Things to Do in Vietnam: 20 Must-See Popular Attractions

There are so many things to do in Vietnam that most visitors spend months deciding. Limestone bays, lantern-lit towns, imperial citadels, cave systems, mountain rice terraces, island beaches, and some of the best street food on earth all sit within one long, thin country, and you cannot do them all in one trip.

This guide narrows your must-do Vietnam list down to the 20 most popular attractions in Vietnam, grouped by region (North, Central and South) so you can match them to a route. Unlike most lists, every attraction comes with a family fit rating, an idea of how much time you need, and honest notes on what to skip. If you are planning with children, you will also find a straight answer to the question of the best city to visit in Vietnam with family.

Quick answer: The top things to do in Vietnam are cruising Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay, exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, boating through Ninh Binh, visiting Hue’s Imperial City, wandering Hoi An, relaxing in Da Nang, exploring Phong Nha’s caves, and eating your way through Ho Chi Minh City. For families, the best city to visit in Vietnam is usually Hoi An or Da Nang.

Planning your route? Pair this list with our best Vietnam itinerary for families and our complete guide to a family trip to Vietnam.

Table of Contents

1. How We Chose These Must-Do Vietnam Attractions
2. Quick Summary: The Top 10 at a Glance
3. Things to Do in Northern Vietnam
4. Hanoi To-Dos: Best Things to Do in Hanoi
5. Things to Do in Central Vietnam
6. Things to Do in Southern Vietnam and the Highlands
7. Food, Culture and Local Life: Experiences Worth Adding
8. Beyond the Big Names: Hidden Gems and Offbeat Picks
9. Best City to Visit in Vietnam with Family
10. Famous, But Not for Every Family
11. Good to Know: Vietnam’s New Province Names
12. Best Time to Visit Each Region
13. Planning Tips for the Must-Do Vietnam List
14. Plan Your Trip: Related Guides
15. FAQs About Things to Do in Vietnam
16. Conclusion

How We Chose These Must-Do Vietnam Attractions

Our team plans private family trips across the country, so each pick had to meet at least two of these tests:

• Iconic: it is a genuine highlight, often UNESCO-listed or famous worldwide.
• Worth the journey: it justifies the time and travel cost, rather than being a quick photo stop.
• Family-workable: children can enjoy it with sensible planning, or we tell you when they can’t.
• Easy to combine: it fits a realistic route without long transfers.

Each entry shows a family fit rating: Easy (suits all ages), Moderate (best from about 5 years old), or Older kids (best from about 10).

Quick Summary: The Top 10 at a Glance

If you only have time for ten, these are the must-do Vietnam highlights most first-time visitors choose.

#	Attraction	Region	Time needed	Family fit
1	Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake	North	1–2 days	Moderate
2	Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay	North	1–2 days	Easy–Moderate
3	Ninh Binh (Trang An and Tam Coc)	North	1–2 days	Easy
4	Hue Imperial City	Central	Half to 1 day	Moderate
5	Hoi An Ancient Town	Central	2–3 days	Easy
6	Da Nang beaches and Ba Na Hills	Central	1–3 days	Easy
7	Phong Nha caves	Central	1–2 days	Moderate
8	Ho Chi Minh City sights	South	1–2 days	Moderate
9	Mekong Delta	South	1 day	Easy
10	Phu Quoc	South	3+ days	Easy

Things to Do in Northern Vietnam

1. Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake

Family fit: Moderate · Time: 1–2 days

Vietnam’s capital is loud, chaotic, and unforgettable. Wander the Old Quarter’s trading streets, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, and book an evening at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a short and colorful show that works for most ages. Try a street-food tour, but keep days light, since the heat and traffic tire children quickly.

Where to stay: See our Hanoi neighborhood guide.

2. Hanoi’s History Sites: Temple of Literature, Imperial Citadel and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Family fit: Moderate (older kids for the history) · Time: Half a day

The Temple of Literature is Vietnam’s first university, with peaceful courtyards that suit even young children for a short visit. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is UNESCO-listed, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex in Ba Dinh has strict dress codes and opening rules, so check them before you go.

3. Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay

Family fit: Easy–Moderate · Time: 1–2 days

Thousands of limestone islands rise from emerald water, and a cruise here is a rite of passage. Choose an overnight family-friendly boat, or go to quieter Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay to avoid the crowds. Kayaking, cave visits, and swimming stops keep kids busy. Insist on life jackets in children’s sizes, and check weather forecasts in typhoon season.

4. Ninh Binh: Trang An and Tam Coc

Family fit: Easy · Time: 1–2 days

Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh combines limestone peaks, rice paddies and quiet rivers. Seated sampan rides through the caves of Trang An (a UNESCO site) and a gentle cycle through Tam Coc are easy wins for families. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds, and add Mua Cave for the view if your children can handle the steps.

5. Sapa and Fansipan

Family fit: Moderate · Time: 2–3 days

Terraced rice fields, misty valleys and minority villages make Sapa a highlight for families who enjoy walking. The Fansipan cable car carries you to Indochina’s highest peak without a climb. Stay in a countryside homestay rather than the busy town, bring warm layers, and keep transfers short, since the mountain roads cause motion sickness.

6. Mai Chau and Pu Luong

Family fit: Easy–Moderate · Time: 2 days

For a gentler mountain experience, Mai Chau and Pu Luong offer flat valleys, stilt-house homestays and village life with no steep climbs. Children can try rice planting, cycling and local crafts such as beeswax painting. It is also one of the easiest northern routes if grandparents are joining. See our 11-day northern mountains itinerary.

More on the north: see our dedicated guide to things to do in Ninh Binh.

Hanoi To-Dos: Best Things to Do in Hanoi

Most trips begin in the capital, so it pays to have a short Hanoi to-do list before you land. These are the best things to do in Hanoi, with a family rating for each.

Hanoi to-do	Time	Family fit
Walk the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake	2–3 hours	Moderate
Watch a water puppet show	1 hour	Easy
Taste pho, bun cha, and egg coffee	Ongoing	Easy
Temple of Literature	1–2 hours	Easy
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long	1–2 hours	Moderate
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex	2–3 hours	Moderate
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology	About 2 hours	Easy
Hoa Lo Prison and B-52 Victory Museum	1–2 hours each	Older kids
West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda	About 2 hours	Easy
Day trip to Ninh Binh	Full day	Easy

Hanoi tips for families:

• Start early or go in the evening. The Old Quarter is far calmer at dawn, and streets around Hoan Kiem Lake are typically closed to traffic on weekend evenings, which gives children space to walk.
• Go easy on the egg coffee. It is a Hanoi invention worth trying, but it is rich and caffeinated, so share a small cup or order a hot chocolate for younger kids.
• Check the Mausoleum rules. There is a strict dress code, and the complex closes for maintenance for part of each year, so confirm dates before you plan around it.
• Keep the Ethnology Museum for a hot day. Its outdoor garden of traditional houses suits children better than most Hanoi museums.
• Choose history sites by age. Hoa Lo Prison and the B-52 Victory Museum are better for older children, because some displays are graphic or sobering.
• Be careful on Train Street. Access rules and safety practices have changed several times, so ask your hotel for current advice and never step onto the tracks.
• Base yourselves in Tay Ho if you want space and a quieter lake setting. See our Hanoi neighborhood guide.

For the complete list, read our guide to things to do in Hanoi and Hue.

Things to Do in Central Vietnam

7. Phong Nha Caves and Countryside

Family fit: Moderate · Time: 1–2 days

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a UNESCO-listed national park known for caves. Phong Nha Cave is reached by boat, Paradise Cave by boardwalk, and Dark Cave adds a zipline and mud bath for older kids. Families also love a farm day leading ducks and meeting buffalo. It features in our 10-day Ninh Binh to Hoi An family tour.

8. Hue Imperial City and the Perfume River

Family fit: Moderate · Time: Half to 1 day

Hue’s UNESCO-listed Imperial City was the seat of Vietnam’s last dynasty. Explore it by electric cart in the cooler morning or late afternoon, add Thien Mu Pagoda, and finish with a dragon-boat cruise. Kite painting and conical-hat workshops make the history more fun for children, and the hot springs near Thanh Tan are a relaxing rest-day option.

9. Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Bay

Family fit: Easy by car · Time: Half a day

The coastal road between Hue and Da Nang is one of the country’s best drives. Stop for seafood at Lang Co Bay and for views at the summit. Most families do this in a private car with stops, which gives the same scenery as a motorbike tour at much lower risk.

10. Da Nang Beaches and Dragon Bridge

Family fit: Easy · Time: 1–3 days

Da Nang pairs a long, clean beach with a compact, easy-going city. My Khe Beach has family hotels and restaurants, and the Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water on weekend evenings. It is the easiest base for families, and the gateway to Hoi An, Hue, and Ba Na Hills. See our Da Nang area-by-area guide.

11. Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge

Family fit: Easy · Time: Half to 1 day

A cable car carries you to a hilltop resort with the famous Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands, a French-style village, and an amusement park. It is very popular, so go early on a weekday, and bring a light jacket since it is cooler at the top.

12. Hoi An Ancient Town

Family fit: Easy · Time: 2–3 days

Few places in Vietnam are as universally loved by families. This UNESCO-listed trading port has yellow-walled lanes, lanterns, tailors and riverside cafes. Kids can make lanterns, ride a basket boat, cycle through the countryside or pedal to An Bang Beach. The old town is flat and stroller-friendly but crowded at night, so many families stay slightly outside it.

13. Marble Mountains

Family fit: Moderate · Time: 2–3 hours

Five limestone and marble hills near Da Nang hold caves, pagodas and viewpoints reached by steps or an elevator. Children enjoy the cave exploring, but it is hot and has many stairs, so go in the morning and wear shoes with grip.

More on the centre: our guide to things to do in Da Nang and Hoi An.

Things to Do in Southern Vietnam and the Highlands

14. Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Family fit: Moderate · Time: 1–2 days

Vietnam’s biggest city mixes French-colonial landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office with busy markets and a thriving food scene. A kids’ cooking or pizza-making class is a fun break from sightseeing. The War Remnants Museum contains graphic images, so check whether it suits your children before visiting.

15. Cu Chi Tunnels

Family fit: Older kids · Time: Half a day

This underground network used during the war lies roughly 70 km northwest of the city. Some tunnels have been widened for visitors, and many children enjoy crawling through them. The tight, dark spaces are not for everyone, and a replica firing range nearby is noisy, so decide in advance what your family wants.

16. Mekong Delta

Family fit: Easy · Time: 1 day or an overnight stay

Canals, coconut groves and floating markets show a very different side of Vietnam. Families can paddle sampans, watch coconut candy being made, and cycle between villages. An overnight homestay is a highlight, especially for children who love hands-on experiences.

17. Phu Quoc

Family fit: Easy · Time: 3+ days

Vietnam’s largest island is the easiest beach add-on, with calm beaches, resorts at every budget, VinWonders theme park, and an overwater cable car. It is best in the dry season (roughly November to April) and is the top pick for babies, toddlers, and anyone wanting to simply relax.

18. Con Dao Islands

Family fit: Easy–Moderate · Time: 3+ days

A quiet archipelago with clear water, quiet beaches, snorkeling, and a fascinating but sobering former prison history. It suits families who prefer peace over nightlife. Fly in from Ho Chi Minh City.

19. Dalat

Family fit: Moderate · Time: 2–3 days

Cool highland air, pine forests, waterfalls, and the quirky Crazy House make Dalat a refreshing change from the heat. Adventurous teens can try canyoning, while younger children enjoy flower gardens and easy waterfall walks.

20. Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Family fit: Easy · Time: Half a day

Red and white sand dunes, a fairy stream and fishing boats make Mui Ne a fun, low-risk morning for all ages. Go at sunrise to avoid the heat, and try sandboarding if your children want to burn off energy. Teens can try kitesurfing with a qualified school.

For the full picture on active experiences, see our guide to family adventure holidays in Vietnam. For the south, see our guide to things to do in Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc.

Food, Culture and Local Life: Experiences Worth Adding

Almost every great Vietnam trip includes a few experiences that are not “attractions” at all. These are the ones families remember, and most are Level 1 easy.

• A street food tour. Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City all offer guided tastings, a stress-free way to try new dishes with a local who knows which stalls are clean and child-friendly.
• Pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Vietnamese food is milder than many parents expect, and chili is usually added at the table. Banh mi from a Hoi An bakery is a family favorite.
• A cooking class. A market visit, a basket-boat ride, and a hands-on lesson are a classic Hoi An morning. Kids’ pizza-making classes in Ho Chi Minh City are an easy alternative for fussy eaters.
• A water puppet show. Short, colorful, and in Hanoi’s Thang Long theatre, it works for almost every age.
• A cyclo ride. A slow, seated ride through Hue, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City is relaxing and fun.
• Tailor-made clothes in Hoi An. Local tailors can make outfits in a day or two, so visit early in your stay.
• A countryside homestay. Stilt-house stays in Mai Chau, Pu Luong or the Mekong Delta give children hands-on village life, from cycling to local crafts.
• A scenic train ride. The coastal stretch between Hue and Da Nang is one of the prettiest rail journeys in the country, and sleeper cabins on longer routes are an adventure in themselves.

For hands-on ideas such as duck farms, kite painting and pottery, see our family experiences and our guide to family adventure holidays in Vietnam.

Beyond the Big Names: Hidden Gems and Offbeat Picks

If you have already ticked off the headline sights, or you want something quieter, these lesser-known stops are worth a look.

• Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra, Da Nang): Vietnam’s tallest Buddha statue, with sweeping coastal views.
• Cuc Phuong National Park (near Ninh Binh): a forest reserve with an endangered primate rescue centre, an easy and educational half-day for animal-loving children.
• Cat Ba Island: the gateway to Lan Ha Bay, with hiking, kayaking and quieter beaches than Ha Long.
• Perfume Pagoda (near Hanoi): a boat ride and cable car lead to a sacred cave complex in the hills.
• Reunification Palace (Ho Chi Minh City): a preserved 1960s presidential palace with a basement war room and a rooftop helipad that older children often enjoy.
• Thien Mu Pagoda (Hue): a riverside pagoda best reached by dragon boat, with a calm, photogenic setting.

Best City to Visit in Vietnam with Family

If you are asking which is the best city to visit in Vietnam with family, the answer depends on your children’s ages and what you want to do.

City	Why families like it	Watch out for
Hoi An	Flat, walkable, lantern-lit, with hands-on workshops, beaches and cycling	Evening crowds, humid summers
Da Nang	Long beach, easy hotels with pools and family rooms, close to Hoi An, Hue and Ba Na Hills	Fewer “cultural” sights in the city itself
Hanoi	History, food, water puppets and easy access to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay	Noise, traffic, pollution and heat
Ho Chi Minh City	Big-city energy, markets, parks and day trips to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi	Traffic and heat; a hectic base for young kids
Phu Quoc	Beach resorts, theme park and calm water	Less culture, best in the dry season

Our verdict: For most families, Hoi An and Da Nang together make the best base in Vietnam. They combine beaches, culture and ease in a small area. Hanoi is the best first stop for history and food, and Phu Quoc is the best finish for a beach break. Families of three or four who want to share a single room will find Da Nang’s My Khe area and Hanoi’s Tay Ho district the easiest places to book space.

Famous, But Not for Every Family

Some of Vietnam’s best-known attractions are real highlights, but they are not suited to young children or to relaxed family pacing.

• Ha Giang Loop: a multi-day motorbike route through steep, winding mountain roads. Great for experienced older teens and adults, but not a family trip.
• Son Doong Cave: the world’s largest cave is a multi-day expedition with strict permits, fitness, and age requirements. For families, Phong Nha’s other caves are a better choice.
• Overnight buses on winding roads: convenient but uncomfortable, and a common cause of car sickness. A private car, train, or short flight is easier with kids.
• Very hot, crowded sights at midday: places like Hue’s citadel or the Marble Mountains are far better in the morning.

Good to Know: Vietnam’s New Province Names

In 2025, Vietnam reduced its provincial-level divisions from 63 to 34. Some famous places now sit under new names, which can be confusing when booking or searching:

• Hoi An and the Cham Islands are now part of Da Nang City, which merged with the former Quang Nam province.
• Phong Nha now falls under Quang Tri Province, after Quang Binh and Quang Tri merged.
• Ninh Binh Province is larger, now including the former Ha Nam and Nam Dinh provinces.
• The Ha Giang Loop is now in Tuyen Quang Province.
• Con Dao now falls under Ho Chi Minh City, following the merger with Ba Ria–Vung Tau.

Tourists will still find the same place names on signs, maps, and bookings. Search by the town or landmark (for example, “Hoi An” or “Phong Nha”) rather than by province.

Best Time to Visit Each Region

Region	Roughly best months	Notes
North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Sapa)	Oct–Apr	Winters can be cold and damp; summer is hot and brings typhoon risk to Ha Long
Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha)	Feb–Aug	Heavy rain and flooding are common from about Oct to Dec
South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong, Phu Quoc, Con Dao)	Nov–Apr	Wet season brings short, heavy showers

If you are crossing regions, February to April is generally the easiest window. See our guide to the best time to visit Vietnam with family for a month-by-month breakdown.

Planning Tips for the Must-Do Vietnam List

• Do not try to see everything. Pick one or two regions. A realistic two-week route covers four or five bases.
• Go early. Ba Na Hills, Hoi An, Trang An, and Ha Long are far more pleasant before the tour buses arrive.
• Dress respectfully at temples and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: covered shoulders and knees.
• Book trains and holiday flights early, especially around Tet and school holidays.
• Plan rest days. Heat and humidity tire children fast.
• Carry cash for small restaurants, markets and local ticket counters.
• Check opening rules for sights such as the Mausoleum and popular cave tours, which can close for maintenance or weather.
• Use a local team if you want guides, drivers and activities to fit your children’s ages. Browse our private Vietnam family tours.

Plan Your Trip: Related Guides

Use this list to move from inspiration to a real plan.

Guide	Best for
Family trip to Vietnam: complete planning guide	Visas, safety, packing, budget, and how to plan
Best Vietnam itinerary for families	A day-by-day 2-week route
Family adventure holidays in Vietnam	Active experiences with age and safety guidance
Where to stay in Hanoi	Choosing a neighborhood and hotel in the capital
Where to stay in Da Nang	The best beach and city areas
Where to stay in Vietnam with family	Family rooms and serviced apartments
Vietnam with toddlers and Vietnam with grandparents	Pacing for the youngest and oldest travelers

FAQs About Things to Do in Vietnam

What are the top things to do in Vietnam? The highlights most visitors choose are Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hue’s Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang and Ba Na Hills, Phong Nha’s caves, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc.

How many days do you need to see the main attractions in Vietnam? Ten to fourteen days covers the highlights of two or three regions at a comfortable pace. A week works if you stay in one region, such as central Vietnam.

What is the best city to visit in Vietnam with family? Hoi An and Da Nang are the easiest for most families, thanks to walkable streets, beaches, family hotels, and nearby attractions. Hanoi suits families who want culture and food, and Phu Quoc suits families who want a beach finish.

Which are the must-see UNESCO sites in Vietnam? Popular choices include Ha Long Bay, Trang An (Ninh Binh), Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hue’s monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, and Hanoi’s Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

What are the best things to do in Hanoi? Walk the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, watch a water puppet show, try pho and egg coffee, visit the Temple of Literature and the Imperial Citadel, and add a day trip to Ninh Binh. Older children may also enjoy Hoa Lo Prison and the B-52 Victory Museum.

What food should we try in Vietnam with kids? Start with pho, spring rolls, banh mi, bun cha, and fresh fruit smoothies. Most dishes are mild, and chili is added at the table, so children rarely struggle.

Is Vietnam worth visiting with kids? Yes. It is affordable, welcoming to children, and full of hands-on activities, from basket boats to lantern workshops. Success comes from keeping itineraries slow and choosing stops that suit your children’s ages.

What is the best time of year to visit Vietnam? February to April is generally the most reliable multi-region window. Northern Vietnam is best from about October to April, central Vietnam from about February to August, and the south from about November to April.

Should I visit Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City first? Many first-timers start in Hanoi for history and easy access to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, then head south through Hue and Hoi An. Ho Chi Minh City suits those ending in the Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc.

Conclusion: Choose Your Vietnam Must-Dos by Route, Not by List

The best things to do in Vietnam are the ones that fit a realistic route. Pick a region, choose four or five of the attractions above, add a beach or a rest stop, and leave space for the unplanned moments that families remember most.

For most first-timers with children, the combination of Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang delivers the best mix of culture, scenery and ease. Add Hanoi for history, and Phu Quoc for a beach finish if you have the time.

Ready to turn this list into a plan? Start with our guide to family adventure holidays in Vietnam for active ideas, then get a free day-by-day family plan, browse our private Vietnam family tours, or follow our best Vietnam itinerary for families.