Choose from 164 Fun Things to Do in Vietnam
ShowingFilter 141-160 of 164 listings.
Tra Que Village
Old-school farmers at Tra Que vegetable village in the Cam Ha Commune use traditional techniques to produce some of the region’s most unique crops. Guided farmland tours provide visitors with detailed explanations of growing seasons as well as opportunities to sample freshly-picked, local herbs. Rent bicycles and explore the scenic landscape of Tra Que, then stop off at independent workshops to purchase local crafts before enjoying a traditional dinner with a glass of regional peach wine.
Practical Info:
Tours depart daily from Hoi An and most include transportation, a meal
and cost about $5-12USD. Bike rides are easy and flat, making them
perfect for families.
The city of Hoi An was once considered a destination by Japanese traders who believed the heart of East Asia beat below the port town’s cobbled streets. Today, travelers can feel the pulse of Vietnam’s old and new meeting in this historic town. Ancient temples and classic architecture exist alongside modern storefronts, innovative cuisine and expert tailors. The historic town offers sites and activities to keep everyone content.
The city of Hoi An was once considered a destination by Japanese traders who believed the heart of East Asia beat below the port town’s cobbled streets. Today, travelers can feel the pulse of Vietnam’s old and new meeting in this historic town. Ancient temples and classic architecture exist alongside modern storefronts, innovative cuisine and expert tailors. The historic town offers sites and activities to keep everyone content.
Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An, Vietnam, Hoi An, Vietnam
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
From $ 34
Central Post Office
Few major cities count the post office among their top tourist attractions, but the classic interior of Saigon Central Post Office continues to be a favorite destination among travelers visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time.
Completed in 1891, the design of this architectural landmark mimics an old world European railway station with mile-high ceilings, a larger-than-life portrait of Ho Chi Minh and a centrally located clock face. These rich details are what manage to draw even the travelers who arrive with plans to purchase stamps or mail postcards, to pause and soak up the brilliant interior, which includes hand-painted maps of the old city.
Practical Info
The Central Post Office is located near the corner of Nguyen Du and Cong xa Paris, within walking distance from the Cong xa Paris bus stop. It is across the street from Notre Dame Cathedral.
Address: Nguyen Du and Cong xa Paris, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 9
Tomb of Khai Dinh
Built as a monument and mausoleum for the Nguyen Emperor, Khai Dinh, this impressive tomb is located on a steep slope at the foot of Mount Chau Chu near Hue. The structure is an architectural blend of Vietnamese and Western influences that took 11 years to build, with the construction beginning in 1920 and finishing in 1931.
Upon crossing the gateway to the imperial tomb, visitors must climb 37 steps and proceed up further levels to reach the extravagant main building of Thien Dinh. The walls here are adorned with designs carved from porcelain and glass, while the floor is covered with enameled flowers. Above, the room’s elaborate ceiling features nine depictions of intricately designed dragons amid swirling clouds. At the centre of the main room sits the bronze statue of Khai Dinh, his altar, and his grave beneath.
Practical Info
The Tomb of Khai Dinh is located approximately 10 kilometers from Hue city centre along Highway 49. It’s open daily from 7am until 11:30am and again from 1:30 pm to 5:30pm. There is a small admission fee to enter.
Address: Hue, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily 7:00am-11:30am and 1:30pm-5:30pm
Admission: Small fee
From $ 39
Soi Sim Island
With its mounds of primeval forest and swaths of white sand, Soi Sim Island presents an enchanting backdrop and it’s easy to see why the small island has become a firm favorite among cruise visitors. Located close to Titop Island, at the heart of Halong Bay, Soi Sim is easily reached by boat and takes its name from the native ‘Sim’ trees that cover much of its landscape.
In recent year, Soi Sim has become known as a center for ecotourism, with its endemic plants and two 200-meter high peaks drawing numerous hikers, wooden lodges providing unique waterfront accommodation and unspoiled beaches offering ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
Practical Info
Soi Sim Island is located in Halong Bay, just northeast of Cat Ba Island.
Address: Soi Sim Island, Vietnam
From $ 149
Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain)
American soldiers stationed near Son Tra Mountain during the Vietnam War gave it the nickname Monkey Mountain after the troops of monkeys that dwell in the jungle-covered cliffs. The peak towers above the Son Tra Peninsula near the city of Da Nang. During the war, the mountain served as a military base used for radar and communications, and some of the radar domes are still visible.
A rather steep road leads to the summit of Son Tra Mountain, some 2,790 feet (850 meters) above sea level. On a clear day, the view from the peak is spectacular. Son Tra Mountain is also home to one of Da Nang’s most famous — and highly visible — landmarks, the 220-foot (67-meter) Lady Buddha statue, housed on the grounds of Linh Ung Pagoda.
Practical Info
The best way to reach the top of Son Tra Mountain is by renting a scooter and riding up. You can also hire a local with a motorbike to take you to the top.
Address: Da Nang, Vietnam
From $ 38
Tomb of Minh Mang
Located 12 kilometers outside of Hue, the Tomb of Minh Mang honors the late Nguyen Dynasty emperor. Beautifully preserved gardens and flower-lined walkways make this picturesque tomb's entrance fee (about USD $5) worth the cost of admission. Tomb of Minh Mang is part of a large complex that sits on the west bank of the Perfume River and includes a summer home and lake. Photographers will love the scenic views and lush landscapes, while meditative sorts will appreciate the well-kept grounds and tranquil setting.
Practical Info:
Only a few signs identify this tomb, so it can be difficult to find. Hop a motor taxi or participate in a local historical tour to avoid the hassle of finding Tomb of Minh Mang on your own. It’s best to visit in the early morning before crowds arrive. The tomb is also accessible by Dragon Boat on the Perfume River.
Address: 49, Hương Thọ Thua Thien, Hue Province, Vietnam
Admission: $5
From $ 39
Monkey Island
Monkey Island (Cat Dua) is accessible only by boat, but travelers who make the effort to get there are rewarded with numerous outdoor adventure possibilities, including access to a private beach. Visitors to the isolated Halong Bay island can spend time sipping coconut water on a white-sand beach; snorkeling or kayaking in the shallow turquoise waters; hiking the well-marked trails to the top of the island, or simply taking in the fresh air and lush island scenery.
While the island is perfect for a day trip, accommodations such as the Monkey Island Resort also exist for travelers who prefer to spend several days enjoying this out-of-the-way place.
Practical Info
As the name suggests, Monkey Island is home to wild long-tailed macaque monkeys who were introduced to the island years ago. While accustomed to having humans around, the monkeys can be aggressive"”keep a respectful distance, and don't try to touch or feed them.
Address: Monkey Island, Cat Ba, Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
From $ 223
Sin Chai Village
Sin Chai Village is situated near Sapa in Northern Vietnam, at the foot of Mount Fansipan. Located in a rainforested area protected by the Hoang Lien National Park, the village is home to the Black H’mong people, whose traditional wooden houses are scattered across the valley.
Local life here is simple, with people earning a living from farming, dying indigo, planting flax, and textile weaving. Most tours of Sin Chai Village focus on the daily life of the villagers, who still maintain their ancestor’s way of life and take much pride in their community. The short yet scenic trek through the landscape of rice paddies, streams, and corn fields serves to culturally acclimatize visitors to Sin Chai and its pace of life.
The villagers draw fresh water from the stream running from the foot of the mountain range, and collect plants from the mountain to treat ailments and illnesses, instead of using modern medicines. It is thought that the pure water supply, fresh mountain air, and natural diet and remedies are among the reasons that the Black H’mong people living in Sin Chai Village live for so long, with many members of the community reaching their 100th birthdays and beyond.
Practical Info
Most visit Sin Chai Village as part of an organized tour from Sapa. These can be easily arranged either online or via any tour operator in town.
Address: Sin Chai Village, Sapa, Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
Admission: Dependent on tour
From $ 57
Tuong Van Pagoda
This one of a kind pagoda tucked into the mossy green hillside of the An Phu Mountain in a true oasis for travelers seeking a sense of internal calm amid the serene beauty nature. Vast landscapes and crystal clear waters stretch for miles around the towering Tuong Wan Pagoda. A fresh water well sits at the entry to Tuong Van and visitors who choose to navigate the grounds will find massive statues of well-known gods surrounding the traditional religious structure. While the pagoda is typical for Vietnam, Tuong Van’s placement in the lush foliage outside Ho Chi Minh City makes it a destination for travelers.
Practical Info
Intrepid travelers can hike to the top of An Phu Mountain for epic views of Vietnam countryside. Tuong Van Pagoda is approximately half way down the mountain and proves a perfect respite on the way back to sea level.
Address: An Phu Mountain, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
From $ 112
Hanoi Cooking Centre
Anyone lucky enough to have traveled to Vietnam knows its cuisine is among the best in Asia, characterized by its delicate flavors and fresh local ingredients. At the Hanoi Cooking Centre, visitors can learn the secrets and techniques used in preparing traditional Vietnamese dishes so they can be recreated back home.
A typical half-day cooking class at the Hanoi Cooking Centre begins with a visit to a local market, where students learn about typical Vietnamese ingredients (and how to buy them). Back in the kitchen, students pair up for a hands-on lesson before sitting down to sample their creations for lunch.
Class themes and dishes vary from day to day and might cover Vietnamese street food, food from Hanoi and the Northern Highlands, food from the coast, vegetarian dishes, spring rolls, barbecues and salads. The school also offers international cooking classes and classes for kids.
Practical Info
Call the school to find out what's on their calendar for the day before you register.
Address: 44 Chau Long St, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 90
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts in Ho Chi Minh City is housed in a French colonial-era building that was once the mansion home of Chinese-born Mr. Hoa, the wealthiest man in Saigon at the time. As well as displaying fascinating modern art and historical pieces dating back to the 4th century, the building itself is of interest, with period details such as elaborate tiles, stained-glass windows, and even a working antique lift.
The museum is arranged across three levels and features a varied collection, including sculptures and ceramics, plus oil, silk, lacquer, and traditional woodcut paintings incorporating different styles. There is also a collection of ancient Buddhist and Hindu wood and stone figures, with larger statues scattered around the grounds and in the museum's central courtyard (accessed via the rear of the building).
Along with contemporary art, the museum features archaeological exhibits from across Asia, dating back to the Cham and Khmer eras. There is also a museum shop, with a good selection of prints available for sale.
Practical Info
The Museum of Fine Arts is located at Pho Duc Chinh Street, right near the Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1.
Address: 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm
Admission: 10,000 dong
From $ 39
Cao Son Market
Cao Son Market is a small, local market situated in the Muong Khuong district of Lao Cai province in Northern Vietnam. For visitors, it's a chance to interact with the hill tribe villagers of the area, including the H'Mong, Nung, Black Dao, and Han tribes. Visiting the market gives international guests the opportunity to learn about the culture of these tribes via the food, crafts, and customs adopted in the villagers' daily lives.
Open each Wednesday, this colorful ethnic market is set against the backdrop of a magnificent mountainous landscape, surrounded by lush farmland, rice fields, and pine plantations, as well as the mighty Chay River. Along with handmade crafts and clothing, the market sells all manner of food, and the local cuisine can even be washed down with the region's very own wine.
Practical Info
Cao Son Market is open each Wednesday, with the early morning being the best time to visit. Visitors can arrive via road or opt for the scenic route by booking a boat tour along the Chay River.
Address: Muong Khuong District, Lao Cai, Vietnam
From $ 135
Titop Island
Named in honor of Russian astronaut German Titop during his 1962 visit to Halong Bay, Titop Island’s small size hasn’t hindered its tourist appeal, with the island featuring on many junk boat cruise itineraries. It’s a striking sight from a distance - a swooping tower of limestone rising out of the sea and blanketed with thick rainforest, but the main highlight is the crescent of pristine white sand that lines its shore.
Most visitors make a beeline for the beach, where swimming and kayaking are the main pastimes, but adventurous types can also climb the 427 stone steps to the mountaintop pagoda, where they’ll be rewarded with dazzling views over the bay. Titop is also home to a number of resort hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops, making it a good choice for a stopover.
Practical Info
Titop Island is located in Halong Bay, just northeast of Cat Ba Island.
Address: Titop Island, Vietnam
From $ 48
Tra Nhieu
Those who enjoy the great outdoors and want to better understand the history and culture of Vietnam’s rural communities shouldn’t miss a trip to Tra Nhieu. Officially recognized as an ecological village in order to preserve its traditional fishing and farming life, Tra Nhieu is located along the banks of the Thu Bon River, not far from Hoi An.
A peaceful and simple village, the bamboo-lined lanes wind around traditional garden houses, giving visitors a glimpse of local life. While in the village you will get to see the local community’s activities relating to river life, as well as a wide range of other trades, such as farming, rice-paper making, and basket-boat making. You you can also sample some regional food made from local ingredients.
There are various Tra Nhieu eco tours departing from Hoi An, including half-day and full-day cycling tours through the countryside, with boat trips often included. For a unique cycling adventure around Hoi An that diverts from the usual tourist itineraries, book a full-day off the beaten path bicycling tour, which includes a visit to Tra Nhieu village.
Insider’s Tip: Most tours will give you the chance to paddle a thung chai across the river – a traditional bamboo basket boat used throughout rural Vietnam. Also, don’t miss a walk over the water coconut forest on the village’s bamboo bridge.
Practical Info
To make the most of your time in Tra Nhieu, most tours start early in the morning. If not traveling as part of a tour, ride your bicycle or moped over the new bridge from Hoi An and take a left at the end.
Address: Tra Nhieu, Hoi An, Vietnam
From $ 48
Pham Ngu Lao Street
Ho Chi Minh City's answer to Bangkok's Khao San Road, Pham Ngu Lao Street boasts dozens of affordable guesthouses, cheap pubs, and backpacker-focused restaurants. In fact, Saigonese know it simply as the backpacker district. Despite the noise, traffic, and chaos, Pham Ngu Lao is a mecca for travelers looking to experience Saigon's unfiltered energy.
The Basics
In the heart of District 1, within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market and the War Remnants Museum, Pham Ngu Lao is a favorite destination for travelers on a budget. Even if you're not staying here, you might find yourself visiting for the cheap-beer stalls, high-energy backpacker nightclubs, or affordable international fare.
Most Ho Chi Minh City tours eschew the charms of Pham Ngu Lao Street. Thanks to the quantity of accommodation here, however, it's a stop on HCMC hop-on hop-off bus tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visiting"”or staying in"”Pham Ngu Lao Street is a great way for younger, solo backpackers to meet other backpackers.
- Drive-by bag snatchings can be an issue on Pham Ngu Lao"”don't use your phone close to the sidewalk edge, and walk holding your bag on the side away from the road.
- The best way to help Saigon's street kids, who are often trafficked, is to donate to a charity that looks after them, such as Blue Dragon Children's Foundation.
How to Get There
Pham Ngu Lao Street is in the center of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, close to the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and other attractions. The 109 shuttle bus stops at Pham Ngu Lao Street on its way from the airport, about 6 miles (9 kilometers) away. It's about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the train station, a journey best made by taxi or motorbike taxi.
When to Get There
Lively street life coupled with pavement cafes and bars give Pham Ngu Lao its energy, so you're best off visiting during dry season, roughly November through April. That's particularly true if you're staying in the street's budget guesthouses, as Pham Ngu Lao Street accommodation tends to have extremely limited communal space.
The Original Pham Ngu Lao
Pham Ngu Lao may be a byword for backpacker misbehavior and curbside drinking nowadays, but it takes its name from a Vietnamese hero. The original Pham Ngu Lao (1255"“1320) was a Vietnamese general who beat back the forces of the Mongol and Chinese emperor Kublai Khan. He's worshipped as a god in some parts of Vietnam, and most cities have a street (or two) named after him.
Address: Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 15
Tomb of Tu Duc
It took nearly three years to build some 50 structures that make up the Tomb of Tu Duc, located 8 kilometers outside of Hue amid an expansive pine forest. The grounds are divided into two main parts—tomb and temple areas. Near the entrance visitors can wander the pavilion where the emperor once perched to compose poems and admire the flowers. This leads to his work station, and ultimately to his resting place. The impressive tomb, located just beyond the Honor Courtyard, houses a massive stone engraved with a narrative written by the Emperor himself.
Practical Info:
Visit after the rainy season, when the tomb’s foliage is in full bloom. Tomb of Tu Duc is accessible by bike from Hue. The ride along the Perfume River is flat and scenic. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 pm.
Address: Thủy Xuân, Hue Thua Thien, Hue Province, Vietnam
Hours: Open Daily: 7:30am - 5pm.
From $ 49
Tinh Tam Lake
Tinh Tam Lake, one of the most famous sites in Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital, sits just north of the Imperial City. Rectangular in shape and surrounded by brick walls, the manmade lake and its small islets -- many connected by bridges -- once served as private leisure grounds where the Vietnamese royalty could go walking. Built in the early nineteenth century, the lake was considered a major achievement in landscape architecture at the time.
Due to it’s proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Imperial Palace, it’s convenient to visit Tinh Tam Lake immediately before or after a tour of the palace grounds. If you have time, take a cyclo ride along the banks. During festivals in Hue, the lake is sometimes used as a venue for musical and cultural performances, complete with a floating stage.
Address: Hue, Vietnam
Hours: All Day
From $ 25
Trang An Grottoes
Open-topped rowboats captained by locals in conical hats regularly ferry passengers down the sleepy Sao Khe River to the Trang An Grottes—a series of a dozen otherworldly caverns, tunnels and caves. Boats park outside the best formations and allow visitors to clamber inside for a closer look, or float all the way through affording passing glimpses of hanging stalactites overhead.
The caves themselves are not as spectacular as some of the other Vietnamese cave systems—some say they’ve been recently altered to accommodate a surge in boat traffic due to its increasing popularity—but the surrounding scenery makes a trip to Trang An Grottoes more than worthwhile. The river meanders through electric green rice paddies, past above ground karst formations reminiscent of the water-surrounded pillars of Ha Long Bay and alongside impressive and remote temples. What’s more, the Trang An Grottoes are conveniently accessible from Hanoi making for an idyllic escape from the busy city.
Practical Info
The Trang An Grottes, part of Trang An Natural Reserve, are about 9 kilometers west of Ninh Binh and about 90 kilometers south of Hanoi. A popular attraction for Vietnamese tourists, the Trang An Grottoes can be crowded at midday. If you’ll be securing a boat on your own, you’ll want to go in the morning or late afternoon—the last boat leaves around 4 p.m. Day trips from Hanoi often have arrangements with boat captains to ensure the tour goes smoothly and usually include a stop at the impressive and nearby Bai Dinh Temple.
Boat trips to the grottoes take between two and three hours. An entrance fee of 100,000VND (around $4.50) will cover a boat for up to four people and is often included in package tour prices. Note that because rowboats are open-top, it’s best to come prepared with a hat and sunscreen.
Address: Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Admission: 100,000VND (around $4.50)
From $ 38
Tran Quoc Pagoda
One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, and the oldest in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda was built in during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De (AD 541–547) and moved to its present location in 1615. Located on an islet within West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda offers beautiful architecture, historic relics and artifacts, and a serene and scenic environment.
The Basics
The most recognizable part of the pagoda is the main stupa, which stands 49-feet (15-meters) tall and features 11 levels and gemstone statues of Amitabha within each vaulted window. At the very top is a 9-story lotus made from gemstone. Surrounding the stupa are an array of statues, ancient steles, incense-burning houses, a Buddhist shrine, and a museum housing historical relics, some dating back over a thousand years. Don’t miss the gold sculpture of the Shakyamuni Buddha's Parinirvana.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is very popular and features on many sightseeing tours of Hanoi, which typically also include other top attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. If you want to experience Hanoi like a local, take a bicycle or motorbike tour around the city. It’s also possible to combine sightseeing with a cyclo ride, food tasting, or water puppet show.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful of worshippers.
- Visitors must wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- It’s free to enter the pagoda, but donations are encouraged.
How to Get There
Tran Quoc Pagoda is located near the eastern shore of West Lake. It’s connected to Thanh Nien Road by a small causeway. From the center of Hanoi, it’s about a 20-minute taxi ride to get to the eastern shore of West Lake. Or you can take bus 14.
When to Get There
Tran Quoc Pagoda is open daily, with a break for lunch, so time your visit accordingly. For the most striking photos, visit around sunset. The pagoda will be at its most festive, and most packed, during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and Buddha’s birthday.
Bodhi Tree
In 1950, when Indian Prime Minister Razendia Prasat visited Vietnam, he visited Tran Quoc Pagoda and presented a bodhi tree as a gift. The tree was grafted from the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, where Gautama Buddha was said to have sat in meditation and achieved enlightenment. The bodhi tree sits in the courtyard of Tran Quoc Pagoda and can be recognized by its heart-shaped leaves.
Address: Tanh Nien Road, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 28
Dien Bien Phu
Deep in the highlands of northwest Vietnam lies the historic battlefield of Dien Bien Phu, where Viet Minh forces defeated the French in 1954, thus ending nearly 100 years of colonization. In addition to battlefields, bunkers, cemeteries, and a museum, Dien Bien Phu also offers beautiful mountain scenery and access to ethnic minority villages.
The Basics
A trip to Dien Bien Phu is a must for war and history buffs, and for most visitors here, the main draw is the decisive and bloody battle of Dien Bien Phu. A number of strategic locations have been maintained or reconstructed, and commemorative monuments erected. Independent visitors can explore the sites on their own, at their own pace. A popular option for more in-depth exploration is a multi-day guided tour from Hanoi, which often also includes a visit to a nearby Tay, Hmong, or Si La village. For those with more time, there's a popular loop itinerary that starts in Hanoi, then travels to Mai Chau, Son La, Dien Bien Phu, Pa So, and Sapa, before returning to Hanoi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Some of the sites, such as A1 hill and the museum, will be closed for lunch.
- If you plan to visit independently, be aware that not all hotels and guesthouses are licensed to rent to foreigners.
- There is limited internet in the area, so make sure you've planned out navigation in advance.
How to Get There
Dien Bien Phu is located about 292 miles (470 kilometers) west of Hanoi and 22 miles (35 kilometers) east of the Laos border. For those not visiting as part of a tour, it's easiest to fly here directly from Hanoi. Bus service is also available from Hanoi, Sapa, Lao Cai, or from Laos (Muang Khua or Muay Xai).
When to Get There
The best time to visit Dien Bien Phu is between November and April, when the weather is warm and dry. Avoid visiting in July and August, the height of the rainy season, when the roads in the area can become muddy and often impassable.
Things to See at Dien Bien Phu
Top sites include a reconstructed A1 hill (known as Colline Eliane to the French), site of the pivotal final battle, and cemetery; D1 hill, which now contains a monument wall, statue, and expansive views of the valley; the reconstructed command center of General Vo Nguyen Giap; the reconstructed French command bunker; and the Vietnam Military History Museum (or Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum).
Address: Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam
From $ 314