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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Bach Long Pedestrian Bridge – Son La Province
With a name translated to English as “White Dragon,” Bach Long pedestrian bridge in Son La Province is a treat for sightseers who aren’t afraid of heights. It first opened on April 30, 2022, and has already attracted thousands to come and experience this magnificent structure located in the Moc Chau Island Tourist Area. The 632-meter/2073-foot glass-bottom bridge is claimed …
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 …
The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Vietnam
Looking beyond the beloved city destinations in Vietnam, you can plan an extraordinary experience by taking a glimpse at one of the country’s mystical waterfalls. Vietnam’s world-renowned waterfalls offer some of the most stunning views in Asia. And because of the unique typography of the country, these waterfalls have an array of natural designs. Some look like a strong …
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 …
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 …
Chua Chan Mountain – Dong Nai Province
Set in Dong Nai, Chua Chan Mountain is the second-highest peak in southeastern Vietnam, with a height of 837 m (2,746 ft). Located roughly 100 km/62 miles from Ho Chi Minh City, making it the ideal mountain retreat for residents and visitors to the area. This former volcano is not only a favorite spot by southern Vietnamese, but it’s also a world heritage site as of …
Tay Ninh Holy See (Cao Dai Temple) – Hoa Thanh
Located just 4km/2.5 miles from Tay Ninh, Cao Dai Temple is part of a prominent Caodaist complex founded in 1926. It's still an active place of worship for the Caodaism faith, one of the ten official religions in Vietnam. The Holy See, also known as “Toa Thanh Temple,” is regarded as the Caodaist headquarters and a popular tourist attraction. The area that the Holy See …
Ho May Park – Vung Tau
A stop to Vung Tau isn't complete without a visit to Ho May Park, an amusement park that's guaranteed to be one of the most unique ones you'll see in your life. There won't be a lack of things to see, do, and experience with several different areas to explore. The park is set on top of Nui Lon's peak and spreads over 100 hectares/247 acres of land, offering some fantastic …
Long Bien Bridge – Hanoi
Originally known as the “Paul-Doumer Bridge” prior to 1954, the Long Bien Bridge is one of the most famous in Vietnam and one of five that crosses the Red River. Made of cast iron steel, its unique appearance resembles the Eiffel Tower, which is not a coincidence as the two structures were both designed by Gustav Eiffel. Long Bien is also one of Hanoi's busiest bridges, with …