{"id":10788,"date":"2019-08-24T18:07:16","date_gmt":"2019-08-24T18:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/?p=10788"},"modified":"2019-08-24T18:07:16","modified_gmt":"2019-08-24T18:07:16","slug":"things-to-do-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seeker.io\/article\/things-to-do-vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"31 of the Best Things to Do in Vietnam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vietnam is notorious for chaotically vibrant cities, iconic limestone mountains, and enough crave-worthy local cuisine to inspire you to extend your visa. Seriously, that pho is downright captivating. But wait, there\u2019s <\/em>more, <\/em>and I\u2019m not here to just tell you about Ha Long Bay like everyone else. You\u2019re going to want to make your way across the entire country to experience the best of the best (preferably by motorbike, at that).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a broad variety in activities, Vietnam can please both adrenaline-seeking maniacs and cute elderly women who enjoy a nice tailored blouse. And should you ever come across someone who fits both of those groups, definitely buy them a beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without further ado, here are 32 of the best things you can do in Vietnam:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drink bia hoi right on the street with locals at Hanoi\u2019s \u201cBeer Corner\u201d<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Beer
Beer Corner, Hanoi, Vietnam. Trong Nguyen \/ Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After marveling over the amazing bun cha<\/em> you ate for $1.50, make your way over to a street bar for bia hoi<\/a>: Vietnam\u2019s go-to (and cheapest) draft beer. You can find plastic stools strewn about at the intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen Street in Hanoi\u2019s unapologetically raw Old Quarter. This area is the epicenter for grabbing a brew for around $0.25, but it\u2019s definitely not the only place you can enjoy it. My personal favorite bia hoi experience came from a lone wolf bartender with his own keg\u2014origin unknown\u2014right on the sidewalk. Embrace the squat stool life; it looks good on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore Dong Hoi, a city that sees little tourism<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Dong
Dong Hoi, Vietnam.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The only reason some people go to Dong Hoi is because of nearby Phong Nha Cave. Other than that, it\u2019s not usually a destination seen on many itineraries. That\u2019s a sore mistake though, because this seaside city offers immersive authenticity and warm soul to boot. After showing up for one night at the cozy waterside guesthouse of Barefoot Homestay<\/a> (10\/10 recommend), I found myself charmed by the lack of tourist-centric activity and ended up staying for another night. In Dong Hoi, your presence is welcomed and you get to be more of a fly on the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immerse yourself in the greenery of Sapa\u2019s rolling rice terraces<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Most people think of Bali when it comes to rice terraces, but Vietnam is stepping it up with some serious competition. The Hoang Lien Son mountain range houses Sapa, a quiet town with not-so-quiet views and lots of trekking opportunities. It\u2019s pretty easy to get there from Hanoi, a straight shot northwest with busses leaving daily<\/a>. Peaks, valleys, and a blanket of lush greenery make Sapa look like something that would be on the cover of a guidebook. All of that verdant vegetation comes with steady rainfall, so pack your spiffiest rain poncho and a positive attitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abseil a canyon like an absolute lunatic in Dalat<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Canyoning
Canyoning in Dalat, Vietnam.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For those who like their adrenaline with a side of cascading waterfall, Dalat is the place and canyoning is the game. During my time in this misty mountain town, adventure tours to the Datanla waterfalls were temporarily suspended due to a recent fatal accident<\/a>. Keep in mind that cliff diving and navigating slippery rocks is no joke. Now that we\u2019ve covered the safety disclaimers, feel free to take the plunge at your own risk. The experience usually takes a full day and it\u2019s best to arrange with a local company<\/a> to ensure that you get the proper gear. Unless you\u2019re a pro, it\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ve packed proper rappelling gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a walk through Crazy House<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n