360 Best Sights in Vietnam

At the end of a 20-minute rain-forest walk, you'll reach this small but picturesque waterfall, which is much more spectacular in the rainy season but still worth visiting in the dry season. There are food and drink vendors and restrooms at the waterfall.

Suoi Tranh is popular with bus tours, so arrive early to avoid the crowds.

The entrance fee is used to pay trash collectors, so this site is much cleaner than some others on the island.

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 the 2 km (1 mile) through Tam Coc, a 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 the hiking is fair. 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, even locals, 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 extremely winding and dangerous—but ultimately 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. The narrow inside aisles are lined with stalls selling a range of haberdashery, clothing, and shoes, none of which would really appeal to Westerners unless they're seeking a quirky souvenir.

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. In spring and summer, you can sometimes catch locals treading water as far as 200 yards from the lakeside wall of the temple, fully clothed and with their conical hats glinting in the sun as they manipulate long pole-nets to collect snails from the bottom of the lake. 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 cafes have discovered the financial benefits of staying open. If you're planning to conduct any business, this is definitely not the time to do it.

On the road to the Cambodian border, 5 km (3 miles) northwest of Ha Tien, this atmospheric 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 just stunning. At the base of the mountain there 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 as 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 a mineral mud bath, head to Thap Ba 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 solo, with a partner, or in a group.

These restored Cham towers, built some time between the 11th and 13th centuries, are some of the most easily accessible in southern Vietnam, set in a little park that's a popular meeting place for locals. The twin towers, with their intricate carvings of mythical animals, are considered unusual relics of the Cham empire because most other towers were built in clusters of three. In truth, there are more impressive towers to be found further out of town, but these are worth a visit at breakfast time simply for the wealth of cheap, delicious street food on offer right outside.

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 5th through the 7th 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.

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. The Cantonese congregation built this pagoda at the beginning of the 19th century.

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 and is perched on a hill above the river at the narrowest point in Vietnam. 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 dragon boat up the Perfume River.

The Chinese Thien Vuong Pagoda, southeast of town, sits atop a steep mountain with great views of the surrounding area. The pagoda was built in 1958 by the Chaozhou Chinese congregation. Three large, Hong Kong–made gilded sandalwood sculptures dominate the pagoda in the third of the three buildings, and peaceful gardens surround the complex.

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.

This partially renovated tomb has a story that beats any soap opera. It begins with the death of Emperor Tu Duc in 1883, when Duc Duc (one of three of Tu Duc's adopted sons) was controversially declared his successor. Duc Duc's reign of the Nguyen Dynasty was to last only three days before he was stripped of his title and incarcerated. The reasons for this are unclear, but it is believed that the three regents responsible for the appointment of Duc Duc, feared that he would strip them of the power they had enjoyed under the weak rule of Tu Duc. In modern history, Duc Duc is considered the first of a long line of "puppet emperors" whose short reign was thought to have been controlled by French colonialists.

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 mandarins, elephants, and lions 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.

South of Hue along the Perfume River, these scattered tombs—the ego-boosting mausoleums erected by emperors in the late 1800s and early 1900s—can easily be explored in a day, although it's likely you'll experience tomb-overload by your second site—visually and historically they are a lot to absorb. The most impressive one is the Tomb of Khai Dinh due to its ornate architecture reflecting Buddhist imagery. Between 1920 and 1931, the tomb was built with money from a 30% tax increase forced on the people. To construct the final mosaics surrounding the tomb, fine china and ceramics were broken into pieces. Take note of the dragon eyes made from Champagne bottles, and the flower petals made from ceramic spoons. The most respected emperor was Thieu Tri, remembered for his compassion for the people, evidenced by his unadorned 1848 tomb. If you plan to see the Tomb of Tu Duc, Thieu Tri's son, allow plenty of time to explore the grounds, which once housed 50 buildings in a sprawling lakefront compound. The Tomb of Gia Long is 20 km (12½ miles) outside the city, which means you're likely to have the place entirely to yourself.

Dedicated to the first president of the unified post-war 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.

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.

The 2,088-acre Tra Su bird sanctuary, 25 km (15½ miles) southwest of Chau Doc, is home to more than 70 species of birds, including storks, egrets, and herons. The best time to visit is when the cajeput (paperbark) forest is flooded, from July to November. A three-hour exploration by boat includes a motorboat ride and then a peaceful cruise by rowboat through the brilliant green duckweed, lotus flowers, and water lilies. The tour usually includes a stop at a bird-observation tower that is 23 meters (75 feet) high. For most of the year, the sanctuary's narrow 12-km (7½-mile) track can also be explored by bicycle, with rentals available at the boat station. From Chau Doc, hotels and travel agents charge around 1,000,000d ($45) for a trip for two to Tra Su (including motorcycle ride out there and a boat), but the moto drivers outside Chau Doc Covered Market will take you there for around 175,000d ($8). There's one restaurant inside Tra Su and, next to where you'll hop in the boat, a few fruit stands and a small café where you can cool off with iced coffee.

The 7,612-hectare (18,810-acre) park, famous for its rare wild birds, including the Sarus and red-headed crane, lies within the Plain of Reeds, which floods each year from July to December. Migratory birds, including the cranes, return to the area every year from late December to early May. The reserve lies 80 km (50 miles) from Long Xuyen and 110 km (68 miles) from Chau Doc and is accessible by taxi, private car, or xe om (motorbike taxi). Once inside the park, small boats, operated by guides, are available to take you to bird-viewing areas for 300,000d per person. There are a range of "eco" activites within the park, including fishing, harvesting rice, and hunting field mice. There's also a very basic hotel, with three-bed air-conditioned rooms starting from 200,000d/night.