Choose from 164 Fun Things to Do in Vietnam
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 164 listings.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Built at the turn of the 20th century and dedicated to the Taoist god, Emperor Jade Chua Ngoc Hoang (or the God of Heavens), the Jade Emperor Pagoda is a working temple that’s widely considered to be one of the finest and most atmospheric in Ho Chi Minh City.
Beneath a roof adorned with elaborate depictions of dragons, birds, and animals, this fascinating pagoda is filled with exquisite gilt woodcarvings and reinforced papier maché statues of various Buddhist and Taoist deities.
The statue of the Jade Emperor, shrouded in robes and flanked by his guardians, resides in the dramatically named Chamber of 10 Hells. Out the door and to the left of this main chamber is a semi-enclosed room presided over by Thanh Hoang, the Chief of Hell, sitting alongside his red horse, while the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, an important part of any Taoist temple, has an altar on the top floor.
To the right of the treelined courtyard in front of the temple grounds is an overcrowded tortoise pond, earning the temple its nickname, Tortoise Pagoda.
Practical Info
Due to its location in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the Jade Emperor Pagoda can be easily accessed from various parts of the city on foot. Alternatively, it can be reached via taxi or public bus.
Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, South Vietnam, Vietnam
Hours: 7am-6pm
From $ 26
Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong)
One of Vietnam’s most important pilgrimage sites, the Perfume Pagoda is a vast complex of Buddhist temples, grottos, and shrines dotted around Huong Tich Mountain. The shrines lie amid a flooded valley of towering karst cliffs and lotus fields—a stunning backdrop that makes for some incredible photo opportunities.
The Basics
The journey to the Perfume Pagoda is as much a part of the experience as the destination. Cruise along the scenic waterways of the Yen River aboard a traditional row boat, then arrive at the Perfume Pagoda, where you can hike between the cliff-side temples, or ride the cable car to the mountaintop Huong Tich Cave, home to the most impressive shrines. Most visitors choose to take a Perfume Pagoda tour from Hanoi, and many tours include hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Touts, hawkers, and unofficial guides are in abundance around the Perfume Pagoda—it’s worth pre-booking a guided tour with a reputable guide to ensure professional service.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be required to climb in and out of small boats and walk over uneven ground.
- There are plenty of street vendors selling water and snacks, but bring your own to avoid paying inflated prices.
- Due to its tricky-to-reach location, the pagoda is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Perfume Pagoda is located around 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Hanoi—about a 2-hour drive. From there, it’s a 45-minute boat ride from Ben Yen pier to Thien Tru harbor, followed by a short cable car ride or a 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) hike uphill to Huong Tich Cave.
When to Get There
By far the busiest time to visit the Perfume Pagoda is during the annual Tet (Vietnamese New Year) celebrations, normally held in January or February. Huge crowds of pilgrims descend on the shrines during the festivities, and it’s best to avoid visiting at this time. The high season runs from February to April, and it’s a good idea to make an early start during this period, especially if you are traveling down from Hanoi.
A Perfume Pagoda Pilgrimage
Pilgrims from all over the country bring offerings for Buddha to the Perfume Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most important religious sites. After descending the 120 steps into Huong Tich Cave, pilgrims often leave offerings by the various stalactites, each named after its appearance. The most revered are Nui Co (the Maiden) and Nui Cau (the Youth), where offerings are left in hope of fertility.
Address: Huong Tich, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Free. Cable Car Roundtrip Ticket: VND 70,000
From $ 30
Lan Ha Bay
Sprawling off the southeast coast of Cat Ba Island, the remote Lan Ha Bay is an idyllic spot to escape the crowds of Halong Bay and those looking to venture off-the-beaten-track will find a natural playground ripe for exploring. Like the rest of Halong Bay, the best way to get around Lan Ha Bay is by boat and the startling turquoise waters are peppered with more than 300 karst islands and dozens of white sand beaches.
Aside from swimming, rock climbing, hiking and kayaking are the most popular activities in Lan Ha Bay. Additional highlights include the Monkey Island resort, so called for its boisterous population of free-roaming monkeys; camping on Hai Pai Beach (Tiger Beach); and visiting the Cai Beo floating village, one of the oldest of its kind in Vietnam.
Practical Info
Lan Ha Bay is located off the southeast coast of Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay.
Address: Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
From $ 31
Long Son Pagoda
Founded in the 19th century, the Long Son Pagoda has been attracting travelers thanks to its stunning façade, traditional peaked roofs and ornately decorated mosaic dragons. Its peaceful interior pays homage to seven monks who lit themselves on fire during the 1960s in an act of protest. Travelers will find hand-carved busts of these men surrounding a massive white seated Buddha, who’s perched in a lotus blossom looking out at these martyrs.
Visitors can explore the grounds and make their way to the top of the hill and platform surrounding the massive Buddha, where incredible views of nearby towns and the Vietnamese countryside do not disappoint.
Practical Info
The pagoda is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and then from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Visitors should be aware of a popular scam that’s run by children outside the pagoda, in which they offer to show tourists around for free and then demand money at the end. Locals recommend turning them away.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 18
Phu Tay Ho
Upon first look, Phu Tay Ho appears to be a traditional Buddhist temple. But locals are quick to inform that this beautiful religious and historical structure is actually a palace dedicated to three Mother Goddesses.
After passing through stalls selling cakes, flowers and incense intended for worship and offerings, visitors can enter into a building that houses three ornate thrones intended for the goddesses. This room also houses a statue of the Jade Emperor, who is also worshiped at this palace. A well-kept courtyard showcases a golden buffalo and its calf, which is part of ancient Vietnamese folklore dating back to the Ly Dynasty.
Practical Info
Phu Tay Ho is located on the northern bank of Phu Tay Ho Lake, near Xuan Dieu Street. It is open daily from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Address: Xuan Dieu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
From $ 80
Linh Ung Pagoda
Famous for its giant statue of Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Linh Ung Pagoda occupies 30 acres (12 hectares) on a hill on the Son Tra Peninsula. Opened in 2010, the relatively new pagoda complex features a mix of modern and traditional Vietnamese temple architecture, including a typical three-entrance gate.
According to local legend, a smaller pagoda was built on the same site during the nineteenth century, when a local villager living on the peninsula found a statue of the Buddha drifting near the beach.
As visitors pass through the main gate of the pagoda, they are met by 18 stone statues of the 18 Arhats, believed to be the original followers of the Buddha, whose expressions run the gamut from joy and love to anger and sadness. Towering above the grounds is the 220-foot (67-meter) Guanyin statue. Within the giant monument, visitors can ascend 17 floors, each displaying Buddha statues depicting his various aspects.
Practical Info
The Linh Ung Pagoda can be reached by bicycle from Da Nang or by taxi from Hoi An, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away.
Address: 574D Ong Ich Khiem, Da Nang, Vietnam
Hours: 40 kilometers from Hoi An
From $ 38
My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach is situated in the northernmost part of the stunning 30-kilometer stretch of coast known as China Beach near Da Nang in Central Vietnam. Widely considered to be Vietnam's most picturesque beach, this lengthy stretch of spectacular coastline is famous for being visited by American troops during the Vietnam War.
My Khe is the ideal beach for holidaymakers visiting Central Vietnam, particularly between May and October, with its smooth white sand, gentle gradient, and abundance of coral and marine life. The beach’s low pollution, pleasant temperatures, and calm waters also add to the appeal here (although the waves become much more dramatic come September-time, making for some ideal surfing conditions).
There are an abundance of accommodation, food, and retail outlets in the area, as well as places to hire surf and snorkel equipment.
Practical Info
My Khe Beach is located just six kilometers from Da Nang, and can be easily reached by taxi from Da Nang International Airport.
Address: Da Nang, Vietnam
From $ 35
Mekong River Delta
Often referred to as the 'rice bowl of Asia' due to its plethora of emerald rice paddy fields, the Mekong River Delta is surrounded by fertile lands that showcase nature’s riches. On Vietnam’s mighty Mekong, sleepy floating communities live surrounded by an abundance of tropical fruits, buffalo wallowing in paddy fields, and mangroves rich with birdlife.
Attractions Along the Mekong Delta
The commotion of Ho Chi Minh City is easily forgotten as you float down the mud-brown waters of the delta. Highlights include the Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest of its kind in the area, where boats swell with fresh coconuts and exotic produce, and the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, where the river meets the South China Sea.
In the Thua Thua area, the delta transforms into narrow canals that snake past agricultural villages famed for their coconut palms and production of whiskey and wine. Travelers seeking serenity will be delighted by Ben Tre, where a sleepy waterfront and languid pace provide a welcome retreat. The region is also home to two spectacular religious landmarks: Cao Dai Temple and Cai Be Cathedral, whose distinct styles range from vibrant to austere.
How to Visit with Viator
In order to understand Vietnam’s past and present, a visit to the Mekong River Delta is essential. Travelers can combine a ride through Saigon’s canals with a sunset Mekong River cruise, or take a private tour of the unspoiled countryside in southern Vietnam. If you have more time to spare, set out on a multi-day tour to gain comprehensive insight into local life in the Mekong River Delta’s rural settlements—many longer tours also cruise through Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
Insider Tips
- The famous floating markets of the Mekong River Delta are in full swing in early morning; if you’d like to attend, choose a tour that departs around sunrise from Hanoi, Vinh Long, or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Bear in mind that a full day on the Mekong Delta can be hot and unshaded, so it’d be wise to bring a hat, some sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Address: Southern Vietnam, Vietnam
From $ 9
Long Bien Bridge
Designed by Parisian architects and built between 1899 and 1902, Hanoi’s Long Bien Bridge was the first steel bridge spanning the Red River and has long been a point of pride for the Vietnamese. During the war against the French in 1954, the bridge served as a vital transportation link for moving food into Northern Central Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, the bridge was bombed by American air attacks, and yet today, it still stands as a testament to the nation’s tumultuous history.
Apart from its historical significance, the bridge has a pedestrian path where vendors often set up stalls selling some of the city’s tastiest street foods. It’s also one of the best spots in Hanoi for watching a sunrise or sunset, and it’s not unusual to see young couples having their wedding pictures taken on the historic structure.
Practical Info
While the Long Bien Bridge has a footpath, pedestrians should still be careful of the often congested motorbike traffic crossing the bridge.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 31
National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam
The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam is located around five kilometers from Nha Trang’s city center in a grand old French-colonial building. It has a large collection of marine life and other items, including numerous jars of pickled specimens, stuffed birds and sea mammals, plus plenty of fishing related artefacts.
The displays are arranged across two floors. The ground floor is home to various sized tanks housing countless varieties of marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, anemones, pufferfish, lionfish, clownfish, seahorses, and a whole array of colorful coral. Upstairs is where to find the exhibiting specimens, local boats, and various fishing articles, not to mention an 18-meter-long skeleton of a whale.
Themed rooms chart the history, science, and technology associated with marine life, with exhibits focusing on things like algae and phytoplankton, as well as the history of fishing in Vietnam, plus natural disasters at sea and around the coast.
Practical Info
The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam is located in the port village of Bao Dai, approximately five kilometers from Nha Trang. The best way to reach it is via taxi or motorcycle.
Address: 1 Cau Da Street, Nha Trang, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily 6am-6pm
Admission: Adult: 30,000 dong; Child: 12,000 dong
From $ 18
Marble Mountains
The five limestone hills that make up Vietnam’s famed Marble Mountains are each named after one of the five elements: fire (Hoa), wood (Moc), metal (Kim), water (Thuy) and earth (Tho). And while their shadowy caves and hidden tunnels draw thousands of travelers to wander this destination each year, its proximity to beautiful and ancient Buddhist and Hindu grottoes and access to a stunning summit are other reasons to make the voyage.
Travelers can climb the more than 150 steps that lead to the summit of Thuy Son, where incredible views of natural landscapes as well as access to these grottoes. Visitors can explore Huyen Khong and Tang Chon, as well as the Tam Thai pagoda, which was built in 1825. These ancient religious monuments showcase the region’s age-old tradition of stone carving, thanks to relief work chipped away from the mountain’s marble façade.
Practical Info
Marble Mountains are located in the Ngu Hanh Son ward just south of Da Nang.
Address: Da Nang, Vietnam
From $ 32
Muong Hoa Valley
Located just over 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Sapa, the emerald green Muong Hoa Valley features some of the most breathtakingly picturesque landscapes in Vietnam. Home to Ban Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Hau Thao, Ta Phin and Su Pa ethnic minority populations, the valley is one of the biggest rice-growing areas in the region. The rolling emerald hills, epic views and fascinating traditional villages are just part of what greets travelers who opt to trek here.
Journeys ranging from two to six hours wind through low-lying grasslands, rice paddies and quiet villages where local women share fascinating stories about life in the countryside of Vietnam. Visitors can get an up-close look at the Hmong people’s way of life while peeking into homes, exploring farms and tasting traditional dishes. A voyage into Muong Hoa Valley is a multi-sensory experience that is not to be missed.
Trekkers follow the path of the Muong Hoa River through rice fields and sleepy villages, with stops to visit homes, taste traditional local dishes and learn about day-to-day life in a place that seems immune to the passage of time. Trekkers can participate in a homestay in one of several villages, where a local family plays host and offers a home-cooked meal.
Practical Info
A typical Muong Hoa Valley trek includes about 5 hours of walking with some altitude changes along the way. Some trails are steep and can be slick after rains. Local guides can be helpful with navigating the terrain and hiking-specific footwear is suggested during wet months.
Address: Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa, Vietnam
Hours: Daily
From $ 54
My Tho
For a convenient tour of the Mekong Delta, My Tho is the most popular jumping off point, thanks to its close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City. Organized tours from the city are common and easy to find, and they include the bus ride down, a boat ride along the river canals, and stops at local attractions. These riverside stops can include visits with local beekeepers and coconut-candy makers, and village tours, before stopping for lunch at a riverside restaurant. In the village of My Tho itself, you can relax at a riverfront café and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, where three Buddha statues sit among the lush temple gardens. Just outside the village, the Dong Tam Snake Farm breeds cobras for food, snakeskins, and to produce anti-venom, and you can visit the farm to see various cobras and pythons on display.
Practical Info
Getting to My Tho from Ho Chi Minh City is a little more than an hour drive, and if you’re coming as part of an organized tour, bus transportation is often included. Otherwise you can catch a bus from Mien Tay bus station.
Address: My Tho, Vietnam
From $ 9
Phong Nha Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Phong Nha Caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park nestle beneath some of Asia's most spectacular karst rock formations. While some of the caves—such as Hang Son Doong, the world’s largest cave—are only available on expensive multi-day tours, others, such as Phong Nha, are easy to visit on a day trip.
The Basics
With new caves being discovered almost every year, the Phong Nha cave complex is ever-changing. Paradise Cave, a vast underground cathedral, is 19-miles (31-kilometers) long with stunning stalactites. A dragon boat ride through the eerie, watery world of the Phong Nha Cave is a must. Thrill-seekers love the zipline and mud bath combo at the appropriately named Dark Cave, not to mention their underground river playground.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park’s 8-mile (13-kilometer) jungle trek to Hang En cave, followed by camping beside an underground river, is unforgettable. A fair distance from major cities and tourist sites, the Phong Nha Caves are a popular stop on multi-day north-to-south or south-to-north tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The caves can be cool, even during warmer times of year, so bring warm clothing—and a change of clothes.
- There are guesthouses, restaurants, and stores in the area, if you wish to stay longer.
- Unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War still litters the park: Do not stray from the trails.
How to Get There
The jumping-off point for the Phong Nha Caves is Dong Hoi, 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, although it’s also possible to spend the night in Phong Nha. Dong Hoi has an airport and regular trains headed both north and south. Some tours start from Hue, although the journey can take as long as four hours, so many choose to do the Phong Nha Caves as part of a full Vietnam tour.
When to Get There
The optimal Phong Nha trekking season is February to May. Between September and November, flooding can leave some caves impassable, while during the dry season (February to August), some streams can dry up. The weather can be extremely cold (by tropical standards) between December and February.
Around the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Besides the caves, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park itself rewards exploration. Stretches of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, which supplied the Vietnamese war effort, lie within the park. The Botanic Garden has easy self-directed trails. The Nuoc Mooc Springs Eco Trail is a natural spring with bridges, walkways, and more.
Address: Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 39
Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)
Tourists flock both day and night to this small bridge at the center of Hoi An, known as the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau), because of its picturesque beauty. As a result, attempting to cross the 12-meter structure will likely be faced with a labyrinth of kissing couples posing for photographs and backpackers loitering in its cool shade. Still detailed Japanese carvings, as well as monkey and dog statues—a nod to the years its construction began and finished—are worth the congestion and guaranteed headache of a trip to this Hoi An landmark.
Practical Info:
The bridge is located in Hoi An’s main tourism district. As a result, it
is frequently busy. Visitors unwilling to walk the often-congested
bridge can still snap some scenic photos before grabbing dinner at one
of the many nearby restaurants.
Address: At the West end of Tran Phu St, Hoi An, Vietnam
From $ 21
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (Fujian Assembly Hall)
In a city full of historical and architectural landmarks, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (Fujian Assembly Hall) is not to be missed. What once served as a gathering place for Chinese merchants, today functions as one of the city’s largest and most ornate temples. Intricate craftsmanship begins with the massive gates that protect this historic structure from the hustle of Hoi An streets, and it continues through the shaded hallways and colorful rooms.
Visitors can light incense burners in honor of their loved ones and explore the beautifully carved details of giant dragon statues and well-tended gardens.
Visitors can light incense burners in honor of their loved ones and explore the beautifully carved details of giant dragon statues and well-tended gardens.
Practical Info
The assembly hall is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily,
but visit mid-day and enjoy the cool shade of the temple. It is a short
walk from most places in Hoi An and also accessible by bike.
Address: 46 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An, Vietnam
Hours: 8a.m. - 5 p.m.
From $ 21
Mai Chau
Escape the kinetic energy and unmistakable chaos of Hanoi on a visit to the hillside destination of Mai Chau. Visitors can embark on a traditional homestay in the rural villages surrounding Mai Chan and spend the night tucked into old-school stilt houses amid wildlife and nature. The remarkable juxtaposition between city and country is never more evident than on a two-day escape to this popular stop.
Visitors will find plenty of rolling country trails for biking and hiking nestled amid the emerald hillsides of this stunning landscape. The breathtaking scenery is just part of what attracts locals and tourists alike and the quiet splendor of nature proves pure relaxation for those who travel through it. Visitors can mingle with White Thai locals and learn more about the cultures and traditions that make this ethnic minority so unique. Incredible brightly colored textiles handmade by local women make for the perfect keepsake to remember a stay in Mai Chau.
Practical Info
Mai Chau’s close proximity to Hanoi makes it the ideal escape for locals, which means weekends are often busy due to Vietnamese travelers. Visitors who want to experience Mai Chau at its best would do well to visit during the mid-week when crowds are fewer and the town’s rural beauty is most evident.
Address: Mai Chau, Hòa Bình Province, Vietnam
From $ 42
Perfume River (Song Huong River)
The Perfume River may have gotten its fame from the film Full Metal Jacket, but visitors to Hue traveled on this scenic body of water even before the movie’s 1987 debut. Each fall, blossoms from nearby orchards drop into the river, producing the unique fragrance that gives this river its name. The unpolluted waters offer cooling breezes for cyclists riding along the winding banks of local rice fields, and breathtaking views of Ngu Binh Mountain. Watch the sun go down and the city light up while you enjoy a cool beer on a late-afternoon dragon boat ride through Hue.
Practical Info:
The river provides interesting views of the city at any time of year, but only those who visit in fall months will be able to enjoy the river’s uniquely beautiful aroma. Dragon boat prices can vary greatly so be prepared to barter.
Address: Hue, Vietnam
From $ 20
Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (FITO Museum)
The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine (or FITO Museum) is housed in a unique traditional building in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 10. It offers an in-depth look at the fascinating world of traditional Vietnamese medicine, which is heavily influenced by Chinese philosophy.
The museum features a collection of almost 3000 items in relation to traditional remedies, some of which date back to the Stone Age. Visitors can browse the vast and detailed displays of some of the instruments used to prepare traditional medicines, such as mortars and pestles, grinders, and knives. There is also a large collection of books and documents on the subject.
Particularly interesting are the items found in traditional pharmacies, such as scales, printing molds, medicine cabinets, and a variety of pottery and ceramic pieces. The FITO Museum is also fitted with audiovisual equipment, which it uses to screen a documentary about the history of traditional medicine in Vietnam.
Practical Info
The FITO Museum is located at Hoang Du Khuong Street in District 10 of Ho Chi Minh City. The easiest way to reach it is to take a taxi or motorcycle taxi.
Address: 41 Hoang Du Khuong Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily 8:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Adults: 50,000 dong; Children: 25,000 dong
From $ 55
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is more than just the "beautiful mountain" its namesake describes. These Hindu ruins, which were constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries, pay homage to deities like Vishnu, Krishna and Shiva. Ancient and impressive towers and temples sit upon emerald hills in the Duy Xuyen District of the Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam. Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site can wander through eight groups of 71 structures, which some visitors say are less impressive than Cambodia's Siam Reap.
Still, what was once considered the homeland of the Cham people today remains an incredible example of Vietnam's indigenous culture.
Still, what was once considered the homeland of the Cham people today remains an incredible example of Vietnam's indigenous culture.
Practical Info
Many hotels and hostels coordinate day trips to the park, located about an hour outside Hoi An. My Son is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $5USD to enter. Sunrise tours typically depart the city at 5 a.m., however travelers who arrive later in the day will find fewer visitors in the sanctuary.
Address: Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5USD
From $ 20