Choose from 67 Fun Things to Do in Northern Vietnam
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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
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
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, or VME, has two distinct areas - indoor and outdoor.
Indoors is a permanent exhibition divided into 9 sections proudly informing of Historical & Cultural Periods, the 3 Major Sub-Regions, and the 54 ethnic groups classified according to the 5 Language families. Audiotapes highlight fascinating ethnic linguistic differences.
Outdoors is a maturing exhibition showing full-scale examples of ethnic house-building techniques and design. Carefully sourced indigenous trees are sympathetically planted around each appropriate house.
Practical Info
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is located in Cau Giay district. You can take a no.14 minibus from Dinh Tien Hoang Street, heading north past Lake Hoan Kiem to Nghia Tan a few blocks from the museum.
A well-thought out display for anyone interested in history, anthropology, and the diverse ethnicity of Vietnam.
Address: Nguyen van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Tues - Sun 8:30am - 5:30pm. Closed Mondays and during Vietnamese New Year (late Jan or early Feb)
Admission: Adults: VND 25,000, Children: VND 5,000
From $ 18
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
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
Vietnam Museum of Revolution
Located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, the Vietnam Museum of Revolution contains over 40,000 exhibits across 30 galleries covering the country’s history of conflict and revolution from the French colonial occupation in the 19th century onwards, and forms part of the Vietnam National Museum.
The Basics
The content of the museum is divided into three parts, 1858-1945, 1945-1975, and 1975-present, which correspond with the French colonialism period, the American War (Vietnam War) period and the post-war period. Exhibits include historical photos and documents, weapons and flags used by revolutionaries, propaganda posters, statues of Ho Chi Minh and other revolutionary figures, and even gifts from the Vietnamese people and people from other countries to Ho Chi Minh and the Communist government.
A number of sightseeing tours feature a stop at the Vietnam National Museum, along with other top attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Or experience Hanoi like a local on a motorbike tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission also covers entry to the Vietnam National Museum of History across the street.
- There is an extra fee to take photos or videos inside the museum.
- Bags must be stored at the entrance; lockers are available.
- It’s best to view the exhibits in order, starting with the first room.
- Those who have some historical background knowledge will appreciate the museum more.
How to Get There
The Vietnam Museum of Revolution is located in the Hoan Kiem district, close to the Opera House. It can be reached by walking from the Old Quarter, or it’s an easy taxi ride from elsewhere. It can also be reached by bus 2, 3, or 4.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day, except the first Monday of each month. There is a break for lunch, so plan your visit accordingly. Expect to spend an hour here, longer if you are very interested in the subject matter. Allot more time if you plan to visit the Vietnam National Museum of History as well.
History of the Building
The museum is housed in a yellow, colonial-style building that once housed the Indo-China Chamber of Commerce, built by the French in 1917. It later housed the Trade Department of Vietnam. The museum itself opened in 1959.
Address: 25 Tong Dan Street, Hanoi, Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
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
Vietnam National Museum of History
Located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, the Vietnam National Museum of History forms part of the Vietnam National Museum. With an extensive collection of over 200,000 objects, including numerous precious artifacts and antiquities, it traces the history of Vietnam from prehistoric times to the present.
The Basics
The museum is housed in an architecturally impressive building built in 1925, which incorporates both Vietnamese and French design elements. Exhibits are organized in chronological order. Highlights include bronze pieces from the Dong Son period, Bat Trang pottery, Vietnamese imperial jewelry, and Hindu statues from the Khmer and Champa kingdoms. There’s also a delightful garden with steles and bonsai trees.
A number of sightseeing tours feature a stop at the Vietnam National Museum, along with other top attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. Or experience Hanoi like a local on a motorbike tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is a must-visit for those with an interest in Vietnamese history.
- The admission also covers entry to the Vietnam Museum of the Revolution, across the street.
- There’s an extra fee to take photos or videos inside the museum.
- Guided tours are available in Vietnamese, English, and French.
- Bags must be stored at the entrance; lockers are available.
How to Get There
The museum is located in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi, close to the Opera House. It can be reached by walking from the Old Quarter, or an easy taxi ride from elsewhere. It can also be reached by bus, including buses 2, 3, and 4.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day, except the first Monday of each month. There is a break for lunch, so plan your visit accordingly. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here. Allot more time if you plan to visit the Vietnam Museum of the Revolution as well.
History of the Building
The Vietnam National Museum of History was formerly home to the Louis Finot Museum of the École Française d'Extrême-Orient, built in 1929 and opened in 1932. The building was designed as a work of art and features Indochine architecture, a blend of French and Vietnamese styles. In 1958, the Vietnamese government took over the building and reopened it as the Vietnam National Museum of History.
Address: 1 Trang Tien St, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 34
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
Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises)
What many visitors may not know about UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay, just outside of Hanoi, is that the bay itself isn’t the area’s only attraction. The limestone karst formations of the bay look impressive from the outside, but many of them are just as impressive from within. Sung Sot Cave, or the Cave of Surprises, is the best known cave of Halong Bay and one of the most spectacular.
Located on Bo Hòn Island, the Cave of Surprises was first discovered by French explorers in 1901. Covering an area of more than 130,000 square feet (12,200 square meters), the massive cave consists of three smaller compartments, or “rooms,” each filled with impressive stalactite formations. In places, the grotto’s roof sits nearly 100 feet (30 meters) from the cave floor.
The grotto has been outfitted with a smooth walking path and is colorfully lit throughout, though you will have to climb a series of stone steps to reach the cave’s entrance.
Located on Bo Hòn Island, the Cave of Surprises was first discovered by French explorers in 1901. Covering an area of more than 130,000 square feet (12,200 square meters), the massive cave consists of three smaller compartments, or “rooms,” each filled with impressive stalactite formations. In places, the grotto’s roof sits nearly 100 feet (30 meters) from the cave floor.
The grotto has been outfitted with a smooth walking path and is colorfully lit throughout, though you will have to climb a series of stone steps to reach the cave’s entrance.
Address: Sung Sot Cave, Quang Ninh province, Vietnam
From $ 48
St Joseph's Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon)
Located in Hoan Kiem district, the neo-Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Hanoi and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. Modeled after Notre Dame in Paris, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the most famous and striking landmarks in Hanoi from the colonial era.
The Basics
Constructed between 1882 and 1886, St. Joseph’s Cathedral was consecrated on Christmas Eve, 1886. It was built on the site of the ancient Bao Thien Pagoda, which was demolished to make way for the church. It’s known for its soaring façade, twin bell towers, and a majestic interior with rib-vaulted ceiling, original stained glass windows, and elaborate altars. Although mostly European in design and look, there are some traditional Vietnamese decorations on the aisles, walls, and altars of the church. Mass is held several times a day, and is often crowded to overcapacity; those that wish to attend should consult the schedule that is sometimes posted outside the church.
A number of sightseeing tours will feature a stop at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, along with other attractions like the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake, and may include additional activities like a cyclo ride, a food tour, or a water puppet show.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It’s free to enter the church, though donations are accepted.
- Enter through the side door, rather than the main entrance, except for mass.
- Mass is performed in Vietnamese and French.
- This is an active place of worship, so please be respectful of worshippers.
How to Get There
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is located west of Hoan Kiem Lake, and can be easily reached on foot from most of central Hanoi. It’s easiest to take a taxi from elsewhere in Hanoi. Local buses, including buses 1 and 2, also stop nearby.
When to Get There
The church’s opening hours tend to fluctuate, though it’s often closed for lunch. Services are performed throughout the week and weekend. The Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19. Christmas is a festive time to visit the church, and will have the biggest crowds.
Nearby Attractions
There are a number of boutiques, restaurants, and bars near the church. Hoan Kiem Lake is also nearby. This scenic lake is pleasant to walk around, and is home to Ngoc Son Temple, located on Jade Island, at the northern part of the lake.
Address: 40 Nha Chung St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 22
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
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
Vietnamese Women's Museum
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum, one of the best museums in Hanoi, chronicles the history, culture and contributions of Vietnamese women in society throughout the country’s history. The small museum is divided into three themed galleries, Women in Family, Women in History and Women’s Fashion, and all posted information includes French and English translations.
Highlights of the museum include photographs and stories of heroic women during wartime, a set of propaganda posters and the collection of bridal, tribal and religious clothing that serves to highlight the cultural diversity of Vietnamese women. Rotating special exhibitions cover topics like the Vietnam Women’s Union, domestic violence, sex trafficking and Mother Goddess worship, as well as collections of art by female artists.
Practical Info
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is located within easy walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake. It is closed on Mondays.
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 62
Van Phuc Silk Village
On the banks of the Nhue River about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southwest of Hanoi sits Van Phuc Silk Village. Of Vietnam’s many officially designated craft villages, Van Phuc is perhaps the best known and best developed. It’s also one of the oldest silk producing villages, with a history dating back more than 1,200 years. More than 700 households within the village are involved in silk production, and visitors will find three main streets lined with over 100 shops.
While modern silk shops and mechanized weaving are now the norm in Van Phuc, it remains the best place in the Hanoi area for buying silk products, and even if you’re not in the market to buy, it’s an excellent place to see up close how silk is produced, both with modern methods and traditional looms. In general, silk items in the village tend to be slightly cheaper than in Hanoi, and Van Phuc silk is known for its light weight and smooth appearance, making it cool in the summer yet warm in winter.
Practical Info
Some shop owners in Van Phuc Silk Village speak a little English and French, but be prepared to bargain.
Address: Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 39
Vietnam Fine Arts Museum (Bao Tang My Thuat)
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi is the country’s premier art museum. A well-curated and exhibited permanent collection of over 2,000 items, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lacquerwork, and temporary exhibits, trace the development of Vietnamese art from prehistoric times to the 21st century.
The Basics
There are two branches to the museum. The main branch is spread over two buildings, including a stunning French Colonial building renovated to include elements of traditional Vietnamese communal houses. Within an exhibition space of 32,292 square feet (3,000 square meters), the exhibits are arranged into six themes (prehistoric arts, art from the 11th to 19th centuries, art from the 20th century to present, traditional art, folk art, and ceramics), and chronologically from bottom to top. There’s also a Creative Space for Children. The second branch, located at Hoang Cau Street, focuses more on storage, conservation, and restoration.
A number of sightseeing tours feature a stop at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Other stops may include the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Ho Chi Minh Complex, depending on the option chosen. If you want to see Hanoi like a local, take a motorbike tour of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
- Guided tours are available in Vietnamese, English, Chinese, and French.
- Educational programs at the Creative Space for Children require a separate ticket.
- The museum shop offers original paintings by local artists.
- There is a cafe on-site, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
How to Get There
The museum is located in the Ba Dinh District, across the street from the Temple of Literature. It’s about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) west of Hoan Kiem Lake, and will take about 15 minutes to walk from there.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round, except for the Tet holidays. The museum rarely gets crowded, making it an ideal alternative when other attractions are busy. The Temple of Literature is across the street and many visitors visit both sites.
Highlights of the Museum
Highlights of the museum include ancient Champa stone carvings, ceramics excavated from five ancient boats, extraordinary effigies of Guan Yin (the 1,000-armed and 1,000-eyed goddess of compassion), lacquered statues of Buddhist monks from the Tay Son dynasty, and its collection of contemporary paintings.
Address: 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hanoi, Vietnam
Admission: Varies
From $ 68
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
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
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
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