A growing number of tourists are going back to Vietnam post-COVID-19, armed with curated 'must-do' lists inspired by their favorite travel writers.

In a Lonely Planet article titled "The 15 best things you can do in Vietnam in 2024," Joe Bindloss noted that “the tough decision for travelers isn't whether they should visit Vietnam, it's how they choose what to do with so many incredible options.”

“No matter what you want your vacation to look like, accept that you'll never cover everything in one trip and embrace it as a reason to return,” he opined.

The article, first published in September 2021 and updated in February 2024, began its list of must-dos with “Embrace past and future Vietnam in historic Hanoi.”

The list also included experiences like exploring Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay in northern Quang Ninh Province, savoring imperial cuisine in Hue, touring imperial tombs in the same city, taking a cooking course, visiting the My Son Sanctuary in central Quang Nam Province, and exploring the Cao Dai Holy See in the southern province of Tay Ninh.

Blindloss also endorsed riding a motorbike through Vietnam’s northern mountainous region, visiting war relics, making a trip to the villages in the 'Asian Alps' of Sa Pa, drinking a perfect cup of coffee in the Central Highlands, exploring the world’s largest cave –  Son Doong – in the north-central province of Quang Binh, strolling through Ho Chi Minh City, and relaxing on Vietnam’s beautiful beaches.

Last but not least, he suggested taking a floating tour of the Mekong Delta. 

Meanwhile, in a piece published at travel.nine.com.au earlier this month, Emily Bennett listed “Eight must-see and do things for the perfect trip to Vietnam.”

“The country is full of experiences for every type of traveler, from the adventure seeker to those simply seeking time to switch off,” Bennett wrote.

According to the author, immersing oneself in the local culture with a vespa tour in Ho Chi Minh City is a “must” during a trip to Vietnam.

She recommended that tourists indulge in authentic local flavors at numerous family-run restaurants and street food stalls throughout the city.

She also suggested trying a unique twist with made-in-Vietnam pho-flavored chocolate.

“Hop on a boat and drift downstream along the Mekong Delta” and “Take in the sights of Saigon's historic architecture including the Central Post Office and the Ben Thanh Market” are also included in Bennett’s list of things to do for the perfect trip in Vietnam. 

Leaving the south for central Vietnam, Bennett suggested visiting Cam Ranh – home to one of the country’s most beautiful bays – as well as visiting the Ponagar Temple in the coastal city of Nha Trang.

Sneha Chakraborty from the Hindustan Times also compiled a bucket list of “25 best things to do in Vietnam,” which included a historical tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City and embracing tube-house architecture in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Chakraborty recommended tourists to kayak through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, soak up some Vietnamese sun on Phu Quoc Island, light a lantern in Hoi An, and take a night market tour through Ho Chi Minh City.

Other interesting things to consider experiencing on a trip to Vietnam included visiting the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in northern Ha Giang Province, taking photos on the Golden Bridge in central Da Nang City, paddling in crystal clear lagoons in south-central Quy Nhon City, taking a stroll through Da Lat, watching Vietnam’s water puppetry shows, taking a guided tour of My Son Sanctuary, and visiting the coffee museum in Buon Ma Thuot City, located in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak.

Adventurers can also choose to canoe across Crocodile Lake in Cat Tien National Park in southern Vietnam and explore Ban Gioc Waterfall on a bamboo raft or climb to the top of the waterfall.

For food enthusiasts, relishing a bowl of hu tieu noodles at Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho City, indulging in fresh fish and shellfish in Nha Trang, sipping on artichoke tea in Da Lat, and unwinding with bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) in Hanoi’s Old Quarter are absolute must-try experiences.

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