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Watching the sunset in Phu Quoc, savoring an authentic bowl of Pho, or exploring the ancient town of Hoi An - these are just a few must-try experiences when you are traveling in Vietnam. Every experience across this S-shaped country will leave an unforgettable impression on the hearts of travelers.
Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable experiences in Vietnam and see how many of these places you have visited!
If Thailand has the famous Mae Klong Railway Market, where visitors are captivated by the sight of vendors selling goods along the train tracks, then Vietnam has the Hanoi Train Street Cafe, a must-visit spot when traveling in Vietnam in 2025.
International tourists take photos at the Train Street Cafe in Hanoi (Source: VnExpress)
Lining the railway tracks along Tran Phu - Phung Hung Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, this unique café street draws hundreds of visitors every weekend, with foreign tourists making up the majority.
The train passes closely by the coffee Source: Laodong)
What makes this place special is the charming sight of houses and coffee nestled closely together on either side of the railway. A train schedule is displayed so that both locals and tourists can safely witness passing trains while ensuring their own safety.
Sitting between the rails, sipping coffee, and taking great shots provides a sense of excitement and exhilaration. The charming, old residences along the railway add to the enchantment, making this an intriguing detour for travelers to Hanoi.
Vietnamese pho is not just a popular national meal, but it has also attracted foodies around the world. More than just a meal, pho embodies the hospitality of the Vietnamese people. When welcoming guests, hosts often serve homemade pho as a warm and generous gesture.
Tourists visit a pho restaurant in Hanoi recommended by Michelin (Source: Dnews)
Culinary experts describe pho as a "symphony of flavors." A single bowl contains 18 to 20 natural ingredients from both animal and plant sources. What makes pho truly special is how these ingredients remain in their purest form, blending harmoniously to create a distinctive taste - delicious, easily digestible, and unlike any other dish.
Pho - The essence of Vietnamese Cuisine (Source: Dantri)
The soul of pho is its broth, which is typically cooked for hours with cattle bones or chicken to extract a rich, deep flavor. Many tourists to Vietnam, particularly Hanoi, remember the exquisite, crystal-clear soup decorated with scallions, chiles, and onions - a taste that lasts long after their trip is over.
Read more: Things you need to know about Pho: A Vietnamese Cuisine Icon
A visit to Sapa is one of Vietnam's must-see experiences. Many people believe that visiting Sapa will allow you to see some of the most remarkable events. With the beautiful Fansipan Mountain, winding roads above the clouds, and countless terraced rice fields stretching to the horizon, you can literally touch the sky, stroll among the clouds, and experience the harmonic link between earth and sky.
On the Fansipan, you might feel like you can reach out and touch the sky (Source: Luhanh)
If you’re traveling to Sapa, make sure to try conquering the peak of Fansipan at least once. Known as the "Roof of Indochina," this mountain is often enveloped in clouds. For those who love adventure, trekking to the summit is a popular option, though if you’re looking to save time, you can take the cable car.
Hoi An is known for its moss-covered, tiled-roof buildings, narrow alleyways illuminated by red lanterns, and beautifully carved wooden signs. All of these components transport visitors to a world that existed centuries ago. The ancient town's simplicity captivates visitors, making them want to stay longer.
Hoi An is bustling with tourists enjoying their time (Source: Dulich)
Come to Hoi An, you can’t miss Tran Phu Street, the 45th most beautiful architecture street in the world by Architectural Digest, which is arranged in a grid pattern, with short, winding alleys embracing old houses. A walk through the narrow paths offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
During the day, Hoi An is illuminated by a warm, golden light that brings out its rustic, age-old charm. As the sun goes down and the lanterns light up the town, it seems like a whole different place. Both easy and memorable, this magical encounter will stay with you forever.
Hoi An shines at night with its lighting lanterns (Source: Dnews)
Perhaps the most captivating view in Hoi An at night is along the Hoai River. As night sets in, the lights from the lanterns hanging from the antique houses along the river reflect on the water, producing a wonderfully magnificent sight. This is the ideal time to take a riverboat cruise or release a floating lantern during the full moon.
During must-try experiences when traveling in Vietnam in 2025, a visit to the Mekong Delta is an ideal place to immerse yourself in the unique water culture. This region is closely associated with overflowing rivers, boats constantly moving along the waterways, and especially the bustling floating markets where goods are traded.
Enjoy fresh fruit right at the floating market (Source: Ivivu)
Due to the nature of the floating market, where all activities take place on boats on the river, everything is simplified to the maximum. In this place, you won't find any tables or chairs; instead, you can be served your lunch on a crudely fashioned wooden board that has been extended over the boat's sides. You won't have the same dining experience sitting on land when you dine on a boat while you drift down a river.
Hu Tieu is a dish that attracts many food lovers (Source: Mekongtravel)
Before the sun rises, boats full of Southern delicacies and beverages gather at the Cai Rang Floating Market to serve visitors. For travelers, enjoying a bowl of “hu tieu” (noodle soup) or “banh canh” (thick noodle soup) at the Cai Rang Floating Market is an essential part of must-try experiences when traveling in Vietnam in 2025.
The Golden Bridge in Da Nang is part of the Sun World Ba Na Hills resort complex. Located halfway up the mountain, it stands at an impressive height of over 1,400 meters above sea level. From a distance, the bridge gracefully curves like a shimmering golden silk ribbon stretched across the mountainside, supported by giant hands.
Golden Bridge - The famous symbol of Da Nang (Source: Todaytravel)
Check-in on the Golden Bridge has become a must-try experience that has elevated Vietnam's name on the world tourism map. Walking on this bridge, you feel as though you're standing amidst the clouds, with a breathtaking view of endless primeval forests or the vast expanse of Da Nang city.
Check-in at the Golden Bridge is a must-try experience (Source: Fantasea)
Since its opening, the Golden Bridge has become a unique spot for visitors when traveling in Vietnam. Due to its "sky-high" altitude and impressive design, it creates the illusion of walking through the sky, resembling a fairyland. This is undoubtedly one of the must-try experiences in Vietnam in 2025.
Ranked 6th in Taste Atlas' list of the 50 best street foods in the world, Vietnamese banh mi is a dish that doesn't require luxury ingredients or complicated preparation, yet it is highly praised internationally and has become an essential part of the Vietnamese travel experience.
Phuong's Banh Mi, famous and once praised by Anthony Bourdain (Source: Thanhnien)
Banh mi is a classic Vietnamese dish that is available at all times. Whether on crowded streets or quiet alleys, you can always find a place to buy this popular sandwich. Banh mi is simple to make, it's just baked bread packed with various kinds of meat, and vegetables - but it's delicious and addicting.
Banh Mi Heo Quay - roast pork sandwich (Source: Kenh14)
The Banh Mi Thit (meat sandwich) is a favorite among international visitors. Food guides often suggest travelers try this sandwich, along with Banh Mi Heo Quay (roast pork sandwich), which can be found anywhere from street vendors to larger bakeries in major tourist cities in Vietnam. However, Banh Mi Heo Quay is especially popular in Ho Chi Minh City. It can be enjoyed at any meal of the day, making it a perfect meal with many harmonious ingredients for travelers.
Watching the sunset in Phu Quoc is a truly wonderful experience when traveling in Vietnam in 2025. Known as the "Pearl Island," Phu Quoc attracts visitors not only with its pristine islands, crystal-clear beaches, and long stretches of sand but also with its breathtaking sunsets that are even more stunning than paintings.
An ideal spot for couples to watch the sunset (Source: Vietnam News)
On this island, there is a town located in the south called the "Sunset Town." Inspired by the Amalfi Coast of Italy, this town features colorful coastal houses stretching along the shore, offering an incredible view. Additionally, it is home to many iconic structures like Clock Tower, Kiss Bridge, Sun Signature Gallery,...
The perfect spot to watch a chill sunset (Source: Eholiday)
One of the best places to experience a surreal sunset is the "Kiss Bridge," the architectural masterpiece of Phu Quoc's Sunset Town. Designed by the talented architect Marco Casamonti, the bridge consists of two graceful arches that are close but never touch. It is also considered a part of must-try experiences when traveling in Vietnam in 2025.
The must-try experiences shared here when traveling in Vietnam in 2025 will surely make every moment of your life worthwhile. If you still have strong legs and a heart full of dreams, let’s grab your backpack and set off to explore the many beautiful destinations in Vietnam.
Read more: Traveling in Vietnam: Essential Travel Must-Have Tips
