Join Vietnam Treasure Hunt!
A travel challenge built around depth, fun, and sustainable exploration.
Let’s see which country brings the most real travelers to Vietnam.
Turn Travel Into Action:
Pro Traveler Mode: Vietnam
The rules are simple: explore the challenges, complete them, and post proof.
Once a quest is completed, tap “Achieved,” save the badge, and share it on Instagram or Facebook together with a photo or video as proof. Creativity is appreciated.
Tag @guidesandstories, add the #VNTRH hashtag, and don’t forget to include your country flag emoji to earn a point for your homeland on the leaderboard.
See how other traveler are doing it: On Facebook and Instagram
The First Season Leaderboard
Started on March 1, 2026. Let’s see who takes the lead.
🇷🇺 Russia – 2
🇪🇸 Spain – 1
🇺🇸 USA – 0
🇲🇾 Malaysia – 0
🇯🇵 Japan – 0
🇰🇷 South Korea – 0
🇰🇷 0 South korea
🇰🇷 0 South korea
🇰🇷 0 South korea
🇰🇷 0 South korea
🇰🇷 0 South korea
🇰🇷 0 South korea
Collect Your Vietnam Travel Badges
Complete challenges, unlock achievements, and turn your Vietnam trip into a story worth sharing.
Initiation: Digital Stamp
Entered Vietnam and joined the challenge.
Claim the Treasure Hunter Stamp and mark the beginning.
Mention @guidesandstories so we can track your progress.
Street Food Expert
Experience Vietnam’s street food culture by eating at local stalls on at least five different occasions. Use our Street Food guide to find trusted spots, or discover your own in markets and neighborhood corners.
Proof idea: Show us your favorite street-food setup.
Hundred Kilometers Later
Travel at least 100 kilometers (62 miles) on a motorbike through Vietnam, either as a driver or as a passenger. The distance can be completed in one ride or across multiple days.
Proof idea: Share your three best scooter shots.
Plastic Dodger
Use a reusable water bottle while traveling in Vietnam and refill it at least ten times instead of buying single-use plastic bottles. Refills can be done at hotels, cafés, refill stations, or filtered water points.
Proof idea: Write a refill anthem and sing it on video — or just show us your refill photos.
Secret Locations
Explore lesser-known corners of Vietnam by visiting at least three locations from our Off the Beaten Path Vietnam guide. These places sit outside the main tourist routes and reward curiosity, flexibility, and slower travel.
Proof idea: Road or destination? Tell us which one won (photos welcome).
No Transport Left Behind
Experience Vietnam by using every major form of transport at least once. This includes metro systems, sleeper buses, motorbikes, trains, and ferries while traveling in the country.
Proof idea: We can’t wait to see your transportation album — chaos encouraged.
More Than Just Eating
Track and review at least ten different local dishes during your trip. Use our Vietnam Culinary Journal PDF, which highlights 35 essential dishes to try across the country.
Proof idea: Show us a few filled pages from your Culinary Diary, and the dishes you liked most.
4ever 4Bò
Try phở bò in four different provinces across Vietnam, paying attention to how the flavor, broth, and style change from place to place.
Proof idea: Every plate deserves an audience. Show us yours.
Saltwater Route
Visit at least three different islands while traveling through Vietnam. Use our Vietnam Island Hopping Guide to explore the full range of coastal destinations the country has to offer, or discover your own stops along the way.
Proof idea: Show us your favorite spots on each island you visited.
Summit Reached
Reach the summit of Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain. Earn a Gold badge by reaching the top on foot, or a Silver badge by ascending via the cable car.
Proof idea: One high-altitude selfie is all we ask. Breathe first.
From Stall to Stove
Take part in a Vietnamese cooking class while visiting the country. This can include visiting a local market, learning traditional techniques, and preparing regional dishes with an instructor.
Proof idea: Show us the masterpiece you created (edible or not).
Beyond the Souvenir
Visit at least three authentic craft villages in Vietnam where traditional skills are actively practiced. Try to find working communities focused on making, not staged attractions or social-media setups.
Proof idea: Introduce the most impressive one, in your opinion — we trust your judgment.
Into the Dark
Explore Vietnam’s underground landscapes by visiting at least five caves across the country. Use our 14 Caves to Explore in Vietnam guide to plan the route or discover your own underground stops.
Proof idea: Share a few shots and a short note on what moved you most.
Wet and Gliding
Try a board-based water sport while traveling in Vietnam. Qualifying activities include kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, or foiling at any location.
Proof idea: Let’s see you gliding… or at least trying.
Five Times Sweet
Try at least five different local sweets during your travels. Use our Vietnamese Desserts Guide for inspiration or discover something completely new along the way.
Proof idea: Show us the top three of your discoveries.
Pedals Over Petrol
Rent a bicycle and explore the country at cycling speed, passing through cities, towns, or rural areas. Visit at least three attractions to complete the challenge.
Proof idea: Isn’t a bicycle the best photo prop? Prove it.
The Brave Bite
Step outside your comfort zone by trying at least three Vietnamese dishes from our Weird Food List. This achievement is about curiosity, open-minded eating, and experiencing local food culture beyond familiar flavors.
Proof idea: Show us what you tried — and warn your followers accordingly.
Paths of Incense
Visit Buddhist temples or pagodas while traveling in Vietnam and observe the spaces where daily rituals take place. These can include active pagodas, monastery grounds, or temple complexes open to visitors.
Proof idea: Show us your temple-appropriate outfit (respect looks good on camera).