Choose from 164 Fun Things to Do in Vietnam
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Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
The Gothic twin bell towers of this classic cathedral stretch high into the skyline, marking this as a destination for those looking to escape the buzz of Ho Chi Minh and find some quiet contemplation. Saigon Notre-Dame’s striking red façade and towering stone archways were constructed with materials imported from France in the 1800s. But its unique architecture is not the only draw to this iconic city landmark. In 2005, visitors reported seeing tears flow from the eyes of a statue of the Virgin Mary here, making it a destination for Catholics on religious pilgrimage.
Practical Info
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral) is located in downtown Ho Chi Minh between Le Duan and Nguyen Du near the Cong xa Paris bus stop. It is a block northeast of the Reunification Palace.
Address: Between Le Duan and Nguyen Du, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 9
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
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
Royal Antiquities Museum
The Royal Antiquities Museum displays a huge collection of ornaments, furniture, jewelry, clothing, and other items relating to royal life during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). It is housed in the former Long An Palace, which is widely considered to be one of Vietnam’s most beautiful palaces. The striking building has seven compartments at its front, with eight beams covered in sculptures of dragons. The wooden parts of the palace feature elaborate carvings depicting various scenes, along with poems and essays written in Chinese script.
Having been relocated from the An Dinh residence to its original setting on Le Truc Street, the Royal Antiquities Museum sits just outside Hue’s Citadel (Imperial City). The building was used as a place of worship and a library before being established as a museum by King Khai Dinh and presented to his son, the last reigning emperor. The purpose of the museum was said to be “to revive generations of artisans who had built up the glorified Hue royal court.”
Practical Info
The Royal Antiquities Museum is located just outside the walls of the Citadel at number 3 Le Truc Street and can be easily reached on foot.
Address: 3 Le Truc Street, Hue, Vietnam
Hours: Tues-Sun 7am-5pm (closed on Mondays)
Admission: 40,000 VND
From $ 26
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
Reunification Palace
The Reunification Palace is an important site of political and cultural significance, built by the French in 1868 to mark the newly established colony of Indochina.
In 1945, it briefly became the headquarters for the Japanese after their defeat of the French. In 1962, two Vietnamese rebel pilots bombed the palace - the president survived but the palace did not. He commissioned a new one to be built. It was renamed Independence Palace and the design became a Modernist icon.
In 1975 the palace was the symbolic site of the triumphant liberation of Saigon. Vietnam was then reunified; since then the building has been known as Reunification Palace.
Today it is a working government building as well as having areas open to the public. Tour the private quarters, the president's former office and the War Command Room. You get a real sense of what happened here and its importance in Vietnamese history.
Practical Info
Situated in the heart of District 1 , a short walk from Ben Thanh market - follow Le Loi away from the market circle and turn left onto Nam Ky Khoi Nghia.
Don't miss the maze of basement rooms, where informative movies are screened continuously.
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily 7:30am - 11am (closes for lunch), re-opens 1pm - 4pm
Admission: VND 15,000
From $ 9
Quang Ninh Museum
Quang Ninh Museum is housed in a striking modern building located along the coast of Halong Bay. Spread across three blocks, the structure includes the main museum, a library, and a convention center, all connected by an overhead bridge system. The ground floor is dedicated to the flora and fauna of the region, and the second floor focuses on the history of the province, with displays of US wartime military and some fascinating ancient artifacts dating back to 2000 BC. The third floor of the museum is predominantly about the coal industry in the province, covering its history with stories of the miners and displays of various artifacts.
To get a real insight into the history and culture of this region, join a full-day Halong City tour and visit all of the important landmarks, such as Hon Gai Church, Long Tien Pagoda, and Quang Ninh Museum. If you’re short on time, you can include a visit to the museum on a private half-day Halong City tour, where you can enjoy the stunning views over Halong Bay from Bai Tho Mountain — the highest point in the city.
Practical Info
Quang Ninh Museum is located along the shoreline of Halong City. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm, but is closed on Mondays and from 11:30am to 2pm daily.
Did You Know? The museum building was designed by Spanish architect, Salvador Perez Arroyo. It is made up of 14,000 square-meters of dark glass panels that act as a giant mirror reflecting back the natural beauty of Halong Bay.
Address: Tran Quoc Nghien, Halong City, North Vietnam, Vietnam
Hours: Tues–Sun: 9am–6pm; (Closed from 11:30am to 2pm daily)
Admission: 30,000 VND
From $ 54
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
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
Sao Beach
There’s little to do at Sao Beach (Bai Sao), on Phu Quoc Island’s southern tip, and that is precisely its appeal. Among the Island’s—and some say, the country’s—most beautiful beaches, Sao Beach is little more than a thin strip of fine, white sand flowing into a clear shallow bay, a shape that earned it the nickname Fingernail Beach. The sliver of sand affords enough space for sunbathing and, occasionally, a beach volleyball game, while the hilly jungle interior looms large behind—a fringe of palms forms the boundary with a few bending toward the sea to lend shade. Small dining shacks share the sand by positioning their plastic chairs and umbrellas waterside—the perfect vantage for watching bobbing boats or splashing children.
Practical Info
There are only two basic hotel/hostels on Sao Beach, which means it’s a lot less crowded than popular Long Beach—and visitors have to work to get here. To do so, you’ll have to either rent and drive your own motorbike (from $5-$12 per day), or hire a taxi for the day for around $35USD. Though it’s pricier than paying for two one-way taxi trips, if you’re heading via taxi we’d recommend the full-day option as taxis can sometimes be scarce near the beach. Sao Beach is down a dirt road just north of Dam Beach and both are a few kilometers from the southern port town of An Thoi. Note that because of the beach’s remote location, the seaside restaurants tend to be a bit pricier than other Island locations.
Address: Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
From $ 60
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
Tam Giang Lagoon
Stretching 700 km along the Thua Thien-Hue seashore, Tam Giang is the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia with over 300,000 Vietnamese living along its shores. Just 15 km from Hue, it’s a popular place to enjoy Vietnamese rural life and go out on a fishing boat with a local, learning traditional Vietnamese fishing methods along the way. At dusk, you’ll see traps being set to collect fish and shrimps before dawn the next day, and women working hard in the water to collect the oysters and clams which are then sold at the local markets.
Popular fishing villages to visit include Ngu My Thanh, Bao La, and Tan My: learn about daily life on the banks of the lagoon, take a boat trip, sleep overnight on a homestay, or learn how local women making fishing nets and pick up the art of bamboo weaving -- there’s plenty to do on the banks of Tam Giang Lagoon. If you go to Ngu My Thanh village, be sure to visit the traditional floating market which is open in the early mornings.
A photographer’s dream, Tam Giang Lagoon is also famous for its biodiversity -- look out for lake-loving birds and flora while you’re here, and of course, try fresh seafood like squid, clams, crab and shrimp fresh from the lake at one of the cottages lining the lagoon.
Practical Info
Fifteen kilometers from Hue, Tam Giang Lagoon is huge, so consider making your base at one of the fishing villages like Ngu My Thanh, Bao La, or Tan My, and exploring from there.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 54
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
Sapa
The capital of Sa Pa District in the Lao Cai province of Vietnam, Sapa and its surroundings are home to eight cultural minorities, including H'mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, Muong, Thai, Hoa, and Xa Pho. As there are numerous markets in Sapa as well as locals selling their wares on the streets, a good chance for interacting with these people is by perusing their local goods. Sapa is known for its embroidery, so if you’re looking for an authentic local souvenir this is a good idea.
Along with being home to an array of rich cultures, the mountain town of Sapa is a haven for hikers. Sapa resides in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is home to Indochina’s highest peak, Fansipan at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). Spend some time exploring the mountain scenery, rice terrace and farms through treks like the one to the ethnic Cat Cat village or Y Linh Ho. All around Sapa there are booths where you’ll be able to pick up hiking maps that are easy to read, so you’ll have plenty of options for scenic hikes.
Along with being home to an array of rich cultures, the mountain town of Sapa is a haven for hikers. Sapa resides in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is home to Indochina’s highest peak, Fansipan at 3,143 meters (10,312 feet). Spend some time exploring the mountain scenery, rice terrace and farms through treks like the one to the ethnic Cat Cat village or Y Linh Ho. All around Sapa there are booths where you’ll be able to pick up hiking maps that are easy to read, so you’ll have plenty of options for scenic hikes.
Address: Sapa, Vietnam
From $ 57
Saigon River
The Saigon River, the fast-flowing main artery of Ho Chi Minh City, is flanked by both modern skyscrapers and rural villages that give insight into old Vietnamese traditions. Used by locals to escape the urban bustle, the riverbanks are dotted with picnic benches and greenery, making for a pleasant refuge from the metropolitan mania of Saigon.
The Basics
The best way to experience the Saigon River, and to get a different perspective of Ho Chi Minh City from the water, is during a cruise on either a traditional Vietnamese junk boat or speedboat. Most tours depart just before sunset, when the evening light casts a magical glow on diverging waterways and floating villages, and include free-flowing alcoholic drinks and Vietnamese-style dishes. If you have limited time, speedboat tours along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels are a popular choice.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Saigon River is a must for all visitors to Ho Chi Minh City, and romantic sunset river cruises are ideal for couples.
- Combine sightseeing with traveling by using the river to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- If cruising, bring sunscreen and a hat, as some boats don’t provide shade.
How to Get There
The Saigon River twists and turns throughout most of Ho Chi Minh City, so wherever you are in Saigon, you’re bound to be close to the river. Most cruise tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you the hassle of making your way to the river yourself.
When to Get There
Sunrise and sunset are undoubtedly the most atmospheric times to experience the Saigon River. In southern Vietnam, the rainy season falls between May and November; visit outside of these months for cooler temperatures and far fewer downpours.
The Best Wandering Along the Saigon River
With its hurtling mopeds and dense traffic, Ho Chi Minh City doesn’t lend itself well to leisurely walking. However, if you follow the path from Ton Duc Thang Street along the Saigon River, you’ll find a refreshingly uncluttered path that reveals French colonial naval buildings, local fishing traditions, the old Saigon banking district, and much more.
Address: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 35
Saigon Opera House
The Saigon Opera House, aka Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theater, is a landmark piece of French colonial architecture. (Saigon was the colonial name for Ho Chi Minh City.) Built in 1897, it is home to the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra, but is best known for evening cultural shows, such as A O and Teh Dar.
The Basics
The Saigon Opera House is an easy walk from other colonial-era masterpieces, including the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Basilica. As a landmark building, it’s a regular stop on Ho Chi Minh City tours. The only way to experience the interior is to buy tickets for a performance. Some Saigon Opera House ticket packages include round-trip transfers.
Cultural performances, such as the A O Show and Teh Dar, typically blend acrobatics, dance, drama, and tribal or folk elements. The Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra offers classical concerts, opera, ballet, modern dance, and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cultural shows at the Saigon Opera House are a must for fans of acrobatics.
- Architecture buffs should sign up for the short theater tours before each performance.
- Ticket prices vary according to not only the show but also seat class.
How to Get There
An easy walk from other District 1 attractions, including the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Opera House sits on Lam Son Square. The 49 bus stops here, as do some hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tours. The Grab app takes the strain out of negotiating with motorbike and 4-wheeled taxi drivers in Ho Chi Minh City.
When to Get There
As with other Vietnam tourist attractions, the Saigon Opera House gets insanely busy over the Vietnamese New Year (Tet) holidays. Evening is the best time to appreciate the spectacular 19th-century facade, which is dressed up in lights, and, of course, to enjoy a performance. Book ahead of time when reserving show tickets for weekends.
The Colorful Past of Saigon Opera House
Designed by French architects in the Belle Epoque style, the Saigon Opera House opened to the public in 1900 under the name of Theatre de Saigon. Theater companies from both France and Vietnam performed. After being damaged during World War II, it served variously as a theater, a refuge for French citizens, and home to part of the government of South Vietnam.
Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
From $ 15
Tao Dan Park
Located just south of The Independence Palace, Tao Dan Park is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s largest and most serene parks known for the more than 1,000 large and mature trees that populate the space. The park is home to unique plant sculptures of various animals like dragons and tigers and replicas of Nha Trang's Cham Tower and Hung King Temple. The street Truong Dinh bisects the park, and on the northeast side of the street, you can find a modern sculpture garden.
Many locals visit the park early in the morning to walk or practice tai chi, and the nearby Tao Dan Cafe is known as the “bird café” for the groups of birdkeepers who congregate here to show off their cages of songbirds. At the northern corner of the park, you can see the historic building of the former Cercle Sportif, a colonial-era French sporting club that is now the Worker’s Club, with a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Practical Info
Tao Dan Park is located in District 1 near the center of Ho Chi Minh City, about a 14-minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It’s open 24 hours a day and free for all to visit.
Address: Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Thành, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 40
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
Tan Ky House
If Hoi An is where old Vietnam meets new, then Tan Ky House is the city’s nod to its most idyllic past. This well-preserved 18th century private home allows contemporary travelers a look into the life of Vietnamese merchants more than 200 years ago. Visitors can interact with the home’s current occupants. Anthropology lovers will appreciate the Chinese and Japanese artwork, as well as the watermarked walls—evidence of the structure and the family’s ability to persevere over Mother Nature.
Practical Info
Enjoy a cup of tea and take advantage of local
storytellers who can provide informative details about the history of
the home and the artwork it contains. Don’t miss the only Confucious Tea
Cup in the country, which is housed in Tan Ky. A single $5 USD ticket
gets you entry to any five heritage sites you choose.
Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An, Vietnam
Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission: Admission by Old Town ticket
From $ 21
Stone Church (Nha Tho Nui)
The towering spire of Stone Church—a cathedral that’s known by many names to locals—can be seen from almost anywhere in Nha Trang. Despite how it’s humbly known, this stunning stone structure is one of the most striking architectural wonders in this Vietnamese city and a nod to European influence in this land that’s otherwise filled with Hindu and Buddhist temples.
The church’s clock tower sits high above a beautiful archway with a circular window inlaid with stained glass. And while the exterior of this church is undeniably beautiful, it’s the towering interior that’s worth marveling at. Two separate paths lead visitors to the entrances of Stone Church and names of the dead are carved along the way in a call for prayers.
Practical Info
Stone Church is located in the center of the city on the way to Supermarket MaxiMark. Services do not take place in English.
Address: Vietnam
From $ 65