Vietnam, a relatively new tourist destination, has already won the hearts of travelers with its distinctive culture, amazing natural landscapes, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. They come here not only to see the sights of Vietnam with their own eyes, but also to relax their souls and get real relaxation. So what is the first thing to see in Vietnam? What should I include in the list of places to visit?
What to see in Vietnam first of all
Staying in such an exotic country requires special attention to the organization of the excursion program. Guides in Vietnam may offer questionable travel options, but with our list of the most famous tourist sites, you will be able to avoid communicating with scammers and return completely satisfied after your vacation.
1. The Mekong Delta (South Vietnam)
The exoticism of Vietnamese life
The southern part of the country, little developed by tourists, is characterized by amazing nature. There are many interesting places here that are worth seeing with your own eyes. Excursions in Ho Chi Minh City in this region are characterized by low cost and are excellent for novice travelers. The Mekong Delta, located in the southern part of the country, is a truly exotic place. It attracts tourists like a magnet. It will take about 1-3 days to explore the sights of Vietnam located here.
Ho Chi Minh City is located in the eastern part of the delta, so it is not surprising that both tourists and locals love this place. Phu Quoc Island is also located here in this area. A trip along the river will provide the most positive impressions for a long time. After that, you can rent a junk and swim between the islands, of which there are many. Each of them is interesting in itself. For example, you can visit a factory that produces coconut candies. At the beginning of the trip along the delta, you can take a leisurely stroll along the shores, where the floating houses of local residents are located.
Vietnam | Hotels at competitive prices
Booking.com
2. Mu An Hot springs (central part of Vietnam, Hue)
Wellness holidays at the Mi An Hue Riverside Resort hot springs
You can explore the sights of Vietnam with benefits for your own health. Especially if you take a trip to the Mu An hot springs. They are located in Hue, which is located in the central part of the country.
The thermal springs are conveniently located and close to common tourist routes. To visit them, you need to drive only 7 km away from the city. The temperature in the springs is about 52 degrees. Directly in the pool itself – no more than 42 degrees. These springs are very popular among local residents. Water is useful for skin diseases and skin damage. This place is also curative for people suffering from digestive disorders, as well as for allergy sufferers. The air contains negatively charged ions. The smell of water is not very pleasant (the aroma of hydrogen sulfide), but you can drink it. It is believed that it helps with constipation and flatulence. The resort has a spa complex and a restaurant, as well as a cozy hotel.
3. Hang Nga Guest House, or Madhouse (Dalat Resort)
One of the strangest hotels in the world
A trip to this exotic country should be made in comfort. When planning a trip and deciding what to visit in Vietnam, it is necessary to determine the place of residence. If you want to literally find yourself in a fairy tale, then the Hang Nga Guest House is what you need. This non-standard hotel resembles a tree “overgrown” with architectural forms. The idea of creating such an unusual hotel belongs to the architect Dang Viet Nga. Therefore, you should definitely pay attention to this fantastic structure.
The exterior of the hotel looks like a surreal object. The overall impression is especially complemented by unusual windows-openings made in different shapes. The hotel itself is located in the hollow of a huge tree, and its buildings are made in the form of strange animals, more like a giraffe and a spider. Despite the strange name “Madhouse”, it is an object that attracts tourists. This unusual hotel is located in the resort town of Dalat. Its rooms are comfortable and comfortable. By staying here, you can really take a trip to a fairy tale.
Official website: https://www.crazyhouse.vn
4. Halong Bay (Hanoi)
The fabulous beauty of Halong Bay
The country is famous for its unique landscapes, original cuisine and quite an interesting history. The sights of Vietnam will amaze even the most sophisticated travelers. One example is Halong Bay.
According to an ancient legend, a large dragon once lived in the place where the bay is now located. One day, leaving traces of its powerful paws and tail on the ground, the monster went to sea. The hollows eventually filled with water. Only the land where the dragon had not set foot remained on the surface. It has been preserved to this day. Now these islets are the main decoration of the bay.
The bay covers about 1,500 km2. There are countless caves, rocks and cliffs on its territory. Is it worth talking about the islands, which, according to scientists, are more than 3,000?
Three sites in the bay are considered the most popular among tourists:
- An acoustic grotto in which, in windy weather, you can enjoy unusual sounds. A grotto of stone pillars, inside which there is a source of fresh water. Kuang Han Grotto, which is about 1,300 m long.
Halong Bay is a place where you can enjoy the beautiful views and get to know the secrets and mysteries of the past better.
5. Khai Dinh Tomb (Chau Chu Mountain, Hue)
Sculptural composition in the Courtyard of Honor of the Imperial Tomb
The sights of Vietnam introduce tourists not only to nature, but also to local history. This is confirmed by the tomb of Khai Dinh. It cannot boast of its size, unlike other similar structures. However, there is something to see here – amazing architecture and a very unusual design.
During the construction of the tomb, everything was thought out to the smallest detail. The process of its construction took 11 years. The emperor buried here devoted his whole life to the struggle for freedom and independence of the state, for its development.
Before the visitor gets inside the building, he passes 36 steps and the Court of Honor, in which there are sculptures of the emperor’s courtiers. But this is not its peculiarity. The mosaic made of glass and porcelain, as well as the praise pavilion, attracts more attention.
The tomb itself is not ignored. There is a gilded box in it, around which there are beautiful engravings and lanterns. You can visit the tomb from the very morning until 5 p.m.
Hue city, near which the landmark is located, was once the capital of Vietnam (during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty).
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Vietnam!
6. Christ the Giant (Vung Tau)
The Giant Christ is the tallest monument in Vietnam
The sights of Vietnam cover not only nature and history, but also religion. A great example is the statue of Jesus Christ, located in Vung Tau. In fact, it is an analogue of the monument from Rio de Janeiro.
This landmark is located just 100 m from the coast on a low mountain. She appeared in 1974. But the entrance for tourists was opened only 20 years later. The construction of the statue was sponsored by the Catholic community of Vietnam.
The arms of Christ spread apart by 18 m, the height of the monument reaches 32 m. There are 133 steps inside, climbing which you can get to the observation deck. It offers views of the city and the sea. To get to the statue, you need to climb 500 meters (811 steps).
The Christian community, to which the landmark owes its existence, was founded by the Portuguese in the XVI century. However, it was not widely used then. Everything changed a century later with the arrival of the Jesuits in these parts. Thanks to their activities, the community now numbers about 8,000,000 people. They are the main keepers and visitors of the unique statue and the observation deck located on it.
7. Bao Dai Villas (Nha Trang)
Bao Dai Villas are an example of French colonial architecture by Lyn Gateley
Many tourists, coming here for the first time, ask a very relevant question: what to see in Vietnam? The answer is simple – cultural and architectural monuments, temple complexes, beautiful beaches, natural parks can amaze even the most fastidious tourists. They hide secrets from the past and the centuries-old history of the state. One example is the villas of Bao Dai.
The villas are a complex of five buildings surrounded by an incredibly beautiful park. They were built back in the 20s of the last century under the direction of the French architect A. Cream. The author of the park was a local gardener. Unfortunately, his name has not been preserved.
The name of this place came from the name of Emperor Bao Dai, who used it as his summer residence. The villas remained in this status for many more years. This contributed to the fact that both the buildings themselves and the park remained in good condition.
The complex is currently open to tourists. Everyone can visit the museum, restaurant, park and beach. In addition, vacationers have the opportunity to stay in a comfortable hotel.
Luxury and sophistication still reign in the villas of Bao Dai. Visitors can look at household items, clothes and personal belongings of the emperor’s family. They can try on some outfits and sit on the throne.
8. Cham Temple Towers (Nha Trang, Ku Lao Mountain)
Temple complex for Hindus and Buddhists
Ku Lao Mountain offers a view of the whole of Nha Trang. The famous sights of Vietnam – the Cham Temple Towers of Po Nagar – also stand proudly there. Externally, they look like quite modern buildings, but in fact their history began more than 1000 years ago.
The Cham Towers are part of a complex that was built during the period of the kingdom of Champa (hence the name). According to local residents, this area is sacred. Therefore, rituals and ceremonies are held here.
Visitors will be able to see only four of the dozen towers, the rest simply have not been preserved. They are different both in style and in size. Each Cham tower is used to serve a separate deity.
The north tower is considered the most important, it is also the tallest. The height of the building is almost 30 m. It was intended to worship the queen mother named Po-Nagar. At the entrance to the tower, you can see a sculpture of Shiva on a bull. Inside there is a twenty-meter statue of the goddess Po-Nagar herself.
Those who plan to visit this complex should take care of their clothes in advance. You can only go there barefoot, without a headdress, with your shoulders and knees covered. If necessary, you can take robes near the entrance.
9. Tien Mu Pagoda (Hue)
The seven-tiered pagoda is a beautiful ancient structure
Tien Mu Pagoda was founded back in 1601. Its name means “heavenly fairy”. It is connected with an ancient legend. One day an elderly woman appeared on the mountain. She informed people that the mountain was sacred, and after that she rose into the sky. The foundation of the pagoda was laid at the place indicated by her.
Since then, the building has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. During the reign of one of the emperors, it acquired seven tiers (total height 20 m). In this form, the pagoda has been preserved to our time. The seven tiers symbolize the incarnations of the Buddha.
There is a beautiful garden around Tien Mu, which has sculptures, pavilions, a pond with orchids and a sea of other flowers. And that’s not all that’s worth looking at. The guides in Hue will definitely show you a huge bell, which weighs up to three tons. They will also pay attention to the collection of bronze products that are on display in one of the pavilions.
All visitors to the pagoda have the opportunity to look down at the Fragrant River. And they can also feel the atmosphere that has reigned in the holy place for several centuries.
10. Monkey Island (Nha Trang)
The aborigine of Monkey Island
The sights of Vietnam can be listed for a long time. These are architectural, religious, and cultural monuments. This can also include the incredible beauty of nature. Each of the significant places has its own special history. One example is Monkey Island, located about 20 km from Nha Trang. This attraction got its name from the large number of monkeys that live there. According to scientists, there are about 2,000 of them on the island.
In the past, there was a nursery on the island. Animals were bred in it for further shipment to different countries of the world. After that, the nursery was closed, and hundreds of monkeys became the rightful owners of the entire island. Almost all of them are friendly towards tourists. Monkeys are happy to take treats from people’s hands, allowing them to take a photo with them as a keepsake. But sometimes they can be aggressive, snatching cameras, food, glasses, etc. out of their hands.
In addition to communicating with animals, tourists have many more options to see in Vietnam. They can enjoy relaxing on local beaches, shopping, and try Vietnamese dishes at restaurants. Monkey Island has everything you need for a good holiday for both adults and children.
Official website: https://longphutourist.com
Sights of Vietnam: what else to visit while in Vietnam
Excursions in Vietnam are amazing in their diversity, and there are programs for any category of vacationers: extreme athletes, families with children, the elderly, young people and lovers of ancient relics. All that is required of you to guarantee yourself an amazing time in this country is to know which places you would like to go!
11. Mai Son Temple Complex (Da Nang)
Mai Song Architectural Monument
The list of things to visit in Vietnam continues with the architectural monument – Mai Son. This is a place where countless secrets of the past are hidden. Throughout its existence, it has been exposed to dangers. For example, during the war in Indochina, the sanctuary of the temple complex was looted. In the late 70s of the last century, the main temples were destroyed during the bombing. Only a few buildings have survived to our time. Tourists can see the layout of their location at the entrance. Only one temple was restored. All the rest are piles of bricks and other building materials, densely overgrown with grass.
Many people think that all these sights of Vietnam are superficially similar. However, upon closer examination, it turns out that this is not the case. Each building played its own role: some were used for rituals, others offered sacrifices, and others contained untold treasures.
Almost every building in Mai Son has a tower. It was believed that their height testified to the strength and greatness of the king. And not only the height – the sculptures and bas-reliefs, incredible in their beauty, also spoke of the glory of the ruler. Excavations in the temple complex are still underway.
12. Kuchi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh city)
The labyrinths of the underground village
The Heap Tunnels are the sights of Vietnam, reminiscent of the events of the time of American expansion. In another way, they are called the underground village. And for good reason, since the tunnels stretched for more than 180 km. For 15 years they were dug with the help of improvised means.
What to see in Vietnam in the tunnels of the Heap:
- A documentary about how people lived here during the war. He talks not only about everyday life, but also about the exploits that ordinary people performed. One example is local craftsmen who made powerful bombs from fallen shells. The layout of the tunnels. Shooting range. Here you can shoot with a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Jungles. According to the testimony of tourists, the guide offers to find the entrance to the tunnel system on their own. It is almost impossible to do this, since the hole is hidden in the ground. It is so small that a person with a clothing size of no more than 44 can enter it. Currently, many entrances, and the tunnels themselves, have been expanded so that more tourists can touch the history.
In addition to excursions, everyone can visit the beach. There are several of them: family, lazy, surfer and others.
Official website: http://en.diadaocuchi.com.vn/
13. Museum of War Victims (Ho Chi Minh city)
An exhibit of a shocking museum
What to see in Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City? You can start your acquaintance with local attractions from the Museum of War Victims. It is located in the very center of the city, and you can walk to it from Pham Gu Lao Street. This is one of the most visited places by tourists. The cost of an entrance ticket is about 15 thousand dong, which in terms of rubles is about 24.
The sight that opens to the visitor leads to a state of shock, but it is necessary to visit such sights of Vietnam. The museum’s exposition is represented by cages where prisoners were kept, instruments of torture, and a guillotine. There are tanks, planes and other military equipment from the war in the courtyard. You can touch and look inside military equipment, but climbing on it is not allowed by the rules. The halls feature photographs depicting the victims of those events. The real weapon, which is part of the exposition, is amazing. Sad statistics about people affected by the war are also presented here.
Official website: https://www.baotangchungtichchientranh.vn
14. White dunes and Lotus Lake (Mui Ne, Phan Thiet)
Lotus Lake among the white dunes
When going on a trip, it is advisable to plan your route in advance and decide which sights of Vietnam you would like to see. One of the interesting places are the White Dunes and Lotus Lake, located in the vicinity of the village of Mui Ne. The distance from this small settlement to the destination of the trip is about 30 kilometers. It is most convenient to overcome it on a bike, which can be rented here. If desired, you can book an excursion here.
If a tourist has come to rest in the country for the first time and does not yet know what to visit in Vietnam, then you need to go straight here. It is better to start the journey in the morning, in this case you will not have to travel all the way in the heat. Entry to the territory of the White Dunes is paid, but the ticket price is only 15,000 dong. The incredibly beautiful picture that appears before your eyes fully justifies both the long journey and the money spent. The sight is so incredible that it gives the impression that a person is not in Vietnam, but in the African desert. There are almost no people here, and you can think about your own in solitude, enjoy solitude. In the middle of the dunes there is a Lotus lake, amazing with the beauty of delicate flowers.
15. Pepper plantations (Hutuong)
Pepper plantation on Phu Quoc Island Tonbi ko
You can make an exciting trip to Phu Quoc Island, where the famous pepper plantation is located. This route has only recently begun to be mastered by tourists. There is practically no infrastructure here, but the island has preserved its unique nature. Such sights of Vietnam are a must-visit. You can go to the plantation on your own or as part of an excursion group.
Pepper, which is grown here, has special taste qualities and is considered the best in the world. The locals call Phu Quoc the kingdom of pepper, and, by the way, not in vain. This plant is grown almost all over the island, but the largest plantation is located in Hutuong. Here you can take photos against the background of real pepper bushes. The height of the plants reaches about 3 meters. In order to harvest, workers often have to use ladders. The harvest time lasts from February to July. The plantation is open to the public daily from eight in the morning to five in the evening.
16. Golden Bridge (near Da Nang)
Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills Resort near Da Nang
The Golden Bridge, the newest object that appeared in the summer of 2018, is certainly worthy of entering the top attractions of Vietnam. The golden-colored bridge hovered over a picturesque mountain landscape at an altitude of 1400 meters above sea level, so throughout its entire 150 meters, leaning on the railing, you can view the panoramas of the mountainous area of Ba Na Hill. By the way, this place was a favorite recreation area of the French authorities ruling here at the beginning of the last century. The entire bridge structure rests on the edge of a deciduous rock and from a distance looks like a strip of gold floating above the treetops and going somewhere into the sky. And perhaps the main highlight of this structure is that the canvas of the bridge is carefully “supported” by giant stone hands — the image of the caring hands of God.
17. The Forbidden Purple City (Tu Kam Thanh)
The palace in the Forbidden Purple City in the Vietnamese city of Hue
Something interesting in Vietnam can also be found in the city of Hue – which is only worth the so—called Forbidden Purple City, an excursion to which takes you to a completely different time, five centuries ago. At that time, a beautiful palace complex was created, intended for the family of the emperor and his concubines. During its existence, the palace town managed to become famous for its unprecedented luxury, which only emperors and their entourage could afford. Unfortunately, the war with the United States caused significant damage to the town, as a result of which most of the buildings were destroyed. Nowadays, tourists have the opportunity to visit some of the preserved parts of the complex — for example, the restored Royal Theater, the Imperial Library, as well as one of the buildings where the collection of imperial clothes and ancient photographs is kept.
18. Michon Temple Complex (Quang Nam Province)
Ruins of the Michon Temple Complex in the jungles of Quang Nam Province
About 70 km from Da Nang, you can see the remains of the ancient Hindu complex Michon. It was built in those immemorial times when the ancient state of Champa existed on the territory of Vietnam — it was from about the 7th to the 17th century. All that remains of the once large prosperous principality is this ruined temple complex. Michonne consists of several zones suitable for study. The first is the main temple itself, which has been preserved to this day better than other structures. The second is a place, more than others, dotted with remnants of bombs, and the third is a modern part obtained as a result of the restoration of structures. The modern buildings of the temple in this area completely repeat the features and appearance of the structures that existed here before.
19. Hanoi Citadel (Hanoi)
One of the palaces of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi
Vietnam can be divided into northern, southern and central parts. And if the southern cities are famous for excellent conditions for beach holidays, resort towns and a tropical climate, then the north of Vietnam is known for its pristine nature and ancient architectural monuments. What to see in Hanoi? In fact, this northern city has concentrated many interesting places, among which is the Hanoi Citadel, the largest landmark in the country by area. On the territory of the fortress, you can visit a lot of structures from different times: palaces, gates, museums, a number of archaeological sites — excavations are still underway here. The citadel was founded in 1010, and for many years it served as the political center of the country. However, the oldest surviving building today is the foundation of the Kinthien Palace, founded in 1467.
Official website: https://www.hoangthanhthanglong.vn
20. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Hanoi)
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum at Badinh Square in Hanoi
One of the most visited sites in Hanoi is the tomb of the first North Vietnamese president, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is located on Badin Square, from where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the country’s independence in 1945. The president himself, who had previously bequeathed to cremate his body after death, died exactly on the day of the next anniversary of the declaration of independence. The successors still did not fulfill the will and embalmed his body, which was kept in a secret place for several years, and after another 6 years it was placed in the walls of the newly opened mausoleum. The mausoleum building is almost 20 meters high and includes 3 tiers: on the first there is a zone for official speeches of political leaders, on the second there is a funeral hall where the body of the Vietnamese president is kept, on the third tier there is a panoramic platform from where windows overlook the park that stretches around the mausoleum.
21. The tomb of Emperor Ty Duc (Hue)
The tomb of Emperor Ty Dyk was built in the 60s of the XIX century
The lake on the territory of the tomb of the Emperor Ty Dyka
A trip to central Vietnam can also open up a lot of new experiences. Reviews indicate that in the city of Hue, the most famous landmark is the tomb of Emperor Ty Duc. It is the largest of the seven tombs by area, located on the banks of the Fragrant River a few kilometers from the city, and is a complex consisting of several buildings — steles, gates, pavilions, gardens, triple pagodas and the grave itself. The whole complex is located in a picturesque area with a lake, some of its structures are located in the thickest part of the forest. Work on the construction of the tomb began during the emperor’s lifetime and lasted for 13 years. Initially, there were about 50 structures on this territory, but today only about a dozen have been preserved. The main role in the decoration is wood carving — almost all parts of the single ensemble of the tomb are decorated with carved elements.
22. Long Shon Pagoda (White Buddha) (Nha Trang)
Long Son Pagoda is the main Buddhist temple of Khanh Hoa Province in southern Vietnam
14-meter statue of a seated Buddha made of white stone on a lotus flower on a hill at the foot of Mount Traityu
Religious sites of Vietnam also find their rightful place in the tourist list, Nha Trang is proof of this. There is a beautiful pagoda in this city, which is the main Buddhist temple of Khanh Hoa province. Originally, the pagoda, erected at the end of the 19th century, towered on Mount Traityu, but the strongest storm of 1900 significantly damaged the structure, after which the pagoda was moved to the foot of the mountain where it is located to this day. And the place on the top of the mountain has since been occupied by a giant statue of Buddha sitting on a lotus flower. The complex is surrounded by a picturesque fence in a traditional style, around the temple there is a magnificent garden with sculptures, fountains and an abundance of greenery. The pagoda itself is decorated in a traditional Asian style, with an abundance of lace decor. The interior is decorated with colorful ceramic tiles, wooden carvings and picturesque paintings.
23. Pagoda on one pillar (Hanoi)
Buddhist shrine in the center of Hanoi – Pagoda on one pillar
Hanoi pleases guests with another unusual monument, famous not only in the city, but throughout the country. This is a pagoda on a single pillar, the uniqueness of which lies in the fact that its entire structure is supported by a single pillar with a diameter of just over a meter. Despite its attractive appearance, this structure has a huge history — the pagoda was built in the 11th century by the emperor in honor of the deity Avalokiteshvara, who appeared to him in a dream, and then gave him a son. It is worth noting that originally the pagoda, erected in the center of the lotus pond, was wooden, but in 1954 it was destroyed by the French during the hostilities. What we see today is a reconstruction, assembled a year later from the remaining debris. However, a number of ancient buildings have been preserved in the surrounding area — for example, the triple gate, the ancestor worship hall and the garden tower.
24. The Cathedral (Nha Trang)
French Gothic Cathedral in Nha Trang
The attention of tourists in Nha Trang is attracted by the majestic Cathedral building, located on a hill and well-viewed from almost anywhere in the city. St. Mary’s Cathedral is also notable for being the main Catholic diocese in the country — I must say that Catholicism is the most widespread religion in the south of Vietnam. For the construction of the cathedral in the 20s of the last century, fundamental work was carried out to demolish the top of the cliff on which construction was planned – about 500 mines were blown up here. As a result, we managed to achieve a perfectly flat area of 4,500 square meters. m is at the top, and in a few years a magnificent building has grown. Its design traces elements of Gothic architecture, which are recognizable in the stained glass windows, the bell tower and the wide curved dome inside the hall.
25. Hanoi Cathedral (Hanoi)
St. Joseph’s Neo-Gothic Cathedral in Hanoi
The oldest temple in Hanoi is the cathedral of the late 19th century, decorated in the Neo-Gothic style and somewhat reminiscent of the French Notre Dame. It is the most important religious site for both Catholics in Hanoi and adherents of this religion throughout the country. It was built during the French colonial regime on the site of a former Buddhist pagoda designed by a French architect. Since Vietnam gained independence, the cathedral has been going through hard times — it was in disrepair, its property was plundered, and priests were arrested, and only in 1900 the first Christmas Mass was held here. The cathedral is crowned by two tall bell towers, the interior is represented by rich stained glass windows and frescoes, as well as Vietnamese decorations, which make up an unusual addition to the thematic decoration.
26. Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city)
Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon in downtown Ho Chi Minh City
For travelers going to the south of Vietnam, what is the first thing to see? Ho Chi Minh City is one of the southernmost cities in the country, which is also distinguished by its religious monuments. And against the background of Buddhist structures familiar to the eye, a Catholic church in the Neo—Romanesque style with Gothic elements stands out – the Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon, a kind of double of the French Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris. Initially, the temple, built by the French colonists, according to their plan was to become an ideological symbol of the greatness of Western civilization. This explains the impressive size of the cathedral and its monumentality. The building is crowned by two bell towers almost 60 meters high, topped with Gothic spires, and inside the spacious halls there is a very simple, bright and airy interior, which is transformed by the rays of the sun passing through the colored mosaic of stained glass windows.
27. Marble Mountains (Da Nang)
Panorama of the Marble Mountains in Da Nang Guerretto
One of the most visited places in central Vietnam is located a few kilometers from Da Nang — right in the middle of the flat terrain there are five cliffs overgrown with trees and shrubs. The Marble Mountains got their name due to the fact that marble was once mined in this area, and even earlier they were islands in the middle of the sea. Today, in these mountains, you can visit a number of interesting sites — for example, natural caves with Buddhist shrines and pagodas inside, as well as observation decks from which you can admire the panoramas of the city. Currently, only one of the mountains is equipped for tourism — the highest, Thuyshon. Walking paths are laid on it, steps are made, places for recreation are equipped, and whole halls with decorative lighting are organized in the caves.
28. Lake of the Returned Sword (Hanoi)
Turtle Tower on the Lake of the Returned Sword in Hanoi
The top Vietnamese attractions in Hanoi are complemented by a quiet, cozy and peaceful corner located in the heart of the city — Lake of the Returned Sword. In opposite parts of the lake, two small islands rise — according to legend, this is the body and head of a giant turtle, which once handed the emperor a sword with which he defeated the Chinese army and revived the ruling family of Le. On the island, representing the turtle’s body, there is an 18th-century Jade Mountain Temple, to which a classic Vietnamese bridge crosses the waters of the lake. On another island, personifying the head of a turtle, a Turtle Tower was erected at the end of the 19th century, which was built by a noble man to bury his father’s ashes in it. The elegant tower is especially transformed in the evenings, when a fascinating illumination lights up in it.
29. Cable car to Hong Che Island (Nha Trang)
A cable car over the sea connects Nha Trang with Hong Chek Island
Exploring the sights of Vietnam on the map, you can see that in the bay of Nya Chang there is a small island — Hong Che, whose area is only 25 square kilometers. In order to get to the island quickly from the coast of Nha Trang, a cable car has been laid here, which is considered the longest cable car over the sea. The funicular was developed by engineers from Europe, who managed to create a structure that is resistant even to earthquakes and tsunamis. One cabin of the funicular can take up to eight people to the island — tourists are even offered a kind of “aerial walk” by cable car over the sea for 20 minutes. The length of the road is 3.3 kilometers, and the height is about 70 meters above sea level.
30. Winperl Amusement Park (Hong Che Island)
Winperl Amusement Park Water Park in the picturesque Hong Che Bay in Nha Trang Muzzamo
Among the places for entertainment and recreation, there is also something to see in Vietnam. Phan Thiet, for example, is famous for its beach infrastructure, and water sports can be enjoyed in Nha Trang. By the way, in Nha Trang you can also visit the large Winperl Entertainment Park, which is as popular here as the Chinese Disneyland in Hong Kong. It is located on the island of Hong Che, where you can cross by cable car. Among the attractions of Winperl is a chic water park with a lot of different slides, an aquarium with exotic marine inhabitants fed by scuba divers, a hall with slot machines, a singing fountain show, trips on mountain electric sleds and much more. You can take advantage of all the possibilities of the amusement park by purchasing a round-trip funicular ticket in advance, which includes not only travel, but also unlimited access to attractions for one day. Read also about the most interesting sights of Indonesia and be inspired for your further journey through Asia!
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish