What is the Vietnam travel cost for different travel styles and budgets?

Everyone’s heard of Ha Long Bay, motorbike chaos, and street food that slaps. But Vietnam is full of curveballs that even seasoned travelers don’t see coming. If you’re looking to go beyond the over-filtered Instagram circuit, this Vietnam must-do list is for you. Let’s unlock the offbeat, the wonderful, and the straight-up wild things to do in Vietnam—style, flavor, and all.

Hidden culture & quirky traditions

1. Decode Saigon’s hidden staircases and secret cafes

Think Saigon is just scooters and street food? Look closer—literally. Behind crumbling French colonial facades and down dim stairwells lie entire café worlds waiting to be discovered. These are the kind of Vietnam attractions that don’t show up on every travel blog, but they absolutely should. Whether you’re chasing cold brew or vintage vibes, these tucked-away spots are a must-do in Vietnam for every coffee-loving explorer. Let the treasure hunt begin! 🗺️☕ Explore these hidden gems as part of your unforgettable things to do in Vietnam journey.

Explore 42 Nguyen Hue – The hidden café tower

Saigon’s hidden café tower with views to match

📍 42 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC (Google map)
Once an old apartment block, now a vertical collection of cool cafés, boutiques, and rooftop gems. No signs, just staircases and secrets.

• ☕ Saigon Ơi Café – Floor 5
  • Vintage-chic café with big windows and a balcony overlooking the Nguyen Hue walking street. Soft lighting, antique touches, and pastel tones—perfect for writing postcards or people-watching.
  • Signature drinks: Try the coconut coffee and snap a photo on the swing seat! 🌴📷
  • Price range: Around $1.92 – $2.69 USD (50,000 – 70,000 VND) per drink.

Where the views and vibes are always on point

• 🎨 The Letter Coffee – Floor 6
  • Japanese-inspired design with minimalist furniture and warm wooden details. Balcony seats give you a great skyline view.
  • One of the most aesthetic hidden cafés in Saigon—bring your camera! 📸
  • Signature drinks: Don’t miss their signature matcha latte or the unique letter-themed drinks.
  • Price range: Around $1.92 – $3.08 USD (50,000 – 80,000 VND) per drink.

Sipping on serenity at The Letter Coffee

>> Read more: Vietnam Travel Cost – A Complete Guide to Budgeting Your Trip

• 🐻 Po Cafe– Floor 8
  • A playful, youth-focused café filled with plushies, neon lights, and all things pastel. If Hello Kitty had a hideout in Saigon, this would be it.
  • Signature drinks: Try the macchiato and take a mirror selfie. ✨

Po Cafe is your sky-high escape in Saigon

Step into 14 Ton That Dam – Saigon’s urban time capsule

📍 14 Ton That Dam Street, District 1, HCMC (Google map)
A hidden gem in the heart of Saigon, where time seems to stand still. This unique spot blends old-world charm with a modern twist, offering a glimpse into the city’s history. Originally a historic building, it has now become a nostalgic hangout, filled with vintage décor and the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Whether you’re exploring its antique furniture or soaking in the traditional Saigon atmosphere, it’s a must-see stop for those seeking a deeper connection to the city.

• 🐦 Mockingbird Café – Floor 4
  • Small, serene, and covered in vintage posters. The balcony gives you a peek into old Saigon rooftops.
  • Signature drink: Vietnamese egg coffee. Rich, creamy, unforgettable. 🍳☕
  • Price range: Around $1.73 – $2.69 USD (45,000 – 70,000 VND) per drink.

Mockingbird Café serves up coffee with a side of vintage charm

• 🔮 Snuffbox Bar – near basement
  • A speakeasy-style café-bar hybrid. Low lighting, velvet couches, and Gatsby vibes. Best visited in the evening.
  • Great for a moody coffee or early cocktail. 🍸🕯️
  • Signature drinks: Try the signature espresso martini for a coffee kick with a cocktail twist. 🍸🕯️
  • Price range: Around $2.69 – $3.85 USD (70,000 – 100,000 VND) per drink.

Saigon’s coolest secret below street level

💡 Insider tips for hidden café explorers

• 👀 Look for handwritten signs, chalkboards, or small arrows saying “coffee upstairs.”
• 🚪 Don’t be afraid to push random doors (within reason!).
• 📸 Mid-afternoon is the golden hour—less crowded and great lighting for photos.
• 🎯 These hidden cafés are among the most unique things to do in Vietnam, especially if you’re craving culture with your caffeine.

>> Read more: Vietnam Travel Itinerary: The Best 10-Day Travel Guide

2. Play king or queen for a day in Hue’s Imperial City—with bonus ghost stories

Ever dreamed of ruling a kingdom, if only for a day? In Hue’s Imperial City, you can channel your inner emperor or empress—silk robes, golden headpieces, and all. This isn’t your average temple tour; it’s part cosplay, part time travel, with a dash of Vietnamese ghost lore to spice things up. A definite must do in Vietnam for culture buffs, history nerds, and anyone who wants their travel photos to scream main character energy. Discover this and more things to do in Vietnam!

🏯 The Imperial City of Hue (Đại Nội)

• Address: 23 Đoàn Thị Điểm Street, Thuận Thành Ward, Huế City, Thừa Thiên Huế Province (Google map)
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entrance fee: 200,000 VND ($8 USD) for foreigners

🏰 What to do inside the citadel

• 👑 Rent a royal costume
  • Available right at the entrance or near Thai Hoa Palace. Choose from emperor, empress, princess, or general.
  • Cost: ~100,000–150,000 VND ($4–6 USD)
  • Pro tip: Go early to avoid the crowds and get the best light for your royal photo shoot. 📸

Dressed to impress—living your royal fantasy in Hue

• 🏯 Stroll through Thai Hoa Palace and forbidden purple city
  • This was once off-limits to everyone but royalty. Today, you can roam its grand halls and hidden courtyards.
  • Don’t miss the dragon pillars and intricate roof carvings—symbols of imperial power.

Wandering through Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City—royal vibes only

• 🧭 Walk along the citadel walls
  • Get a panoramic view of Hue’s ancient layout. Imagine guards patrolling the perimeter or royal banners flapping in the wind.
  • Fun fact: The layout of Hue’s citadel was designed according to ancient Vietnamese feng thủy (feng shui) principles, aligning with rivers, mountains, and spiritual energy flows—an architectural style deeply rooted in Vietnamese royal tradition.

Where every stone whispers history

👻 Bonus: haunted corners of the citadel

Hue’s history is layered with mystery, war, and tragedy—and some say the spirits of the Nguyen Dynasty still linger.

• ⚰️ Creepy Fact: Some guards have reported hearing footsteps in empty corridors, or seeing figures in royal dress vanish around corners.
• 🏮 Tomb of Emperor Gia Long (a bit outside the citadel) is also rumored to have eerie energy—locals speak of strange winds and glowing lights.

Whether you’re a skeptic or ghost-hunter, the slightly spooky vibes add a whole new dimension to this historical site. 🕯️

>> Read more: Best Food in Saigon Vietnam: 30 Iconic Local Favorites

3. Chase the water puppets, then learn to be one

Watching a traditional water puppet show in Hanoi? That’s cool. But becoming a water puppeteer for a day? Now that’s a cultural flex. 💪🎭

Water puppetry is one of Vietnam’s oldest performing arts—dating back over 1,000 years to rice-farming villages in the Red River Delta. Originally performed in flooded rice paddies, this splashy spectacle combines music, storytelling, and puppets dancing on water (yes, on water). And while watching a show is fun, joining a workshop in a rural village just outside Hanoi? That’s next-level stuff and absolutely belongs on your things to do in Vietnam list.

🏡 Dao Thuc water puppet village

• Address: Dao Thuc Village, Thuy Lam Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi (Google map)
• Distance: ~45 minutes from central Hanoi by car or Grab
• Best time to visit: Morning to early afternoon
• Booking: Recommended to book a tour or contact a local guide in advance
• Ticket price: ~ $65.56 USD (1,705,000 VND) per person

Dao Thuc Water Puppet Village, home of Vietnam’s splashiest tradition

🎭 What to expect in the workshop

• 🚶‍♂️ Village tour & puppet history lesson
  • Wander through the peaceful village, meet local artisans, and hear stories of generations of puppeteers.
  • Learn how this art form survived war and modernization.

Stepping into the story—village life and the art of water puppetry unfold

• 🛠️ Hands-on puppet making
  • Try carving or painting a puppet face under the guidance of a master artisan.
  • You’ll gain serious appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into these colorful characters.

Crafting stories, one puppet at a time!

• 🌊 Become a water puppeteer
  • Step behind the bamboo screen, wade into waist-deep water (yes, they suit you up), and learn how to make the dragon leap or the farmer fish.
  • It’s surprisingly physical—and ridiculously fun.
  • Bonus: You’ll get a video of your performance to impress your friends back home. 📽️💦

Making waves in tradition—becoming a water puppeteer for a day!

✨ Why it’s a must-do in Vietnam

• You’re not just watching culture—you’re living it.
• This is one of the most unique and hands-on Vietnam attractions you’ll find near Hanoi.
• Perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples looking to do something unforgettable (and a little bit splashy).

>> Read more: Top 50 Vietnam food traditions that are iconic

Extreme eats & coffee culture

4. Drink weasel poop coffee on a volcano crater

Cà phê chồn, also known as civet coffee or “weasel poop coffee,” is one of Vietnam’s most bizarrely beloved brews—and yes, it really comes from beans that have passed through a civet cat’s digestive system. 😳

Now imagine sipping that ultra-smooth, ultra-expensive coffee… on the edge of an ancient volcano crater, surrounded by misty pine forests and endless highland views. It’s weird. It’s fancy. And it’s one of the most unusual things to do in Vietnam you’ll ever try. This unique (and slightly outrageous) tasting experience definitely deserves a spot on your Vietnam must-do list.

🐾 Mê Linh Coffee Garden – Da Lat

• Address: Group 20, Village 4, Ta Nung City, Da Lat, Lam Dong (Google map)
• Distance: ~20 minutes from Da Lat city center
• Why it’s one of the best activities in Vietnam:
  • Set on a hillside with panoramic views of Langbiang mountain
  • You can tour the weasel coffee farm, meet the animals (ethically raised), and try the coffee fresh from the source
  • Try their egg coffee too—it’s velvety, weirdly addictive, and perfect with highland fog 🌫️☕
  • Bonus: Buy beans to bring the weird home 🛍️
• Ticket price:
  • Entrance fee: $0.38 USD (10,000 VND) per person
  • Coffee prices: $1.15 – $3.08 USD (30,000 – 80,000 VND), with weasel coffee priced at $2.31 USD (60,000 VND) per cup .​

Sipping coffee surrounded by nature’s beauty at Mê Linh Coffee Garden

>> Read more: Best things to buy in Vietnam: Top 25 souvenirs & must-have items

🌋 Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee Village – Buon Ma Thuot

• Address: 63 Ly Thai To street, Tan An, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak (Google map)
• Why it’s on every Vietnam must do list:
  • A coffee lover’s dream with traditional architecture, gardens, and waterfalls
  • Taste premium civet coffee in style, surrounded by volcanic terrain
  • There’s even a mini museum for the true coffee nerds 📜
• Price range: Approximately $1.15 – $3.08 USD (30,000 – 80,000 VND) per cup

Trung Nguyen Legend – Where coffee meets culture!

☕ Why it’s one of the best activities in Vietnam

• Combines offbeat culture, premium coffee, and epic scenery
• A unique experience that travelers add to their Vietnam must do list for bragging rights (and taste buds)
• Ideal for adventurous foodies and those who like their travel stories a little… wild

5. Float on clouds (literally) in Da Lat’s sky cafes

Think you need a drone to see clouds from above? Think again. In Da Lat, Vietnam’s cool-climate mountain town, early mornings bring thick fog that drifts across the valleys—turning highland cafes into real-life cloud castles. ☁️✨

Picture this: You’re sipping hot, silky Vietnamese coffee on a wooden deck as mist curls around the pine trees and clouds float beneath your feet. No green screen needed. Just Mother Nature showing off.

This surreal experience is one of the most peaceful and photogenic things to do in Vietnam, and definitely belongs on every must do in Vietnam bucket list.

🌄 Horizon Coffee – View for days

• Address: 31/6 Đường 3 Tháng 4, Ward 3, Đà Lạt (Google map)
• Why it’s magical:
  • Iconic red bridge and glassy viewpoints
  • Feels like you’re walking above the treetops
  • Come early (before 6:30am!) for peak “floating in the clouds” effect
  • Bonus: Gorgeous sunrise + egg coffee = life is complete ☕🌅
• Price range: Approximately $ 1.73 – $2.11 USD (45,000 – 55,000 VND) per cup

Endless views and perfect brews at Horizon Coffee!

🌿 Bohem Cafe – Hidden jungle deck

• Address: 1 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ward 10, Da Lat, Lam Dong (small alley—follow the signs!) (Google map)
• Why it’s special:
  • Tucked into a pine forest with a rustic wooden deck
  • Feels like you discovered a secret mountain hideout
  • Cloud coverage here is super thick after rain—photographers love it 📸
  • They serve avocado toast and cà phê sữa đá: fusion meets tradition.
• Food & drink price range: Approximately $0.77 – $1.35 USD (20,000 – 35,000 VND)

Bohem Café vibes = top-tier things to do in Vietnam

🐦 Cheo Veooo cafe – Chill & cloudy

• Address: 116 Hung Vuong street, Ward 11, Da Lat, Lam Dong (near the Old Railway Station) (Google map)
• Why it’s a gem:
  • Artsy, peaceful, and a bit boho
  • Multiple levels of outdoor seating and cozy corners
  • Mornings here feel like meditating in the sky—best enjoyed with a warm blanket and iced coconut coffee 🥥
• Price range: Approximately $1.15 – $2.31 USD (30,000 – 60,000 VND) per cup ​

Sipping coffee among the clouds at Cheo Veooo Cafe

☁️ Why it’s one of the top things to do in Vietnam

• Combines Vietnam’s rich café culture with epic natural beauty
• No filters needed—Da Lat’s cloud cafes are straight-up dreamscapes
• Perfect for solo chillers, romantic duos, or travel squads hunting hidden gems

Adventure & nature with a twist

6. Glide through a coconut jungle in a basket boat

Just outside the charming lantern-lit town of Hoi An, you’ll find Cam Thanh Village—a peaceful countryside area turned into an unexpected adventure zone. Here, instead of hopping on a boring canoe, you climb into a round bamboo basket boat (called thúng chai) and spin, dance, and drift through a labyrinth of lush water coconut palms.

But wait—it gets wilder. 🎣 Local fishermen will often put on acrobatic spinning shows, balancing in their basket boats while tossing nets and cracking jokes. It’s equal parts nature tour and live performance. You won’t just float—you’ll twirl, laugh, and learn a bit about traditional Vietnamese fishing life.

It’s chaotic in the best way, and definitely belongs on your Vietnam must-do list.

🌴 Cam Thanh coconut village (aka Bay Mau coconut forest)

• Location: Khoi Thanh Tay, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Distance: ~10 minutes by taxi from Hoi An Ancient Town
• Why it’s awesome:
  • Glide through narrow jungle waterways surrounded by coconut palms
  • Friendly locals guide your boat and share stories of wartime and daily river life
  • Watch (or join!) traditional net throwing demos
  • Fishermen will often break into a surprise dance-off in their boats 💃🚣
• Ticket price:
  • Standard admission: Approximately $3.46 USD (90,000 VND) per person
  • Tour packages: Prices vary; for example, a private tour may cost around USD $55 per person

Exploring the lush waters and hidden gems of Cam Thanh Coconut Village!

🚣‍♀️ Tour tips & fun extras

• Most tours include:
  • Round-trip transport from Hoi An
  • Basket boat ride (30–45 minutes)
  • Local fishing demos
  • Optional rice cracker making or cooking class
• Best time to go: Early morning (8–10am) or late afternoon (3–5pm) for cooler weather and golden light ✨
• Bring: A waterproof phone pouch, hat, sunscreen, and a sense of humor

💡 Local tip: If you’re visiting during the rainy season (Oct–Dec), the water levels rise and the jungle gets even more dramatic—just wear sandals you don’t mind getting wet!

7. Surf, skate & sandboard in Mui Ne’s mini desert

Forget what you think you know about Vietnam. Because in Mui Ne, a sleepy beach town turned adventure hub, you’ll find yourself staring at towering red and white sand dunes that look straight out of Morocco—with a tropical twist.

Here, instead of camel rides, you’ll rent a plastic sled or sandboard and launch yourself down golden hills at high speeds. 🛷 Feel the wind. Eat some sand. Laugh a lot. Then swap desert vibes for sea breeze with a cocktail in hand at a beachside bar while kite surfers fly across the waves.

It’s an unusual mix of thrill and chill, and absolutely one of the most epic things to do in Vietnam—especially if you like your landscapes with a side of sand in your socks.

>> Read more: Transportation in Vietnam: How to Get Around?

🍹 Source kiteboarding & lodge

• Address: 3 Nguyen Huu Tho St., Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan (Google map)
• Why go:
  • Rent boards or take kite lessons if you’re feeling sporty
  • Otherwise? Grab a cold drink and watch the pros fly 🪁
  • Gorgeous sunset seating, relaxed expat vibe, and solid food menu
• Ticket Price:
  • Kitesurfing Lessons:
    • Private 2-hour lesson: $100 USD (approximately 2,550,000 VND)
    • 6-hour package (private): $300 USD (approximately 7,650,000 VND)
    • 12-hour package (private): $550 USD (approximately 14,025,000 VND)
    • Semi-private 2-hour lesson (2 people): $160 USD (approximately 4,080,000 VND)
  • Board Rentals:
    • Half-day rental: $50 USD (approximately 1,275,000 VND)
    • Full-day rental: $90 USD (approximately 2,295,000 VND

Riding the waves and living the dream at source kiteboarding & lodge!

🌋 Red Sand Dunes (Đồi Cát Đỏ)

• Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Mui Ne Ward, Phan Thiet City (Google map)
• Closer to town: Just 10–15 minutes from most hotels
• Why it’s great:
  • Smaller but more accessible than the white dunes
  • Gorgeous sunset spot with fiery red sand and chilled local vibes 🌇
  • Sleds for rent from friendly local kids (bargain a little, they’ll love it)
  • Bonus: Try roasted corn or sugarcane juice from vendors nearby 🌽🥤
• Sled rental: Approximately $0.58 – $0.77 USD (15,000 – 20,000 VND) per sled

Chasing sunsets and sandy adventures at the Red Sand Dunes!

🌟 Why it’s one of the top things to do in Vietnam

• Totally different from typical Vietnam temples, street food, or jungles
• Combines desert-style thrills with tropical beach chill
• Ideal for adventure travelers, backpackers, and anyone with a wild streak

8. Get trapped in a cave party in Phong Nha

Nestled in central Vietnam’s lush jungle terrain, Phong Nha is famous for world-class caves like Son Doong and Paradise Cave. But by night? A few caves swap headlamps for laser lights and dance beats.

Here’s how it goes: you hop in a boat down the Son River at dusk, step inside an echoing cavern, and suddenly find yourself dancing to house music under dripping stalactites. 🕺💃

It’s one of the most unique things to do in Vietnam—and one of the best activities in Vietnam if you like your nightlife with a prehistoric twist.

🎶 The Duck Stop Cave Party (Son Troc Cave)

• Address: Khuong Ha 3 Town, Hung Trach, Bo Trach, Quang Binh (Google map)
• How to get there: Join a local tour from Phong Nha Town – boat transfer included
• When it happens:
  • Usually Fridays or Saturdays (ask around town or check with hostels like Easy Tiger or Gecko Hostel)
  • Hosted by local legends behind The Duck Stop and several eco-operators
• What it’s like:
  • Jungle boat ride > glowsticks > cave rave
  • Cold beers, funky beats, LED lights, and limestone vibes
  • Sometimes includes a BBQ dinner or bonfire before the party starts 🔥

Catch the vibe at The Duck Stop—relaxing, fun, and full of surprises!

🌿 The Jungle Bar at Phong Nha Farmstay

• Address: Cu Nam Village, about 8km from Phong Nha Town (Google map)
• Why go:
  • Laid-back countryside vibe
  • Bonfires, beer, and occasional acoustic sessions under the stars
  • Great recovery zone after you’ve partied in a cave

Where the jungle meets the perfect sunset

🎉 Why it’s one of the best activities in Vietnam

• You can’t not tell your friends you raved in a jungle cave
• A surreal combo of nature, culture, and total madness
• Totally different from your average bar crawl or club scene
• Perfect for backpackers, adventurers, or anyone collecting weird travel flexes

>> Read more: 15 Things to Know Before Visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9. Ride a water buffalo through Ninh Binh’s rice fields – A muddy must do in Vietnam

Sure, Tam Coc boat rides and the Mua Cave viewpoint are great—but want a truly local, lesser-known adventure? Ride a water buffalo (yes, the big boy with horns) through the emerald green rice paddies of Ninh Binh.

It’s equal parts surreal and heartwarming. Locals will help you mount this gentle giant, then guide you through fields where the only sounds are squelching mud and distant bird calls. It’s a rare glimpse into traditional Vietnamese farming life—slow, earthy, and totally unforgettable.

This is one of those things to do in Vietnam that most people miss—but you’ll remember forever.

🐃 Trang An Farm Tours / Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Eco Experience

• Address: Hoa Lu District, near Trang An Complex (usually pick-up from your homestay/hotel)
• Price range: Around 200,000–400,000 VND per person (~$8–16 USD). Price varies depending on group size and tour duration
• How to book:
  • Tours available via local homestays or online platforms (ask for buffalo riding experience)
  • Often included in combo tours with cycling, cooking classes, or sampan boat rides
• What’s included:
  • Ride and photo session with a water buffalo through the rice fields
  • Local guide explaining rural life and farming techniques
  • Optional add-ons: rice planting demo, cooking local dishes, or catching fish with baskets

Riding into Ninh Binh’s beauty—mud, buffalo, and all!

Sure, you can stick to the classics. But why settle for ordinary when Vietnam offers the extraordinary? This is a country where the unexpected becomes unforgettable, and the weird becomes wonderful. Picture yourself sipping coffee made by a weasel, or spinning through a jungle in a basket boat—these are the things to do in Vietnam that’ll transform your trip into a story worth telling. So, step off the beaten path, embrace the quirks, and check off every bizarre, wild, and unique experience on your Vietnam must do list. No regrets. Just epic tales.

If you’re ready to take your adventure to the next level, chat with the local experts at Laka.Ai to travel like a local and discover even more hidden gems. 🌍💫

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Written by Laka’s Local Expert