Things to see in Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Saigon

This was our first and hopefully not our Vietnam holyday to this amazing country. We explored the vibrant cities of Hanoi and Saigon. Then a Halong Bay cruise through the stunning limestone karsts . Finally we did a Mekong Delta Tour from Saigon.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It’s a bustling city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and lively street life. The historic Old Quarter with narrow streets of shops, markets and exciting food stalls is one of the best things to see in Vietnam.

From the moment we were picked up at the airport, we fell in love with exploring Vietnam.

From the moment we were picked up at the airport, we know it would be a fantastic Vietnam Holiday. Hanoi, with a population of six million, is home to an estimated five million scooters. This makes it one of the most scooter-dense cities in the world. We stayed in a small hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter, not far from Hoàn Kiếm Lake. From there, we could easily walk to lakeside restaurants for a meal. Most importantly, we discovered a shopping area where we could even buy Australian wine. The Old Quarter is one of the best things to see in Vietnam.

The first thing to learn in Vietnam is how to cross a street. But there are no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings. There is only one rule: keep going and don’t stop as scooters and cars pass you.

The very first skill you need to master in Vietnam isn’t using chopsticks—it’s crossing the street. There are no traffic lights, no pedestrian crossings—just a constant flow of scooters and cars. The only rule? Step out, keep moving steadily, and whatever you do, don’t stop. Just walk slowly and steadily, and like magic, the traffic parts around you—as if you’re Moses and the Red Sea is made of motorbikes.

If you are exploring Vietnam, the Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem Lakeis a most-do. It’s the oldest and busiest commercial district in Hanoi. We had a great time walking the old streets and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Local Vietnamese woman sharing her conical hat and basket for a tourist photo in a traditional street market

Vietnamese women are clever, resourceful, and incredibly hard-working. One day, a friendly woman approached us with a warm smile. Without a word, she placed her conical hat on my wife’s head, slung her basket over her shoulder, and set us up for the perfect photo opportunity. Of course, we couldn’t resist buying some fruit—and gave her a generous tip. She walked away beaming. No doubt it was her best sale of the day. Smart woman!

Exploring Vietnam, Hanoi sidewalk with street food stalls, scooters, and pedestrians weaving through traffic and daily life

Footpaths are meant for walking—but not in Hanoi.Here they transform into open-air kitchens, sidewalk cafés, , street stalls, barber shops, and parking lots for scooters. Pedestrians don’t just walk, they weave through the traffic. They dodge, and sidestep through a maze of bikes, honking cars. It’s noisy, crowded, chaotic but still we enjoyed it very much. This are things to see in Vietnam.

Street food stall in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with locals and tourists eating on small plastic chairs

One of the best things to see in Vietnam is the vibrant street food scene in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Just pick a stall, order something delicious, and squeeze onto one of those tiny plastic chairs to eat and chat with the locals; they’re always friendly. There’s just one small problem: if you’re old, getting down is easy but getting back up? Not so much!

While exploring Vietnam, we saw this Upmarket restaurant in the CBD of Hanoi during lunchtime.

We were fascinated by the little side streets in the heart of Hanoi’s Central Business District, which came alive at midday. Stylish locals pour in the restaurants for lunch. The tiny plastic stools were packed with people chatting over steaming bowls of pho and sizzling street food. It’s a chaotic, colorful, delicious scene and one of the best ways to experience Hanoi’s vibrant street culture.

During exploring Vietnam, we went to the Temple of Literature. The Temple of Literature is the first university complex in Vietnam.

One of the best things to see in Vietnam is the Temple of Literature. It was established in 1070 in honour of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. This is Vietnam’s first university, and many students come to pray for luck in their upcoming exams and graduation. There are five amazing courtyards in different styles. This is a view of the third courtyard, which is also known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity.

Ninh Binh

While on our Vietnam Holiday, we went to Ninh Binh a province in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including limestone karsts, rivers, and caves. Ninh Binh is also home to several historical and cultural sites. It is also popular for boat tours and hiking.

One off the things to see in Vietnam is Ninh Binh. We went on a private tour from Hanoi, which included a car, driver, and guide. The tour also took us to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s Ancient Royal Capital, and included a rowing tour as well as a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Exploring Vietnam, Smiling Vietnamese woman rowing a boat in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

While most tourists flock to the overcrowded Tam Cốc rowing excursion, we thought it is a better things to see in Vietnam is the more serene Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. It was a beautiful choice. Our guide—a cheerful and strong local woman—did all the rowing. In fact, it’s the women who do most of the heavy rowing here. Remarkable!

Boat gliding through calm wetlands with oars gently splashing on mirror-like water.

Gliding through the wetlands was an unforgettable experience. The gentle splash of the oars and the mirror-like surface of the water created a sense of peace and serenity that stayed with us long after.

Boat carrying a newlywed couple gliding through calm waters during a scenic tour.

During the cruise through the tranquil waters of Halong Bay, we glided past a small, beautifully decorated boat carrying a newlywed couple. The bride wore a flowing white dress, and the groom stood proudly beside her, both of them beaming with joy. It was a quiet, intimate moment that seemed to float in time, framed by the towering limestone cliffs and mirrored in the still water around them. This unexpected glimpse of love and celebration added a romantic charm to the already serene setting—one of those travel moments that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Boat entering a dark, low-ceilinged cave with still water reflecting the cave walls like a mirror.

We slipped quietly into the cave, inside, it was cool and dark, the cave ceiling low and mysterious. The reflections on the water were like paintings—still, perfect, and utterly mesmerizing.

Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one things to see in Vietnam. This is one of Vietnam’s most stunning destinations and just 3-4 hours drive from Hanoi. It is famous for its jade-green waters. beautiful limestone inlets and there are stunning caves.

exploring Vietnam, Halong Bay with Signature Cruise

On our Vietnam Holiday, we went on a three-day cruise on Halong Bay with Signature Cruise. There were only 20 passengers on board—matched by an equal number of crew members. The cabins were luxurious and while the cuisine was nothing short of exceptional. Onboard activities ranged from serene Tai Chi at sunrise to fun, hands-on Vietnamese cooking classes. Excursions took us to a pearl farm and a traditional floating fishing village. In addition, we did a fantastic kayak tour and a visit to a stunning cave. The great thing was. that everything was included in the price of the cruise.

Best things to see in Vietnam the Ha Long Bay

The peak tourist season in Halong Bay runs from October to April. We cruised in early November. The weather was pleasant and the bay never felt overcrowded. There were several cruise ships on the waters but they did not diminish the bay’s sense of tranquility.

A view of the maze of limestone karsts rising from the water at Ha Long Bay

During exploring Vietnam, on a Ha Long Bay cruise, we stopped at a tiny, idyllic island. It was a perfect place for a refreshing swim in the calm, green waters. Afterward, we hiked up a small hill where we had a spectacular panoramic view of the bay. A view of the maze of limestone karsts rising from the water, is definitely a things to see in Vietnam.

Kayaking through the towering limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. After a brief instruction, we paddled behind our guide along dramatic cliffs to the quiet Vung Vieng Fishing Village—an unforgettable experience.

On our Vietnam Holiday, we went kayaking through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. After a short instruction on how to handle the kayak, we went off. Our excellent guide took us along the limestone cliffs to Vung Vieng Fishing Village. This was an unforgettable experience.

Riding in small traditional rowboats from our cruise ship to a pearl farm in Ha Long Bay, we learned about pearl cultivation—from oyster farming to harvesting—and browsed pearl jewelry. The boats were rowed by strong, skilled Vietnamese women.

We went on another excursion from our cruise ship in small, traditional rowboats to a pearl farm. Were we learned about the pearl cultivation process, from oyster farming to harvesting, and purchased pearl jewelry. Guess who did the rowing? Vietnam’s women!!

The elegant dining room was beautiful, but we preferred eating outside, where we enjoyed stunning views of Ha Long Bay and the warm, balmy night air. Dining under the stars was truly magical.

The dining room on our Halong Bay cruise was elegant and beautifully decorated, offering a refined atmosphere. But we much preferred sitting outside on the deck, where we were surrounded by the stunning views of the limestone karsts and could enjoy the warm, balmy night air. Dining under the stars, with the gentle lapping of water around us, was a magical and unforgettable experience.

A breathtaking sunset over Ha Long Bay, with the sky glowing in shades of deep orange, fiery red, and magenta. The colors reflected on the still water, while limestone islands stood silhouetted against the light—a magical end to the day.

The stunning sunset over Ha Long Bay is another things to see in Vietnam. The sky blazed with vibrant hues—deep orange, fiery red, and warm magenta—spilling their colors across the still waters below. The limestone islands stood in silhouette, adding to the drama of the scene. It was a truly magical way to end a day on the water.

While cruising through Ha Long Bay, we passed small fishing boats where locals live for days, casting nets to catch fish. Many fishing families reside in floating villages—watching daily life unfold in these unique communities was fascinating.

During our Halong Bay cruise, we passed numerous small fishing boats. They live for days on tiny boats and casting nets to catch fish. Many fishing families live in floating villages. It was fascinating to watch the everyday life in these unique settlements.

A woman and her young child sit aboard a small wooden boat, surrounded by baskets of fresh seafood for sale—a peaceful moment that reflects daily life in the floating communities of Ha Long Bay.

This was a touching moment during our Vietnam Holiday. A small wooden boat, where a woman and her young child sell freshly caught fish. This is a quiet, intimate glimpse into everyday life on the bay.

Things to see in Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City used to be Saigon, is Vietnam’s capital and largest city . It is the economic powerhouse of the country. Ho Chi Minh attractions are the bustling Ben Thanh Market, and the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. One thing to see in Vietnam is the elegant French colonial buildings in the city. Popular attraction is as well the War Remnants Museum.

In Saigon, we loved walking along the riverfront of the Saigon River, which is a branch of the Mekong Delta.

We had planned to go to Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, other things to see in Vietnam, before exploring Saigon. Because of a typhoon warning for the East Sea, we had to change our itinerary. Soo, we took a direct flight to Saigon and had more time to see the amazing city. We loved walking along the riverfront of the Saigon River, which is a branch of the Mekong Delta.

A beautiful example of French colonial architecture in Saigon—the city's main post office, with its elegant yellow façade and arched windows.

Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, is home of several buildings from the French colonial era. These include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office and the Saigon Opera House. During our visit, we found several of them closed for restoration. This one—the Central Post Office—is a standout example.

In Saigon, we attended the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus at the Opera House—a stunning performance blending acrobatics, live music, and creative use of bamboo. This internationally acclaimed show has also been staged at the Sydney Opera House.

While in Saigon, we went to the Opera House to see a performance of the famous Vietnamese Bamboo Circus. This show combined extraordinary acrobatics with unique live music. All actions are centered around the use of bamboo in any form. This show has toured the world, including at the Sydney Opera House. This incredible show is another things to see in Vietnam.

There are a lot of very luxurious shops in Ho Chi Minh City District 1, as well as the large Diamond Plaza department store.

Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 is home to numerous high-end boutiques, luxury shops and the huge Diamond Plaza department store.

Exploring Vietnam isn’t complete without shopping at markets like Ben Thanh—lively, crowded, and full of energy, with hundreds of stalls and friendly haggling that adds to the fun and charm.

When exploring Vietnam, shopping in markets is a must. Shopping in a market like Ben Thanh, is far more fun and far more affordable than in a department store. With hundreds of bustling stalls, each one eager to make a sale, the atmosphere is lively and full of energy. Haggling is all part of the experience, and is a lot of fun.

Exploring Vietnam, the Mekong Delta Tour

The Mekong Delta is a sprawling network of rivers, swamps, and islands. The main part of the economy is farming. This rich land produces an abundant crop of rice, fruits, vegetables, and fish. Many of Vietnam day tours go into the Mekong Delta. Most tours include boat trips along the Mekong River and going to the floating markets. Other tours explore the traditional villages known for their local crafts and way of life.

Exploring Vietnam, the colourful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, Mekong Delta

From Saigon, we took a private Mekong Delta tour. The first stop was the colourful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. Caodaism is a Vietnamese religion that combines teachings from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.

In the village of Di Ba, the bustling local market offered everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to poultry, frogs, and fish.

In the village Di Ba, we went to the local market. The sellers sold everything from fresh vegetables and fruit to poultry. You could as well buy frogs and fish.

Riding a motorbike through Vietnam’s lush Mekong Delta, we passed concrete swallow towers, where nests for bird’s nest soup—worth up to $1,200 per kilo—are harvested.

The Mekong Delta Tour did include a one-hour motorbike ride through the lush region that produces 60% of the country’s rice. Along the way, we came across curious concrete towers—specially built structures designed to attract swallows. Their nests, prized as a delicacy in bird’s nest soup, are harvested and sold for up to $1,200 per kilogram.

While exploring Vietnam, lunch at Tan Thanh Beach was unforgettable.

Looking back at our Vietnam Holiday, the lunch at Tan Thanh Beach was unforgettable. We shared a delicious seaside meal with our warm and knowledgeable guide at. With the sea breeze in the air and the sound of waves gently lapping the shore, it was a peaceful and memorable break from our journey made even more special by the guide’s engaging stories and local insights.

Tan Thanh Beach with stilt houses and colorful fishing boats, 80 km south of Saigon. A seafood lover's paradise.

Nestled about 80 km south of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Tan Thanh Beach in Go Cong Dong district offers a picturesque escape. This beautiful coastal stretch is a vibrant hub where you can see numerous houses on stilts and watch the colourful fishing boats on the waters. For those who relish the bounty of the sea, Tan Thanh Beach is an absolute paradise for seafood lovers, where fresh catches are cooked to perfection.

Cruising the wide, muddy waters of the Mekong Delta, we passed lush riverbanks, stilted homes, fishermen casting nets, produce-laden boats, and children waving from the shore—a vivid glimpse of daily life along the river.

After lunch, our guide took us on an hour-long cruise along the wide, muddy waters of the Mekong Delta. As we glided past lush green riverbanks and stilted homes, we observed daily life unfolding on the water. The fishermen casting their nets, boats piled high with produce, and children waving from the shore. The warm air was thick with the scent of vegetation, and the steady hum of the boat added to the rhythm of this timeless river landscape.

During our Mekong Delta cruise, we passed floating fish farms—wooden structures bobbing on the water, full of fish just below the surface. Along the riverbanks stood stilted houses, some simple, others brightly painted, with laundry fluttering and boats moored nearby—a vivid glimpse into the region’s water-connected way of life.

During our cruise through at our the Mekong Delta Tour, we passed several floating fish farms wooden structures bobbing gently on the water. Each of them brimming with life fish just below the surface. Along the riverbanks, we saw clusters of riverside houses, many perched on tall stilts to withstand seasonal flooding. Some were simple wooden dwellings, others brightly painted. Nice to see the laundry fluttering in the breeze and boats moored just outside. It was a fascinating glimpse into the water-connected way of life in this unique region.

Gliding in a small boat through a narrow Mekong Delta canal, we passed under dense nipa palms forming a green tunnel. The calm, muddy water reflected the lush surroundings as we headed toward a quiet riverside settlement.

Later, we transferred to a smaller boat and glided quietly along a narrow canal lined with dense nipa palms. The overhanging fronds formed a green tunnel that filtered the sunlight, creating a cool, dappled pathway through the delta. The water was calm and muddy, reflecting the surrounding greenery as we drifted deeper into the peaceful heart of the Mekong. Eventually, we arrived at a small riverside settlement, where life moved at a slower pace, and the warm smiles of the locals welcomed us into their world.

That was the final stop on our fantastic Mekong Delta tour before we returned to Saigon. This was the end of our vietnam trip, we still rember our Halong Bay Cruise

That was the final stop on our fantastic Mekong Delta tour before we returned to Saigon. With our excellent guide, we celebrated it with a glass of delicious snake wine. Snake wine recipe: Soak snakes, cobras, and other venomous snakes in rice wine for months. It tastes better than whisky and is much healthier. It is also an aphrodisiac and a medicine for everything from rheumatism to hair loss. This was the last of the things to see in Vietnam. We had a fantastic Vietnam Holiday.