10 Must-Do Cultural Activities in Vietnam

Vietnam is a land rich in history, tradition, and vibrant cultural heritage. From bustling cities to tranquil countryside, the country offers countless opportunities to experience its unique customs and timeless traditions. Whether it’s watching the mesmerizing water puppet shows in Hanoi, wandering ancient lantern-lit streets in Hoi An wearing a traditional Ao Dai, or exploring the royal heritage of Hue's Imperial City, each activity reveals a different facet of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry.

 

Beyond the well-known landmarks, immersive experiences like joining a traditional cooking class, visiting ethnic minority villages in Sapa, or celebrating festivals such as Tet and the Mid-Autumn Festival provide deeper insight into the daily lives and beliefs of the Vietnamese people. This guide highlights the top 10 must-do cultural activities across Vietnam, complete with practical tips on where to go, how to participate, and what to expect. Embark on these authentic journeys to connect with Vietnam culture beyond the surface and create unforgettable memories.

 

1. Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Show in Hanoi

One of Vietnam’s most iconic cultural performances, the Water Puppet Show (Múa rối nước) is a must-see in Hanoi. Dating back to the 11th century, this unique art form originated in the Red River Delta, where villagers would use flooded rice fields as stages. The puppeteers, hidden behind a screen, stand waist-deep in water and skillfully maneuver lacquered wooden puppets using long rods and strings. The performances are accompanied by live traditional music, including instruments like the đàn bầu and drums, and they often tell stories of rural life, legends, and folklore, such as the tale of the golden turtle and the sword.

 

 

Location:
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

 

How to Participate:
Shows run daily (multiple time slots). Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. It's best to book in advance during peak travel months.

 

Price:
Tickets range from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND (approx. $4–$8 USD), depending on seat location. VIP or front-row seats cost slightly more.

 

Tip:
Arrive early to get better seats and enjoy the traditional orchestra's warm-up. Photography is allowed without flash.

 

 

2. Wear an Ao Dai and Stroll Through Hoi An Ancient Town

Wearing a traditional Ao Dai—Vietnam’s elegant national dress—is one of the most immersive ways to connect with the country’s culture. The Ao Dai is a long, figure-hugging tunic worn over silk pants, traditionally worn by women (and on formal occasions by men). In Hoi An, a well-preserved ancient trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, donning an Ao Dai while strolling past lantern-lit streets, historic shop houses, and the Japanese Covered Bridge provides not only cultural appreciation but stunning photo opportunities.

 

You can rent or have an Ao Dai custom-made at one of the many tailoring shops in town. The tailors are fast, affordable, and skilled—some can deliver within 24 hours.

 

 

Location:
Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam Province
Tailor shops: Yaly Couture, Bebe Tailor, A Dong Silk, etc.

 

How to Participate:
You can either rent an Ao Dai for a day or have one tailored. Many tailors offer walk-in fittings. Rentals are often available through hotels or photo studios as well.

 

Price:

• Rental: 150,000–300,000 VND/day (approx. $6–$12 USD)

• Tailored Ao Dai: Starts from 700,000 VND (approx. $28 USD) depending on fabric and design

 

Tip:
For the best photos, go early in the morning or around sunset when the light is soft and crowds are fewer.

 

3. Visit the Imperial City of Hue and Explore Nguyen Dynasty Heritage

The Imperial City of Hue (Kinh thành Huế) is a sprawling complex of palaces, temples, gardens, and royal tombs that once served as the political and cultural heart of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945). Inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden City, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by walls and a moat, offering a majestic glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past.

 

Visitors can walk through the Ngo Mon Gate, explore the Thai Hoa Palace, see the emperor’s throne room, and visit the Forbidden Purple City, where the royal family once lived. Restored pavilions, ancient stone sculptures, and colorful imperial architecture tell stories of Vietnam’s Confucian traditions, court rituals, and dynastic history.

 

 

Location:
Imperial City, Thua Thien-Hue Province
Entrance at Le Duan Street, Hue City

 

How to Participate:
Tickets can be purchased at the main gate or online. Guided tours are available in English, or you can rent an audio guide at the entrance. Some visitors choose to bike around the citadel or combine the trip with nearby royal tombs.

 

Price:

• Entrance Fee: 200,000 VND (~$8 USD)

• Combo Tickets (with tombs): 530,000 VND ($21 USD)

• Private Guide: From 300,000–500,000 VND (~$12–$20 USD)

 

Tip:
Go early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds. Consider renting a traditional Vietnamese royal costume inside the complex for photos.

 

4. Participate in a Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class

Vietnamese cuisine is world-renowned for its fresh ingredients, balance of flavors, and regional variety. One of the best ways to experience Vietnamese culture firsthand is by joining a traditional cooking class. Cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An offer immersive cooking experiences where you learn to prepare iconic dishes such as pho (noodle soup), goi cuon (spring rolls), and banh xeo (crispy pancakes).

 

Classes usually begin with a visit to a local market to pick fresh ingredients, allowing participants to understand how Vietnamese people select their produce. Led by local chefs, the classes emphasize hands-on learning and cultural storytelling behind each dish. You’ll also get to enjoy your creations in a communal setting.

 

 

Locations:

• Hanoi: Red Bridge Cooking School, Hanoi Cooking Centre

• Hoi An: Morning Glory Cooking School, Green Bamboo Cooking School

• Ho Chi Minh City: Saigon Cooking Class, The Chopsticks

 

How to Participate:
Booking is generally done online or through local hotels. Classes last between 3–5 hours, suitable for all skill levels. Some schools offer vegetarian or vegan options.

 

Price:
Typically ranges from 700,000 to 1,200,000 VND (approx. $30–$50 USD) per person, including ingredients and meal.

 

Tip:
Choose a class with a market tour to get a fuller cultural experience. Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons.

 

5. Explore the Traditional Handicraft Villages of Bat Trang and Van Phuc

Vietnam is famous for its centuries-old handicraft villages, where artisans keep traditional crafts alive through meticulous handwork. Two of the most famous are Bat Trang Pottery Village and Van Phuc Silk Village, both located near Hanoi. Visiting these villages provides a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

 

At Bat Trang, you can see potters shaping clay on spinning wheels, glazing ceramics, and firing kilns — some workshops even let visitors try making their own pottery. Van Phuc is renowned for its exquisite silk weaving, producing high-quality silk textiles used for traditional Ao Dai and other garments.

 

Vietnam Ba Chuan Ceramic Village

Locations:

• Bat Trang: About 13 km southeast of Hanoi’s Old Quarter

• Van Phuc: About 10 km west of Hanoi

 

How to Participate:
Most villages are open daily and free to enter. Workshops often welcome visitors to observe or participate in crafting sessions. Guided tours are available and can include transport from Hanoi.

 

Price:

• Entry: Free

• Workshop participation: Usually 50,000–150,000 VND (~$2–6 USD) depending on activity and materials

• Souvenirs: Vary by item; pottery pieces and silk products range from 100,000 to several million VND

 

Tip:
Bring cash for buying souvenirs and tipping artisans. Visiting early in the day is best to avoid crowds and catch artisans at work.

 

6. Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu) in Vietnam

The Mid-Autumn Festival, known locally as Tet Trung Thu, is one of the most beloved traditional festivals in Vietnam, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually September or October). It is especially magical for children, featuring vibrant lantern parades, lion dances, and mooncake sharing.

 

During this festival, families gather to admire the full moon, give lanterns to children, and enjoy traditional treats like banh trung thu (mooncakes) filled with lotus seed paste or mung beans. The streets of Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City light up with colorful lanterns and performances, creating a festive atmosphere that blends spirituality, community, and cultural heritage.

 

Locations:

• Hanoi Old Quarter

• Hoi An Ancient Town

• Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5 (Cholon area)

 

How to Participate:
Join local events or street celebrations during the festival period. Many cultural centers offer workshops on lantern making or mooncake baking. Families warmly welcome visitors during public festivities.

 

Price:

• Festival participation is free in public spaces.

• Lantern making workshops: 100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD)

• Mooncakes cost around 50,000–200,000 VND (~$2–$8 USD) per piece depending on quality.

 

Tip:
Book accommodation early during this period as it’s a popular travel time. Participating in a lantern workshop is a great way to create a memorable souvenir.

 

7. Visit Ethnic Minority Villages in Sapa

Nestled in the northern mountains of Vietnam, Sapa is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Giay peoples. Visiting these villages offers a unique cultural experience that highlights traditional lifestyles, colorful costumes, and ancient customs that have been preserved for generations.

 

You can explore villages such as Cat Cat, Ta Van, and Lao Chai, where locals practice weaving, farming, and traditional crafts. Many villagers welcome visitors warmly, offering homestay options that allow travelers to immerse themselves fully in daily life, try local cuisine, and participate in cultural festivals.

 

Vietnam Dai Village

Location:
Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province, Northern Vietnam

 

How to Participate:
Book a guided trekking tour or arrange homestays through reputable agencies in Sapa or Hanoi. Some tours include cultural performances and visits to local markets.

 

Price:

• Trekking tours: From 600,000 VND (~$25 USD) per day

• Homestays: Typically 300,000–600,000 VND (~$12–$25 USD) per night, including meals

• Entrance fees for some villages: Usually under 50,000 VND

 

Tip:
Respect local customs and always ask before photographing villagers. Bring small gifts or school supplies if you want to contribute positively.

 

8. Attend a Traditional Vietnamese Festival: Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

Tet Nguyen Dan, or simply Tet, is the most important and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam. It marks the Lunar New Year and usually falls between late January and early February. Tet is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and wishing for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.

 

During Tet, cities and towns are beautifully decorated with flowers, red banners, and kumquat trees. Traditional customs include preparing special foods like banh chung (square sticky rice cake), visiting temples, and giving lucky money in red envelopes. Streets come alive with parades, lion dances, and fireworks, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Locations:

• Hanoi

• Ho Chi Minh City

• Hue

 

How to Participate:
While Tet is a family-oriented holiday, visitors can join public events, visit temples, and explore bustling markets. Many hotels and tour operators offer special Tet packages, including cultural performances and traditional meals.

 

Price:

• Most street events and temple visits are free.

• Special Tet meals and performances vary widely, starting at about 300,000 VND (~$12 USD).

• Accommodation prices may rise during this peak travel period.

 

Tip:
Book accommodations and tours well in advance. Experience Tet with a local family through a homestay for the most authentic celebration.

 

9. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels Near Ho Chi Minh City

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive network of underground passages used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Visiting this site offers a deep dive into Vietnam’s history, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of the Viet Cong fighters.

 

The tunnels stretch over 250 kilometers and include living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, and weapon caches. Visitors can crawl through widened sections of the tunnels, view exhibits of wartime artifacts, and watch documentaries about the guerrilla warfare tactics used during the war.

 

Location:
Cu Chi District, about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City

 

How to Participate:
Most travelers join guided day tours from Ho Chi Minh City, which include transportation, entrance fees, and expert commentary. Tours typically last 4–6 hours.

 

Price:

• Entrance fee: About 90,000 VND (~$4 USD)

• Guided tours: Range from 300,000 to 700,000 VND (~$12–$30 USD) depending on the tour package

 

Tip:
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and crawling. The site can get crowded, so visiting early in the day is recommended.

 

10. Take a Mekong Delta Boat Tour and Visit Floating Markets

The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a vibrant, water-based culture where life revolves around rivers and canals. Experiencing a boat tour here is essential to understanding local livelihoods, traditional trading, and rural life.

One highlight is visiting the famous Cai Rang Floating Market near Can Tho City, where vendors sell fruits, vegetables, and local products directly from their boats. The colorful boats, lively bargaining, and fresh produce create an unforgettable cultural scene.

 

Tours often include visits to traditional villages, fruit orchards, coconut candy workshops, and local temples. You’ll get to try regional foods and interact with friendly locals.

 

 

Location:
Mekong Delta region, including Can Tho, My Tho, and Ben Tre

 

How to Participate:
Book a day or overnight boat tour through local operators or hotels in Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho. Tours vary from group trips to private, customizable experiences.

 

Price:

• Day tours start from 500,000 VND (~$20 USD)

• Overnight tours can range from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND (~$60–$120 USD) depending on the itinerary and comfort level

 

Tip:
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Early morning tours provide the best market activity and cooler temperatures.