Finishing your pho and admiring the power lines — here are 15 things you must do to truly experience Vietnam

▲ Navigating Vietnam’s bustling and chaotic streets is a true test for pedestrians.

Reported and photographed by Chen Ruizhong / Vietnam

Vietnam, a long and narrow country, has historically been influenced by China, France, and the United States. In addition to its rich natural environment, it boasts a diverse array of foreign cultures.

To help Taiwanese travelers easily enjoy the pleasures of visiting Vietnam, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and Vietnam Airlines have curated a list of “15 Must-Do Experiences in Vietnam” based on the preferences of Taiwanese visitors. This includes recommended travel styles, cuisines, and attractions, enabling travelers to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam more quickly. (10,000 Vietnamese dong is approximately 15.3 New Taiwan dollars)

15 Must-Do Experiences in Vietnam

1. Cross the street in the city
Crossing the street in Vietnam is a true test of patience and courage, as vehicles and pedestrians often move unpredictably, traffic lights are scarce, and the roads are packed with cars and motorbikes. It becomes a game of reading the flow and trusting others to make way.

▲ Pouring coffee through a drip filter and adding sweetened condensed milk is a hallmark of Vietnamese coffee culture.

2. Drink Vietnamese coffee by the roadside
Influenced by French colonization, coffee is arguably Vietnam’s most beloved beverage. Locals often use a special drip filter to brew their coffee, then mix it with rich condensed milk for a drink that’s both strong and sweet. Prices start at around 25,000 Vietnamese dong per cup.

3. Visit a floating market
Located about 30 kilometers from the center of Can Tho, the Cai Rang Floating Market is a bustling hub where hundreds of vendors ply their trade by boat on the Mekong River, offering a vibrant slice of Southeast Asian life.

▲ Vietnamese massage is both affordable and relaxing, making it a favorite among travelers.

4. Try a Vietnamese massage
Known for its skilled techniques and firm pressure, a Vietnamese massage is a treat for those who love bodywork. Foot massages start at around 200,000 Vietnamese dong (about 306 New Taiwan dollars), while full-body massages begin at approximately 350,000 Vietnamese dong (about 535 New Taiwan dollars), making it a popular way to end each day of travel.

5. Eat Vietnamese pho
Pho is Vietnam’s most iconic street food, commonly served with chicken, beef, or duck. The broth is refreshing and light, and you can customize it with fish sauce, lime, chili, and more. Each bowl typically starts at around 20,000 Vietnamese dong.

▲ Pho is one of Vietnam’s most representative dishes.

6. Go canyoning in Dalat
Dalat, a famous highland retreat in Vietnam, is also home to many pristine waterfalls. For adventure seekers, there’s the thrilling challenge of canyoning up waterfalls.

7. Stay in a sea villa in Ha Long Bay
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is famed for its stunning seascapes and bizarre limestone karsts. To fully experience its beauty, many tour operators offer well-equipped boats where you can spend the night at sea and witness the bay’s ever-changing moods.

▲ The centuries-old Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon showcases strong French architectural influence.

8. Experience French-style architecture
The architectural style and characteristics from the French colonial period still deeply influence Vietnam, earning it the nickname “the Little France of Asia.” Iconic examples include Ho Chi Minh City’s famous Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

9. Admire the power lines
The tangle of wires on Vietnam’s urban power poles may look chaotic to some, but it has become a unique local feature. Some businesses even sell T-shirts featuring designs of these intricate power line webs as a symbol of Vietnam.

▲ In Vietnam’s urban areas, you’ll often see a mesmerizing tangle of wires overhead.

10. Experience Football Fever
Vietnamese people have a strong passion for football. During the football season, it’s common to see every shop along the street tuned in to live matches. Sports stores are also filled with a wide range of football gear and merchandise featuring star players. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local enthusiasm for the sport.

11. Watch a Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is a national treasure of Vietnam. The puppets perform on a water stage, showcasing delicate and intricate movements. The puppeteers remain hidden behind a bamboo curtain, which not only creates a unique visual effect but also conceals the control rods, making the puppets appear more lifelike.

▲Water puppetry, performed on a water stage, is one of Vietnam’s cultural treasures.

12. Drink Beer on Beer Street
Ta Hien Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a famous nightlife hub where you can enjoy cold drinks with friends and sample uniquely Vietnamese beers such as Saigon Beer, Hanoi Beer, 333, and Viet Ha Beer.(Excessive drinking is harmful to health)

13. Experience Socialism
Vietnam’s full name is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and its political system is based on socialism. As a result, whether it’s the various slogans and billboards or the Crystal Mausoleum built to honor the late leader Ho Chi Minh, the socialist atmosphere is evident throughout the country.

▲Influenced by socialism, Vietnam still displays many monuments and relics related to Ho Chi Minh.

14. Go to the Beach for a Vacation
With its long, narrow geography, Vietnam boasts over 3,000 kilometers of coastline. Among them, Da Nang’s 35-kilometer stretch of sandy beach has been recognized by the United Nations as one of the world’s six most beautiful beaches. Numerous high-end resorts along the coast offer travelers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sea and relax.

15. Eat French Bread
French bread and coffee are both legacies of French influence in Vietnam. The French bread sold in Vietnam is typically sliced lengthwise, spread with a thin layer of pate, and then filled with pickled vegetables, butter, and various types of meat, creating a unique Vietnamese-style sandwich. These are available at street vendors across the country, often for as little as 10,000 Vietnamese dong.

▲With its soft white sands and cool waters, Vietnam attracts numerous visitors from Europe and America every year.