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.

Vietnam is a fantastic destination for adventure enthusiasts, offering a wide range of thrilling outdoor activities. In Da Lat, canyoning is a popular sport, allowing visitors to rappel down waterfalls, jump into natural pools, and navigate through jungle terrain. For water sports lovers, Mui Ne is a hotspot for kite surfing, thanks to its strong winds and vast sandy beaches. Scuba diving and snorkeling in Nha Trang and Phu Quoc reveal vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. In the mountainous north, rock climbing in Cat Ba Island offers breathtaking views of Halong Bay’s limestone cliffs. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping adventures or gentle outdoor activities, Vietnam has something for every thrill-seeker.

Vietnam is home to over 50 ethnic minority groups, each with its own distinct traditions and customs. One of the best ways to experience their unique cultures is by visiting local markets in remote regions. The Bac Ha Market in northern Vietnam is one of the most vibrant, where H’mong, Tay, and Dao people gather in colorful traditional clothing to trade goods, livestock, and textiles. The Sunday market in Sapa also offers an authentic cultural experience, showcasing handcrafted goods and local delicacies. In the Central Highlands, Kon Tum’s markets provide insight into the traditions of the Bahnar and Sedang people. These markets are more than just places to shop—they are cultural hubs where communities come together to socialize and celebrate their heritage.

For travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in northern Vietnam. Located about 150 km from Hanoi, Pu Luong offers spectacular terraced rice fields, traditional stilt-house villages, and lush jungles. Unlike Sapa, which has become more touristy, Pu Luong remains relatively untouched, providing an authentic experience of rural Vietnam. Trekking through Pu Luong’s valleys brings travelers into close contact with ethnic minority communities like the Thai and Muong people, who maintain their traditional way of life. The highlight of a Pu Luong trek is the breathtaking views from Hieu Waterfall, where visitors can swim in crystal-clear waters. Staying in an eco-lodge or homestay allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the serene beauty and slow-paced lifestyle of this pristine region.

View more random threads: