What should I do in Vietnam?

Question

What should I do in Vietnam?

Answer 1

Are you going to Ho chi minh (saigon)? All the markets there have great shopping. Take a bus tour to the northern area of vietnam, maybe Hanoi. You'll see all the rainforests along the way, and the mountains that which have all four seasons in one day. Go towards the northeastern beaches, it is gorgeous. They would have small crabs that you can catch and let go, it's so fun. Ask about the restaurants where they cook what you fish! They have their own "islands" and  fish farm, so you're always guaranteed to catch a fish, even if you are not a pro at fishing.

Answer 2

Eat!  The best cuisine in the world is Vietnamese!

Answer 3

Obviously, it will depend on how long you have in Vietnam and your own personal interests.

I really liked Northern Vietnam over Southern Vietnam, but I also know people who like the reverse.  In the North, base yourself in Hanoi, which I think is a little bit sleepier than HCMC.  I would highly recommend a multi-day trek to Sapa in the mountains and at least 2 days/1 night junk boat tour in Halong Bay.  I also did a one day excursion to Nam Coc, which is basically like Halong Bay (limestone karst formations) but in a river that winds through rice paddies as you sit in small boats that are rowed by old ladies who try to sell you things.  Sapa, although rather touristy, is one of my favorite places that I have ever been to.

In the middle of Vietnam, there is Hue, which has a lot of tombs.  I would take a Perfume River Boat Tour and pick and choose the tombs.  Hoi An is also in the middle.  It is quite charming as a walled city, and the My Son ruins from the Cham Empire are nearby.  I would skip My Son if you have been to Angkor Wat complex because these ruins are in the same style as the ones at Angkor Wat but much smaller and in a jungle instead.

The Southern half has a lot of varied things to do also.  Nha Trang has beaches, diving, and spas/places you can take a mud bath.  Dalat is in the mountains and a favorite place for honeymooning Vietnamese.  Personally, I thought a lot of the sites were a bit cheesy and would not have minded skipping them.  The hike up the mountain allowed for some nice views though.

HCMC is really busy.  I didn't get to see much of the actual city besides the market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Post Office.  You can visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you can crawl through tunnels, watch videos of heroic Vietnamese soldiers who killed X number of Americans, and shoot guns.  Another thing to do near HCMC is to visit the Mekong delta and visit canals, floating markets, and villages and maybe try your hand at traditional fishing.

Of course, where ever you go in Vietnam, there will be some great food!  White coffee (visit a coffee shop!), pho (it is so easy to overload), banh xeo, cha ca in Hanoi, spring rolls that you roll yourself (I don't know the name of this), etc.

Have fun in Vietnam!