From ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, places to visit in Hanoi are just the beginning of Vietnam’s diverse attractions that captivate travelers worldwide. The capital city, named Thang Long (soaring dragon) by Emperor Ly Thai To in 1010, offers a fascinating blend of colonial architecture and traditional culture. However, Vietnam’s appeal extends far beyond its capital.
When exploring things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll discover a metropolis of approximately 10 million residents, where landmarks like Landmark 81 – Vietnam’s tallest building at 1,513 feet with 81 floors – stand in contrast to historical sites such as the War Remnants Museum with its three stories of military artifacts. Additionally, places to visit in Da Nang offer unique experiences in a coastal city of just over 1.2 million people, where natural wonders like the Marble Mountains coexist with modern attractions. As the second-largest coffee producer in the world, Vietnam also provides plenty of opportunities to sample exceptional brews throughout your journey. In this guide, we’ll explore the top destinations across Vietnam’s most vibrant cities, from the historical Temple of Literature erected in 1070 to the bustling markets and pristine beaches that make this country an unforgettable destination.
Top Places to Visit in Hanoi
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Hanoi captivates visitors with its perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy. The city’s soul reveals itself through tranquil lakes, historic temples, and bustling markets that offer authentic glimpses into Vietnamese culture.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
At the heart of Hanoi lies Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis surrounded by lush gardens where locals practice tai chi during early mornings. The lake carries a legendary tale of Emperor Ly Thai To receiving a magical sword to defeat the Ming dynasty, later returning it to a golden turtle in these waters. The iconic red Huc Bridge (“Rising Sun Bridge”) connects the shore to Ngoc Son Temple, situated on a small island originally called Jade Island.
Built in the 18th century, Ngoc Son Temple honors General Tran Hung Dao, who famously defeated Mongol invaders in the 13th century. The temple features traditional architecture with the distinctive “Tam” character design representing heaven, earth, and humanity. Inside, visitors can view a preserved specimen of a giant turtle from the lake weighing 250kg. Admission costs 50,000 VND for adults, with free entry for children under 16.
The Old Quarter and Bia Hoi Corner
The Old Quarter, comprising 36 fascinating streets dating back to the 15th century, once housed craftsmen who specialized in specific trades reflected in street names. Today, this historic square kilometer offers an authentic look into Vietnamese daily life, with each street maintaining its specialized character from silk to silver, bamboo to decorations.
After sunset, head to Bia Hoi Corner at the intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets, known locally as “Hanoi’s Western Street” or “Sleepless Street”. This vibrant nightlife hub serves fresh draft beer (bia hoi) at incredibly affordable prices ranging from 7,000 to 40,000 VND per glass. The area transforms from a quiet morning street showcasing French colonial architecture to a lively evening destination where plastic stools spill onto sidewalks and travelers mingle with locals over delicious street food.
Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda
The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established in 1076, stands as a testament to the nation’s reverence for education. Built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, this historic complex features five courtyards with ancient trees, the symbolic Khue Van pavilion, and 82 stone stelae resting on turtle backs that record the names of doctorate laureates from 1442 to 1779.
Nearby, the One Pillar Pagoda presents a unique architectural marvel resembling a lotus blossom rising from a pond. Emperor Ly Thai Tong built this temple in 1049 after dreaming of meeting the goddess Quan Am who presented him with a son while seated on a lotus flower. Despite being destroyed during conflicts in 1954, the pagoda was faithfully reconstructed and remains an important spiritual symbol.
Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Established in 1987 and opened in 1995, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum showcases the contributions of women throughout Vietnam’s history. Located on Ly Thuong Kiet Street, this four-story building houses approximately 40,000 materials and artifacts collected since the 1970s.
The museum features three permanent exhibitions: Women in Family, Women in History, and Women’s Fashion. These thoughtfully curated displays illustrate women’s roles in Vietnamese society, from wartime heroines to their participation in domestic life, arts, and contemporary society. Admission costs 40,000 VND, with the museum open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hanoi Opera House
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece built in 1886, resembles Notre Dame de Paris with its twin bell towers reaching 103 feet high. Located in the Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake, this cathedral serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vietnam, controlling over 480 churches and chapels and serving 400,000 Catholics.
Finally, the magnificent Hanoi Opera House, constructed between 1901 and 1911, stands as a splendid example of French architecture. Designed as a miniature of the Garnier Palace in Paris, this neoclassical building features elaborate chandeliers, Italian stone floors, and a performance hall that can host 870 people. Visitors can enjoy guided tours for 120,000 VND or attend performances starting from 300,000 VND.
Best Attractions in Da Nang
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Da Nang entices travelers with its unique blend of natural wonders and modern marvels. This coastal gem offers pristine beaches, spiritual sites, and architectural innovations that captivate visitors throughout the year.
My Khe Beach and East Sea Park
My Khe Beach stretches an impressive 10 kilometers along Da Nang’s coastline from the Son Tra Peninsula to the Marble Mountains. This pristine beach has earned international recognition, with Forbes magazine naming it “one of the most attractive beaches on the planet”. The turquoise waters remain calm year-round, though April to September offers the most ideal conditions with calmer waves and brighter sunshine.
Swimming areas are divided into three distinct zones to accommodate different preferences—Beach 1-2-3 with full services, Pham Van Dong Central Park Beach for families, and Beach T20-T18 for adventure seekers. East Sea Park, located just north of My Khe Beach, provides serene walking paths and panoramic coastal views, making it perfect for peaceful sunrise viewings.
Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave
The Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements (water, wood, metal, fire, and earth), stand approximately 10 minutes south of Da Nang’s beachside. Among these, Thuy Son (Water Mountain) attracts the most visitors.
Beneath these mountains lies Am Phu Cave, whose name translates to “Hell” in Vietnamese. This fascinating underground labyrinth features dim, narrow corridors leading to chambers adorned with sculptures and carvings depicting Buddhist concepts of judgment and punishment. The cave entrance fee is 20,000 VND, separate from the 40,000 VND Marble Mountains admission.
Son Tra Peninsula and Lady Buddha
The Son Tra Peninsula, nicknamed Monkey Mountain during the American War, is home to the magnificent Lady Buddha statue. Standing 67 meters tall (equivalent to a 30-story building), this white statue is Vietnam’s tallest and houses 27 Buddha statues across its 17 floors. The statue faces the sea, symbolizing protection for fishermen during their journeys.
First-time visitors often notice this impressive landmark from My Khe Beach. The statue grounds offer peaceful gardens, stunning views of Da Nang’s coastline, and occasional wild monkey sightings. Notably, this attraction is completely free to visit.
Dragon Bridge and Nguyen Van Troi Bridge
The Dragon Bridge, stretching 666.5 meters across the Han River, has become Da Nang’s iconic symbol. Its golden dragon design culminates in spectacular fire and water shows every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM.
Meanwhile, the historic Nguyen Van Troi Bridge offers a different perspective. Built in the 1960s by American contractors, this 513.8-meter pedestrian bridge features a unique arch structure with 14 steel truss Poni spans. Originally constructed for transporting war weapons, it now serves as a testament to Da Nang’s history and a prime location for enjoying night views of the illuminated city.
Local coffee shops and My An Market
As the second-largest coffee producer globally, Vietnam’s coffee culture shines in Da Nang. The city boasts numerous specialty coffee shops offering unique Vietnamese creations like egg coffee, peanut coffee, salt coffee, and coconut coffee. For beachside brews, Yen Coffee, Cafe Cua Ngo, and Moon Cafe stand out among local favorites.
For an authentic market experience, Bac My An Market provides a glimpse into daily Vietnamese life. Open from 5 AM to 6 PM, this bustling market sells everything from fresh produce to clothing. The food court near the entrance serves local delicacies including banh trang cuon thit heo (boiled pork belly wrapped in rice paper) and bun cha ca (fishcake noodle).
Must-See Spots in Ho Chi Minh City
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Ho Chi Minh City showcases Vietnam’s dynamic evolution through its impressive mix of historical sites and modern attractions. From sobering war memorials to soaring skyscrapers, the city offers diverse experiences for every traveler.
War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace
The War Remnants Museum, established in 1975, provides a sobering look at Vietnam’s difficult past. Featuring military equipment, powerful photography, and exhibits on Agent Orange effects, this museum attracts nearly one million visitors annually. Inside, three floors of exhibits document events from the First Indochina War through 1975. Adjacent is the historic Independence Palace, an iconic witness to the Fall of Saigon in 1975.
Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral
The magnificent Saigon Central Post Office, constructed between 1886-1891, stands as a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. Designed by Alfred Foulhoux (often incorrectly attributed to Gustave Eiffel), the building features neo-baroque elements and two large painted maps inside. Across the street, the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral complements the area’s colonial charm, creating a popular photography spot for visitors.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Bitexco Skydeck
Nguyen Hue Walking Street connects the Saigon River to City Hall, offering excellent people-watching. Nearby, the lotus-inspired Bitexco Financial Tower features the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor. From this height, visitors enjoy panoramic views of landmarks including the Saigon River and Ben Thanh Market—particularly stunning at sunset.
Ben Thanh Market and Fine Arts Museum
Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, operates daily with both day market (6AM-6PM) and night market (6PM-10PM). Beyond shopping, it’s a cultural gateway connecting visitors to local traditions. The Fine Arts Museum, meanwhile, occupies an Art Deco building storing thousands of valuable artifacts representing Vietnam’s cultural diversity.
Landmark 81 and Vinhomes Central Park
Standing 461.2 meters tall, Landmark 81 ranks as Vietnam’s tallest building and the second tallest in Southeast Asia. Its design draws inspiration from traditional bamboo bundles symbolizing strength in Vietnamese culture. The adjacent Vinhomes Central Park offers walking paths, open grass areas, and scenic river views—ideal for relaxation after exploring the city’s vibrant attractions.
Charming Places to Explore in Hoi An
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Stepping into Hoi An feels like traveling through time, with its preserved architecture and gentle atmosphere offering a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry.
Hoi An Ancient Town and Japanese Bridge
Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, features 1,107 well-preserved timber-framed buildings reflecting indigenous and foreign influences. The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in the 17th century, stands as the town’s cultural symbol with its distinctive curved roof and guardian statues of dogs and monkeys. Originally built by Japanese merchants, this architectural marvel includes a small temple dedicated to the God of the North. The bridge underwent seven renovations over 400 years, most substantially in 1986 and 1996.
An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach
Located just 4km from Hoi An’s center, An Bang Beach offers pristine stretches of soft golden sand perfect for relaxation. Sun loungers range from 10,000 to 50,000 VND, often free with food purchase. For adventure seekers, water sports like parasailing (800,000 VND solo) and jet-skiing (500,000 VND for 10 minutes) provide thrilling experiences. Cua Dai Beach, after substantial restoration work in 2022, has regained its former glory following severe erosion in 2014. The southern end features five-star hotels and authentic local eateries serving fresh seafood.
Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Nicknamed “the second Mekong Delta of Vietnam,” Cam Thanh Coconut Village lies 3km east of Hoi An. This 100-hectare coconut forest offers enchanting boat rides through narrow waterways aboard traditional basket boats. Activities include watching basket boat performances, fishing with nets, creating handicrafts from coconut leaves, and cycling through the idyllic countryside. Entrance costs 30,000 VND, with boat rides ranging from 150,000 to 180,000 VND for two people.
Hoi An Night Market
The vibrant Nguyen Hoang Night Market, illuminated by hundreds of colorful lanterns, features approximately 50 stalls selling everything from handcrafts to clothing. Operating from 5 PM to 11 PM daily (best visited between 7-9:30 PM), the market offers authentic Vietnamese dishes like cao lau, banh mi, and Quang noodle. Visitors can also enjoy boat rides along the Hoai River, where floating lanterns create a magical atmosphere, especially during the monthly Lantern Festival.
Tailor shops and lantern-lit streets
Hoi An maintains its reputation as Vietnam’s tailoring capital with over 400 shops offering custom-made clothing. What makes the experience special is the level of craftsmanship and personalization using premium fabrics. Simple dresses start at 750,000 VND, while tailored suits range from 2,500,000 to 7,500,000 VND. For quality assurance, look for shops with in-house tailors rather than storefronts that outsource. As evening falls, thousands of silk lanterns illuminate the ancient streets, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that perfectly captures Hoi An’s timeless charm.
Other Notable Places of Interest in Vietnam
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Beyond Vietnam’s bustling cities lie extraordinary destinations that reveal the country’s remarkable landscapes and ancient heritage.
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, showcases the spiritual origins of the Champa Kingdom dating from the 4th to 13th centuries. This archeological marvel contains 71 standing monuments with unique Cham architecture heavily influenced by Indian Hinduism. Located in Quang Nam Province, these temple towers were constructed for over ten centuries, honoring Hindu divinities, primarily Shiva. Although damaged by natural disasters and war, the remaining towers still display remarkable engineering skills through their fired brick construction and intricate sandstone reliefs.
Ninh Binh and Tam Coc
Often called “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh enchants visitors with its limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald rice fields. In Tam Coc, travelers embark on memorable boat rides along the Ngo Dong River, passing through three magnificent caves: Hang Ca (127 meters long), Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. Biking through surrounding villages offers authentic glimpses into rural Vietnamese life. Adventurous visitors can climb Mua Cave’s 500 steps for panoramic views of the entire valley below.
Sapa and the Northern Highlands
Perched at 1,500 meters elevation, Sapa captivates with its terraced rice fields and diverse ethnic cultures. The town overlooks Muong Hoa Valley, most spectacular during harvest season (September-November) when rice paddies turn golden. Home to H’mong, Dao, and Tay minorities, Sapa offers cultural immersion alongside natural beauty. Trekking routes cater to various skill levels, while Fansipan—Southeast Asia’s highest peak—challenges adventurous climbers.
Phong Nha Caves
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park houses some of the world’s most spectacular cave systems, including Son Doong—the world’s largest cave featuring its own jungle, river, and climate. The park contains numerous exploration options, from accessible Phong Nha Cave with its 13,969-meter underground river to challenging multi-day expeditions through Tu Lan’s cave network where scenes from “Kong: Skull Island” were filmed.
Hue Imperial City
This walled enclosure, constructed in 1804 under Emperor Gia Long, served as Vietnam’s political heart until 1945. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the Imperial City features palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City where emperors once resided. Although heavily damaged during conflicts, restoration efforts have preserved much of its architectural splendor, including ceremonial gateways and intricate stone carvings.
Conclusion
Vietnam stands as a country of remarkable contrasts, where ancient traditions and vibrant modernity exist side by side. Throughout this journey across Vietnam’s most captivating destinations, we’ve explored centuries-old temples in Hanoi, golden beaches in Da Nang, historic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
What makes Vietnam truly special, however, is the diversity of experiences available to travelers. History enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate the Temple of Literature dating back to 1070 and the sobering War Remnants Museum. Adventure seekers can trek through Sapa’s terraced landscapes or explore the world’s largest cave system at Phong Nha. Meanwhile, those seeking relaxation will find paradise along My Khe Beach or while floating through Tam Coc’s limestone karsts.
The country also rewards visitors with unexpected moments of beauty – whether watching the Dragon Bridge breathe fire against Da Nang’s night sky or witnessing thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate Hoi An’s ancient streets during the monthly festival.
Though Vietnam has embraced development, as evidenced by Ho Chi Minh City’s towering Landmark 81, the soul of the country remains deeply connected to its past. From skilled tailors crafting custom garments in Hoi An to farmers tending rice paddies outside Ninh Binh, traditional ways of life continue to thrive alongside modern innovations.
Food lovers will certainly cherish Vietnam’s culinary landscape, from sipping egg coffee in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to sampling fresh seafood at beachside markets. Additionally, the country’s position as the world’s second-largest coffee producer ensures exceptional brews await at local cafes.
Vietnam manages to feel both timeless and dynamic simultaneously. Ancient pagodas cast shadows over buzzing motorbikes, while peaceful countryside scenes exist just minutes from urban centers. This fascinating juxtaposition creates an unforgettable travel experience that stays with visitors long after they return home.
Whether you spend a week exploring a single region or embark on a comprehensive journey through the entire country, Vietnam promises memories that will last a lifetime. The only question remaining – which of these remarkable destinations will you visit first?
FAQs
Q1. What are the must-visit places in Hanoi? Some top attractions in Hanoi include Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Vietnamese Women’s Museum, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. These sites offer a mix of history, culture, and architecture that showcase Hanoi’s unique charm.
Q2. Which beaches are worth visiting in Da Nang? My Khe Beach is a standout in Da Nang, stretching 10 kilometers along the coastline. It’s known for its pristine waters and has been recognized internationally. The nearby East Sea Park also offers scenic coastal views and walking paths.
Q3. What are some key historical sites to see in Ho Chi Minh City? In Ho Chi Minh City, important historical sites include the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. These locations provide insights into Vietnam’s complex history and colonial past.
Q4. What makes Hoi An unique among Vietnamese destinations? Hoi An is renowned for its well-preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is famous for its lantern-lit streets, traditional architecture, Japanese Covered Bridge, and thriving tailor shops. It offers a charming blend of history and culture.
Q5. Are there any notable natural attractions outside the major cities in Vietnam? Yes, Vietnam boasts several remarkable natural sites. These include the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, the spectacular cave systems of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and the scenic beauty of Halong Bay. These destinations showcase Vietnam’s diverse landscapes.
