Things to Do in Vietnam

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

Located on the coast about halfway between Danang and Hoi An sits Non Nuoc Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam if not the world. With the Son Tra Peninsula to the north and the Marble Mountains to the west, this white sand expanse has transformed from a former fishing beach to a resort area lined by five star hotels and resorts.

While Non Nuoc Beach itself measures about 3 miles (5 kilometers) in length, the sand stretches for miles in either direction. That means the beach is rarely crowded, and with a short walk, it’s possible to have a stretch of sand all to yourself.

Sometimes called the beach capital of Vietnam, Nha Trang is known for its scenic shores and few are more delightful than the yellow sandy stretch of Nha Trang Beach. This 6-km destination is ideal for swimmers, sunbathers and snorkelers, who will likely find uninterrupted turquoise blue waters to explore on their own. While a slightly more social scene can be found at jumping beach joints like Sailing Club and the local brew house, deserted island vibes can be found further down towards the south side. A popular promenade offers a scenic place for an evening stroll and the nearby town comes alive with plenty of entertaining nightlife options once the sun goes down.

Situated at the mouth of the Cai River in Central Vietnam, just a few kilometres north of Nha Trang, is the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers complex. Constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries by the Cham people who once ruled the central plain of Vietnam, the towers were built in honor of Yan Po Nagar, the ruler of this area, who later came to be identified with the Hindu goddess, Bhagavati.

Today, only four of the original towers in the complex remain. The tallest of the temples, Po Nagar Kalan, is the most impressive in terms of architectural prowess. It stands at over 25 meters tall and, according to the inscriptions, was the place where Po Nagar was worshipped, with animal sacrifices made in her honor.

In the center of the complex is at the Cri Cambhu tower, representing the goddess of fertility, with the remaining two temples serving as shrines to the Hindu gods, Shiva and Ganesh.

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Ninh Binh, located in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam, is an ideal base for exploring the nearby karst scenery, particularly at Tam Coc (Three Caves). At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, limestone formations tower above verdant rice paddies in what is considered one of Vietnam’s most spectacular areas. 

Most travelers visit Ninh Binh Province on a day tour from Hanoi, and activity options are plentiful. Take in the gorgeous scenery of “Halong Bay on Land” from a traditional sampan boat along the meandering Hoang Long River, cycle along quiet rural roads past rice fields and through small villages, or learn more about the region’s feudal dynasties cultural heritage with visits to the temples of Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. 

The easiest way to reach Ninh Binh is by bus from the Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi. The trip takes two to three hours.

There’s not really a bad time to visit Ninh Binh. While the rainy season (May to October) can get hot and humid, the rainfall means the rice fields are at their greenest and most photogenic. Visitors in the dry season (November to April) enjoy cooler, drier weather.

While many Ninh Binh visitors head directly to Tam Coc, the region boasts many other worthy sights. An easy bike ride outside of town, the Trang An Grottoes are a series of caves similar to those at Tam Coc but less touristed. Bird-watchers should set aside time for a visit to Thung Nham Bird Garden, where the trees teem with nesting birds during the early morning and late afternoon. Adventure travelers will find plentiful hiking and biking opportunities within Cuc Phuong National Park, a rain forest area with a botanical garden and primate rescue center.

The Quang Ba Flower Market in Hanoi is a night market situated on the edge of West Lake. It begins at around 2am and doesn’t wind down until well after the sun rises. As the largest flower market in Hanoi, Quang Ba has fresh flowers shipped in from all over Vietnam each and every day. 

The Quang Ba market is at its busiest and most atmospheric when it first starts up in the early hours, when the bustle of commercial wholesale buyers arrive to strike their deals. Later in the morning, the market sees more individual buyers – locals shopping for flowers for celebrations, offerings, and other occasions. It is especially worth a visit here during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), when flowers are used in abundance to mark the festivities.

With its piles of fragrant blossoms – from chrysanthemums and roses to sunflowers and orchids – the beeping of moped horns, and teems of bustling locals, the Quang Ba Flower Market is one of Hanoi’s most colorful attractions.

Travelers can enter into this charming 19th-century Chinese-style Buddhist pagoda via an ornate gatehouse, which leads the way to an impressive courtyard and several altars that make up one of Ho Chi Minh’s most popular pagodas.

Visitors will find brilliantly colored artwork that pays homage to Thien Hau and Manjusri decorating the altars and hallways of Quan Am. And while travelers agree the traditional pagoda is the main attraction, a nearby garden complete with quiet reflecting pond, rocky landscapes and a covered pavilion offers an equally impressive opportunity to explore.

On the north-central coast of Vietnam, Quang Dien is a rural district in the Hue-Thua Thien province. The livelihood of Quang Dien’s population relies on the Bo river, its fertile banks providing farmland that’s perfect for growing vegetables and rice. The 163-square-km district has a population of 91,000 that is concentrated in seven villages along the banks of the river as well as a few hamlets and the district capital of Sia. In spring, the small town of Sia hosts its own traditional boat races along the Bo river. 

On the coastal plain northwest of Hue, Quang Dien district is a popular place for travelers looking to experience rural Vietnamese life. A perfect spot for cyclists looking for a relaxing ride, it’s a good place to bike among the rice paddies and riverbanks. While you’re in the area, be sure to sample some freshly-caught fish from the Bo, too.

The Hanoi Opera House (Nha Hat Lon) is a 100­-year-­old performance hall with architecture modeled on the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris. Nha Hat Lon was erected by the French colonial administration at the turn of the 20th century and is a landmark building in Hanoi. It was built in a typical French style with classic gothic features. 

In 1997, the modernization and repair of the building was undertaken by Vietnamese French architects, and the decorative designs on the ceilings, arches, walls, and doors were renewed. Home to the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra, the Opera House also hosts the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Ballet, plus both traditional and modern local productions.

No tours of the building are offered but the exterior makes for some good photo opportunities. In terms of atmosphere, the Opera House is best seen at night when it is illuminated by lights.

Set on its own island on Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s easy to see why picturesque Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) is one of the most visited places of worship in Hanoi. Full of history and scenic beauty, this fascinating 19th-century temple offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

 

Constructed in the classical Vietnamese style, the temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols), La To (patron saint of physicians), and scholar Van Xuong. Walk across the elegant Huc Bridge, painted in red, to Jade Island, where the temple is located. Admire the ornate Three Passage Gate, and take in the different structures, including the Pen Tower, Ink Slab, Moon Contemplation Pavilion, and Tran Ba Pavilion.

 

Many half-day and full-day sightseeing tours of Hanoi will feature a stop at Ngoc Son Temple, along with other top attractions such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Or experience Hanoi like a local on a motorbike tour around the city.

 

 

Ngoc Son Temple is located within Hoan Kiem Lake, just south of the Old Town and north of the French Quarter. You can walk to the temple from most areas of central Hanoi. It is also accessible by the 36 bus.

 

The temple is open daily. Visit early in the morning to see locals around the lake practicing Tai Chi, and to beat the crowds. The temple is very popular on weekends, with smaller crowds during the week. For the best photos, visit around sunset or in the evening, when the temple is lit up and reflected in the calm waters of Hoan Kiem Lake.

 

Turtle Tower is the other structure in Hoan Kiem Lake. A 3-tiered pavilion, it’s also known as Thap Rua. A key icon of Hanoi, it was built in the 19th century to commemorate the golden turtle and the returned sword of legend. Although it’s not accessible to the public, its illuminated after dark and offers a great photo opportunity, particularly with its shimmering reflection in the lake. accessible to the public.

This peaceful bay offers travelers picturesque views of crystal blue water and lush green landscapes. Clusters of islands dot the sea and hopping from one to another on a tour of Nha Phu Bay is perhaps the best way to experience this isolated bit of Vietnamese magic.

Whether it’s checking out the untouched sandy shores at the beach of Thi Islet, where travelers can tuck into tasty plates of fresh fish grilled tableside or taking a tour of Thi Island, where ecological diversity means easy access to plenty of indigenous plants and animals—there’s something for every sort of traveler at Nha Phu Bay.

Check out the orchid caves at Hoa Lan Spring, where brilliantly beautiful blooms hang from rocky interiors or sunbathe at An Binh Beach before heading to the nearby wildlife sanctuary where peacocks and deer roam on protected land. A day spent touring Nha Phu Bay will be a truly memorable outdoor experience.

The Hien Lam Pavilion can be found inside Hue Citadel across the courtyard from the Mieu Temple. It was built in the 1820s in memory of the mandarins who served the Nguyen dynasty. Just in front of the pavilion stand the Nine Dynastic Urns, which were cast in bronze in the 1830s and each dedicated to a different Nguyen emperor.

The urns each have their own name and are uniquely decorated with Vietnamese motifs and patterns, which include stars, rivers, mountains, and oceans. After their casting by Emperor Minh Mang, the Nine Dynastic Urns were placed in position according to the altars within the Mieu Temple. Cao Urn stands slightly forward in the center, with the others sitting behind, symmetrical on either side.

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. 

Paris Square may be a bit on the touristy side, but it’s the perfect hub for travelers looking to explore the key landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City in a single stop. The Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office are all within walking distance and the tree-covered parks, Versace Plaza and bustling cafes make for perfect places to people watch. 

Find local workers gathering under the shade of towering trees while enjoying an al fresco lunch. And as the sun sets, watch street vendors, local traders file into the streets as church-goers head off to evening prayer. No matter the time of day, Paris Square is a perfect place to relax with a cold beer and a warm meal while the city passes by. 

Located in the Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc Districts of Northern Vietnam, Pu Luong Nature Reserve comprises 43,643 acres (17,662 hectares) and one of the largest swathes of limestone mountain forest remaining in the nation. The park attracts eco-tourists from around the globe with its incredible biodiversity: nearly 600 species of fauna, including the second largest population of Delacour’s langur in Vietnam.

While many visitors come – and rightly so – for the spectacular natural scenery and wildlife watching, the two mountain ridges that make up the reserve also sandwich a valley of agricultural land where a Thai ethnic minority live. In Hieu Hamlet, visitors can see traditional Thai water wheels, verdant rice terraces and traditional stilted houses. Homestays with local families living in the valley are also an option.