Ninh Binh countryside

According to a reader of the magazine Noodlequeen, tourists should hire a bicycle and set out early in the morning to explore villages or have a picnic by the side of rice fields while watching the locals work.

Hanoi Kids tours

Another reader said travellers should sign up for a free tour with Hanoi Kids, an organisation that pairs travellers with students learning English.

Food tour in Hanoi

“Vietnam is a food lover’s paradise, with countless tasty and affordable options, but the sheer amount of things and places to eat, especially in the big cities, can be overwhelming”, says Nice number.

Dai Lanh and the Hon Gom sandbar

Oliver Daw suggests visitors should hire a scooter and make their way down the 30km-long Hon Gom sandbar. Here they can dive off the pontoon, go on a tour of the village by boat, and dine and sleep under the stars in a hammock. 

Overnight sleeper from Hanoi to Danang

“For a cheap, interesting and easy journey from Hanoi to Danang (for Hoi An) we booked the overnight sleeper train through vietnam-railway.com which delivered tickets to our hotel and were efficient and courteous”, says loyal reader of The Guardian Ann Alston.

Water pupet show

A nickname Blackstar89 shared on the magazine that Water Puppetry is a Vietnamese tradition and one of the best cultural activities he did on his trip. 

“If your experience of puppet shows consists of Punch and Judy-type performances you are in for a surprise”.

An Bang Beach

Simon Bleasdale said An Bang has quiet, beautiful beaches makes Danang’s pale in comparison.

Hoi An’s Library hotel

Ljiljana Harding commented that visitors can rent bikes just outside the hotel and ride off along rice fields and to the beach. She also recommended the Gioan cooking school if they want to try one of the famous cooking classes in Hoi An.

Lunch and trekking with the Black Hmong

“By far the most amazing experience I had in Vietnam was in the north, near Sapa, and the day spent with the Black Hmong Tribe, arranged through Ethos”, says Sarah Robinson. 

Danang mountain bike tour

A nickname clandejoe suggested that visitors should pedal through villages and mountains with a small group and a knowledgeable local guide. “It is a really fun way to see this beautiful and historic area”, he said.