional Vietnamese meal?
    By joining a cooking class with a local you`ll learn how to make a recipe from scratch: from how to pick the right ingredients to how to cook the dish.

    Your local host can help you better understand of the Vietnamese cuisine, what flavors you should combine and share their own learning experience with you. Have fun cooking traditional dishes and chat along with your host!

  • Attend a Water Puppet Show

    Looking for something that you only can experience in Vietnam? Water puppet show is definitely something to try. This show is a Vietnamese tradition that dates back in the 11th century and it`s something that you can only experience here.

    Originating in the sodden rice paddies of the Red River Delta in North Vietnam, the two most popular places to see a water puppet show in Vietnam are at The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre (Ho Chi Minh City) and at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater (Hanoi). Let your host help you with the details and tell you more about this unique show!

  • Have a Meal with an Enthusiastic Local

    What’s the best way to have a Vietnamese meal? Eating at a local host’s home or going on a private Hanoi food tour! Get ready for real food experience and to enjoy the company of lovely and friendly host. They will share with you not only their food but also personal stories.
    Of course, many of the most popular dishes can be tried just as well on the side of the road or in a restaurant. But, having a home-cooked meal with local friends can go beyond of that: it offers you the possibility to find out interesting insights about Vietnamese life.

    Vietnamese cuisine contains a brilliant balance of aromatics, heat, sweetness, sourness, and fish-sauciness. Get a home cooked meal and enjoy a relax atmosphere, just like when you’re with your friends. Remember: you can always let your host know about your preferences and diet restrictions.

  • Enjoy a Shopping Session on Local Markets

    Shopping lovers and street market fans will find in Vietnam their personal paradise. Street markets in Vietnam are inherited to the Vietnamese culture and the lifestyle of the country. Add them on your things to do in Vietnam list and you won’t regret it! There you can everything that cross to your mind: fresh fruits and vegetables, clothes, souvenirs or cooked food.

    Your host will help you handle all the fuss and give insights about what you can find there. Some of the markets worth visiting with your private guide are Ben Thanh Market, An Dong, Binh Tay Market or Dong Xuan Market. Remember: visit a local market is the best way to experience Vietnam!

  • Ultimate Cultural Experience in Sapa Valley

    If you want to instantly fell in love with the atmosphere, views or people from Vietnam, you should go to Sapa Valley. This is the most indigenous region of Vietnam, where people are still living a traditional life.

    Here you can enjoy a full cultural experience: you’ll stay with a local family, live and eat alongside them, learn about the different ways of life in the rural and have your personal guide who will proudly introduce you to everyone in the vicinity. Get ready to experience the traditional Vietnamese life!

  • Explore the Old Quarter Hanoi

    Take a walk from Hoan Kiem lake, across Cau Go and suddenly you’re in the old-styled narrow streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Here, travelers get lost in a totally different world from the rest of the city and have a chance to explore the modest but energetic life of the local people.

    Together with your local guide as you explore the quarter you’ll come across to many sacred sites such as temples, pagodas or venerable banyan trees – hidden among the houses. Enjoy a nice chat with your guide and find out more about this charming area, local lifestyle and how religion is practiced in the city.

  • Experience Vietnam on a Motorcycle

    Want to really cut loose and see Vietnam? Get off-the-beaten tour tracks and experience this amazing country first hand. A private motorcycle tour gives you the opportunity to see off the roads of Vietnam but also check the main attractions.

    Choose one of our local hosts who can truly give you a fun and exciting experience. They’ll show you around and share with you insights about the place you’re visiting. Experience the Vietnamese lifestyle and let your local guide show you the highlights and hidden gems of the country.