The best resorts in Vietnam, where you should go on your own. What to see in Vietnam and what are the main attractionsMyVietHome What to see in Vietnam and what are the main attractions What to visit in Vietnam
Saigon, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hanoi - these are the great four of Vietnam, trampled far and wide by tourists of various stripes. The Internet is replete with lists of the main attractions of Vietnam, which begin with the raped Ha Long Bay and Son Doong Cave. And I have such a list, but where would I be without it?
But this time I want to talk to you about more interesting places that you can visit in Vietnam. Interesting in the sense that far fewer travelers know about them, and even fewer have been there. These Vietnam attractions are easy to miss if you don't know about them in advance and don't make an effort to find them. My top 10 is purely subjective, based on the severity of my personal impressions of what I saw. So let's get started.
Top 10 attractions of Vietnam with photos and descriptions
Sights of Hanoi, Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh Museum
This place seems like a dubious candidate to top the top 10 list, but to my deepest surprise, this attraction made the most lasting impression on me in Vietnam. Overshadowing even the long-suffering bay.
The museum was planned with the support of the Soviet Union in 1977, immediately after the end of the war with America. Direct construction began only in 1985 and was completed in 1990. At the same time, the museum was opened for the 100th anniversary of Uncle Ho, as the Vietnamese lovingly call the great Ho Chi Minh.
I was expecting a standard and dry presentation of Uncle Ho in a museum. You know how it usually happens - photographs, documents and artifacts from his life - boring. The first gallery looked exactly as I imagined for myself and you. But the top gallery literally stunned me.
It is conceived as a series of 8 installations on different themes, made in the tradition of radical experimental art of the 1970s. Some exhibits are incomprehensible. Others, like a white Ford Edsel emerging from a wall, or a still life of pineapple, banana and apples, which seem to have nothing to do with Ho Chi Minh, have deep symbolism. For example, the Edsel symbolizes America's failure in the war, and the pineapple... okay, the pineapple symbolizes the fruit, you need to see the whole still life to understand the meaning.
Other exhibits refer to the hardships endured by the Vietnamese during the war, many of which struck me with their precision and expressiveness. I still get goosebumps from the memories. And I'm not a sensitive young lady, just a minute. Therefore, even if you don’t like museums, but you’ll be in Hanoi, be sure to stop by. You will remember this event for a long time.
Sights of Da Nang, Vietnam
It's amazing how many travelers to Vietnam have never been to Da Nang. The fact is that it has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, delicious seafood and many interesting attractions in the surrounding area. It was a vacation spot for Americans during the war, and returning Americans say every inch of China Beach is as beautiful as it was then, but now much safer.
Nowadays, everyone heads to Hoi An first, without even thinking about staying in Da Nang. The fact is that Da Nang has a much less developed tourist infrastructure, so for many it remains just a strange transit point on the way to Hoi An, even despite a whole bunch of luxury hotels and resorts located along the beach.
But I was lucky enough to live here for a while. The most popular attractions in Da Nang are Ba Na Mountain Hill Station, a motorbike tour along the ridge of Monkey Mountain to Son Tra Peninsula, a day tour to Lang Co Beach in the north and, of course, Marble Mountain. - a truly beautiful and unique creation of nature.
Da Nang has many places to eat, drink and dance well. Their beaches are a mecca for surfers from all over the world, especially during the winter season. To get the most out of Da Nang, don’t be lazy to explore this city thoroughly, all the best places here are hidden and scattered throughout the city, but it’s worth the effort.
Bai Tu Long Bay
While everyone is rushing to my favorite Ha Long Bay (I’m not being sarcastic now, it’s a really beautiful bay, there will be an opportunity - look!), experienced travelers are booking tours to Bai Tu Long Bay. It is located almost in the same place as the famous Halong, only a little to the north and without crowds of tourists.
If you are not happy with the prospect of being squeezed into a boat with 30 other travelers, standing in line to see the caves and being harassed by sellers on boats, then take a better excursion to Bai Tu Long. The tour includes an overnight stay on the islands of Van Don or Quan Lan, which is not bad compared to Cat Ba, where not everything is as beautiful as we would like.
Hon Gai Peninsula
North of Nha Trang between Ninh Hoa and Tuy Hoa there is a place where I really want to return - the Hong Gai Peninsula. Highway AH1 is quite gloomy, but this particular section of the road from Nha Trang to Tuy Hoa is very picturesque, as you approach Tuy Hoa from the south, take a short detour to admire Vung Ro Bay and the peaks of Mount Da Bia Mountain).
Well, south of Tuy Hoa is my beloved Hongai. Essentially it is an island connected to the mainland by a sandbar. The sand dunes here are two stories high and there are miles and miles of gorgeous empty beaches, most of which don't even have names. The best beach here is Dai Lanh. The accommodation here, of course, is not of the highest level and the tourist infrastructure leaves much to be desired, but that is why Hong Gai is a pearl in my collection of impressions from Vietnam. To explore the surrounding area properly, you better have your own transport. Fortunately, bikes are cheap here, and if you are going to live in Vietnam for some time, it is easier and cheaper to buy a bike than to rent.
Attractions of Hue, Vietnam - Bach Ma National Park
Anyone who comes to Hue can attest to how much cultural attractions and entertainment there is in this city. But I advise everyone to take a backpack and head towards Bach Ma Mountain for at least a day. There is a dangerous road leading to this high mountain, and the air above is thin and calm.
In good weather, the mountain offers a breathtaking panoramic view, and when dusk comes and it gets colder, the mountain is shrouded in dense fog. There's plenty of wildlife (most of which you won't even notice) and insects as big as your head (which you'd probably rather never see).
There are many hiking trails leading to breathtaking waterfalls, especially the one at the end of the Rhododendron Trail. If you are in good shape and have trained legs, then you will cope with the routes without much difficulty. I also liked just sitting on the top of the mountain with a tourist group. There is something about sitting around a fire in a place far from civilization in good company. We took out our guitars, uncorked the wine and sang songs until late.
The mountain itself is located 45 km from Hue, and there is no difficulty in buying a one-day tour there or going on your own.
Price statistics for tours to Vietnam
See price statistics from Level Travel, and I recommend buying tours at Onlinetours.
Vietnam is one of the most interesting countries in Southeast Asia. It contains many wonderful places - ancient temples and ruins, corners of pristine nature and national parks, beautiful beaches with clear water and plantations of exotic plants, cozy colorful houses in Vietnamese villages and high-rise buildings in big cities, markets and even entire settlements on the water.
Vietnam is a country of legends and myths; almost every natural place, every temple or park has its own romantic name that explains the origin of this miracle. Diving enthusiasts can expect no less beautiful underwater beauties of the country.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the ancient capital and one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam, located on sacred land. At different periods it bore other names, until in 1010 the founder of the Ly dynasty made Hanoi his capital, which was decorated with numerous beautiful pagodas and palaces (today there are about 600 of them). The most famous places are Van Pillar and Van Mieu pagodas.
No less beautiful are the 18 lakes of the capital of Vietnam, surrounded by magnificent gardens. One of them, Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword), has an amazing legend associated with it. The water in this lake is so clear that you can see the turtles living at the bottom. According to legend, in the 15th century. The fisherman Le Loi received a magic sword from the turtle, taking it as a sign, the fisherman led the liberation movement and 10 years after the victory proclaimed himself emperor. In the middle of the lake stands the Turtle Temple - a jade pagoda of Gok Son, erected as a sign of gratitude to the turtle.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is the most beautiful place in Vietnam, according to the majority of local residents and visitors to the country. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that in the bay there are about 3,000 islands, islets and rocks of the most bizarre shapes rising to a height of 100-200 m. Each of them has its own name, describing its characteristics.
These beautiful places are of interest not only for lovers of beach holidays or the amazing underwater world, but also for connoisseurs of antiquity - traces of ancient cultures were discovered on many islands during archaeological excavations. The islands themselves are permeated through entire systems of caves and canals.
Since 1994, the most beautiful part of Halong Bay with 1600 islands has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, so free access to it is closed, only visits accompanied by a local guide are allowed. Only one island - Cat Ba - is partially developed by the Vietnamese, several thousand people live in its city. It is also home to another beautiful place in Vietnam - Cat Ba National Park, which preserves mangrove forests in which many exotic plants grow, including endemics, and rare animals live.
Son Doong Cave
In Central Vietnam, in Quang Binh province, in the Phong Nha Que Bang National Park, there is the largest cave in the world - Son Dong or Mountain River Cave. British speleologists discovered and officially recorded its existence in 2009.
A relatively short study of its 6500 m length showed that in some places its width reaches 100 m and its height – 240 m. A river flows in the depths of the cave and a real forest grows, which receives sunlight through natural gaps in the vaults, surrounded on the surface by jungle .
Phan Thiet
The resort town of Phan Thiet is the most beautiful and popular holiday destination in Vietnam due to the abundance of unique colorful dunes of pink, white and red around it.
In addition to the charming houses of local residents, comfortable hotels and magnificent beaches, Phan Thiet boasts other interesting places - Mount Taku with a giant Buddha statue located on it surrounded by vines, the Vietnamese Red Canyon near the colored dunes, and the main historical attraction of the resort - the Cham Towers.
Dalat
Dalat is a popular mountain resort in Vietnam. This beautiful place is often called the Switzerland of Vietnam for its pleasant climate, surrounding landscapes and location above sea level - about 2000 m. The resort in the modern sense from the tiny village of Dalat was opened by the French scientist Alexandre Ersen in 1893. At one time, it became the site for the construction of residences and villas of major officials of Indochina.
The natural landscapes of Dalat are simply magnificent - alpine meadows, oriental-style flower gardens, numerous waterfalls (there are about 10 large ones around the city - Dambri, Datanla, Kamli, etc.), there are many lakes in the city and the most popular and beautiful of them is Ho Juan -Huong (translated as Fragrant Spring) in the shape of a crescent. Near this lake there are beautiful Flower Gardens that greet visitors with orchids, camellias, roses, lilies and another 300 species of flowering plants.
Dalat also has interesting historical places - numerous pagodas and churches with unique architecture and ancient history, for example, the pagodas of Lam Tu Ni, Linh Son, Tien Vuong, Minh Nguyet Cu Si Lam, as well as Bao Dai's is the summer residence of the last emperor.
Phu Quoc Archipelago
The Phu Quoc archipelago of 16 islands is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. It is famous for its rich wildlife, rugged mountains covered in tropical forests, waterfalls, mountain streams and stunning white sand beaches.
The largest island of the archipelago - the eponymous Phu Quoc - local residents nicknamed the Island of 99 Mountains, as it is covered by many low mountains and hills covered with relict forest. On its territory there is a State Nature Reserve, founded in 1986. More than 930 species of trees grow there and many small animals live.
The island is often called Pearl Island because of the two large pearl plantations located here in the coastal waters.
- from the west. It is washed by the South China Sea from the south and east. The Republic of Vietnam has two archipelagos, Truong Sa and Hoang Sa, and many islands.
How to get to Vietnam.
It is possible to get to Vietnam by direct flights that fly to the cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. They are carried out from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok. It is also possible to fly with a transfer at airports in European countries (Germany, France). The Republic of Vietnam can be visited through, where many flights operate between the countries. There are trains from Hanoi.
combines magnificent nature, rich culture and traditional cuisine. In this regard, travelers can choose an interesting excursion program with attractions to suit every taste. is becoming very popular among our compatriots.
Cities of Vietnam.
Sights of Vietnam: The ancient city is the capital and cultural center of Vietnam. There are architectural monuments and many ancient temples here. It is worth visiting the Van Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature of 1070, the 9th century Bach Ma Temple, the Cathedral of St. Joseph 1886. Hanoi has many beautiful lakes. Western Lake is a clean large lake, on the shores of which there are many ancient temples. Lake of the Returned Sword - in the center there is a jade turtle temple. Museums in the city are of great interest - the museum of the revolution, the Vietnamese army.
Sights of Vietnam: The city is a beautiful big city with numerous small streets and alleys. Various mosques, pagodas and Hindu temples create the special atmosphere of the city. Here it is worth visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, and the Zac Vien Pagoda. The city has a cozy, beautiful Botanical Garden. The main attraction is the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are 187 kilometers long and reach the border with Cambodia.
Vietnamese attractions: The city is the historical and religious center of the country. This is the city of the last emperors of the Nguyen dynasty, where their tombs are located. It is interesting to see the Forbidden Purple City, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Citadel with the imperial city.
Ha Long Bay is the most popular place in Vietnam. This mysterious and majestic bay is home to about 3,000 different islands. There are beautiful caves of various sizes and shapes. Rocks and grottoes rising from the water have a variety of bizarre shapes in the shape of animals.
Vietnamese attractions: – a seaside resort with the most famous beach, China Beach. It has the finest and cleanest sand on the coast. This is the best place for surfing. This city is home to the Marble Mountains, the ruins of a Cham Kingdom temple, and the unique Linh Ungi and Tam Thai pagodas with Buddha statues.
and Phan Thiet are the quietest and most comfortable resorts in Vietnam. Mineral springs and Lotus Lake are suitable for visiting by the whole family. An extraordinary place - the Red Dunes, a desert with red and pink sand. Here is a Buddhist temple with the largest (49 meters) Reclining Buddha made of white stone.
is a popular resort in Vietnam with one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Here is the Long Son Pagoda, built in 193, near which there is a huge statue of Buddha sitting on a lotus flower on the top of a hill.
Monkey Island is located near the main city. This is a picturesque park with beautiful alleys, statues, where an extraordinary number of monkeys can be found.
The 3,300-meter long cable car connects Nha Trang with Hon Che Island. It offers beautiful views of the coast and bays.
A few kilometers from Nha Trang there are unique hot springs. This is a health resort that offers spa treatments and massage treatments, mud baths.
Vietnam is the country with the largest number of nature reserves. In the province of Dak Yak there is a National Park with an area of 1,200 km. sq. Here you can ride elephants, enjoying the most beautiful views.
The vegetation in the reserves and throughout the country is very diverse, and very deceptive. Many bushes, trees and flowers are poisonous. At the same time, you just need to touch them or inhale pollen, and a severe allergy can begin.
Vietnamese cuisine ranks third in the world rankings. It is considered the most useful and balanced.
In Vietnam, you should definitely try snake wine. An ancient belief says that this drink will cure all diseases.
The Vietnamese are very sincere and friendly people. They are very disciplined and patient. When communicating with local residents, you should keep in mind that they may not give their name. According to their customs, mispronunciation can bring trouble. Also, when talking, you should not touch your interlocutor or come close to him.
Vietnam is an unusual country with a huge number of interesting sights, with its own characteristics that can be explored and explored endlessly.
Vietnam is a country with a unique history and numerous attractions, so everyone will find something to their liking here. If you are a dreamer and are interested in religion, you can take excursions to the Temple of Confucius or the Lake of the Returned Sword.
If you want to take a break from everyday work on the beach, then you should definitely visit Ha Long Bay; for adventure seekers, the Cu Chi underground village is an ideal option. And this is only a small part of the places that you can visit with organized excursions or on your own.
Excursions
Exciting excursions for vacationers and travelers in 350 cities around the world: Tripster.ru is a service of unusual excursions from local residents and guides who can tell you in an interesting and exciting way about the most interesting things in their cities.
Tours and packages
Monkey Island
Monkey Island is an area densely populated by different species of monkeys growing in natural conditions. According to estimates today, there are about 1,500 thousand monkeys on the island, some of them take part in a show dedicated to the arrival of tourists on the island.
Note! The island has several cafeterias, shops and beaches, so you can not only study the monkeys, but also sunbathe.
Vinpearl Amusement Park
Vinpearl Amusement Park is a huge tourist complex, containing hotels, restaurants, spa centers, shopping arcades, as well as all kinds of attractions.
Important! Here is the only water park in the country with fresh water.
The park territory is divided into several zones: water park, shopping area, amusement park, amphitheater and indoor play area.
Winpperl is also famous for the cable car leading to the island of entertainment.
Cable car to Hon Che Island
The presented cable car is the longest in all of Vietnam. The funicular is supported by 9 columns located along a length of 3300 meters; at night they are illuminated.
The construction of the road was carried out by European engineers, so it can survive the effects of strong winds, tsunamis and earthquakes.
Note! One funicular can accommodate up to 8 people.
Thap Ba Hot Springs
Thap Ba is the oldest mud bath in Nha Trang, which has been open to visitors for 15 years.
The area of the springs is quite small, but contains a large number of green spaces. There is a large lake in which different types of fish are bred.
There are several mud baths, the mud into which comes from a pipe; 4-5 people can sit in one bath. There are several swimming pools, but before visiting them you should definitely go to the shower located on the territory of the springs.
Cham Towers Po Nagar (Cham Towers)
According to historical research, the construction of the towers fell on the 7th-12th centuries. Initially, the building consisted of 8 towers, but only half of them have survived to this day.
The construction of the towers was carried out in honor of the goddess Yang Ino Po Nagar, who, according to numerous legends, was the patroness of Nha Trang. On the territory of the towers you can also see a museum dedicated to the ancient Cham sages and the peculiarities of their life.
Long Son Pagoda (White Buddha)
The construction of the pagoda took place in 1886 thanks to the tutelage of monk Ngo Chi.
Today, the pagoda is the most significant landmark of Khanh Hoa province. In 1900, the building was destroyed due to a hurricane, but the pagoda was quickly restored. Since 1936, the building has been considered the main Buddhist temple of the province.
The main building of the pagoda houses bronze statue of Buddha reaching a height of 1.6 meters. Located behind the temple huge white buddha seated on a lotus flower.
Interesting! The construction of the statue took place in 1963, and it reaches a height of 14 meters.
Marble Mountains in Da Nang
The Marble Mountains consist of five hills that are connected to each other by a single chain.
Each mountain is named after a specific element:
- water – Tui;
- tree – Mok;
- metal – Kim;
- earth – Tho;
- fire - Hoa.
Previously, rocks were mined in the mountains, from which lamps, vases and other household utensils were made. There are several colorful caves located inside the mountains.
Lotus Lake (Mui Ne)
A lake located near the resorts and on which a huge number of lotuses grow during the season.
Note! If you wish, you can rent a boat and swim in the pond.
White and red dunes
White and red dunes are a landmark of Vietnam that is very popular among tourists.
The relief of the dunes changes depending on the direction of the wind, and unusual patterns appear on the sand, which captivate tourists. Near the dunes is Lotus Lake.
Khe Ga Lighthouse
Located on the rocky island of the same name. Recognized as one of the highest in the entire country and the most beautiful in all of South Vietnam. The lighthouse was built in 1897, but it began operating only in 1900.
Interesting! The lighthouse is installed on a 25-meter cliff and reaches a height of 41 meters.
Hang Nga Guest House (Crazy House)
The famous building is located in the mountain. The construction of the building took place in 1900; the architect was the Vietnamese Dang Viet Nga. The guest house is created in a “fairytale” style. The appearance resembles a huge tree containing decorative elements in the form of animals, huge cobwebs, caves and mushrooms.
Interesting! The guest house is recognized as one of the most unusual buildings in the world.
When planning a vacation in Vietnam, it is important to know in advance what to see, learn about the attractions and excursions that are available to the Russian traveler.
Dalat
Dalat, or “little Paris” as locals proudly call the city, is undoubtedly worthy of your visit. In addition to the main attraction - the cathedral, built by the French, there are a great many interesting places. You can hardly miss a trip to the flower lake, because the aroma of lotuses spreads for kilometers around. And the “Crazy” House Hotel, which, being a concrete structure, very much resembles a bizarrely shaped tree, is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.
Ha Long Bay
Amazingly beautiful water landscapes open up to the eyes of a traveler who goes on an excursion to Halong Bay. This is one of the best attractions of Vietnam - thousands of large and small islands of volcanic origin, scattered across the water surface, like pearls from a scattered necklace. This walk includes visits to caves and fishing villages, where you can get acquainted with the original life of the local population.
Mount Taku and Reclining Buddha Pagoda - Phan Thiet
Legend has it that a monk who once lived here was able to heal the seriously ill mother of the local ruler. In gratitude for this, he erected a beautiful pagoda, and later a statue of Buddha appeared near it. The size of the statue shows the symbolism of Buddhist teachings: the length of 11 meters is the number of levels of human consciousness recognized by Buddhists, and the length of 49 meters is the number of levels along which a person develops. Religiously minded tourists consider this place to be the main attraction of Vietnam.
Monkey Island - Nha Trang
Among the attractions of Vietnam, an excursion to Monkey Island is one of the most fun and interesting. Both adults and young travelers come here with pleasure. A boat takes tourists to the island where monkeys live. At the same time, you can enjoy amazing seascapes - the game of dolphins and the extraordinary beauty of the reefs. On the island you can not only watch hilarious primates, but also have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant with the freshest seafood delicacies at affordable prices.
Tri Nguyen Aquarium
Ho Hoan Kiem Lake
While in Hanoi, do not forget to visit one of the most beautiful places in the city, Lake Ho Hoan Kiem, which means Lake of the Returned Sword. By the lake, on one side there are ancient trading settlements with narrow streets, on the other - the city administration buildings. The life of the Capital is inextricably linked with the lake, and the myth of the turtle living in it plays an important role in the history of the lake. The point is that a turtle actually lives in the Lake of the Returned Sword, rising to the surface before significant events in the country.
Ku Chi District
During the American-Vietnamese War, the Cu Chi region was the basis of resistance in South Vietnam. Today it is part of Ho Chi Minh City, where tunnels stretch underground for 187 km - all the way to the Cambodian border. The Cu Chi tunnel system has become one of the tourist attractions that allows you to “touch” the underground life of the Vietnamese partisans. Large groups can book a tour bus for about $4 per person.
Hoi An
Hoi An, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, undoubtedly deserves the attention of the Russian traveler. Despite its relatively small size, you can walk around the city, enjoying its color, for an infinitely long time. A special atmosphere is given by the tradition of decorating everything with colored lanterns - houses, shops, streets.
Phu Quoc
During a tour of Vietnam, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the island of Phu Quoc with its magical nature and colorful atmosphere, which gives an idea of life in parts of the country remote from the center. The few pagodas here are of particular interest. The tall pagoda of Thanh That Duong Dong in the city of the same name attracts tourists with the beauty of its architecture and its record height by local standards. Remember, women and men climb to the top of the temple using different stairs!
