Cheerful, modern, and entirely beautiful, Vietnam is a very unique destination that will impress even the most jaded of travelers. The possibilities for adventure here are endless, so if you’ll looking for a spot that will both inspire awe and entertain you thoroughly, this is where you should be headed. Interested in all the delight this country has to offer? Then take a look at our list of top ten ways you can enjoy it as a tourist!

Try the “weasel coffee”

Made from coffee beans eaten by wild civets, the weasel coffee (also known as Kopi Luwak) is one of the most expensive beverages of this kind in the world. A gourmet traveler will appreciate its strong taste, but even if you’re not much of a fan of the bitter flavor, the city where weasel coffee is famous is beautiful enough to keep you interested. Buon Ma Thuot, the regional capital of Vietnam highlands, is full of green nature, waterfalls, and warm temperatures that make it easy to enjoy long, casual strolls.

Learn more about history

While the country has a very long, rich history, a lot of travelers are mainly interested in the more recent events—namely, the Vietnam War. For an in-depth look at everything, you might want to check out the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Hanoi, but if you’re mostly interested in the war itself, then Ho Chi Minh City Museum is bound to fascinate you. 

Enjoy the spirituality of Tây Ninh

An unlikely holy city and an even unlikelier religion—Caodaism is a mix of Christianity, Taoism, Buddhism, the occult, and Islam, and while it might not be popular anywhere else in the world, it’s very popular here. You can puzzle over it all you like, but the Cao Dai Temple is still an impressive building, and the whole city is a bustling spiritual place full of wonders and contradictions.  

Go on a food tour

What better way to experience Vietnam than by pairing pretty sights with delicious food? If you want to stimulate all your senses and enjoy the sights of Ho Chi Minh (better known as Saigon), then sign up for one of the tours that take you through the city and show you what Vietnamese people like to eat. The best Saigon street food tour will show you multiple places instead of making you stick to only one district, so you’ll really get to know both the famous dishes and the streets of this bustling city. This is also a good idea for families and couples because it gives you something interesting to do together, and you also get the chance to pick up a few meal prep tips and delight your guests back home.

Explore everything on a scooter

Walking on foot and public transport aren’t your only options of exploring Vietnam. If you know how to ride a scooter, you’re in luck because it’s a popular way of getting around and you can easily rent one to suit your needs. With a scooter and a good backpack to keep your things safe, you hardly need anything else to fully enjoy the sights.  

Visit the Women’s Museum

From tribal baskets to ornamented ceremonial outfits—the Vietnamese Women’s Museum in Hanoi is a captivating experience that showcases culture, tradition, and bravery of women who contributed to the society. There’s much to learn about historical figures who aided the war efforts or simply read about the family, historical, and even fashion customs. If you’re visiting Hanoi, this is the one thing you shouldn’t miss.

Check out the Lantern Festival in Hoi An

If you happen to be visiting Vietnam during their New Year (called Tết), then you’ll get the chance to see the Lantern Festival should you choose to drop by Hoi An. It’s a seven-day celebration that’s full of music, culinary delights, and bright, colorful lanterns, and you can even light one yourself and watch it as it flies into the air and pass the Hoai River Square.

Cruise the Mekong Delta

Catch a boat in Saigon or Can Tho and let it take you along the Mekong River. You’ll see tiny charming villages, floating fish markets, workers toiling away in the rice fields, and plenty of greenery along the bank. Cruise lovers will love the slow, leisurely pace and the chance to enjoy some peace as they take in the lovely sights.

Take in the sights of the Sapa region

Sapa is a little town in the North of Vietnam that’s famous for its markets. Set on a high mountain ridge, it offers a spectacular view of Hoang Lien Mountains, and it’s very popular among tourists due to the colorful stalls and a unique shopping experience. Sapa also has an interesting little tradition—The Love Market. Vietnamese men and women meet at a secret location in the dead of night, and sing songs to each other, trying to find love.

Visit the world’s largest cave

Hang Son Doong has a cavern so tall you could fit a whole building inside of it. Located in Quang Binh province is basically a jungle and you can expect to encounter a lot of wild nature, but if you want to explore these stunning caves you can do that by hiring a guide in a small town called Phong Nha. 

If you long for an active, exotic vacation full of things you’ve never seen before, Vietnam is a great choice. Enjoy your trip and make sure to snap a lot of photos!