Tour these 4 Prison Museums in Vietnam

Those who are interested in the history of Vietnam should visit its prison museums. From the shackles of French colonist rule to the modern-day horrors of the American War, there’s a lot to learn (and reflect on) in the confines of the narrow walls of these prisons. These museums will provide you with a jarring look into the grim lifestyle that prisoners had to endure. 1. …

Con Dao Prison – Ba Ria-Vung Tau

‘’Hell on Earth’’ was how Con Doa Prison was described during its heyday - and that alone tells you all about the dire conditions and brutal torture liberally dished out by its guards and security staff. It seems ironic that Con Dao Prison is situated on a beautiful tropical island considering the horrors that took place there. Con Son Island, where the prison is located, …

Tram Ton Pass – Sapa

Perhaps the best view in Sapa is located at Tram Ton Pass, 3 km away from O Quy Ho Pass. A view at the summit will reveal stunning, sweeping panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and forests below. With a height of over 1,900 meters, Tram Ton Pass is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam and is often referred to as Heaven’s Gate due to its soaring height. Just west of …

O Quy Ho Pass – Sapa

O Quy Ho Pass, also known as Hoang Lien, can be found in the town of Sapa in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains. Rising 2,000 meters above sea level, the 50km mountain pass is considered one of the most mystical attractions in the entire region. If you’re determined to find the best view in town, O Quy Ho Pass has everything you could ask for. Its sweeping, panoramic views of the …

Hang Tien (The Fairy Cave) – Quang Binh Province

This massive grotto was first explored in 1994 and has developed a reputation as the most extensive and beautiful cave in the region. Part of the Tu Lan Cave System, Tien (Fairy) Cave is located in Cao Quang Commune, Tuyen Hoa district. Like a Roman amphitheater, Hang Tien features soaring ceilings and bellowing indoor acoustics. Stalactites hang down from overhead like …

Son La Prison – Son La Province

There isn’t much left of the old Son La Prison but what has remained is still enough to send chills down the spine. Situated on the summit of Khau Ca Hill and overlooking Son La Town, this former prison is a ghastly reminder of the horrors that were regularly inflicted in the era of French rule. We have to go back to 1908 to uncover the origins of Son La Prison. It began …

Vietnam’s Natural Beauty and Landscape

Nestled on the eastern side of the Indochina Peninsula, Vietnam is a country rich in biodiversity and natural splendor. Its towering mountains and stretches of dense, luscious forest are known the world over, and tourists from all over flock there every year to its nature. Vietnam’s tropical climate and oceanside location create a perfect storm for plant and animal life. …

What souvenirs are best to buy in Vietnam?

Vietnam is full of wonderful gifts for you to buy and take home with you. From stunning items of clothing to delicious pastes and marinades, there’s an abundance of items that showcase the country's unique culture. Coming in a range of shapes and sizes, before undergoing a day of shopping, make sure your bartering skills are on-hand, as you'll need them to respectfully …

Hanoi’s Beer Street & Backpacker’s District

Backpackers in Hanoi tend to congregate near the Old Quarter. Near this historic district, just off Hoan Kiem Lake, is an area full of bars, restaurants, cafes, and hostels called Ta Hien, or simply, Beer Street. Most of the backpackers can be found socializing on Beer Street. If you’re eager to meet some fellow tourists and engage in some English conversation, then head …

3 Rowdy Streets in Saigon’s Backpacker District

There are three notable streets in the backpackers’ area of Ho Chi Minh City - Phan Ngu Lao Street, De Tham Street, and Bui Ven Street. All of these streets intersect in an H-shape, and it's where you’ll find the majority of backpackers and establishments catering to their respective needs, like nightlife, hostels and cheap eats. Backpacking in Ho Chi Minh City brings a huge …

Ho Chi Minh’s Infamous Bui Vien Walking Street

Bui Vien Street is well-known in Ho Chi Minh City due to its status as a hub for backpackers and party-going tourists. Perhaps no other street in Vietnam is met with such polarization as this one. Some see Bui Vien Street as an exhilarating concoction of hedonistic stimuli whilst others look down upon it with disgust and disdain. No matter which side of the fence you find …

5 Largest Shopping Malls in Hanoi

Hanoi is known for its multi-cultural community and abundance of historical landmarks. In recent years, however, the city has carved a reputation as a premier shopping destination with its abundance of malls and markets. Treat yourself to some new clothes, sample new cuisines, or simply entertain the kids. Let's review all about Hanoi's best indoor shopping scene. For …

Cham Islands – near Hoi An

Situated off the coast of Hoi An, Vietnam, the Cham Islands are a group of eight small landmasses surrounded by a near-transparent ocean. As rich in history as they are in their beauty, the Cham Islands are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Islands in Central Vietnam The Cham Islands are a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s major cities. A true …

8 Biggest Shopping Malls in Ho Chi Minh

The worldwide appeal of Ho Chi Minh City is reflected in its selection of top shopping malls. From the yesteryear charm of Vincom Center A to the modernity of ICON68, malls in Saigon are as eclectic and unique as the city's residents. Though not as renowned or recognized as Milan, New York, or Paris, Ho Chi Minh is a terrific shopping destination for any budget and tastes. …

Bac Ha Market – Sapa

Bac Ha Market is one of Vietnam's biggest highland markets. As its name suggests, it can be found in Bac Ha town, which is in Sapa. What makes this market so unique is not only the wide array of handicrafts on sale but also its status as a meeting area for the area’s ethnic minorities. The first thing you’ll notice when traversing this market is the sheer abundance of color …

9 Famous Vietnamese Buddhist Pagodas

As a Buddhist country, Vietnam is rich in eye-catching pagodas. From the city centers of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the isolated mountains of the Ninh Binh Province, there's usually a Buddhist temple nearby. Many of these historical places in Vietnam were built hundreds of years ago. Blessed with striking architecture, splendid gardens, and stunning visual art, here are …

Sapa Museum

The Sapa History Museum may be small, but it packs a mighty punch with its 200+ exhibits and emphasis on the region’s ethnic history. It's located in central Sapa, Lao Cai province, walking distance from the main square. Avisit to this charming museum is a great way to spend a few hours and learn more about the rich, diverse cultural genesis of not only Sapa but Vietnam as a …

Are there still landmines in Vietnam?

Though it’s been almost fifty years since the American War ended, Vietnam is still full of reminders of its bloody past. One of these is the prominence of unexploded mines. It’s been estimated that up to 30% of the bombs dropped on Vietnamese ground during the war failed to detonate and lay dormant in the ground waiting for a catalyst - no matter how small. In 1988, a …

How many golf courses are in Vietnam?

There are currently an estimated 35 golf courses in Vietnam with several dozen more under construction. Though the country isn’t regarded as a golf hotspot, Vietnam offers stunning courses thanks to its natural beauty and long stretches of coastline. You can tee off all year long in this subtropical location. Whether visiting Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, or somewhere in …

Are there gorillas or primates in Vietnam?

There aren’t any wild gorillas in Vietnam, but that isn’t to say the country is devoid of primates. In fact, there are several species of primates in the country, yet they all face massive challenges. Where are wild gorillas found? Your best bet for seeing gorillas in the wild is in Africa. Countries such as Gabon, Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo house large communities …