Experiential travel is becoming a popular trend for both domestic and international tourists visiting Vietnam. This is because the S-shaped land not only boasts stunning natural landscapes but is also a treasure trove of rich and diverse culture. This article suggests 10 unique and famous travel experiences and activities in Vietnam that you should definitely try once in your lifetime.
1. Explore Hoi An’s Bay Mau Coconut Forest by Basket Boat
Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a unique eco-tourism destination in Hoi An, Quang Nam, where visitors can immerse themselves in the green space, explore the vast beauty of the waterways, and learn about local history and culture. One of the distinctive features of this land is the traditional basket boat.
- Address: Group 2, Can Nhan Hamlet, Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
- Entrance fee: 30,000 VND/person.
- Basket boat rental price: 150,000 – 200,000 VND/boat, depending on the type of boat and number of people. Each basket boat can carry 2-4 people.
Tourists rowing traditional basket boats in Bay Mau Coconut Forest, Hoi An
Sitting on a basket boat, visitors will be rowed by local people who understand the coconut forest and life here. They will tell stories about the coconut forest, about the animals living in the forest, about the daily activities of the people, and the folk songs of Quang region. You can also row the boat yourself to feel the ingenuity and fun of this experience.
In addition, visitors can also participate in other activities such as fishing, coconut picking, making coconut rice paper, or drinking fresh coconut water. These activities not only help you understand more about the life of Cam Thanh people but also provide an opportunity to interact and make friends with locals.
2. Watch Sunrise on Da Nang Beach with SUP Boarding
SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) to watch the sunrise in Da Nang is a unique travel experience that you should not miss. From about 4:30 AM, Man Thai beach becomes bustling with the appearance of many tourists participating in this activity. Most tourists SUP to enjoy the beauty of the sunrise on the sea, swim, explore natural coral, and enjoy the fresh morning air.
People paddleboarding at sunrise on Da Nang beach
The sea water in this area in the morning is usually very calm, with few waves, creating favorable conditions for SUP boarding, even for beginners. Before starting, most visitors are equipped with life jackets and instructed on necessary skills. Each SUP usually carries a maximum of 2 people, with prices ranging from 200,000 – 350,000 VND/SUP/2 people.
3. “Fly Above Water” with Flyboard in Nha Trang
Flyboard, also known as “jet water stand,” is a unique marine sport that brings a feeling of hovering above the water and admiring the beautiful sea of Nha Trang from above. This is one of the lesser-known tourist activities in Vietnam.
A person enjoying a flyboard experience in Nha Trang
The cost for a flyboard experience in Nha Trang is quite high, about 940,000 VND/person for 30 minutes of flying. This is a game that requires dexterity, and players will be instructed on basic operations before practicing.
4. Paragliding, Admire the Natural Scenery of Vietnam from Above
Paragliding is an exciting adventure tourism activity, especially for those who are not afraid of heights. Although not new, when paragliding in Vietnam, you will be immersed in the majestic natural beauty of the country.
In just a few dozen minutes in the sky, you can admire the panoramic view from the plains to the hills, from the islands to the magnificent mountain ranges. Currently, there are many beautiful paragliding spots stretching across the country, attracting a large number of tourists.
- To admire the majestic mountains, you can refer to places like Doi Bu in Hanoi, Khau Pha Pass and La Pan Tan commune in Mu Cang Chai, Langbiang Mountain in Da Lat, or Nam Vien Mountain in Hoa Binh.
- For tourists who want to admire the sea and islands, Son Tra in Da Nang is a famous choice. When taking off at an altitude of about 600 meters, you can admire the beautiful city of Da Nang and the vast blue sea below.
A paraglider soaring over Doi Bu, Hanoi
The cost for a paragliding experience in Vietnam ranges from 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND/flight, depending on the location.
5. Welcome the First Sunrise of Vietnam at Mui Dien, Phu Yen
Phu Yen owns a 189 km long coastline with many pristine bays, beaches, lagoons, and reefs. But did you know that Phu Yen also has another attractive destination, which is Mui Dien – known as the Easternmost Point of the Fatherland? Coming here, you will have the opportunity to witness the first sunrises of Vietnam.
A breathtaking sunrise at Mui Dien cape, Phu Yen
Around 5 am, the sky begins to reveal pink light. Gradually, the pink color turns to orange and yellow, creating a colorful and brilliant picture. And then, the magical moment arrives. The sun slowly appears on the sea, radiating a shimmering aura.
If you want to camp overnight at Mui Dien, you can rent tents and equipment for about 80,000 VND/person.
6. Experience Mekong Delta Floating Markets: Unique Cultural Feature
The Mekong Delta is not only famous for its fruit-laden orchards and peaceful villages but also has a diverse river system. When visiting the Mekong Delta, tourists should experience visiting floating markets – a unique feature that not every region has. Some famous floating markets include: Cai Rang floating market, Cai Be floating market, Phung Hiep floating market.
A bustling floating market scene in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Cai Rang floating market is the most bustling and attracts the most tourists. You will visit the market on small boats, floating on the water, where people are busy buying and selling. All shopping, enjoying specialties and cuisine take place on boats filled with agricultural products.
Visiting the Mekong Delta floating markets, tourists will witness the vibrant and joyful life of the gentle rural people. They are friendly, hospitable, willing to chat and tell you about the unique cultural features and life in the water region.
7. Explore Son Doong Cave: Conquer the World’s Natural Wonder
One of the most worthwhile travel experiences is exploring Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world, located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh. The cave is about 9 km long, with an average height of 200 m and an average width of 150 m. The cave has two large sinkholes, creating “skylights” for light to penetrate and creating primeval forests inside the cave.
An expedition team exploring the vast Son Doong Cave
During the exploration, you will have to walk, climb mountains, swim, kayak, and use ropes to overcome difficult terrains. You will admire the beautiful landscapes of the cave, such as giant stalagmites, sparkling stalactites, clear blue lakes, and lush green forests.
Son Doong cave tours only take place from January to August every year, divided into seasons:
- Spring (January – March): Admire the brilliant rays of sunlight shining through the cave entrance.
- April – May: Admire the beauty of the cave with the brilliance of flower forests and magical cloud layers.
- Summer (June – August): Swim in the streams and underground lakes inside the cave.
8. Conquer Fansipan Peak: “The Roof of Indochina”
Fansipan, or “The Roof of Indochina,” is a great destination for tourists who want to challenge themselves and enjoy the pristine natural beauty. Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, belonging to the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
A view from the summit of Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina
You have two ways to conquer Fansipan: hiking or taking the cable car.
- Hiking: Takes 2-3 days to climb up and down the mountain, with the support of guides and camping services.
- Cable car: Saves time and effort, only takes about 15 minutes to reach the top.
The cost for the Fansipan conquering experience varies depending on the method you choose. If hiking, it will cost about 2-3,000,000 VND, while the cable car is about 800,000 VND.
9. Jeep Riding on Mui Ne Sand Dunes: A Memorable Adventure Experience
Jeeps are an ideal means of transport to move between tourist destinations in Mui Ne. You can rent a 4-seater or 6-seater Jeep with prices from 550,000 VND to 600,000 VND for a tour of 4 locations in about 4-4.5 hours.
A jeep driving on the white sand dunes of Mui Ne
The sand dunes are one of the most attractive destinations in Mui Ne. You will experience the adventurous feeling of driving a Jeep up and down towering sand dunes, gliding on the refreshing winds.
In addition to the sand dunes, you can visit other locations such as Hon Rom, Bau Trang, Fairy Stream, Fishing Village,…
10. Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: Southeast Asia’s First Mixed World Heritage Site
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is an area with beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural history, located in Ninh Binh province.
Tourists taking a boat tour through the Trang An grottoes
Trang An has many attractive attractions, such as the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, and Hoa Lu special-use forest. The highlight of Trang An is the boat trips on the river, through the magical caves and poetic scenery. You can also kayak yourself to explore Trang An in your own way.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a beautiful country with countless unique travel experiences and activities waiting for you to discover. From blue sea and white sand regions to majestic mountains, from ancient cultural heritages to bustling floating markets, each location carries its own story, a special charm. Hope the above suggestions will help you have a complete and memorable journey to explore Vietnam. Are you ready for your trip?