The Thap Ba Hot Springs Center is the first of its kind in Nha Trang as a destination for locals and tourists alike to relax, rejuvenate, and undergo a therapeutic cleanse. Natives believe that soaking in mud baths and mineral waters has healing properties, but it’s also a unique, fun experience with a natural, lush setting. Given that it’s located just 15 minutes out of the …
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre – Hanoi
You can’t visit Hanoi in Vietnam without heading to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. It's perfect for those culture buffs looking to experience the ‘real Vietnam’, those wanting to see something truly unique, or those just keen to have a great time! The first question that might be on your mind is what exactly makes this puppet show so fantastic compared to other more …
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater – HCMC
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular performing arts attractions. These amazing presentations are unique and a bucket list item for Saigon. Shows happen daily at 5 pm and 6:30 pm, for which tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter on-site or online. Another option is to book an evening cyclo tour and add on a stop at the …
Can Van Lau Theater – Bac Lieu Province
The amazing and modern-looking Can Van Lau Theater is located in Hung Vuong Square of Bac Lieu City. This one-of-a-kind venue comprises three buildings: an opera house, a meeting center, and an exhibition shaped to resemble the conical Vietnamese hats and a nod to the country’s culture. Some people speculate that the three buildings together also represent Vietnam’s …
7 Natural Wonders of Vietnam
Outside of Vietnam's bustling cities is a countryside full of natural splendor. Wherever you go, there is always something breathtaking to soak in, thanks to Vietnam's diverse and wonderful landscapes. Several of Mother Nature's stunning landmarks seem like natural wonders in the way they shape the land and stand out. For some time outside in the fresh air and a fun time …
7 Manmade Wonders of Vietnam
Mother Nature does fine work, but it turns out that humans don’t do such a bad job either. Even though Vietnam is renowned for its natural beauty, it has several manufactured attractions that deliver just as much intrigue and magnificence. Some of these manmade wonders are built over, on top of, or even underground amazing natural features and scenery. While scoping out all …
5 Most Beautiful Cities in Vietnam
Vietnam’s thriving urban culture is a sight to behold. The country balances its contemporary lifestyle with the traditions of the old. That’s why Vietnam is becoming one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. Experience the flourishing culture of Vietnam as the country embarks on a whole new age of tourism. To help with your travel, here's a list of the …
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, …
Local Street Foods to Taste in HCMC
Vietnam’s street food scene is one of the most exciting in Asia. Their food is freshly sourced and has cross-culture inspirations. Chinese cooking and eating habits are embedded in their cuisine. And it’s probably the only Southeast Asian country that embodies a strong French culture. In this piece, we will share the street food selection in one of Vietnam’s busiest cities, …
What is Vietnamese coffee?
Vietnamese is perfect for those who love a strong, dark-roasted flavor. One cup of coffee can be equal to about three cups elsewhere, so drinkers beware! The Robusta bean is the main coffee bean of Vietnam, and its caffeine content is even deadly to bugs, making it an excellent defense from insect attacks. While coffee was first brought to Vietnam by a French Catholic priest …
Does it snow in Vietnam?
While the vast majority of tropical/sub-tropical Vietnam will never see snow, there are a few high-elevation places that might. So, yes, it can snow here, however, you'll have to travel north to mainly mountainous regions of the country to witness it, just don't expect to find any ski slopes or sledding. You may be able to make a few solid snowballs or snow angels, but just …
What natural disasters occur in Vietnam?
Aside from its endless gorgeous scenery and diverse culture, Vietnam is prone to experiencing a few kinds of natural disasters. Even though these events usually happen during particular seasons and regions, it's a good idea to be aware of the types of extreme weather that can be disruptive and happen during your travels. Nestled in southeastern Asia, Vietnam resides in both …
Bich Dong Pagoda – Ninh Binh City
The Bich Dong Pagoda, translated to the "Pagoda of the Emerald Grotto" in English, is a temple set in the Ninh Binh Province. It's established against the Bich Dong Mountain inside the Ngu Nhac Son range. The structure is partially built inside a cave and is part of a three-temple complex, surrounded by natural elements and beauty. This helped it get listed as a UNESCO World …
Ba Den Pagoda – Tay Ninh Province
Ba Den Pagoda (Linh Son Tien Thach Tu) is a 300-year old temple built on Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province. Located about 110 miles from Ho Chi Minh City, the mountain and temple are popular tourist destinations. Many international sightseers make an effort to visit the pagoda during the Lunar New Year to pray for wealth and prosperity for the following year. On top of …
Jade Emperor Pagoda – HCMC
Affectionately known as the “Tortoise Pagoda” by Ho Chi Minh City locals, the Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng) is one of the most prominent ones in town. Constructed in 1909 by Cantonese Mahayanist Buddhists, this temple is still a functioning place of worship that is visited just as much by residents as tourists. The pagoda is famous for its beautiful ambiance and has …
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 …