365 Best Sights in Vietnam

For some in-your-face Vietnamese chaos, venture into Hanoi's lively Old Quarter, home to cheap eats, authentic cuisine, and the bia hoi corner, where bottles of beer cost around a dollar. The corner gets its name from bia hoi, or fresh beer, a Hanoi specialty, but unfortunately this has become difficult to find here. The hub of this beer haven is at the intersection of Luong Ngoc Quyen and Ta Hien Streets, where you pull up a mini plastic chair and sit to watch Hanoi in action. For real fresh beer, head to a bia hoibar like Bia Hoi Hai Xom. There are several locations dotted around the city.

A symbol not just of Ninh Binh, but of the entire region, this multitiered cave pagoda complex is a highlight of Tam Coc. Although reputed to be founded as far back as the 15th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To, the complex took its now familiar shape during the 18th century. It consists of a lower pagoda, which is linked to a middle pagoda by a series of 100 steps. A steeper (but shorter) climb reaches the highest level, which offers amazing views of the emerald landscape. The pagoda is reachable by boat on a day trip to Tam Coc.

Shady and green, this park is the site of early morning tai chi classes and nighttime strolls, where locals sit at sidewalk stalls drinking fruit shakes and eating sweets and roller skaters zoom by. Near the southwestern edge stands a massive statue of local heroine Le Chan, and there's a colorful daily flower market. Kids enjoy the playground and amusement rides in the attached children's park.

This wholesale market, in a colonial-era Chinese-style building about a half-hour drive from downtown, is not so much a shopping destination (unless you want to buy spices, herbal medicine, or textiles) as a spectacle to behold, particularly if you get here before 8 am to savor the frenetic atmosphere at its peak. With more than 2,000 stalls, Binh Tay can get pretty chaotic. In the central courtyard a small shrine honors the market's founder, Quach Dam (1863–1927), a disabled Chinese immigrant who started out collecting scrap before making his fortune. The food court inside serves a wide variety of Vietnamese street food and Chinese-influenced dishes—great for a replenishing brunch after an early arrival.

A symbol of contemporary Ho Chi Minh City, the 68-floor Bitexco Financial Tower is the city's second tallest building, and you can enjoy high-altitude views from the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor. This deck features interactive screens that provide information about a selection of streets and sights below.

This leafy 150-meter-long (500 feet) pedestrian-only street lined with bookshops and cafés is very close to the post office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Some new and secondhand English-language books are available, but the real prizes here are the adult coloring books featuring Vietnamese scenes and other literary-theme gifts.

This 50-acre park behind the Presidential Palace was designed by French landscape engineers in 1890 as jardins botaniques. After defeating the French in Hanoi in late 1954, the state repurposed the gardens and opened the grounds and its extensive network of trails to the public. Athletes congregate here for pickup soccer games, badminton, tai chi, and jogging. Lovers looking for seclusion head to the sculpture garden on the east side of the park, or cross the bridge to an island in the middle of the tree-shaded, preternaturally green lake.

This 1930s Gothic-Romanesque cathedral seems an anachronism in a small Mekong Delta town, but it's a reminder of Vietnam's colonial past and the fact that Catholicism is the country's second-largest foreign religion, with Buddhism being the largest. The bell tower stands 171 feet tall and its bells, which were cast in France, weigh a whopping 400–2,000 kilos (880–4,400 lbs.).

Floating markets used to be found all over the Mekong Delta; today, Cai Rang is the last one standing—or rather, floating. The market, which traditionally is for wholesale of fruits and vegetables, is about 6 km (4 miles) or a 40--50 minute journey, depending on the type of boat, from Can Tho. It starts at 4 am, in the dark, and usually finishes by 10 am. It's worth starting super early to be see dawn break over the market, which will be crowded and noisy with tourist boats and vendors selling coffee, drinks, fruit, banh mi, and noodle soup, especially on weekends. Though Cai Rai is also declining, it's still fascinating and fun, an important part of Mekong Delta culture that will soon be obsolete. Hiring a private sampan (small six-seater wooden boat) is a slower, but far more intimate, nimble experience, as your driver will get you up close and in the middle of the action.

Camp Carroll was one of the nine U.S. artillery bases located along the DMZ. It was home to the 3rd Marine Regiment and the most powerful artillery used during the war. Many battles were fought here, but the biggest and bloodiest of all was the Easter Tet Offensive when the North Vietnamese stormed the camp and the firebase fell into enemy hands. The site was cleared shortly after the war and is now a pepper plantation. The only visible remains of Camp Carroll are a small concrete platform and a few overgrown trenches. The turn-off to Camp Carroll is 5 km (3 miles) west of Cam Lo, 24 km (15 miles) northeast of Dakrong Bridge, and 37 km (23 miles) east of the Khe Sanh bus station.

Taking place every Saturday, this market is a worthy precursor to the extravaganza that is Bac Ha's Sunday trading jamboree. Indeed, Can Cau possibly feels more authentic due to its remoteness—it is 20 km (12 miles) north of Bac Ha—and the relative lack of tourist numbers. Like Bac Ha Market, it is a magnet for the local tribespeople. The colorful Flower H'mong are a noticeable presence, as are the Blue H'mong, distinguished by their striking zigzag pattern costume. All manner of items are traded here, including livestock and traditional medicine.

This mangrove forest, officially part of Ho Chi Minh City, covers an area the size of Singapore. The old forest was destroyed by aerial bombing and defoliants—primarily Agent Orange—during the Vietnam War because it had been a regular hiding place for the Vietcong, who would fire mortars at the supply ships on the Saigon River. Residents of the area were forced to leave, and it wasn't until 1978 that surviving Can Gio families returned, replanted the forest, and gradually resettled. Surprisingly, the area's wild animals also returned, and today there are monkeys, wild boar, deer, leopards, long-tailed macaques, crocodiles, birds, and giant fruitbats, although not all are easy to spot.

In 2000, the area was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the local economy is now supported by various eco-tourism ventures. Under the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve model, families live inside the reserve conducting small-scale aquaculture ventures to help preserve what's known as the "lungs of Ho Chi Minh City."

The government-owned Saigon Tourist has an "eco forest park" on Monkey Island. Thankfully, the bizarre animal circus with monkeys and crocodiles is a thing of the past. Visitors can now simply feed the large troupes of free-roaming monkeys.

For a grandiose building, the museum is thin on actual artifacts and displays, but worth the quick browse. It has a replica of the French guillotine used by the American-backed South Vietnamese government 1954--60 to execute opposition at the historic prison (next door to the museum), a grisly reminder of Can Tho's history under Ngo Dinh Diem's regime (the original is in the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City).

Founded in 1876, "Can Tho Grand Prison" was first used by the French to imprison, torture, and execute resisters, and later by the American-backed South Vietnamese government. Though it is small compared to the famous prisons of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, the history is no less horrifying. Mannequins bring to life the cruelty, while at the nearby Can Tho Museum, archive photos and a replica of the guillotine used further tell the story. The prison is free and right in the center, close to the riverside, making it easy to drop in.

A French-era fort that was also used during the defense of Haiphong during the war with the United States, this hilltop landmark is also notable for offering some of the best views on Cat Ba Island. A motorbike taxi can take you most of the way up the hill from Cat Ba Town and wait while you explore the area. You will find two cannons, two bunkers, a small photography and memorabilia shop, and several lookout points that offer views of the sweeping vista that captures the karst-studded landscape in all its glory. There is also a small café serving tea and juice where you can relax if you've made the journey on foot.

The town of Tay Ninh is home to Cao Daism, an indigenous hybrid religion founded in 1926 by a mystic named Ngo Minh Chieu, and its impressive and brightly colored temple, the Cao Dai Holy See. The noon ceremony (others are held at 6 am, 6 pm, and midnight) at the temple is a fascinating and colorful religious vignette. A finely tuned hierarchical procession of men and women of all ages parades through the temple's great hall, where painted columns twined with carved dragons support sky-blue arched vaulting. Panels of stained glass with a cosmic-eye motif punctuate the walls. You are permitted to watch and take snapshots from the mezzanine. Ignore any feeling of complicity in what appears to be a collective voyeuristic sacrilege; the ceremony goes on as though you were not there.

Touted as the largest of its kind in central Vietnam, the colorful Cao Dai Temple lies 1 km (½ mile) west of the Song Han swing bridge, on the Bach Dang side of the Han river, and is a peaceful spot to escape the madness of the city. Built in 1920, the temple is still in use today and serves as a place of worship for followers of the Cao Dai religion. During the day, visitors are welcome to tour the gardens, temple, and a small building behind that holds a display of historic artifacts and statues of popular saints. The main temple is sparsely furnished and, beyond the impressive divine eye that towers from behind the altar, most visitors are left unimpressed. But venture up the staircase at the entrance and you'll be treated to a beautiful view of the city that spans all the way across to the East Sea.

Established in 1926 in the southern Vietnamese city of Tay Ninh, Caodaism is a monotheistic syncretic religion, in which Cao Dai is believed to be the creator of the universe. The temple in My Tho is a smaller offshoot of the main temple in Tay Ninh (also called the Holy See Temple). The colorful structure, which is done up in every shade of the rainbow and then some, has impressive wooden carvings of deities, immaculately painted iron grillwork, and handsome tiles.

Typical of all Cao Dai Temples, the temple is a riot of colors, a bright yellow building with sky blue, red, and green accents, and inside the floor tiles change color from one to the next. At the front of the temple, on a carved wooden table with drawers, sit thick gilded candlesticks and offerings while ceramic egrets stand on either side. Established in 1926 in the southern Vietnamese city of Tay Ninh, Caodaoism is a monotheistic religion, and this temple is similar to the one in My Tho; both are branches of the main Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, also called the Holy See. Adherents worship Cao Dai, whom they believe is the creator of the universe. From the temples towers, take in the view of the river and surrounding countryside.

Opened on Christmas Eve 1959, the Caravelle is one of the city's most iconic hotels, accommodating many foreign correspondents during the Vietnam War, with journalists chronicling the 1968 Tet Offensive from the hotel's rooftop bar. The 9th floor Saigon Saigon Bar still draws a crowd for its live music and city views. While there, check out the many historic photos that adorn the space.

The 71,187-hectare Cat Tien National Park, one of 11 UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves in Vietnam, has incredible biodiversity, such as deer, civet, leopard cat, and a number of primates, including over 500 yellow-cheeked black gibbons. The early morning trek to hear their beautiful synchronized singing is one of the park's highlights.

The access point is a short ferry from Nam Cat Tien across the Dong Nai River to the park headquarters. Activities inside are managed by the national park itself, except for the half-day tour of the moon and sun bear sanctuary, which is booked through Free the Bears. The park offers a jungle trek and overnight camping at a lake full of endangered Siamese crocodiles, a night safari (by vehicle on roads), and bird watching. It is easiest to book park tours through your guesthouse. The do-it-yourself option is to rent bicycles from the park office. There are sights within 15 km (9.3 miles), such as the Ben Cu rapids and notable ancient trees; go as early as possible to avoid the midday heat. The headquarters also has a small wildlife rescue center and nature museum with preserved specimens.
 
The national park's hotel, located within the park next to the boat landing, has different room blocks and bungalows of varying quality, from 350,000d to 800,000d per night. The latest bungalows added in 2024 have modern amenities including air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Camping costs 100,000d per person, with tent rental available. There is cleaner, more comfortable accommodation in the village, but staying inside the park means hearing the gibbons singing in the morning, and it is convenient for early morning treks and the night safaris. Note that the last public boat is around 6:30 pm, meaning dinner must be taken at the park hotel's restaurant.

This is one of the most enjoyable fresh markets in Vietnam, covering a large area, snaking its way around the French-colonial food hall, Cho Hoi An, down to the river on Bach Dang, with feeder lanes sprouting off down mossy side alleys. The merchants are friendly and a large selection of merchandise is available, but barter hard to strike a good deal—expect to come in at the midway point and haggle upward to around a third off the starting price.

The stalls that surround the market are lined with fruit and flower sellers, while the small local shops opposite specialize in bamboo baskets and household wares; this is the best place to pick up the pretty blue-and-white dishware popular in Hoi An. The fish market down by the river is best avoided during the pungent hours of midday; the best time to visit for ambience and photos is just before sunrise as the conical-hatted traders descend upon fishing boats laden with colorful fish, squid, and giant prawns.

Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, Banh Mi Phuong has a small stall here serving quite possibly the best banh mi in Vietnam. To find it walk 50 meters around the outside of Cho (Market) Hoi An, to the left of the well.

Built in 1929, then rebuilt in 1937 after a fire, the Central Market is the heart of Dalat. Open from before dawn until nightfall, the two-story indoor–outdoor market attracts both locals and tourists for fruit, vegetables, and local specialties such as dried fruit, fruit candy, flowers, mulberry wine, and jam. Given the region's growing prowess and temperate climate, note the variety of produce rarely grown elsewhere in Vietnam, including strawberries and artichokes. At nightfall, the area in front becomes the bustling night market, a highlight of Dalat.

Of all Hoi An’s Chinese architecture, this assembly hall founded by the Chaozhou Chinese community in 1776 exemplifies Chinese wood carving of this period at its finest. Intricate wood carvings spin a tale of time forgotten through the building's wooden frames, highlighted by ceramic reliefs depicting folk legends of the Trieu Chau settlers who would visit the house at night to pray to at the main altar (which portrays General Phuc Ba and Bon Dau Quan, the god of mastering waves). The two altars on either side depict the gods of wealth and luck.

Twelve kilometers (7½ miles) outside Soc Trang, in the village of Dai Tam, this is the largest Khmer temple and religious school for novice monks in the area. The original pagoda, built in 1815, was destroyed during the Vietnam War and was rebuilt in 1969, the facade completely adorned with mosaic of ceramic bowls and plates—hence the name (chen means bowl). The garden has several thatched huts in which pilgrims can meditate, and a lively market operates in front of the gates. It's well worth visiting during Khmer New Year, April 13--16, if you happen to be in the area.

Built in 1741 as a meeting place for Cantonese, Chaozhou, Fujian, Hainan, and Hakka families living in Hoi An, this temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Goddess Protector of Seafarers. For budding photographers, this is a great hall to visit as red-lacquered, demonic deities and brightly colored murals sit beside the main temple in a haze of smoky incense coming from the hundreds of coils hanging from the ceiling.

Built in 1932 by Tamil Muslims, the Cholon Mosque now serves the city's Indonesian and Malaysian Muslim community. Notice how much simpler the mosque is than the pagodas in the area, which are characterized by exuberant ornamentation and bright colors.

Rio has Christ the Redeemer overlooking the city, Vung Tau has Christ the King, a 105-foot-high statue on a 13-foot-high platform atop Mt. Nho, looking out over the East Sea with his arms outstretched. Even though tackling the 847 steps up Mt. Nho is a challenge in the hot and steamy conditions, expect to be overtaken by tiny Vietnamese grandmothers in thick acrylic suits. Take plenty of water. There's a little shop at the top selling drinks and snacks, and an art gallery inside Jesus's legs, but the opening hours seem to change to suit the caretakers' own schedules.

Head north on Nguyen Truong To Street for approximately 1 km (½ mile) to the end, turn left, and follow the path until you reach Chuc Thanh Pagoda, the oldest and most revered pagoda in Hoi An. Founded in 1454 by Minh Hai, a Chinese Buddhist monk, the pagoda contains several ancient religious objects, including bells and gongs made of stone and wood. On the way back, stop at the Phuoc Lam Pagoda, built in the mid-17th century. Note the interesting Chinese architecture and the large collection of ceramics on its roof.

The first fortified citadel in Vietnamese history (dating back to the 3rd century BC) and a former capital of the country, Co Loa is worth visiting for those with an interest in the nation's early history. Only three of the original earthen ramparts are extant today. You can explore the site of the ancient imperial palace and, under an old banyan tree, is the Ba Chua temple. A large and colorful festival on the sixth day of Tet, the lunar new year, celebrates King An Vuong Duong, now considered the guardian spirit of Co Loa. This is a popular destination for school groups, which can sometimes transform the normally serene temples into playgrounds reverberating with the laughter and chatting of hundreds of children.