Vietnam is a country that never ceases to surprise. Beyond the stunning landscapes, there’s a whole world of quirky and unexpected experiences waiting to be discovered. And in our opinion, those are the kinds of things that make your trip unforgettable! If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to go off the beaten path and dive into the abnormal, this list of the top 10 most unusual things to do in Vietnam is for you. Get ready to embrace the weird and wonderful side of this incredible country!

Have coffee on the railroad at Hanoi’s Train Street

Having coffee on Hanoi's Train Street is one of those unusual things to do in Vietnam that you’ll never forget. Imagine sitting at a tiny café table, sipping your coffee, and suddenly, a train comes rumbling by just a few inches away.

The narrow street is lined with cozy little cafés and shops, and the train tracks run right down the middle. The trains pass through a few times a day, and when they do, it’s like an impromptu street performance. The train itself is the star of the show, and the rest of us are just lucky enough to be part of the audience.

Sitting there with your egg coffee or iced milk coffee in hand, you can’t help but feel a mix of thrill and chill. Just make sure to listen for the warning shouts and be ready to move when the train comes through—it’s all part of the experience !

Drink weasel coffee

Coffee is an essential part of Vietnamese culture and is beloved by natives and foreigners alike. But we’re not so sure about Weasel Coffee, also known as “Weasel Poo Coffee”. Yep, you heard that right. It’s without a doubt one of the most unusual things to do in Vietnam. Don’t let that gross you out, though, let us explain.

Vietnamese weasel coffee is made via a process in which weasels munch on the finest coffee berries. But these little critters have a secret superpower—their digestive systems work some kind of magic on the beans. After nature does its thing, the beans are, well, ahem, "recovered" from the weasels' leftovers.

These beans are then cleaned (thankfully) and roasted to perfection, creating a coffee that's smooth, rich, and has a flavor profile that's out of this world. Some say it's like sipping on liquid gold. So, if you’re up for trying something truly exotic, give weasel coffee a go—it’s like the coffee world’s weirdest, most delicious secret and also super luxurious. 100g of weasel coffee is worth hundreds of dollars, but you can have a taste of the coffee at the farms for only a few bucks. Just don’t think too hard about how it’s made! 

Tobacco / Communal smoking

In the North of Vietnam, it's common to see people passing around a large bamboo pipe called a "điếu cày" after a meal. This pipe is used to smoke tobacco, and it's believed to aid digestion. If you visit roadside eateries, especially in Hanoi, you'll often find a điếu cày available for customers to take a few puffs after eating.

Inside the điếu cày is a type of very strong tobacco called “thuốc lào” that can leave even the heaviest regular cigarette smokers feeling dizzy, with a racing heart and trembling hands. The high nicotine content combined with thick smoke can easily make first-timers feel nauseous. So, if you’re a curious traveler thinking of trying unique things in Vietnam, be prepared for a heady experience. A tip: sipping a glass of green tea afterward might help you regain your composure.

Rock pyjama attire

There’s nothing comfier than a pair of pajamas, right? But for most Westerners, pyjamas are strictly for lounging at home, definitely not for heading out, and *absolutely* not for going to work. But in rural Vietnam, the rules are different—women rock their pyjamas everywhere. This is definitely one of the most unique things about Vietnamese culture.

Wearing pyjamas outside of your home alone is strange, but their designs are also different from that of the pyjamas you usually see. These ladies have a dazzling array of pajama styles, from bright floral button-ups to breezy long pants and even shorts. At first, it might seem a bit unusual, but once you see how relaxed and carefree they look, you might just find yourself a little envious. Who knows, you might even end up shopping for a pair of your own to join the pyjama party !

Try Balut (Trứng Vịt Lộn)

Alright, let’s talk about one of the weird things to eat in Vietnam – trứng vịt lộn , or as it’s known in English, balut. It’s an egg dish with a little something extra inside. We’re talking about a nearly-developed duck embryo.

Crack open that shell, and you’re greeted with a mix of soft, eggy goodness and, well, a little baby duck. It’s a flavor adventure that’s a mix of tender meat, rich yolk, and a dash of "Wait, am I really eating this?" It’s a popular snack in Vietnam, often served with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime, and some fresh rau răm.

If you’re feeling brave and want to earn some serious street food cred, give trứng vịt lộn a try. Just remember, it’s not for the faint of heart (or the squeamish). But who knows? You might just find yourself coming back for seconds.

Create stuff from Dó Paper

Vietnamese Dó paper is a traditional handmade paper that has been around since the 15th century, made from the inner bark of the Dó tree. This paper is known for being durable and having a unique texture, which makes it perfect for the making of books, important documents, calligraphy, and folk art, especially Dong Ho paintings. It takes months of meticulous work and dedication to produce handmade Dó paper. It’s safe to say each piece of Dó paper has its unique character, even though they went through the same process. Unfortunately, with the presence of mass-produced paper, the craft is slowly losing its place in the Vietnamese economy.

Now, enter the Zó Project—a cool initiative that’s all about preserving this ancient craft while giving it a modern twist. The project works with local artisans to keep the tradition of Dó paper-making alive, but they’re also finding new, creative ways to use it. They’re making everything from journals and notebooks to artwork and fashion accessories, all while promoting sustainable practices.

This may be one of the most unusual things to do in Hanoi Vietnam, but also one of the most meaningful. The Zó Project isn’t just about selling products; it’s about supporting the community, protecting the environment, and keeping a piece of Vietnamese culture alive in a way that’s relevant today. 

If creative projects sound like your thing, check out Doai Creative and have a try at painting on discarded clay tiles:

Pay the driver to drive the Cyclo

Ah, the cyclo—the classic three-wheeled ride that’s part bike, part carriage, and all charm. You’ve probably seen the cyclo in parts of Vietnam and Thailand (or the TukTuk as they call it over there). It’s a laid-back way to cruise through the streets, taking in the sights while someone else does the pedaling. But it’s probably only in Vietnam where you can actually pay the driver to let you drive them around!

The driver will swap seats with you, and you’ll be in charge of navigating the bustling streets. It’s a fun way to see the city from a different perspective, though be warned, it’s harder than it looks! So, if you’re looking for some unusual things to do in Vietnam, maybe even a workout, go ahead and ask your cyclo driver if they’re up for a role reversal.

Shoot an AK47 at Cu Chi Tunnels

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is like stepping into a slice of Vietnam's history, with a side of adrenaline. These tunnels were an underground system that stretched over 120 km, it was a crucial part of the Viet Cong’s strategy during the war, and crawling through them gives you a taste of what life was like for the VC guerillas. It's fascinating, a bit claustrophobic, and totally eye-opening.

But here’s the kicker—after you’ve explored the tunnels, you can channel your inner action hero at the shooting range. Yep, they’ve got a variety of guns you can fire, from AK-47s to M16s. Going from learning about history to blasting away at targets, is hands down one of the most unusual things to do in Vietnam, but if you’re up for it, it’s definitely an experience you won’t forget.

Explore Cao Dai religion

The Cao Dai religion is a spiritual mash-up of all the greatest hits from world religions. If you take the best parts of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Islam, and Confucianism, and mix them all together into one belief system, you have Cao Dai. It’s one of the most unique things you’ll find in Vietnam, and honestly, it's kind of awesome.

Founded in the 1920s, Cao Dai even has its own supreme deity called the “Highest Power,” but here’s where it gets even more interesting: they also worship some pretty unexpected saints, including Victor Hugo, Sun Yat-sen, and even Joan of Arc. The religion’s main temple in Tay Ninh is a colorful, almost psychedelic place that looks like it was designed by someone who couldn’t decide between a cathedral, a pagoda, and a theme park.

Visiting a Cao Dai temple is like stepping into a different world. The architecture, the ceremonies, the mix of religious symbols—it’s all a bit mind-boggling but in the best possible way. If you’re in Vietnam and want to see something truly different, check out the Cao Dai religion and its temple. It’s a spiritual buffet where everyone’s invited !

Visit the Pink Church

The Pink Church in Saigon, officially known as Tan Dinh Church, is like something straight out of a fairy tale. This cotton candy-colored cathedral stands out in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City like a giant piece of bubblegum amidst the usual cityscape. It’s one of the oldest churches in the city, built way back in the 1870s, and its striking pink facade makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Saigon. What makes it one of the most unusual things in Ho Chi Minh City is that the church wasn’t always pink, it was repainted this color in 1957. We’re not quite sure why, however.

The church is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with a splash of Baroque thrown in for good measure. Inside, the pastel theme continues, with intricate detailing, stained glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to take a moment and soak it all in.

Whether you’re religious or not, the Pink Church is a photographer’s dream and a fun stop to add a little color to your Saigon itinerary. It’s quirky, it’s beautiful, and it’s definitely one of those places that makes you say, “Only in Vietnam!”

Well there you have it! We hope that the list fascinated you! The more you’re willing to explore, the more you’ll uncover a side of Vietnam that’s delightfully unusual and unique. If you’re up for it, choose Vietnam as your next destination and experience all the wonder and weirdness of the country on a 24 Days Grand Tour in Vietnam! You can also contact the experts over at Vietnam Original Travel if you want an itinerary that’s more tailored to your interest ! 

=> The best things to do on your unforgettable journey in Vietnam