Top 10 Things to Do in Vietnam in 2023

10 Things to do in Vietnam 2023

1. Cruise Stunning Bai Tu Long Bay on a Luxury Boat

Kayak from your private 10-suite cruiser to deserted beaches and hidden lagoons in this less-crowded bay. Overnights under the stars after indulgent dinners. Visit secret caves at sunset only accessible at low tide. The ultimate way to experience Bai Tu Long Bay’s majestic limestone karsts rising from jade waters in tranquility.

2. Discover Hanoi’s Arts Scene with a Hip-Local Guide

Zoom through Hanoi’s neighborhoods in a vintage sidecar to uncover the city’s trendiest galleries like Manzi Art Lab and Zen Salvage. Chat with talented resident painters and sculptors at these creative community spaces. Admire eclectic contemporary works, then browse the shops for one-of-a-kind artisan souvenirs and stylish crafts. An insider’s perspective into Hanoi’s thriving art scene, well beyond tourist handicraft markets.

3. Float Down the Mekong on a Vintage Wooden Riverboat

Step back in time aboard a carefully restored 1930s wooden riverboat. Cruise past vibrant green rice paddies and fruit orchards overflowing with jackfruit, rambutan, and dragonfruit. Hop on bicycles to explore sleepy Mekong Delta towns. Experience traditional music and dance performances at ancient Cham temples along the riverbanks. History and culture come alive on this four-day Mekong journey.

4. Taste Authentic Vietnamese Street Food in Ho Chi Minh City

As the sun sets, climb on a vintage Vespa for an insider street food tour in an up-and-coming D5. Far from tourist traps, your local guide shares hidden gems only locals know, like tiny alley noodle shops and hole-in-the-wall barbeque stalls. Indulge in epic plates of pho, banh xeo crunchy shrimp pancakes, and sugarcane shrimp skewers grilled over coconut wood. This after-dark odyssey shows you Saigon’s diverse food scene and vibrant creative spirit.

5. Track Rare Wildlife Along the Mekong with a Conservation Expert

Drift through tangled jungle waterways and flooded forests to spot elusive gray langur monkeys, vibrant kingfishers, and endangered lorises. Your guide, Dr. Ho Thanh Hao of Vietnam Primate Conservation, shares insider knowledge on protecting the Mekong’s exotic creatures. Learn about native species while cruising through lush wetlands. Then overnight under the stars along the Mekong’s remote reaches. An eye-opening journey.

6. Relax at a Stylish Boutique Resort on Phu Quoc Island

Trade chaotic city scenes for the island life. Check into a chic beach villa fringed by jungle gardens like La Veranda or Mango Bay on Phu Quoc’s northern coast. Spend sun-filled days lounging in your private pool, indulging in beachfront massages, and exploring tropical forests along the shore. Then watch the crimson sunset over the sea from the terrace of your thatched-roof luxury villa each evening. Paradise found.

7. Wander Hoi An’s Lantern-Lit Streets and Nearby Craft Villages

Meander along Hoi An’s lantern-lit lanes, pausing to admire ornate Chinese shophouses, cozy cafes, and weathered timber bridges over gurgling streams. As dusk falls, set out on a cycling tour through bucolic villages like pottery-making Thanh Ha and renowned woodworking and architectural destination Kim Bong. Peek into local workshops and exchange smiles with artisans keeping traditional crafts alive.

8. Unwind in Utter Serenity at a Secluded Mountain Spa Stay

Nestled on seven acres of pine forest outside Dalat, your peaceful zen villa promises total relaxation. Spend tranquil days indulging in Khmer massage, yoga sessions on an open-air deck surrounded by nature, cycling misty mountain trails, and soaking in your private outdoor hot tub. The chef crafts nourishing plant-based meals from the onsite organic garden. Return home feeling fully rejuvenated.

9. Paddle, Bike and Cliff Jump Around Stunning Lan Ha Bay

Venture into the quieter bay neighboring Halong, where 300 jungle-shrouded limestone peaks jut dramatically from the sea. In the mornings, paddle through magical grottos in a kayak. Take an afternoon cycle past villages surrounded by bamboo forests and banana plantations. Pass soaring cliffs then plunge into the bay’s jade waters from on high. Relax after action-packed days on a comfortable boat.

10. Time Travel Through Hue’s Imperial Past

Step back into Vietnam’s dynastic era while exploring Hue’s sprawling imperial Citadel and opulent temples, palaces, and royal tombs. Follow in the footsteps of emperors through the ornate Thai Hoa Palace. Experience the magnificence of ancient Vietnamese architecture at Imperial City’s Hundred Pillars House. Then sample banh khoai pancakes and other tasty local street foods. A history and architecture buff’s dream.

Looking to travel to Vietnam in style? The travel experts at Unhotel are ready to help craft your fully personalised, sustainable luxury trip, whether it be two weeks or a month-long journey of a lifetime.

Ping us today so we can get started designing your extraordinary bespoke Vietnam experience. manish@unhotel.in

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