Vietnam is a stunning country with a fascinating culture and impressive geographical variety. Whether you want to marvel at the dramatic landscapes in the north or enjoy the beaches further south, there are so many amazing things to do in Vietnam that I hardly know where to start. This is definitely not a country to rush through; I recommend planning a longer trip so that you get to see as much as you can. Here are the best – and most unique – experiences that Vietnam has to offer. 

A Luxury Cruise Around Halong Bay 

Halong Bay is arguably Vietnam’s most famous attraction, and deservedly so. Forested limestone islands rise dramatically from the bay’s emerald waters and there are many beautiful caves to explore. 

A Heritage Cruise is one of the most luxurious ways to see Halong Bay. This boat offers passengers elegant accommodation, an on deck pool, spa treatments and an art gallery. 

Ha Giang Bike Loop 

Motorbiking the Ha Giang loop in the northernmost part of Vietnam is admittedly more adventurous than luxurious, but it’s such a jaw-dropping experience that I had to include it on this list. The dramatic mountain landscapes, verdant rice paddies and winding roads of the Ha Giang province are truly stunning. The trip is hair-raising at points so this isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you decide to do it, you won’t regret it. 

Explore the Caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang 

Phong Nha is home to a huge network of caves including Son Doon, the largest known cave in the world. Currently, there’s a two-year waiting list to visit Son Doon but there are many others to visit, such as the Dark Cave, which you enter via Vietnam’s longest zipline. Intrepid explorers have the option to trek through the Phong Nha jungle to discover the caves. However, you can access plenty of them by boat or motorbike if camping isn’t your thing. 

Whilst you’re in Phong Nha you should also take a day to explore the Bong Lai Valley. It’s full of fun and quirky experiences, such as visiting a duck farm and flying through the air on a giant swing.

Luxury accommodation is in limited supply in Phong Nha but I recommend Victory Road Villas. The boutique villas are spacious and beautifully decorated in traditional Vietnamese style, with open-air bathrooms that remind me of Bali. 

Sunrise on the Mui Ne Sand Dunes 

The town of Mui Ne itself is skippable, but it’s worth spending a night there because watching the sunrise on the white sand dunes is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. However, I should warn you that you’ll actually forget you’re in Vietnam and think you’re in the Sahara Desert instead. It’s a wonderful experience and totally worth getting up at 4am for. 

As luxury hotels in Mui Ne go, I’d say the Anantara Resort is one of the best, with tasteful private bungalows, tranquil gardens and beach views. 

Soak Up the History in Hue

History lovers should definitely visit Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital. Explore intricate tombs and mausoleums of Vietnam’s great emperors and tour the lovingly restored citadel. 

Eating is one of the best things to do in Vietnam and Hue is said to boast the tastiest food in the country. If you’re a spice-lover like me, be sure to sample traditional Hue dishes such as bun bo Hue (beef noodle soup) and banh khoai (savoury stuffed pancakes).

The colonial style Azerai La Residence is one of the premium luxury hotels in Hue. Surrounded by greenery and overlooking the perfume river, it’s a tranquil spot that feels steeped in Vietnamese heritage. It’s also close to some of the city’s main attractions, such as the Imperial City walls and Bao Quoc Temple. 

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town 

Hoi An has become an Insta-famous destination in recent years, thanks to its picturesque yellow buildings, lantern festivals and the gorgeous Japanese covered bridge. Every corner of the ancient town is postcard perfect and it’s home to the best shopping in Vietnam. You can have clothes tailored for a fraction of what you’d pay in the West. There are also authentic buffalo leather bags and shoes available at very affordable prices – just remember to haggle. 

Hoi An is also home to several beaches, so you can take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the ancient town at a beach club. The Shore Club is one of the most upmarket choices available. You can book a VIP Cabana to ensure maximum privacy and comfort. 

There are plenty of beautiful, colonial style hotels in Hoi An but my personal favorite is the MGallery Hotel Royal Hoi An. It’s a sumptuous, exclusive property that draws on a variety of Asian influences and it’s home to the highest (and best) rooftop bar in the city, The Deck. Even if you don’t stay at the Hotel Royal, I definitely recommend stopping by for a sunset cocktail one evening. 

Drink Coffee in the Dalat Mountains

Dalat is a very unique Vietnamese town because unlike the rest of the country, it’s cold. 

When I say cold, I don’t exactly mean freezing. Still, it’s not the kind of climate you’d expect to find in an otherwise tropical country. The air is dry and it’s wise to bring a jacket, although you may need a thicker coat at certain times of year. 

Dalat is located in the mountains and it’s where most of Vietnam’s dairy is produced. It’s also a key coffee-growing region. One of the best things to do in the area is visit a coffee farm. You get to learn about coffee production and sip some of the country’s best blends as you soak in the mountain views. 

Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa is an excellent place for luxury travelers to stay. Housed in a colonial-style mansion, surrounded by forest and overlooking a tranquil lake, this property is every inch a luxury rural retreat. 

The Golden Hands Bridge, Danang 

Up in Danang’s Ba Na Hills lie ‘the hands of God’. Well, not really, but there’s certainly a celestial feel to the gigantic stone hands emerging from the hillside. You’ll enjoy aerial views of the coastal city of Danang below as you stroll along the bridge. The giant hands also make for an amazing photo opportunity. Click here to book a visit.

The coastal city of Danang itself is fun, friendly and growing ever-more popular. It’s got great beaches and some exciting new resorts, including the magnificent Vinpearl Resort & Spa. 

Climb The Mua Caves in Ninh Binh 

Ninh Binh is affectionately known as ‘Halong Bay on Land’ because it features the same jagged limestone mountains. It’s a gorgeous area to visit and you definitely shouldn’t miss the Mua Caves viewpoint. 

Fair warning: it’s over 500 steps to the top of the Mua Caves, but the view is worth the stiff legs. You can marvel at the rice paddies, rivers and limestone mountains below; it truly is a spectacular sight. 

The Emeralda Resort in Ninh Binh combines traditional Vietnamese architecture with modern luxury to create a wonderfully tranquil resort where you can truly soak up the beauty of this part of Vietnam. 

Enjoy the Beaches on Phu Quoc Island

Vietnam’s southernmost island is home to the country’s best beaches. Unfortunately, some of the public beaches can be dirty at certain times of year. However, Phu Quoc is home to many luxurious resorts who keep their stretches of sand immaculate. The Fusion Resort Spa offers light, airy villas with private pools and gardens. The W Marriott Emerald Bay Resort, meanwhile, is decidedly more regal in decor, with a seashell shaped pool. 

For more on Southeast Asia travel, why not read this luxury travel guide to Bali or this list of the best Thai islands for luxury travelers?