Vietnam is a fantastic shopping destination, offering everything from handcrafted souvenirs to modern fashion. The Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit for local goods, including silk scarves, lacquerware, and traditional ao dai dresses. Hanoi’s Dong Xuan Market is known for its textiles and handicrafts, while the city’s boutique stores sell high-quality handmade leather bags and ceramics. Hoi An is the best place to get custom-tailored clothing, with hundreds of skilled tailors ready to create suits, dresses, and shoes within a few days. Art lovers should explore the galleries in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where local artists sell unique paintings and calligraphy.



Vietnam is a country of vibrant festivals, with celebrations taking place year-round. The most important is Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year), a week-long festival marked by family reunions, dragon dances, and firework displays. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a magical time for children, with lantern parades and mooncakes filling the streets. In the highlands, the Gau Tao Festival of the H’mong people is a joyous event featuring traditional music, dance, and sports. Each region has its own unique celebrations, from the buffalo fighting festivals in Do Son to the whale worship festivals of coastal fishing villages. Attending a Vietnamese festival offers a deep dive into the country’s cultural richness.

For travelers seeking an epic road trip, Vietnam’s Hai Van Pass offers one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world. Stretching over 20 kilometers between Da Nang and Hue, the pass winds through misty mountains, providing spectacular views of the South China Sea. The drive itself is an adventure, with hairpin turns and panoramic viewpoints that are perfect for photography. Along the way, travelers can stop at Lang Co Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise water. The Hai Van Gate, an ancient fortification at the summit, offers insight into the region’s historical significance. Whether you rent a motorbike or take a guided tour, traversing Hai Van Pass is a must-do experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The Mekong Delta, often referred to as Vietnam’s "Rice Bowl," is a vast network of rivers, canals, and lush greenery. A boat cruise through the delta offers a glimpse into traditional river life, where floating markets, stilt houses, and fishing villages create a fascinating cultural landscape. One of the most popular activities is visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, where vendors sell everything from fresh fruits to hot bowls of noodle soup from their boats. Other highlights include visiting coconut candy factories in Ben Tre, exploring the Tra Su Cajuput Forest in An Giang, and cycling through peaceful countryside paths. Homestays in the delta offer an authentic experience, allowing visitors to stay with local families and enjoy home-cooked meals.

Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, and its coffee culture is deeply ingrained in daily life. Unlike the espresso shots or lattes commonly found in Western countries, Vietnamese coffee is strong, aromatic, and uniquely prepared. One of the most popular variations is cà phê sữa đá, a robust brew served with sweetened condensed milk over ice. Egg coffee (cà phê trứng), a specialty from Hanoi, is a creamy delight made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and coffee. For the adventurous, try coconut coffee (cà phê cốt dừa) or salt coffee (cà phê muối) in Hue. Coffee shops in Vietnam range from street-side stalls with tiny plastic stools to modern, hip cafés that embrace contemporary brewing techniques. Enjoying a slow coffee in a quiet café while watching the world go by is one of the most authentic Vietnamese experiences.