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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
Shop these 16 Markets around Ho Chi Minh City
Keep shopping trips in Vietnam fresh with stops at the best markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Discover day, night, and floating markets for everything from flowers and street food, to clothes and fabric. There are many types of markets varying in sizes, themes, hours, and location throughout the town, but they have common denominators. Shopping in Vietnam is thrilling, as goods …
15 Most Beautiful Places in Vietnam
It would be challenging to include all of the most beautiful places in Vietnam in one article, but if you want to learn where to find absolutely stunning scenery, you've come to the right place. Each region of the country has its own unique set of impeccable features and hidden gems. So no matter which city you're off to, you'll undoubtedly have plenty to swoon over. Because …
Explore these 4 Hidden Treasures of Vietnam
Vietnam is home to a spirited culture that motivates a lot of travelers to visit. There are a lot of tours that go around the country’s top destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. But, if you’re the type of adventurer who wants to take the paths less traveled, this list is for you. Though the major cities in the country undoubtedly bring out some of …
Phu Quoc National Park – Kien Giang Province
Beloved in Vietnam, Phú Quôc National Park is both a nature reserve and resort wrapped into one package. Located off of the mainland on Phú Quôc Island, it has become the most visited national park in the Mekong Delta region. The reason for the park’s popularity can be attributed to its diverse character. With luxurious resorts, perfect beaches, and a wild side, Phú Quôc has …
Temple of Literature – Hanoi
The Temple of Literature is not just another Southeast Asian temple. While it houses shrines, altars, and religious writings within, this storied location, in the heart of Hanoi, pays homage to a more secular divinity: education. This oasis of peace in an otherwise chaotic metropolis is a place for reflection, meditation, and for the serious visitor, some learning as …
Shop these 11 Markets around Hanoi
Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi, has the best markets offering something for everybody. Shop day and night markets in the Old Quarter and beyond for everything from street food and flowers to fabric and clothing. Some are open during the daytime, some just at night, and others operate from dawn until midnight, transforming after dark. No matter which market you venture to, …
Hanoi Old Quarter
With a history spanning over 2,000 years, Hanoi's Old Quarter is an area that is as precious to locals as it is intriguing to visitors. Many businesses on these streets have been around for centuries and still thrive today as some of this capital's main hubs for shopping, eating, and cultural traditions. Since the Old Quarter is one of Hanoi's oldest and most ever-changing …
14 Most Famous Temples in Vietnam
While exploring Vietnam, it's nearly impossible to visit without coming across at least one of the country's most beautiful temples. With a deep-rooted history in the local culture, these temples are architecturally stunning. Not requiring any religious affiliation to tour, tourists should make sure to include some of these historic sites on their itinerary. Although a …
10 Best Hanoi French Quarter Hotels
Set along the southern part of Hoan Kiem Lake, the best Hanoi French Quarter hotels give visitors fantastic access to one of the most exciting parts of the city. Filled with quaint buildings and beautiful colonial-French architecture, this section of town is intriguing and is just begging people to come and explore it. From the early 19th century until the mid-1950s, the …
11 Top Hanoi Old Quarter Hotels
Discovering cultural treasures in Vietnam's capital can best be done by staying at one of the best Hanoi Old Quarter hotels. Not only do visitors get to immerse themselves in ancient traditions and architecture, but they can stay near many of the area's must-see attractions and points of interest. The Old Quarter has been regarded as the "commercial center" of the city for …
15 Historical Places to See in Vietnam
It's no secret that there are many rich historical places in Vietnam, but not all tourists are aware of these gems. No matter which part of the country is up for discussion, something of significance is nearby and has stood the test of time. After enduring so many years of conflicts, it's incredible how some of these locations have survived the years and still stand today, …
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 …
Buu Long Tourist Area – Bien Hoa
Situated about 6 km/3.7 miles from the Bien Hoa City’s center, Buu Long Tourist Area is a beautiful recreational retreat enjoyed by Vietnamese natives and international travelers. With an impressive area of 84 hectares/ 207.5 acres, this park has many different must-see attractions that appeal to families and individuals of all ages. Bien Hoa, the provincial capital of Dong …