The sights of Vietnam are very diverse. There are magnificent landscapes of rugged rocky shores of the South China Sea and overgrown green mountain slopes, and many architectural and historical monuments in the form of pagodas and palaces, and magnificent man-made parks.
Some names of Vietnam's attractions are world famous, such as the magnificent Halong Bay or the frightening tunnels of Cu Chi, where Vietnamese guerrillas once hid. Whichever city in Vietnam you find yourself in, you're sure to find something to see.
If your goal is to see what sights best capture Vietnam's traditions and atmosphere, then the Mekong Delta is the place to go. The floating markets here are sure to be memorable. And this is just one of the many attractions that can be found in Vietnam.
You won't have enough time in a few months to see all the interesting places this Asian country has to offer. That's why we've compiled a list of Vietnam's top attractions to help you navigate the country's many wonders.
List of the country's attractions
Pongur Falls The rumbling streams of water falling down the mountain slopes around Dalat are a sight of incredible beauty. The Vietnamese themselves say that this waterfall is also the biggest in the whole country.
Halong Bay. The magnificent bay in South Vietnam is not only a popular beach vacation spot, but also one of the most beautiful sites in the country. The bay's monumental rocky shores jut out into the waters of the South China Sea. The best way to admire the scenery of the bay is from the water, such as from the side of a boat.
Hon Lao Monkey Island. This small island is located 20 kilometers from Nha Trang. Monkeys are everywhere on the island, and you can see for yourself if you get here by boat.
The Cham Towers of Po Nagar If you climb Cu Lao Mountain, you'll find amazing structures that are more than 1,000 years old. The easiest way to get here is from Nha Trang. You can visit the towers from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm by paying 22,000 VDN for admission.
Water Puppet Theater. This traditional Vietnamese art is more than 1,000 years old. The stage for wooden puppets is the water surface of a pond or lake, and actors waist-deep in water stand behind a screen. The largest and most famous theater is in Hanoi.
Longbian Mountain. There is an observation deck at the top of this mountain, which is located on the outskirts of Dalat. At least once during your trip to Vietnam, it's worth sacrificing your morning nap and climbing up here. You will be rewarded with a leisurely Asian sunrise with a misty haze slowly descending from the mountains.
Crazy House in Dalat.The incredibly flamboyant hotel by an extravagant architect is definitely worth seeing.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda The basis of this unique Vietnamese shrine is broken crockery. The pagoda is almost entirely built out of shards and shards. Particularly impressive is the dragon decorating it, forty-nine meters long, with a shell of glass shards. This wonder of the world is located in Dalat.
The Lake of the Returned Sword. One of the main attractions of Hanoi, this lake with the huge turtle living there is considered sacred, thanks to the legend of Emperor Le Loi. A golden turtle from this lake once handed him a sword to save Vietnam from Chinese rule. The legend and its attributes are carefully preserved by the Vietnamese. There are several islands on the lake, on one of them, Jade Island, there is Jade Temple, built in the XVIII century. The island itself is connected to the lakeshore by a wide wooden Huc Bridge painted in scarlet.
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi. This Confucian temple was erected in 1070 and is now home to the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first university. From April 15 to October 15, the temple is open to visitors from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and during the colder seasons it is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You will have to pay an entrance fee of VND 20000. But children under 15 years old can explore the Temple of Literature for free.
Black Lady Mountain. Climbing this mountain in South Vietnam, you will get to know the Caodai temples. The mountain itself has a very picturesque appearance.
The General Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City. This building, which has a very European look, was built in Vietnam in the 19th century, when the country was a French colony.
Canzo Mangroves. This biosphere reserve with unique mangrove flora is 30 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The area's mangroves are under the auspices of UNESCO.
Ho Chi Minh City's War Victims Museum The grim expositions of this museum contain the gruesome evidence of the wars that took place here. It's best not to go here with children, and it's worth having an idea of what you're willing to look at. An entrance ticket to the museum will cost you 15000 VND.
Cuchi Tunnels. The famous guerrilla tunnels on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City stretch for 187 kilometers in an extensive labyrinth. It's not worth going here without a guide, as there's a risk of getting lost.
The Mekong Delta. The green gloom of the broad-leaved tree crowns closing over the river water creates a special and somewhat mysterious atmosphere in the Mekong Delta. A leisurely journey along the river is best done by boat. You'll see the floating houses of the locals and even the famous Cai Be floating market.
Daclac. This corner of Vietnam is called the elephant village. Indeed, these friendly giants live here in close proximity to humans. There are also buffalo and even tigers around the village.
Hue. Crowded with ancient palaces and temples, Hue is one of Vietnam's centers of culture and education. This city, with its treasure trove of antiquities, is a UNESCO heritage site.
This is by no means a complete list of Vietnam's attractions. You can read more about them on our city pages.
