Vietnam is more than beautiful beaches and busy cities. It’s a country filled with heart, history, and deep traditions. If you truly want to understand Vietnamese culture, you need to go beyond the usual photos and postcards. You need to taste it, hear it, and even ride through it on a scooter.
From secret wartime tunnels in the south to magical water puppet shows in the north, Vietnam offers hands-on ways to connect with local life. These are not just popular Vietnam tourist attractions, they are cultural experiences that help you understand the spirit of the country.
Ready to explore? Here are six cultural experiences that show the real Vietnam.
📍 Vietnam culture in Ho Chi Minh
In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam culture hits you right away. The streets are lively, scooters are everywhere, and the smell of street food fills the air. It feels fast and exciting, but there’s also a deep history behind it all.
That’s why visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and jumping on a scooter food tour just makes sense here. You get to see the city’s tough past and taste the fun, modern side of it too.
1. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnel tour in Ho Chi Minh
Explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, located an hour outside of Ho Chi Minh City. This massive underground network played a huge role during the Vietnam War. As you move through the narrow tunnels, you’ll start to understand the strength, creativity, and determination that shape Vietnam culture today.
On the Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour, you’ll uncover hidden trapdoors, underground kitchens, and small living spaces built beneath the jungle. It’s powerful to see how people lived, worked, and survived here.
2. Go on a scooter street food tour
Eat like a local in a Ho Chi Minh scooter food tour
Hop on the back of a scooter and zoom through the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City. The Scooter street food tour lets you eat like a local and explore hidden food spots you would never find alone.
Food plays a huge role in Vietnam culture. Each dish tells you a story about the region, the ingredients, and family traditions. Taste crispy banh xeo pancakes, savory banh mi sandwiches, and sweet desserts you’ve probably never heard of before.
📍 Vietnam culture in Hanoi
Hanoi feels a little calmer, but in a cool, confident way. This is where you really see traditional Vietnam culture shining through. You’ve got ancient art, old buildings, and people sitting around lakes sipping strong coffee.
Watching a water puppet show and learning how to make Vietnamese coffee fit perfectly here, because Hanoi loves its traditions and isn’t afraid to show them off.
3. Watch the Thang Long Water Puppet show
Thang Long Water Puppet show
In the heart of Hanoi, enjoy a magical performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The Thang Long Water Puppet Show is a traditional art form that dates back over 1,000 years.
Wooden puppets dance on water while musicians play live instruments. The stories often show village life, farming, and legends. This art form is a beautiful example of traditions in Vietnam that are still alive today. Even if you don’t understand the language, the music and movement make it easy to follow!
4. Join a Vietnamese coffee workshop
Make your own vietnamese coffee
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. But coffee here is more than a drink; it’s a daily ritual. Join a Vietnamese Coffee Workshop in Hanoi to learn how to brew traditional coffee using a small metal filter called a “phin.”
During the workshop, you’ll make famous drinks like egg coffee and coconut coffee. You’ll also learn how French influence shaped modern Vietnam culture through coffee traditions. By making it yourself, you connect deeper with the country’s everyday culture.
📍Vietnam culture in Hoi An
Hoi An is the kind of place where you just want to explore. You’ll see Vietnam culture in the fishing boats, handmade crafts, and family-run shops. That’s why you should definitely ride a basket boat through the coconut forest and make your own lantern in Hoi An. In this city, you’re not just watching the culture; you’re actually part of it.
5. Go on a coconut forest basket boat ride
Coconut forest basket boat ride
When you hop into a bamboo basket boat in the coconut forest, you’re taking part in a fishing tradition that has been around for generations in Vietnam. On the Coconut Forest Basket Boat Ride, local boatmen guide you through waterways lined with palm trees.
You’ll see how people once used these boats for fishing and even during wartime. Some boatmen will spin the boat in circles just for fun, making everyone laugh!
6. Make your own Hoi An lantern
Hoi An lantern making class
Hoi An is famous for its glowing lanterns. Instead of just taking photos, join a Lantern Making Class and craft your own.
A local artisan will guide you step by step. You’ll choose fabric, shape the frame, and assemble your lantern. Lanterns are important in traditions in Vietnam, symbolizing luck and happiness. By making one yourself, you take home more than a souvenir; you take home a memory.
Tips for visiting Vietnam
1. Stay connected with a Vietnam eSIM
The moment you land, you’ll want internet access. Even if you’re calling a Grab ride, checking Google Maps, or posting your first bowl of pho, staying connected makes everything easier.
Instead of searching for a SIM card at the airport, book a Vietnam eSIM before you fly. You can activate it in minutes and skip the long counters. When you have data ready to go, you can focus on exploring amazing Vietnam sightseeing places without worrying about Wi-Fi.
2. Speed through immigration at the airport
Landing in Tan Son Nhat International Airport can be exciting, but immigration lines can sometimes be long. After a long flight, the last thing you want is to stand around waiting.
Booking the SGN Fast Track Service helps you move through immigration faster. You’ll get assistance and skip the regular queues. That means less waiting and more time enjoying your first taste of Vietnam culture!
3. Book cultural tours early
Vietnam is popular for a reason. Experiences like the Cu Chi Tunnels, water puppet shows, and lantern-making classes can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Book your tours early so you don’t miss out. When everything is confirmed, you can relax and enjoy these cultural experiences in Vietnam without last-minute stress.
FAQs about Vietnam culture
What is the culture like in Vietnam?
Vietnam culture is deeply rooted in family values, respect for elders, and community spirit. Traditions are passed down through generations and are still very strong today. You’ll see a mix of ancient customs and modern city life living side by side.
What are the cultural things to do in Vietnam?
There are many cultural experiences beyond typical Vietnam tourist attractions. You can explore historical sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels, watch traditional water puppet shows, or join hands-on craft workshops. Food tours and coffee classes also give you a true taste of local life.
What are some examples of cultural traditions?
Some well-known traditions in Vietnam include celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year), honoring ancestors, and hosting lantern festivals. Traditional music and water puppetry are also important parts of cultural life. Everyday habits, like sharing meals as a family, are just as meaningful.
What kind of culture shock do you think foreigners may experience in Vietnam?
Tourists may feel surprised by the busy traffic, especially the number of motorbikes. Street markets can also feel loud and crowded at first. But once you embrace the energy, you’ll see it as part of the charm of Vietnam culture.
Experience the real Vietnam
Vietnam is full of cultural experiences waiting to be discovered. Don’t just visit famous landmarks; immerse yourself in local life. Taste the food, learn the crafts, and hear the stories behind each tradition.
Book your cultural experiences today and step into the heart of Vietnam. The real adventure begins when you truly connect with Vietnam culture!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
