Choose from 67 Fun Things to Do in Northern Vietnam
ShowingFilter 61-67 of 67 listings.
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
Tram Ton Pass (Heaven Gate Pass)
A winding mountain road that snakes the periphery of Fansipan, Vietnam's highest mountain, connects the outpost towns of Lai Chau and Sapa. This is Tram Ton Pass, also known as Heaven's Gate Pass for its elevated and sweeping vistas of the other peaks in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
Nine miles north of Sapa at the start of the pass, a lookout more than 6,200 feet above sea level affords a taste for those not traversing the entire route"”from there you can see the two-lane road twisting above valley floors into the distance. Tram Ton Pass also follows a climactic division apparent in the contrast of green trees poking through resting clouds closer to Sapa in the east, and the sunnier, dustier and drier terrain nearing Lai Chau to the west. Along the route, ribbons of rainwater drain through crevasses high above forming thin roadside waterfalls.
Practical Info
The 75-mile Tram Ton Pass takes a minimum of three hours to cross by car, not including stops at the popular Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall) and its scenic loop trek. Several regional day tours"”most originating in Sapa"”drive a portion of the Tram Ton Pass to take in the views before stopping off for trekking to area villages. Motorbike, scooter or even mountain bike rentals are also available. However, many caution against attempting the full 75-mile route in this fashion due to the high winds and sometimes bumpy conditions of sections of the road. If you'd like to tackle the full Tram Ton Pass, it's best to do so as a passenger in a four-wheeled vehicle so you can soak in all of the views.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 2,000
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
Vietnam Military History Museum
Formerly the Army Museum, the Vietnam Military History Museum covers the country's combat history from ancient times to the American War (Vietnam War). Learn about the many battles that Vietnam has fought for independence throughout its history through extensive photos, propaganda videos, weaponry, war machines, and other war relics.
The Basics
The Vietnam Military History Museum's exhibits are spread across three buildings, as well as outside in the courtyard. Many museum highlights can be found outside, including a mound of plane debris that includes a B-52, F-111, and a French transport plane, surrounded by a selection of intact planes, tanks, and other war machines. Climb up Flag Tower of Hanoi (Cot Co Flag Tower), next to the museum, for panoramic views of the city.
Combine a tour of the museum with a sightseeing tour of other top war attractions, including the infamous Hoa Lo Prison (referred to as the Hanoi Hilton by American pilots during the Vietnam War) and Ngoc Ha Village, where part of a B-52 shot down in 1972 is preserved.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Vietnam Military History Museum is a must-visit for war and history buffs.
- There is an extra fee to take photos or videos inside the museum.
- Bags must be stored at the entrance; lockers are available.
- The museum includes some graphic photos and portrayals, which may not be appropriate for young children.
How to Get There
The museum is located in central Hanoi, near Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which are about a five-minute walk away. It's easiest to take a taxi there directly.
When to Get There
The museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and also closes for two hours for lunch (11:30am to 1:30pm). Visitors tend to spend about 1"“2 hours here, depending on their level of interest in military history. The museum's proximity to to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, and also the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature, makes it easy to visit the different sites together.
Flag Tower of Hanoi
The Flag Tower of Hanoi was built in 1812 and once formed part of the Hanoi Citadel, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the tallest site in Hanoi, it is 108 feet (33 meters) tall, topped by the national flag of Vietnam. One of the few structures not destroyed during the French invasion in the late 19th century, it offers panoramic views of Hanoi and of the courtyard to the Vietnam Military History Museum next door.
Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu St, Hanoi, Vietnam
From $ 314
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
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
Presidential Palace
Travelers looking to experience a bit of royalty can venture to the Presidential Palace in the heart of Hanoi. Built in the early 1900s, this French Colonial-style structure, protected by impressive wrought iron gates, was meant to house local dignitaries. But in 1954, after leading Vietnam to independence, Ho Chi Minh refused to live in the palace's gilded halls and instead built a rustic stilt house on the royal grounds.
Today, travelers can explore the area surrounding this ornate government structure, which includes well-kept botanical gardens and lush fruit groves. Guides are available for hire, but visitors are not allowed into the palace. Those looking to learn more about the history and life of Ho Chi Minh can visit his silt home, which also sits on palace grounds.
Practical Info
The Presidential Palace is located off of Hung Vuong, just north of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and closed between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The entrance fee to the grounds is about VND 25,000.
Address: Hung Vuong St. and Hoang Van Thu St., Hanoi, Vietnam
Hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Closed between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Admission: VND 25,000
From $ 30