Choose from 164 Fun Things to Do in Vietnam
ShowingFilter 121-140 of 164 listings.
Thanh Toan Bridge
Thanh Toan Bridge spans a canal in the countryside village of Thuy Thanh, around seven kilometers east of Hue. It’s a small, covered bridge – the sister to Hoi An’s famous Japanese Covered Bridge (although some argue Hue’s is more distinct in many ways). The structure is both Japanese and Chinese in style and has a square-timber arch decorated with ancient ceramics, along with inscriptions in traditional Chinese script.
There is a story behind the origins of Thanh Toan Bridge: It is said to have been built during Emperor Le Hien Tong’s reign in the mid-18th century, with construction initiated by Tran Thi Dao, the wife of a high-ranking mandarin in the Emperor's court. Tran Thi Dao established the bridge to create smooth transportation and communication around the village, which was divided in two by the canal. Emperor Le Hien Tong recognized Thi Dao’s initiative and charity by exempting the village from imperial taxations.
Practical Info
There are a number of ways to reach Thanh Toan Bridge from Hue, with the most scenic being by motorbike or bicycle. There’s a small agricultural museum near the bridge that’s free to visit.
Address: Thuy Thanh, Hue, Huong Thuy, Vietnam 536100, Vietnam
From $ 23
West Lake
West Lake, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake with 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) of shore, is one of the most popular places for outdoor recreation in the Vietnamese capital. The eastern shore of the lake has transformed into an upscale residential area where expats and wealthy Hanoians live, but the lake is also dotted with several historical points of interest.
Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on a small island in West Lake, was built in the sixth century, making it the oldest Pagoda in Vietnam. Near the northern gate of the lake, Quan Thanh Temple is a Taoist temple dedicated to Tran Vo and dating back to the early eleventh century. Apart from its historical attractions, West Lake is also a popular place to hire a boat, dine at a floating restaurant, people watch and walk or bike along the banks.
Practical Info
West Lake is free and always open, but it’s particularly beautiful around sunset.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 23
Thap Ba Hot Springs
The Thap Ba Hot Springs are a destination for travelers who want to experience Vietnamese thermal mud baths as a reasonable rate. Travelers can choose from communal, individual or couple options and sit back and relax into the steaming hot mud of this ancient site. The relaxing oasis offers visitors access to several pools ideal for a quiet swim, as well as a nearby waterfall perfect for unwinding after a serious mineral soak. A couple of on-site restaurants, massage facilities and comfortable sun beds make Thap Ba Hot Springs the perfect place to spend an entire day. Travelers say the helpful staff knows little to no English, they’re still somehow able to always point visitors in the right direction.
Practical Info
The hot springs are open daily from 7 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. and are located at 25 Ngoc Son about 7 km northwest of Nha Trang. Wooden mud baths are available for 250,000VND per person or 500,000VND for a couple. Communal baths are 120,000VND.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 82
The Citadel (Dai Noi)
Constructed in 1804, this massive fortress designed for the Gia Long Emperor, is surrounded by a zigzag moat and defensive barrier that’s 21 meters thick. But visitors to this citadel-in-a-citadel-in-a-citadel won’t need to swim across rivers or scale towering walls to get a look inside. The Imperial Enclosure is accessible by crossing one of the 10 pedestrian bridges into the once royal land. Pass through Ngo Mon (Noon) Gate, once reserved for those in power, then wander through Flag Tower (Cot Co) and stare up at the nation’s tallest flagpole before weaving through the Nine Dynastic Urns representing different Nguyen kings.
Practical Info:
The Citadel is an easy walk from numerous hotels in Hue and also accessible by bike. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes or consider hiring a rickshaw to experience the entire complex. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Address: Vietnam
Hours: Open Daily from 7:30am - 5pm.
From $ 24
Thu Bon River
Rushing through central Vietnam from its source among the trickling streams and cinnamon trees of Ngoc Linh Mountain, Thu Bon River (Sông Thu Bồn) winds its way through Quang Nam province to Hoi An where it meets the South China Sea. Truly the lifeblood of the town, Thu Bon gives Hoi An its unique traditions and history of ship merchants, sailors and pirates.
Today, 1 or 2-hour boat rides along the river are a popular trip when in Hoi An. Whether you’d like to head out on a bamboo boat with a local fisherman to learn local fishing techniques, or would prefer a short cruise in a modern boat to Cua Dai Beach, there are plenty of options for getting out on the water.
By traditional sampan or luxury yacht, the most popular time for a river cruise is sunset. Or, if you’d like to see life on the river at its liveliest, rush hour is at 7am, or 4:30pm if the former is too early. Sailing past the jolly lantern-lit streets when the full-moon festival comes to town is also popular.
Practical Info
A trip on a Hoi An sampan costs about 100,000 VND per hour, though prices go up during the full-moon festivals, which is on the 14th day on the lunar calendar of each month.
Address: Hoi An, Vietnam
From $ 54
Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam)
Few truly historic buildings exist in Vietnam, which makes the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) extra special. First built as a Confucian temple in 1070 AD, it became Vietnam’s first university (Quoc Tu Giam) and operated as one for more than 700 years. Between ponds, gardens, and tranquil courtyards, it’s a haven in the heart of the Hanoi
The Basics
The Temple of Literature is a surprisingly long and far from scenic walk from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where many hotels cluster, so many visitors choose to travel by taxi or as part of a Hanoi day tour.
One of the city’s key highlights, the Temple of Literature is a common stop on Hanoi city tours, be they by motorbike, cyclo, or minibus. Don’t expect to cover all five courtyards and learn about the principles of Confucianism and Vietnamese education on a multi-stop tour; if you’re interested in the cultural history, a private tour may be your best bet.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Temple of Literature is a place of worship, so dress respectfully—cover your shoulders and knees.
- The small admission fee needs to be paid in cash.
- This is a tranquil place that deserves to be experienced at leisure, so avoid overbooking the afternoon with other activities.
- Look for the Temple of Literature on the back of the 100,000 VND banknote.
How to Get There
The Temple of Literature is well over a mile (1.5 kilometers) from Hanoi Old Quarter and the walk is far from scenic. You can travel by bus (route) numbers 02, 03, and 41), hail a taxi—or motorbike taxi—on services such as Grab, or haggle with a cyclo driver. Save time and energy by visiting as part of a Hanoi city tour with a guide.
When to Get There
The Temple of Literature can get busy over Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, and is a popular weekend destination for Hanoians year-round. It closes on Mondays and during the middle of the day; visit on a midweek morning or afternoon. During the exam season (roughly March until early July), students pray at the altars—for good grades, of course.
The Temple and the Turtle
Since ancient times, the humble turtle has been a symbol of Vietnam; out of four sacred animals (the dragon, the phoenix, the unicorn, and the turtle), it’s the only one that really exists. While the sacred turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake has passed away, turtles still hold up the commemorative stelae in Hanoi’s Temple of Literature. That’s why students touch turtles’ heads in an effort to get good grades.
Address: Quoc Tu Giam Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 28
Thien Mu Pagoda
Regarded as the unofficial symbol of Hue, Tien Mu Pagoda stands seven stories--the tallest monument in Vietnam. This working monastery was originally designed for Buddhist scholars, however it’s recently become known as a site for anti-communist protests. Thich Quang Duc was the first Buddhist clergy member to self-immolate and bring attention to the plight of his people. His actions inspired the artwork for a Rage Against the Machine album, raising awareness of injustice for a wider audience.
Address: Kim Long, tp. Huế, Thua Thien, Hue Province, Vietnam
From $ 20
Sapa
The capital of Sa Pa District in the Lao Cai province of Vietnam, Sapa and its surroundings are home to eight cultural minorities, including H'mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, Muong, Thai, Hoa, and Xa Pho. As there are numerous markets in Sapa as well as locals selling their wares on the streets, a good chance for interacting with these people is by perusing their local goods. Sapa is known for its embroidery, so if you’re looking for an authentic local souvenir this is a good idea.
Along with being home to an array of rich cultures, the mountain town of Sapa is a haven for hikers. Sapa resides in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is home to Indochina’s highest peak, Fansipan at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). Spend some time exploring the mountain scenery, rice terrace and farms through treks like the one to the ethnic Cat Cat village or Y Linh Ho. All around Sapa there are booths where you’ll be able to pick up hiking maps that are easy to read, so you’ll have plenty of options for scenic hikes.
Along with being home to an array of rich cultures, the mountain town of Sapa is a haven for hikers. Sapa resides in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is home to Indochina’s highest peak, Fansipan at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). Spend some time exploring the mountain scenery, rice terrace and farms through treks like the one to the ethnic Cat Cat village or Y Linh Ho. All around Sapa there are booths where you’ll be able to pick up hiking maps that are easy to read, so you’ll have plenty of options for scenic hikes.
Address: Sapa, Vietnam
From $ 57
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
The art form of water puppetry originated at least 1,000 years ago in the rice fields of north Vietnam. Particularly if you’re traveling with kids, you’d be remiss to leave Hanoi without catching a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. A Vietnamese orchestra accompanies the water puppets, with some modern special effects.
The Basics
Right next to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) in the heart of the Old Quarter, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater offers five shows a day complete with dry ice and fireworks. Shows are very popular, so book your water-puppet tickets ahead of time during high season; consider having tickets delivered to your hotel room to beat long lines upon arrival.
A few Hanoi city tours include Thang Long Water Puppet Theater tickets, sometimes combined with a walking tour or food tour of the Old Quarter, a street-food haven with plenty of historical alleys.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a must for families.
- The puppet performance lasts barely an hour, so neither adults nor children will have time to get bored.
- Unlike some outdoor water-puppet shows, Thang Long is an enclosed theater, which means it’s pleasant even during winter.
- There is a café on-site if you’d like to eat before or after your performance, as well as souvenir shops.
How to Get There
Right in the heart of the Old Quarter, close to Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is an easy, pleasant walk from Old Quarter hotels, where most tourists stay. If you’re staying farther afield, buses 8, 9, 14, 31, and 36 run to Hoan Kiem Lake—or simply book tickets as a package with round-trip transfers.
When to Get There
Like most theaters, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is busiest on weekends, so visit during the week for a quieter session. There are five shows per day, from mid-afternoon through late evening, with an additional morning show on Sundays. As with elsewhere in Vietnam, it can be packed over the Tet (Lunar New Year) period.
The History of the Water Puppets
Both China and Southeast Asia have a rich puppeteering tradition, but water puppets are a specifically Vietnamese creation. They originated in the flooded rice paddies of the Red River Delta and have been documented for over 1,000 years—since Hanoi was first established. During summer, outdoor performances feel more atmospheric and closer to the original rice fields.
Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 11
Tam Giang Lagoon
Stretching 700 km along the Thua Thien-Hue seashore, Tam Giang is the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia with over 300,000 Vietnamese living along its shores. Just 15 km from Hue, it’s a popular place to enjoy Vietnamese rural life and go out on a fishing boat with a local, learning traditional Vietnamese fishing methods along the way. At dusk, you’ll see traps being set to collect fish and shrimps before dawn the next day, and women working hard in the water to collect the oysters and clams which are then sold at the local markets.
Popular fishing villages to visit include Ngu My Thanh, Bao La, and Tan My: learn about daily life on the banks of the lagoon, take a boat trip, sleep overnight on a homestay, or learn how local women making fishing nets and pick up the art of bamboo weaving -- there’s plenty to do on the banks of Tam Giang Lagoon. If you go to Ngu My Thanh village, be sure to visit the traditional floating market which is open in the early mornings.
A photographer’s dream, Tam Giang Lagoon is also famous for its biodiversity -- look out for lake-loving birds and flora while you’re here, and of course, try fresh seafood like squid, clams, crab and shrimp fresh from the lake at one of the cottages lining the lagoon.
Practical Info
Fifteen kilometers from Hue, Tam Giang Lagoon is huge, so consider making your base at one of the fishing villages like Ngu My Thanh, Bao La, or Tan My, and exploring from there.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 54
Ta Phin
A popular hilltribe village, about six miles north of Sapa, Ta Phin village regularly welcomes trekkers to experience a more traditional way of life in mountainous northwest Vietnam. Here groups of Red Dao, Black Hmong and Kinh ethnic groups live side by side and continue to adhere to their distinct cultures, making a visit a unique opportunity to learn about their differences and spend time interacting with members of each ethnic group.
A suite of activities can be arranged with tour guides and include experiencing an herbal bath, making and drinking rice wine, taking an embroidery lesson, offering your skills to teach English or helping to prepare a meal. The trek to the village via a nine-mile countryside loop passes terraced rice fields, streams and other smaller villages. Other popular area attractions include a visit to the cave on the outskirts of the village, and a stop at a former French monastery ruined in the 1940s.
Practical Info
Most visitors arrive on foot from a drop-off point just outside of Sapa, though with Ta Phin’s popularization and the smoothing of local roads, it is now also possible to shorten the travel time and arrive by xe om (motor taxi). Same-day trek-in and trek-out tours are popular, but the village also offers the opportunity to spend more time and stay the night in the home of one of the Red Dao families. Ta Phin charges a 40,000VND (around $1.80) per person entry, a fee that is often incorporated in pre-arranged treks and that is funneled back into community infrastructure. Handicrafts, for sale by the village women, are another way visitors can help to support the community during a visit.
Address: Ta Phin, Vietnam
Admission: 40,000VND
From $ 75
Thien Hau Temple
The Cholon neighborhood, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, is dotted with traditional Chinese-style pagodas and temples, including one of the neighborhood’s most popular places of worship, the Thien Hau Temple. Built by Cantonese immigrants in the early 19th century, this temple honors the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau (more commonly named Mazu).
Located on a busy street, it would be easy to walk right past Thien Hau, but it’s well worth stopping in to see the architecture and interior. On the outside, the temple roof is adorned with delicately worked porcelain figures depicting scenes from Chinese legend. You’ll find even more of these porcelain dioramas on the interior walls of the temple as well.
Before you even step through the exterior gate of the temple, the smells of burning incense should already be apparent. Dozens of huge conical coiled incense hang from the ceiling over the main worship area, permeating the space with a smoky haze and an intense odor.
Located on a busy street, it would be easy to walk right past Thien Hau, but it’s well worth stopping in to see the architecture and interior. On the outside, the temple roof is adorned with delicately worked porcelain figures depicting scenes from Chinese legend. You’ll find even more of these porcelain dioramas on the interior walls of the temple as well.
Before you even step through the exterior gate of the temple, the smells of burning incense should already be apparent. Dozens of huge conical coiled incense hang from the ceiling over the main worship area, permeating the space with a smoky haze and an intense odor.
Address: Thien Hau Temple, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 9
Tan Ky House
If Hoi An is where old Vietnam meets new, then Tan Ky House is the city’s nod to its most idyllic past. This well-preserved 18th century private home allows contemporary travelers a look into the life of Vietnamese merchants more than 200 years ago. Visitors can interact with the home’s current occupants. Anthropology lovers will appreciate the Chinese and Japanese artwork, as well as the watermarked walls—evidence of the structure and the family’s ability to persevere over Mother Nature.
Practical Info
Enjoy a cup of tea and take advantage of local
storytellers who can provide informative details about the history of
the home and the artwork it contains. Don’t miss the only Confucious Tea
Cup in the country, which is housed in Tan Ky. A single $5 USD ticket
gets you entry to any five heritage sites you choose.
Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An, Vietnam
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission: Admission by Old Town ticket
From $ 21
Tam Coc
Set on the Ngo Dong River banks, UNESCO-listed Tam Coc's limestone cliffs covered in greenery jut out from emerald rice paddies and waterways and are accessible by rowboat. The town, which forms part of the Ninh Binh province, draws fewer crowds than famous Halong Bay, resulting in a more serene experience of Vietnam’s spectacular scenery.
The Basics
Trips to Tam Coc typically include a ride by wooden rowboat along the waterways, which provides the best views of the limestone cliffs known locally as “Halong Bay on Land.” Most tours depart from Hanoi and also stop at Hoa Lu, home to ruins and tombs that date back to the 11th-century Dinh and Le dynasties. If you’re after something a little more active, opt for a tour that includes a bike ride through the rice paddies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A must-visit for photographers and lovers of natural landscapes.
- Visit Tam Coc to escape the crowds of Halong Bay and the bustle of Hanoi.
- Rowboats provide no shade, so ensure you bring sunscreen and a hat.
- Tam Coc means “Three Caves” in Vietnamese, and boats explore each of the three grottoes.
How to Get There
From Hanoi, you can take either a public bus, which takes around 2.5 hours, or a train, which arrives in significantly less time. Both routes are incredibly scenic and reveal Ninh Binh’s gorgeous landscapes. The majority of tours from Hanoi include hotel pickup and drop-off, making for a much more convenient option that requires far less advance planning.
When to Get There
The wet season in Northern Vietnam lasts from May to October, when rainfall is high and the air is hot or humid. To avoid the rain, choose to visit Tam Coc outside of these months and aim to arrive in the late morning, when the sun begins to burn off the morning mist that can obscure the view.
North Vietnam’s Caves
If you want to continue exploring Vietnam’s cave systems, head south to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of the world’s most spectacular caves. Dark Cave provides high-octane activities, while Paradise Cave exhibits majestic stalactites and limestone formations.
Address: Tam Coc, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Vietnam
From $ 39
Thai Hoa Palace
Situated in the Forbidden City, just inside the Citadel’s entryway, this palace was constructed in 1805 and first used for the emperor’s coronation in 1806. It later served as the meeting place between royalty and commoners, as well as for signing ceremonies and announcements of new laws. Visitors can cross the Trung Dao Bridge, over Thai Dich pond, into the Great Rites Court, where the emperor once received foreign ambassadors and conducted important international meetings. Stand at the exact center of the palace, where the royal throne was placed—and hear whispers from anywhere in the building, just as the emperor did when he held court.
Practical Info:
Don’t miss the historical film shown near the rear of the palace. It brings to life the structure’s history, restoration and use. Because photography is not allowed, pictures can only be taken outside palace gates.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 25
XQ Historical Village
Though the name sounds old, XQ Historical Village was actually founded in the early 1990s by artists Vo Van Quan and Hoang Le Xuan as a way to showcase needlework and painting to travelers from overseas. More than 2,000 women work to create the intricate masterpieces that are put on display in this and other villages like it through Vietnam.
Quan and Xuan utilized age-old needlework traditions that hale from China and were once used to tell stories of the Orient, to instead tell the tales of Vietnam through brightly colored, handmade items. Visitors to this historically inspired village can witness craftswomen working in pairs over silk-draped tables creating some of the most colorful and intricate designs around. Travelers can purchase lavish wall hanging for their home or decorated scarves and greeting cards from the local shop. The picturesque tea garden offers the perfect place to check out more of the handmade works and relax in the natural beauty of XQ’s picturesque surroundings.
Practical Info
This historical village is located at 64 Tran Phu Street in Nha Trang City in the Hoa Province. It is situated at the corners of Tran Phu and Biet Thu streets.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 155
Tam Dao National Park
Tam Dao National Park, a protected area located 53 miles (85 kilometers) northwest of Hanoi, was founded in 1996 as one of the largest national parks in Vietnam. The park covers a vast area of tropical mountains rich in biodiversity – it’s home to 490 species of flora and 281 species of fauna. For birdwatchers, the park offers the chance to spot rare species like the Blue-naped Pitta, Purple Cochoa, Pale-footed Bush Warbler, Rufous-headed Parrotbill and the Chestnut-headed Tesia.
Tam Dao town, which lies within the confines of the national park, was established in the early 1900s by French colonists as a hill station to escape summer heat. Another worthwhile site in the area, the Tay Thien site, is considered the birthplace of Vietnamese Buddhism and includes a monastery, temple and several pagodas.
Practical Info
The best time to visit Tam Dao National Park is during the summer, but remember to pack rain gear, as the area is affected by tropical monsoons.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 508
Thac Bac Waterfall (Silver Waterfall)
The impressive Tac Bac or Silver waterfall draws visitors to its stop off just prior to the highest point on the Tram Ton Pass, a winding mountain road with panoramic views of the Hoang Lien range. Thac Bac Waterfall rains down through the cool mountain air, dropping more than 320 feet over multiple tiers of boulder-strewn and mist-shrouded pine forest. A loop track involving several stairways a safe distance away, but still close enough to feel the mist of the rushing falls, culminate at an observation bridge spanning a narrow portion in the waterfall’s path.
Practical Info
Thac Bac can be reached by car or motorbike from Sapa—it is a seven mile trip from town and is included in many area day and multi-day tours, some coming from as far afield as Hanoi. Admission (3,000VND) is generally included in tours, which often also stop at Tram Ton Pass’ highest vantage and incorporate treks to local ethnic minority villages.
Address: QL4D, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Admission: 3,000VND
From $ 75
Tao Dan Park
Located just south of The Independence Palace, Tao Dan Park is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest and most serene parks known for the more than 1,000 large and mature trees that populate the space. The park is home to unique plant sculptures of various animals like dragons and tigers and replicas of Nha Trang's Cham Tower and Hung King Temple. The street Truong Dinh bisects the park, and on the northeast side of the street, you can find a modern sculpture garden.
Many locals visit the park early in the morning to walk or practice tai chi, and the nearby Tao Dan Cafe is known as the “bird café” for the groups of birdkeepers who congregate here to show off their cages of songbirds. At the northern corner of the park, you can see the historic building of the former Cercle Sportif, a colonial-era French sporting club that is now the Worker’s Club, with a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Practical Info
Tao Dan Park is located in District 1 near the center of Ho Chi Minh City, about a 14-minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It’s open 24 hours a day and free for all to visit.
Address: Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 40
Sao Beach
There’s little to do at Sao Beach (Bai Sao), on Phu Quoc Island’s southern tip, and that is precisely its appeal. Among the Island’s—and some say, the country’s—most beautiful beaches, Sao Beach is little more than a thin strip of fine, white sand flowing into a clear shallow bay, a shape that earned it the nickname Fingernail Beach. The sliver of sand affords enough space for sunbathing and, occasionally, a beach volleyball game, while the hilly jungle interior looms large behind—a fringe of palms forms the boundary with a few bending toward the sea to lend shade. Small dining shacks share the sand by positioning their plastic chairs and umbrellas waterside—the perfect vantage for watching bobbing boats or splashing children.
Practical Info
There are only two basic hotel/hostels on Sao Beach, which means it’s a lot less crowded than popular Long Beach—and visitors have to work to get here. To do so, you’ll have to either rent and drive your own motorbike (from $5-$12 per day), or hire a taxi for the day for around $35USD. Though it’s pricier than paying for two one-way taxi trips, if you’re heading via taxi we’d recommend the full-day option as taxis can sometimes be scarce near the beach. Sao Beach is down a dirt road just north of Dam Beach and both are a few kilometers from the southern port town of An Thoi. Note that because of the beach’s remote location, the seaside restaurants tend to be a bit pricier than other Island locations.
Address: Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
From $ 60