Things to do in Vietnam

Places to visit in Vietnam

• Things to do in Da Nang beach, food, city
• Things to do in Ha Long Bay nature, relax, adventure
• Things to do in Hanoi city, food, culture
• Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City city, food, culture
• Things to do in Hoi An culture, food, relax

Best time to visit Vietnam

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Da Nang

Flying in the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October can save 20-35% versus peak December-January holiday fares; midweek departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) also tend to be 10-15% cheaper than weekend flights. Avoid the rainy season (October-November) if beach weather matters, though hotel rates drop sharply then.

Ha Long Bay

Flying into Hanoi in the shoulder months of March-April or October-November typically saves 15-25% versus peak December-January holiday fares; mid-week departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend prices by another 10%. Avoid the Tet holiday window (late January to mid-February) when domestic and regional fares spike sharply.

Hanoi

The cheapest months to fly to Hanoi are typically May, June, and September, when you can save 20-35% versus peak season (December-January and July-August). Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, can shave an additional 5-10% off fares.

Ho Chi Minh City

Flying into Ho Chi Minh City in May-June (shoulder/wet season) or September-October can be 25-40% cheaper than the December-January peak holiday window. Booking on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and targeting departures 6-8 weeks out typically yields the best economy fares from North American and European hubs.

Hoi An

Flying into Da Nang is cheapest from mid-January through March and again in August to early September, when fares from major hubs can run 20-35% lower than the peak November-December holiday surge. Avoiding Vietnamese public holidays (Tet in late January/February) also prevents both airfare spikes and sold-out accommodation.

Is Vietnam expensive?

It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.

Free things to do in Vietnam

• Da Nang: Mỹ Khê Beach Swim, sunbathe, or watch fishermen haul in basket boats on a world-class beach with no entry fee.
• Ha Long Bay: Bai Chay Waterfront Walk A scenic seaside promenade perfect for sunset strolls with views of the bay and boats
• Hanoi: Walk the Old Quarter at night Streets close to traffic on weekends, turning the maze of lantern-lit alleys into a giant walking festival with street performers.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Wander the French Quarter Stroll past stunning colonial-era architecture including the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Hoi An: Wander the Old Town Streets Stroll Japanese Covered Bridge, merchant houses, and lantern-draped lanes, free outside ticketed interiors