365 Best Sights in Vietnam

Built to look like a town taken straight from the Amalfi Coast, Sunset Town must be seen to be believed. It would be incredibly kitschy if the illusion weren't so well done, complete with pastel shop houses of differing heights, cobblestone streets and even a bell tower. There's a small, man-made beach here with free water puppet shows and nightly fireworks. Guests can also stroll the lively night market for cheap eats and street performances. A visit here is best paired with a day trip to Hon Thom Island via the cable car or the nightly Kiss of the Sea show

Believed to be the world's only Buddhist-theme amusement park, Suoi Tien (the name means Fairy Stream) is certainly one of the quirkiest. On the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, about 20 km (12 miles) from District 1 and behind a giant pair of tusks, it's a vast, sometimes downright odd, complex that contains an amazing diversity of attractions, from waterslides, crocodiles, and dolphins—thankfully, not all in the same place—to graphic depictions of hell, though there are not many signs in English to explain the more bizarre exhibits. There's also an ice palace, 4D movie theater, fun fair rides for smaller kids, a go-kart circuit, and quad biking. Allocate a whole day to exploring the complex, and arrive early to get the land-based activities done before things heat up too much, then cool down in the water park, with its range of slides and pools to suit all ages. Food and drink kiosks can be found throughout the park.

The small zoo is depressing and best avoided.

Doing the water park and then exploring the theme park is going to be a huge day out, so it's probably better to choose one or the other for a day trip.

It is a 20-minute walk through rainforest to reach this small but picturesque waterfall, which is far more spectacular in the rainy season; water levels are very low at the end of dry season, around March to May, and it may not be worth visiting. Like so many nature tourist sights in Vietnam, the park has been built up with kitschy animal statues, an artificial pond, flowers, and food/drink vendors.

Son La used to be known as nothing more than the stopover point between Hanoi and Mai Chau. Ta Xua Peak changed this. Local Vietnamese reserve many names for this peak: the Stairway to a Thousand Cloud, Dinosaur Spine, Windy Peak, and Cloud Ocean. The peak itself is a specific point in a long Ta Xua commune and trekking path that runs trough it. The trail runs along continuous mountain ridges separating Yen Bai and Son La provinces. Surrounding the trail and the peak are pure, primeval forests with minimal human influence. Because of the sheer height, the remoteness of the location, and the difficulty of reaching it, Ta Xua retains some of the most pristine, majestic beauty that Northwest Vietnam has to offer. 

The road network expansion in Northwest Vietnam has put Ta Xua on the map for more people outside of the most expert trekking lovers. Even so, access to Ta Xua peak remains the purview of good-old human feet and (very adventurous) bikes only. 

Only a short bus or car ride away from Ninh Binh (drivers and tour group operators know exactly where to go) is a trio of caves accessible by a traditional boat ride down the Hoang Long River, a peaceful stream that winds through rice paddies after cutting its path through the steep cliffs around nearby Hoa Lu. Kind village women paddle your boat the 2 km (1 mile) through the series of three caves, one of which has a cement plaque on its far side commemorating Nguyen Cong Cay, a Vietnamese weapons maker who lived in Hoa Lu from 1947 to 1950 and plotted with other resisters against the French. At the far end of the boat ride, other women in similar boats are waiting to sell you soft drinks, bananas, and even embroidery. Another cave, Bich Dong, can also be reached by boat; you can disembark to visit the 17th-century pagoda here. Tam Coc has recently become a small tourist epicenter and there are several hostels and restaurants located around the boat harbor.

Tam Dao's main attraction lies in its elevation and subsequent cool temperatures: it's a nice way to beat the heat of Hanoi and there are some walks, but there's also a lot of concrete. Don't expect much in the way of information on trails, however, unless you have organized a tour with one of the better Hanoi tour operators. Few people realize that Tam Dao and the surrounding peaks are in a national park, which may be one reason why logging and poaching remain a problem for the area (some of the restaurants here list supposedly protected animals on their menus). But for the most part, a hike up to the radio transmitter above the town is a walk into dense jungle. Small Buddhist temples line the concrete steps up to the tower, and a spring bubbles up from beneath the underbrush and splays out into a small waterfall. If you're spending the night up in these mountains, bring a sweater and some rain gear. People have been known to ride mountain bikes up to Tam Dao and spend the night, but the climb is extreme (a 10% gradient over long stretches). Less-active riders put their bikes in minivans on the way up and then careen down the exhilarating route to the base of the mountain.

The Chinese Fujian congregation built this lavishly decorated pagoda dedicated to Me Sanh, the goddess of fertility, in the 19th century. Women—and some men—pray to the goddess to bring them children. Many other deities are represented here as well: Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea and protector of fisherfolk and sailors; Ong Bon, the guardian of happiness and virtue; and Quan Cong, the deified general, depicted with a long beard and his sacred red horse.

Across the "Water" Mountain of the Marble Mountains, you'll see the tiny but charming Tam Thai Tu Pagoda, where monks still live. The pagoda is dedicated to the bodhisattva Phat Di Lac, and was rebuilt more than 400 years ago by King Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty. Tam Thai offers a serene view of the landscape below, especially during early morning.

This authentic local wet market, full of stalls selling fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables, meat, and seafood, also has a strip of eating places fronting Nguyen Huu Cau Street. Enter through the ornate facade to find narrow aisles inside lined with stalls selling a range of haberdashery, clothing, and shoes. The market is especially good for fabric shopping.

Phu Tay Ho, a temple dedicated to a 17th-century princess named Lieu Hanh, more popularly known here as Thanh Mau (Mother of the Nation), is attractive for its gigantic banyan trees and the view from West Lake's eastern shore. In the middle chamber of the main prayer hall is a sub-altar containing the statue of a holy tiger that protects Lieu Hanh, who is visible through the wooden slats of a locked separating wall inside the back chamber. In a second worship hall, women come to pray to another national mother figure, Nhi Thuong Ngan, for happiness and luck in motherhood and marriage. Two prayer stupas in the shady courtyard are dedicated to the guardian spirits of young boys and girls, Lau Cau and Lau Co, respectively. Outside of the temple is a cluster of simple restaurants serving banh tom (shrimp cakes), a specialty of the area. A taxi is the easiest way to get here.

The Tay Phuong Pagoda, or Western Pagoda, comprises three sanctuaries built into Cau Lau Mountain and surrounded by a square enclosure. Each ancient wooden structure is separated by a small pool of water that reflects an eerie soothing light into the temples. Begun in the 3rd century, the pagoda was rebuilt in the 9th century and expanded to its present size under the Tay Son dynasty in 1794. The centuries-old curved rooftops are particularly noteworthy, as are the masterpieces of wood sculpture: more than six dozen figures carved from jackfruit wood. The pagoda's rafters are elaborately carved with bas-reliefs of dragons and lotuses, and ceramic animal statues grace the rooftops.

Late January to early February is a good time to visit if you want to breathe in the excitement of Tet, the lunar new year, a movable date based on the lunar calendar. In preparation for Vietnam's largest festival, the Old Quarter comes alive with floor-to-ceiling displays of moon cakes, red banners, joss sticks, and red envelopes for giving lucky money (li xi) to children. Be aware that when Tet does arrive, many shops and restaurants close for up to a week—although some restaurants and cafés have discovered the financial benefits of staying open, and many put up their prices. If you're planning to conduct any business, this is definitely not the time to do it.

On the road to the Cambodian border, 4 km (2.5 miles) northwest of Ha Tien, this cave pagoda is in an echoey cavern in a limestone karst, with various chambers holding funerary tablets. The cave is home to a colony of bats (so keep your mouth closed when you look up), and the views from some of the openings across to Cambodia are pretty. At the base of the mountain is a small monument shaped like a clenched fist that commemorates the murder of 130 local civilians by the Khmer Rouge in 1978.

If you are staying in Bac Ha during the summer months, this attractive waterfall is an inviting place to cool off. Around 12 km (7 miles) east of Bac Ha, it has a large pool that is deep enough for swimming.

Resembling Hoi An's Japanese Bridge, this covered walkway was built in 1776 and today houses a shrine to the local Tran Thi Dao, who bequeathed her life savings for its construction. Childless, she offered her funds to the Thanh Toan Village for a new bridge to connect villagers on both sides of the canal. In 1925, Emperor Khai Dinh had an altar set up in her honor in the center of the bridge, which is still used by villagers who come to show their respect. Located 8 km (5 miles) outside Hue, this bridge is reached by way of the peaceful countryside, making it a pleasant escape from the bustling city. On the far side of the bridge is a small museum displaying villagers' used farming equipment.

If you visit independently, park your bike at the market 100 meters from the bridge.

If your idea of relaxation involves soaking in warm mineral water, head to this hot spring center on the northern outskirts of Nha Trang, 7 km (4½ miles) from the tourist area. In addition to mud baths there are hot mineral pools and a mineral swimming pool. You can choose to soak in private tubs or communal areas.

Framed by towering palm trees and within a small park, these restored twin Cham towers were built some time between the 12th and 13th centuries. Though not as grand as Banh It, they are located in the outskirts of the city and worth the visit since they are so easy to reach.

The Thay Pagoda, or Master's Pagoda, is named in honor of Tu Dao Hanh, a 12th-century monk. The grounds of the four main sanctuaries here ring shrill with the chirping of cicadas and are lush with fruit trees and a giant frangipani said to be 700 years old. In the upper pagoda (Chua Thuong) a statue of Master Hanh sits in the foreground of a large central altar that supports the statues of 18 arhats, monks who have reached enlightenment. The altar to the left of this holds Ly Nhan Tong, a king who was the supposed reincarnation of Tu Dao Hanh. Stone steps adjacent to the pagoda lead farther up the mountain to various shrines and temples and lovely vista points. The Thay Pagoda is the site of one of two ancient water-puppetry stages remaining in Vietnam. Constructed during the 15th century, this small stage sits on stilts in the middle of a pond and was used during elaborate pagoda ceremonies and royal visits. Water-puppetry shows still take place here, particularly on the annual festival of the pagoda, which is from the fifth- through the seventh days of the third lunar month.

This Theravada Buddhism temple, built between 1961 and 1963, is on the northwestern face of Lon Mountain. The highlights are a 33-foot-high gleaming white Buddha statue and the climb up the steps to its base, through beautiful gardens and jungle. Alongside the steps is a series of statues depicting Buddha's life. Pilgrims from all over Vietnam visit the pagoda, which has a Zen Buddhist monastery on-site.

A favorite among photographers for its compact size filled with intricate details, this atmospheric pagoda was built by the Cantonese congregation at the beginning of the 19th century. Sailors used to come to be blessed at this pagoda dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea and protector of fisherfolk and mariners. On the main dais are three statues of the goddess, each flanked by two guardians. Note also the figure of Long Mau, guardian of mothers and babies. The turtles living on the grounds are considered sacred animals and are a symbol of longevity.

Overlooking the Perfume River, this pagoda constructed in 1601 under Lord Nguyen Hoang has impressive Buddha statues, a seven-tiered monument, a two-ton bronze bell, and a marble turtle dating back to 1715. Take note of the engraved graffiti covering the turtle's shell, most of which dates back to the 1950s, when refugees from northern Vietnam inscribed notes of their whereabouts. As Hue's oldest pagoda, this structure still functions as a monastery. Housed inside the grounds is the Austin car once used by Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc, who lit himself on fire in protest of the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem in 1963. The best way to reach this official symbol of Hue is by boat up the Perfume River.

Located 4 km (2½ miles) southeast of town, this Chinese pagoda sits atop a hill with great views of the surrounding area. Built in 1958, the pagoda is known for three 4-meter-tall Hong Kong--made gilded sandalwood Buddha statues and its peaceful tree-filled property.

For now, Thuan An Beach, which lies out on a peninsula 14 km (8 miles) from central Hue, has only one beach resort, leaving an unspoiled, long, sandy stretch of coconut- and casuarina-tree-lined beach all but empty. In the summer months the tranquil turquoise sea and gentle breeze make for the most idyllic break from the city, while in winter it makes for wildly romantic walks, with scatterings of family temples, fishing villages, and Vietnam's largest lagoon to explore. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: walking; swimming; sunset.

A delegation of United States congressmen discovered the cramped tiger cages during an official visit to Con Dao in 1970, departing from their planned tour to follow a map drawn by a former prisoner. Photographs of the inhumane conditions were published in Life magazine in July 1970 and the international uproar that followed led to 180 men and 300 women being transferred from the cages to other prisons (or, in some cases, to psychiatric institutions). Mannequins rather than people now display the terrible conditions of the cages, which were hidden between a cluster of three prisons: Phu Tuong; Phu Son; and Phu Tho. Entry is through Phu Tuong Prison, built by the French in 1940. Guided tours of Phu Tuong and the other prisons on Con Dao can be arranged at the Con Dao Museum with one day's notice.

For much of the year Tinh Tam Lake is hardly worth the bother, but during the spring and summer months this little lake in the citadel comes alive with lotus flowers that cover it entirety. Do as the emperors once did and walk across one of the bridges to the island for a brief respite. The best way to see it (and find it) is by asking your driver to include it in a cyclo tour of the citadel.

Dong Khanh was a despised puppet emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty who died during the French rule at the age of 24. This tomb complex, originally built for his father, took over 35 years and four kings to complete. The result is a unique fusion of traditional imperial Vietnamese and colonial design.

Emperor Dong Khanh's final resting place was built near Ngung Hy Temple, an elaborate triple temple complex typical of the citadel. Look for the well-preserved lacquer art and Chinese calligraphy that adorn the walls, and the illustrations featuring the 24 filial sons and daughters taken from the Chinese story Nhi Thap Tu Hieu. The surrounding area is the colonial-style graveyard that was constructed between 1916 and 1923.

When his beloved Queen Thua Thien passed away in 1814, Emperor Gia Long, the founder of Nguyen Dynasty, built a grave for her at this magnificent location surrounded by 42 hills and mountains. As a symbol of their love, he then had his grave built less than a foot away from hers. Apart from commemorating Emperor Gia Long and his first queen, this 7,100-acre compound also serves as the eternal home of his second queen, Emperor Minh Mang’s mother, plus his mother and other family members. It is a delightful surprise to run into the beautiful rice fields scattering this solemn tomb complex. A 5-km (3.1-mile) stone-paved lane snakes around the tombs, pine hills, and the Long Lake, allowing guests to have a leisurely walk or cycle in this scenic grand tomb complex. You can rent a bicycle with the price from 10,000d/hour at the ticket booth.

A Hue classic, the Tomb of Minh Mang, emperor from 1820 to 1841, was completed in 1843 by his successor. His tomb is one of the most palatial, with numerous pavilions and courtyards in a beautiful pine forest. The burial site is modeled after the Ming tombs in Beijing. Sculptures of royal officers, elephants, and horses line the route to the burial site. The mountainous backdrop and crumbling structure make it one of the most eerie, yet beautiful, tombs to visit.

Dedicated to the first president of the unified postwar Vietnam, Ton Duc Thang, this stark museum is of interest mainly to avid historians and political junkies, who will relish the insights it offers into government propaganda in the downstairs section, featuring letters from family members. The museum contains items from Uncle Ton's personal life, such as his spectacles and a rattan trunk, as well as gifts from foreign leaders and replicas of various huts he lived in while fighting the French in the 1940s and '50s. As of writing, the museum is closed for remodeling and is scheduled to reopen to the public at the end of 2024.

The largest island in Bai Tu Long Bay is also one of its wildest and most undeveloped. Thick jungle blankets the southern part of the island, while the offshore karsts are among the most impressive in the entire region. There's very little in the way of accommodations on the island beyond a few basic beach huts, so plan for a day trip rather than an overnight stay.