Things to Do in Vietnam

The Thap Ba Hot Springs are a destination for travelers who want to experience Vietnamese thermal mud baths as a reasonable rate. Travelers can choose from communal, individual or couple options and sit back and relax into the steaming hot mud of this ancient site. The relaxing oasis offers visitors access to several pools ideal for a quiet swim, as well as a nearby waterfall perfect for unwinding after a serious mineral soak. A couple of on-site restaurants, massage facilities and comfortable sun beds make Thap Ba Hot Springs the perfect place to spend an entire day. Travelers say the helpful staff knows little to no English, they’re still somehow able to always point visitors in the right direction.

Regarded as the unofficial symbol of Hue, Tien Mu Pagoda stands seven stories--the tallest monument in Vietnam. This working monastery was originally designed for Buddhist scholars, however it’s recently become known as a site for anti-communist protests. Thich Quang Duc was the first Buddhist clergy member to self-immolate and bring attention to the plight of his people. His actions inspired the artwork for a Rage Against the Machine album, raising awareness of injustice for a wider audience.

The Cholon neighborhood, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, is dotted with traditional Chinese-style pagodas and temples, including one of the neighborhood’s most popular places of worship, the Thien Hau Temple. Built by Cantonese immigrants in the early 19th century, this temple honors the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau (more commonly named Mazu).

Located on a busy street, it would be easy to walk right past Thien Hau, but it’s well worth stopping in to see the architecture and interior. On the outside, the temple roof is adorned with delicately worked porcelain figures depicting scenes from Chinese legend. You’ll find even more of these porcelain dioramas on the interior walls of the temple as well.

Before you even step through the exterior gate of the temple, the smells of burning incense should already be apparent. Dozens of huge conical coiled incense hang from the ceiling over the main worship area, permeating the space with a smoky haze and an intense odor.

It took nearly three years to build some 50 structures that make up the Tomb of Tu Duc, located 8 kilometers outside of Hue amid an expansive pine forest. The grounds are divided into two main parts—tomb and temple areas. Near the entrance visitors can wander the pavilion where the emperor once perched to compose poems and admire the flowers. This leads to his work station, and ultimately to his resting place. The impressive tomb, located just beyond the Honor Courtyard, houses a massive stone engraved with a narrative written by the Emperor himself.

Situated in the Forbidden City, just inside the Citadel’s entryway, this palace was constructed in 1805 and first used for the emperor’s coronation in 1806.  It later served as the meeting place between royalty and commoners, as well as for signing ceremonies and announcements of new laws. Visitors can cross the Trung Dao Bridge, over Thai Dich pond, into the Great Rites Court, where the emperor once received foreign ambassadors and conducted important international meetings. Stand at the exact center of the palace, where the royal throne was placed—and hear whispers from anywhere in the building, just as the emperor did when he held court.

Located 12 kilometers outside of Hue, the Tomb of Minh Mang honors the late Nguyen Dynasty emperor. Beautifully preserved gardens and flower-lined walkways make this picturesque tomb's entrance fee (about USD $5) worth the cost of admission. Tomb of Minh Mang is part of a large complex that sits on the west bank of the Perfume River and includes a summer home and lake. Photographers will love the scenic views and lush landscapes, while meditative sorts will appreciate the well-kept grounds and tranquil setting.

Constructed in 1804, this massive fortress designed for the Gia Long Emperor, is surrounded by a zigzag moat and defensive barrier that’s 21 meters thick. But visitors to this citadel-in-a-citadel-in-a-citadel won’t need to swim across rivers or scale towering walls to get a look inside. The Imperial Enclosure is accessible by crossing one of the 10 pedestrian bridges into the once royal land. Pass through Ngo Mon (Noon) Gate, once reserved for those in power, then wander through Flag Tower (Cot Co) and stare up at the nation’s tallest flagpole before weaving through the Nine Dynastic Urns representing different Nguyen kings.

Old-school farmers at Tra Que vegetable village in the Cam Ha Commune use traditional techniques to produce some of the region’s most unique crops. Guided farmland tours provide visitors with detailed explanations of growing seasons as well as opportunities to sample freshly-picked, local herbs. Rent bicycles and explore the scenic landscape of Tra Que, then stop off at independent workshops to purchase local crafts before enjoying a traditional dinner with a glass of regional peach wine.