Choose from 164 Fun Things to Do in Vietnam
Ancient House
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Dong Khoi Street
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Giac Lam Pagoda
Giac Lam Pagoda is widely recognized as an important and historic pagoda, the oldest temple in the city. Built in 1744 on an undeveloped area of jungle, it has since been consumed into the west of the city.
Originally thatched, the buildings have undergone significant remodeling at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Historically significant, it is now protected as an official cultural heritage site.
In the main garden stands a famous bodhi tree donated by Sri Lanka to the temple in 1953, in its shade stands a statue of bodhisattva Aralokiteshvara. In the grounds also stands a 32 meter (100 foot) high seven story hexagonal stupa; in total there are over 100 statues to admire.
There is also an eerie and worth seeing funerary chamber with photos and shrines dedicated to former monks of the temple. At the main altar, Buddhists pray for peace and good health. By writing their names and their relatives' names on paper and sticking it into the grand bell they believe their wishes will be carried when the bell is struck and echoes into heaven.
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Located on Lac Long Quan, to the north of District 5, (not in Cholon area). May be combined with a visit to Cholon but a cyclo or taxi trip would be necessary to reach it.
Usual temple rules apply - respectful clothing, no hats, no smoking - but here shoes are permitted.
Bitexco Financial Tower
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Dong Xuan Market
- The market gets very crowded; those with claustrophobia should avoid.
- Wholesalers will usually refuse to sell small quantities.
- Buyer beware, as not all the branded goods here are authentic.
- Don’t forget to bargain for better prices, though most vendors do not speak English.
- The market is not very wheelchair-friendly, as there are numerous narrow and crowded aisles.
Do Temple
- This is an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful of worshippers.
- Visitors must wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and the knees.
- It’s free to enter the temple but donations are accepted.
- The temple is not wheelchair friendly, as there are a number of steps throughout the grounds.
Ambassador's Pagoda (Chua Quan Su)
- The Ambassador’s Pagoda is a must-visit for those with an interest in Buddhism.
- This is an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful of worshippers.
- Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees to enter.
- It’s free to enter the pagoda, but donations are accepted.
Dragon Bridge
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Bao Quoc Pagoda
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Bai Tu Long Bay
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Dong Ba Market
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Binh Tay Market
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Flag Tower
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Coc Ly Market
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Con Dao National Park
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Cat Ba Island
The eastern side of the island is home to several beaches worthy of exploration, fishing villages and a small town (population 8,000) that tends to get crowded on weekends and public holidays. Here, you’ll find a promenade with a strip of hotels, bars and restaurants.