Top 28 Attractions in Vietnam

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Vietnam is a promising and constantly developing tourist destination in Southeast Asia. The country attracts millions of travelers with its exoticism, the relative cheapness of tours, high-quality beach holidays and infrastructure developed at an acceptable level. Tourism in Vietnam began to develop actively around the late 1990s. For almost the entire first decade of the 2000s, the main share of travelers was Chinese, and only a small percentage were guests from Europe, America, and other continents.

The territory of the country stretched along the Pacific coast for about 2000 km. It is conditionally divided into North, Central and South Vietnam. In each of these parts there are seaside resorts with beautiful beaches, quality hotels and interesting sights.

What to see in Vietnam?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Ho Chi Minh city

It is a modern metropolis with a developed industry. Here you can feel the pulse of business Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is also called the "City of Mopeds". In the mornings in the parks, residents do gymnastics, in the evenings they walk on the square in front of Notre Dame de Saigon, the main Catholic cathedral in the south of the country. The city is named after Ho Chi Minh, the founder of the Communist Party and the first president of a united Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh city

Address: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Opening hours: 24/7

Halong bay

This bay is one of the most recognizable symbols of Vietnam. Almost every tourist brings a postcard with the image of a ship with flying scarlet or brown sails against the backdrop of views of the bay. Halong is a bay with three thousand islands, grottoes, caves, cliffs, located a couple of hundred kilometers from the capital. The bay is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique beauty.

Halong bay

Address: Halong Bay, Vietnam

Opening hours: 24/7

Museum of War Victims (Ho Chi Minh City)

This complex was created in order to show people all the horrors of the war with the United States in 1965-1973. The museum contains photographs of the Vietnamese crippled by American chemical weapons (under the special name "Agent Orange"), instruments of torture, stories of abuse of the local population, mass exterminations.

Museum of War Victims (Ho Chi Minh City)

Address: War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phone: +84 28 3930 6306

Opening hours: 07:30 - 18:00

Cuchi Tunnels (Kuti)

Underground labyrinth for about 250 km. These tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City served as a refuge and base for the Vietnamese guerrillas. From here they made successful sorties against the Americans. Cunning traps, weapons and household items of the soldiers who once lived here are presented to the attention of visitors.

Cuchi Tunnels (Kuti)

Address: Cu Chi Tunnels, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phone: +84 28 3794 8972

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Forbidden Purple City (Tu Kam Thanh)

It is of great historical interest, since the imperial family once lived here, and mere mortals could not get here. Tu Cam Thanh is located in Hue and consists of a complex of palace buildings, temples and gardens, many of which are hundreds of years old.

Forbidden Purple City (Tu Kam Thanh)

Address: Forbidden Purple City, Hue, Vietnam

Phone: +84 234 3821 929

Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:00

My Son Temple Complex

The surviving remains of Hindu temples of the Tyapma (Champa) Empire that once existed on the territory of Vietnam. Before the arrival of the Viet, the land was inhabited by the Chams, who approximately moved here from the island of Borneo. From the 4th century Michon was the capital of the Cham state.

My Son Temple Complex

Address: My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam, Vietnam

Phone: +84 235 3860 137

Opening hours: 06:00 - 17:00

Hanoi citadel

A large cultural complex, where excavations are still underway. It began to be built during the Vietnamese Li dynasty in the 11th century. During its long existence, the territory of the citadel was expanded, destroyed, rebuilt again, and only in the 20th century. managed to start full-scale archaeological work to extract valuable ancient exhibits.

Hanoi citadel

Address: Hanoi Citadel, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: +84 24 3825 3805

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh

The tomb of the national hero and socialist leader Uncle Ho, as the locals call him. This is one of the main modern attractions of Hanoi. In addition to the body of Ho Chi Minh itself, tourists are invited to take a look at the chambers where the leader of the nation lived and worked, as well as take a walk in the magnificent park around the mausoleum.

Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh

Address: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: +84 24 3845 4552

Opening hours: 08:00 - 11:00

Tienmu Pagoda

A seven-tiered structure, symbolizing the moment of Buddha's enlightenment. It was created in 1601. Tienmu is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. Not far from the tower in the 60s. of the twentieth century, the Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc committed ritual self-immolation, who, together with his brothers, fought against the oppression of the Catholic ruler.

Tienmu Pagoda

Address: Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue, Vietnam

Phone: +84 234 3821 777

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Cham towers Po Nagar (Cham towers)

Another architectural monument of the Tyampa period. This is a group of temples located in the city of Nha Trang. Some of them are still active, despite the fact that they are more than a thousand years old. An extensive panorama of Nha Trang opens from the observation deck on the territory of the temple complex.

Cham towers Po Nagar (Cham towers)

Address: Po Nagar Cham Towers, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Phone: +84 258 3822 297

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:30

Long Son Pagoda (White Buddha)

A temple with a large statue of a deity towering over the whole of Nha Trang. It can be observed from almost anywhere in the city, it seems to be floating in the clouds. A Buddhist monastery operates on the territory of the pagoda, services are constantly held. To climb to the statue of the seated Buddha (the highest point of the pagoda), you need to go through 150 steps.

Long Son Pagoda (White Buddha)

Address: Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Phone: +84 258 3822 374

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi

Another unusual temple from the reign of Li Thanh Tong in Hanoi. It was built in 1049 by a grateful emperor in honor of the goddess Quan Am, who in a dream predicted the birth of a son to him. Today, only a small pagoda with a statue of Kuan Am, which really stands on one pillar, has survived from the entire building.

One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi

Address: One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: +84 24 3845 4552

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc

This is a complex in Hue, including a pavilion, a temple, a crypt, a courtyard of honor and a reservoir with lotuses. All these structures were supposed to emphasize the greatness of the ruler and perpetuate his name. It was Tu Duc who came up with the tradition of building tombs in this way. After him, many tombs of later rulers appeared in the vicinity.

Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc

Address: Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Hue, Vietnam

Phone: +84 234 3822 668

Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:00

Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon

Another name for the temple is Notre Dame de Saigon. This is a piece of Europe near the equator and the main Catholic temple of Ho Chi Minh City, built in 1880. During the construction, Notre Dame de Paris was taken as a model. In the temple, you can attend a classical Mass served by a Vietnamese priest in broken Latin, or simply admire the beautiful stained glass windows.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon

Address: Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phone: +84 28 3829 0706

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Nha Trang Cathedral

Another Catholic church built with the help of the French. You can see it from almost anywhere in the city. This temple was built over many years and completed by 1939. The construction turned out to be majestic and massive, designed to inspire appropriate awe before the divine power. Now the residence of the bishop is located there, and Mass is regularly served.

Nha Trang Cathedral

Address: Nha Trang Cathedral, 31 Nguyen Hieu, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Phone: +84 258 3822 278

Opening hours: 05:00 - 17:00

Hanoi Cathedral

The cathedral is another striking architectural monument, reminiscent of the dominion of the French throughout Indochina. In the Gothic outlines of the temple, European canons are easily guessed, and the interior decoration creates an atmosphere of reverence.

Hanoi Cathedral

Address: Hanoi Cathedral, 40 Nguyen Hieu, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: +84 24 3826 7550

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Temple of Literature

One of the most striking sights of the capital of Vietnam. Emperor Li Thanh Tong ordered the construction of this temple in honor of Confucius in 1070. A few years later, on its basis, a university arose for the offspring of high-ranking officials of the state. Here, the tourist will see thousand-year-old historical monuments: statues, a cult hall, the Gue Wan pavilion.

Temple of Literature

Address: Temple of Literature, 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Hanoi, Vietnam

Phone: +84 24 3823 6904

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Thap Ba Thermal Springs

Better known as the famous mud bath in Central Vietnam. Here they take baths from healing mud, bathe in pools filled with hot mineral water, and do wellness procedures. Here you can buy high-quality inexpensive cosmetics. Package offers are provided for visitors, which include a set of spa treatments, fruit snacks and various additional options.

Thap Ba Thermal Springs

Address: Thap Ba Hot Springs, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Phone: +84 258 3822 356

Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00

Cable car to Hong Che Island

It is considered the longest road of this type over the sea. It leads to the island, where the Winperl amusement park, popular with tourists, is located. Supporting structures are made in the form of French "Eiffel towers", which are beautifully illuminated at night.

Cable car to Hong Che Island

Address: Vinpearl Cable Car, Vinpearl, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Phone: +84 258 3591 888

Opening hours: 08:30 - 21:00

monkey island

It is located 20 kilometers from Nha Trang and is a popular tourist attraction. These funny and unceremonious animals live everywhere, as at one time they uncontrollably bred and populated a small area. On the island you can not only look at the monkeys, but also swim, sunbathe, stroll through the quiet parks and gardens.

Monkey island

Address: Monkey Island, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Phone: +84 258 3832 978

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Marble mountains in Da Nang

A bizarre joint creation of man and nature. Inside the natural rocks of unusual coloring there are huge halls with temples and altars. Outside, prayer houses and pagodas are scattered among the greenery. The Marble Mountains are not just an attraction, but a sacred place of pilgrimage for Buddhists.

Marble mountains in Da Nang

Address: Marble Mountains, Da Nang, Vietnam

Phone: +84 236 3822 922

Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:00

Lake of the Returned Sword

In the center of old Hanoi is perhaps one of the most interesting sights of the city - Lake of the Returned Sword. The legend says that during the wars with China, a giant tortoise inhabiting the lake gave the sword to the hero Le Lu, who defeated the enemy with it. Then the turtle took the sword back, hence the name.

Lake of the Returned Sword

Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam

Opening hours: 24/7

Lotus Lake (Mui Ne)

A picturesque series of small freshwater lakes, collectively called Lotus Lake, is located in the vicinity of the Mui Ne resort. They are remarkable in that they are almost completely overgrown with lotus. It is especially beautiful on the lakes in the summer during the flowering period - during the walk, the visitor, as it were, plunges into the "kingdom of the lotus".

Lotus Lake (Mui Ne)

Address: Lotus Lake, Mui Ne, Vietnam

Opening hours: 24/7

White and red dunes

In the vicinity of Phan Thiet and Mui Ne, there are a lot of multi-colored sand dunes. The most grandiose are the white and red dunes - huge sand formations interspersed with rare pine groves and lakes. When you get here, tourists feel like in an endless desert. Quad biking is the most popular activity for dune visitors.

White and red dunes

Address: White and Red Sand Dunes, Mui Ne, Vietnam

Opening hours: 24/7

Lighthouse Ke Ga (Khe Ga)

Ke Ga lighthouse is located about 50 kilometers from the tourist area of ​​Phan Thiet. It was built under French rule in 1899. Later it was recognized as one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia. The lighthouse stands on a 25-meter cliff, the structure itself is 41 meters high. The light from the generator is visible already 40 km from the coast.

Lighthouse Ke Ga (Khe Ga)

Address: Ke Ga Lighthouse, Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00

Guest House Hang Nga (Crazy House)

Da Lat is home to one of the region's most unusual sights, the Hang Nga Crazy House or crazy house. It was designed by the daughter of Vietnamese politician Dang Viet Nga, who was a die-hard fan of Gaudí. Now it is a hotel in the form of a giant tree with branch passages, rooms "cut" in the trunk, hanging gardens and statues of fabulous animals.

Guest House Hang Nga (Crazy House)

Address: Hang Nga Guesthouse (Crazy House), 3 Hoang Hoa Tham, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Phone: +84 258 3822 527

Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00

Winpearl amusement park

According to local guides, this park is an upscale resort "without Asian exoticism." In addition to attractions, a water park, a dolphin and seal show, an aquarium, there is a 5 * hotel, excellent white sand beaches, and bright evening shows are constantly arranged.

Winpearl amusement park

Address: Vinpearl Land Amusement Park, Vinpearl, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Phone: +84 258 3591 888

Opening hours: 08:30 - 21:00

Detian waterfall

It is located near the city of Kobang and is considered the most beautiful in all of Southeast Asia. Rice fields, mangrove-palm groves and plantings of cotton trees stretched around Detian. The landscape is complemented by pointed peaks of rocks, which, against the background of the blue sky, resemble the scenery for Avatar.

Detian waterfall

Address: Detian Waterfall, Gia Lai, Vietnam

Opening hours: 24/7

FAQ – Answers to popular questions

When to go to Vietnam?

When planning a trip to Vietnam, the best times to visit are:

  • March to April - Ideal weather and blooming flowers.
  • September to November - Cool temperatures and clear skies.
  • December to February - Pleasant weather, especially in the south.

What are the things to do in Vietnam when it rains?

When it rains in Vietnam, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy. Here are some suggestions:

  • Visit museums, such as the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Explore local markets and try street food.
  • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese coffee in a cozy café.
  • Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Vietnamese dishes.
  • Relax at a spa and indulge in traditional massages.
  • Experience indoor attractions like the Saigon Skydeck.

What are the things to do in Vietnam with family?

Vietnam offers a variety of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. Here are some popular things to do:

  • Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels for an educational experience about Vietnam's history.
  • Explore the natural beauty of Halong Bay with a family cruise.
  • Discover the vibrant city of Hoi An and its ancient architecture.
  • Enjoy a day at Sun World Ba Na Hills with its theme park and scenic views.
  • Relax on the beaches of Nha Trang or Mui Ne.

What are the things to do in Vietnam in the evening?

Vietnam offers a vibrant nightlife with various activities to enjoy in the evening. Here are some popular things to do:

1. Explore Night Markets: Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have bustling night markets where you can shop for souvenirs, clothes, and local handicrafts, and sample street food.

2. Dine on Street Food: Experience Vietnam’s renowned street food scene in the evening. Try dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh seafood. Places like Hanoi's Old Quarter and Saigon’s Ben Thanh market are great for food exploration.

3. Take a Night Cruise: In places like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong River, you can enjoy scenic night cruises that offer stunning views and cultural performances.

4. Enjoy Rooftop Bars: Many cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City, have rooftop bars offering stunning views of the skyline. Sip on cocktails while enjoying the city lights.

5. Attend Cultural Shows: Experience traditional performances such as water puppet shows in Hanoi or traditional dance performances in various cities.

6. Visit Pagodas and Temples: Some temples and pagodas are beautifully illuminated at night, making them a serene place to visit and reflect.

7. Join a Cooking Class: Some cooking