The capital of Vietnam has a lot to offer to ever-curious travelers, and it’s nearly impossible to list all spots that are worth seeing! You can mingle in the bustling exotic streets, admire the cityscape that merges authentic Asian styles and French colonial architecture, visit historical sites or get above the crowd on the rooftops of futuristic skyscrapers, and many more! Here are some highlights of Hanoi that we’d recommend seeing:
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. The archaeological findings and artifacts at this UNESCO-listed heritage site are not only interesting to observe. This collection will show you the history of the country from the 6th and all the way to the 20th century.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, with its impressive architecture and a vast square in front of the complex, stands among the most visited places in Hanoi. Note that is only open in early mornings, and make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, features picturesque traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Water puppet theatre is conveniently located next to Hoan Kiem Lake. There is no other place where you could see this unique performance! The puppet theatre was invented in the 11th century and originally took place on flooded rice paddy fields. Plan your visit and purchase the tickets in advance – they are sold out quickly! Price range: 11-15 USD.
Flower garden is one an absolute must see and must-shoot place in Hanoi. Though open all year round, the garden shows its best from autumn to early spring, when thousands of flowers burst in blossom
Lotte tower observation deck on the 65th floor of Lotte Tower (the second highest building in Hanoi) opens a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The affair is costly, though: 230.000 VND for an adult ticket and 170.000 VND for children (10 and 7.50 USD)
Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay
The thousands of limestone rocks, covered with dense forests, tower above the infinite emerald waters. The views at this UNESCO-listed site are more than mesmerizing!
Ninh Binh
This village on the outskirts of Hanoi is also known as Halong Bay on Land. Same majestic limestone rocks, but instead of the gulf water, surrounded with serene green rural landscapes. The town doesn’t seem to be big, but there’s a lot to see. Plus, the sites are not within walking distance from each other, and you’ll need to rent a bicycle or a scooter. To see most of Ninh Binh, plan to stay at least a couple of nights!
Phong Nha National Park
Another UNESCO-listed wonder, Phong Nha National Park, is and one of the ultimate must-see places in Vietnam. The park features the oldest rock formations of Asia, indented with over 300 spectacular caves, including the world’s biggest one!
Sapa
A town to the Northwest from Hanoi is world-famous with its mountain landscapes, forests and its main gem – the vast, green rice paddy fields covering Muong Hoa valley.
Whether you choose to rent one or using a service where you just sit on the back of a bike and let your guide take care of everything, it is a good way how to move around. You can try that in Hanoi or famous Ha Giang loop.
Yes, you read that right. Head to Westlake and rent a swan boat. You will see Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple that are located on islands in the lake.
Have you ever jumped around inside without being shout at? Now is your chance to literally bounce off the walls. Look up Jump Arena Trampoline Park.
It is up to you if you pick Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay on Land- Ninh Binh. Sceneries will take your breath away.
Ba Vi National Park, Cat Ba National Park, as well as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, will not disappoint you.
The cities in the central region of Vietnam are beloved by their residents and adored by the visitors. The relaxed vibe of a coastal town, authentic historical sites and dazzling architectural marvels make Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang truly enchanting.
Ancient town
The urban landscape can’t be more versatile. The streets of Hoi An reflect the long history, the town has gone through and the cultures it has encountered. Chinese roofs, Buddhist temples, Vietnamese pagodas, Japanese bridges, and colorful French colonial houses, all cleaved with a net of canals – try not to get lost in this visual overload!
My Son Sanctuary
This UNESCO-listed World Heritage site is located about 40km away from the city. It displays the ruins of ancient Hindu temples, sculptures, and towers built centuries ago by the Champa civilization. Some of the objects have been restored. Make sure to include this site to your itinerary and learn more about the historical and cultural heritage of Vietnam.
The Imperial Citadel
A famous and the largest historical and touristic site of the city. The complex is surrounded by massive brick walls and consists of several parts, among which are the Imperial City – the royal residence, and Forbidden Purple City, formerly the most guarded part where the emperor’s consorts resided. Today the complex is open for everyone to visit and admire its richness.
Imperial Tombs
To visit this site you should head to the outskirts of Hue. There are several tombs of the kings of the Nguyen Dynasty, and each one cannot but amaze with its unique style.
Ho Thuy Tien
Abandoned amusement park Ho Thuy Tien didn’t function long back in the days – just a couple years before it was shut down. The atmosphere of this place will bring you mixed, if not sorrowful feelings when you think that the colorful rides will never again hear the cheerful yelping of kids. Yet, it’s one of the most unusual must-see places in Vietnam and a fascinating photography spot.
The Imperial city of Hue is truly a must-see in the central part of Vietnam!
Another must-see city in the central part of Vietnam that most people miss out on, Da Nang still has a lot to offer!
Dragon Bridge
A bridge of the shape of a dragon. Not impressed yet? With the colorful illumination at night, the dragon turns from yellow to green, to red, to blue… and that’s not all. It even breathes real fire at 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays!
Golden Bridge
Two gigantic stone hands hold the 150-meter long bridge that connects cable car station and gardens at Ba Na Hills Resort. This masterpiece of local engineers is one of a kind!
Lady Buddha Da Nang
Radiant white monument leans on the mountain and overlooks the sea. It is the tallest statue in Vietnam and can be seen from anywhere in the city. The religious complex also includes the largest pagoda of Da Nang and several other buildings striking with their architecture.
Hoi An and Danang are your go-to spots. Especially Son Tra Peninsula and Cham Island are suitable diving destinations. There is also something you might have never heard of, Sea trekking. Basically it is walking under water and you do not need to know how to swim! Parasailing, Jet Skiing or Wakeboarding, as well as people screaming on a Banana Boat Ride, can be found here too.
From 25/04/2019 you can fly from Danang to Hue in Cessna plane and enjoy approximately 30 min of sightseeing. Cost? From about 2 to 4 million Vietnamese dong (US$80-160).
Do you know what is a chip, drive, flag, par or pitch? There are several places between Danang and Hoian where you can golf. To mention one: Ba Na Hills. Many people say it is the best place in Vietnam!
Each of the three regions of Vietnam is special in its own way, and the South is not an exception. The bustling megapolis Ho Chi Minh City, the exotic natural landscapes of Mekong Delta, and a desert in the middle of tropics in Mui Ne are just a few must-see places in Vietnam!
If you’re planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City and its surroundings, you won’t be disappointed, as the city offers plenty of attractions and activities to do.
Notre-Dame Basilica
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon by its original name, was built by French colonists in the late 19th century. The construction materials were imported from France. This Romanesque-style cathedral was damaged during the war but was restored after. Today, numerous tourists visit the sight and admire the well-preserved original beauty of Notre Dame.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
The pagoda is comparatively new: it was built in the early 20th century and still functions and a place of worship for locals. It is one of the most picturesque and pagodas of the city, with its exuberant interiors and numerous carvings on the walls.
War remnants museum
The ‘Museum of American War Crimes’, it is a must-see place for history buffs. The museum features a rich collection of historical artifacts and an archive of old photographs that have documented the brutality of the war times.
Opening hours: 7:30 – 12:00 & 13:30 – 17:00
Price: 15.000 VND (0.70 USD)
Cu Chi Tunnels
Find them in two locations: Ben Dinh (45km to the Northwest of Ho Chi Minh City) and Ben Duoc (70 km away from the city). Here, you will see the real Warfield settings: the tunnels, dug by soldiers, create a 120 km-long labyrinth that stretches under the ground all the way to the border of Cambodia.
Head out of Ho Chi Minh City and explore the natural beauty of Mekong Delta. This site is a top destination for tourists and is included in nearly any list of must-see places in Vietnam. What will you see there? First of all, a lot of water: an endless maze of rivers, swamps, islands, covered with dense tropical vegetation and green rice paddies. Second, authentic floating markets, unique architecture of Khmer pagodas and serene little villages.
Mui Ne Dunes
This small fishing village in Southern Vietnam is famous with the two sets of sand dunes, white and red, which stretch magnificently over the land. The sight is indeed exceptional – it is the only “desert” in green tropical Southeast Asia.
Where: White Sand Dunes – 26km northeast of Mui Ne Beach; Red Sand Dunes – 17km northeast of Mui Ne Beach
Got your soles on the scorching sand? Head to the Fairy Stream to cool them down!
The water of the Fairy Stream has obtained its distinctive color due to the high content of iron. The stream runs between red limestone rocks and reminds a miniature version of Grand Canyon.
Where: 6 km East from Red Sand Dunes.
Mui Ne with tropical monsoon climate, rock-free waters, and killer (but not literally) wind is great even for beginners. You can also try quad or jeep ride in sand dunes when visiting the province of Binh Thuan.
We are also including this famous activity since these narrow tunnels provide barely enough space for a single person to crawl their way through but you can try under the supervision of your guide. In case you are claustrophobic, you can stay outside, no worries. It is still a place you should not miss out.
Vietnam is sometimes called The Land of Amusement and Water Parks. In the South, you can enjoy Vinpearl Land in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc. If you go for a lazy river or waterslide, we guarantee that you will have fun 🙂 If you want a wilder fun, Nha Trang is a great place for rafting too.
Whatever floats your boat- Vietnam offers it.
