16 Best Sights in Vietnam

Vietnam’s largest Goddess of Mercy statue dominates Danang's coastal skyline in a similar way to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro; on a clear day you can see her silhouette from coastal Hoi An, 40 km (25 miles) away. The 17-story, 67-meter (220 feet) "Lady Buddha" statue stands on Son Tra Peninsula in the grounds of Linh Ung Pagoda, one of the most significant destinations for Buddhists in the area. The views from here are stunning. Equally charming is the journey along the winding coastal road leading to the peak of Son Tra, nicknamed "Monkey Mountain" by U.S. troops stationed there during the war, due to the mischievous monkeys that hang out in the jungle cliffs. The best way to get here is to hire a car and driver (or a motorbike for more experienced riders). The whole trip should take no more than a couple of hours, but it's well worth making a day of it and incorporating a seafood lunch and swim in one of the secluded coves below, followed by a stop off at Bai Tien, a small fishing port town littered with crumbling French military remains including pillboxes, a lighthouse, and a small graveyard—the final resting point for many French soldiers defeated by the Vietnamese during their short-lived occupation of Danang during the first Indochine war.

The unique temple, completed in 1952, is magnificently covered in glass and ceramic mosaic. The ornate work is jaw-dropping, so allot enough time to take in all the details, including the 49-meter-long dragon made from 12,000 glass bottles, the bell tower, and basement "dungeon" depicting hell. Linh Phuoc is located in Trai Mat village, 7 km (4½ miles) east of Dalat. It's possible to get here on the tourist train. Standard temple dress applies (women should cover shoulders and knees).

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.

Some beautiful pagodas stand in the southern and eastern districts of the city, and this is the most impressive and moving of all. The 300-year-old temple is a good example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, with a gate and three buildings surrounding a stone courtyard crowded with flowers, statues, and bonsai plants. In front and to the right of the compound is a round pond with lotus flowers encircled by white statues of the Buddha and scholars. One of the resident monks may be chanting her daily prayers and tapping on a round wooden drum in the richly gilded main sanctuary. Occasionally in the afternoons, the senior monk holds one-on-one healing sessions with the sick. Hundreds of Buddhists fill the courtyard on Buddhist holy days, the 1st and 15th of every lunar month. To get here follow Cat Cut Street south until you hit Chua Hang Street. After a few alleyways, you'll see the pagoda set back on the left. It can be a bit tricky to find on your own, so use a GPS or guide to help you find it.

One of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City, Giac Lam Pagoda was built in 1744 in the jungle outside of the city of Gia Dinh. Outside the walls of the pagoda now lies the urban sprawl of Ho Chi Minh City. Inside, however, are peaceful gardens containing a bodhi tree imported from Sri Lanka in 1953, a seven-story stupa, and the pagoda itself. Prayers are held every evening at 6 pm.

Like many other pagodas built by Fujian congregations, this one is dedicated to Thien Hau, goddess of the sea and protector of fisherfolk and sailors. It has four stone pillars encircled by painted dragons, brought from China when the pagoda was constructed in the 19th century. Also note the scenes in ceramic relief on the roof and the murals next to the main altar.

Also referred to as the Bishop's House, this three-story French colonial wooden building was completed in 1934. The Catholic seminary is still operating and certain areas are off limits. Its small hilltribe museum was shut at the time of writing.

This pagoda, built by the Chaozhou Chinese congregation in 1872, is worth seeing for its elaborate woodwork. There are intricately carved wooden boats and a large figure of the deified Chinese general Quan Cong's sacred red horse, as well as representations of Quan Cong himself with two guardians. A festival dedicated to Quan Cong takes place here every year on the 13th day of the first lunar month.

Completed in 1974, this pagoda at the base of Nho Mountain is considered one of Vung Tau's most beautiful. The serene garden in front of the pagoda represents Buddha achieving the state of Nirvana. The most famous part of the complex, however, is the 39-foot-long Reclining Buddha statue.

Officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, this neo-Romanesque cathedral, built by the French in 1880, was once a prominent presence on the city skyline. Spanish, Portuguese, and French missionaries introduced Catholicism to Vietnam as early as the 16th century and today there are approximately 8 million Catholics in Vietnam, the seventh-largest Christian population in Asia. Sunday mass can be quite a sight, as hundreds of faithful converge on the church and stand in the surrounding square. Some services include short sections in English and French. However, extensive renovations started on the cathedral in 2017, closing it off to tourists until at least 2027.

Many deities are represented at this pagoda, but the main attraction is Ong Bon himself, the guardian of happiness and virtue. Ong Bong is also responsible for wealth, so people bring fake paper money to burn in the pagoda's furnace in his honor, hoping the year ahead will bring financial rewards to their families. The centerpiece of the pagoda is an elaborately carved wood-and-gold altar and a finely crafted statue of Ong Bon. Look for the intricately painted murals of lions, tigers, and dragons.

Busy scenes in lacquer, ceramic, gold, and wood illustrate traditional Chinese stories at this pagoda, built in 1816 by a congregation of Fujian refugees from China. Many legendary and divine beings, some dressed in elaborately embroidered robes, are portrayed, as are some simple rural scenes representing the birthplaces of the original members of the congregation. This is still one of Cholon's most active pagodas.

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.

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.

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.