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 these terrific feats by humans, admire the top natural wonders in Vietnam as well.
Golden Bridge
Also known as the “Golden Bridge,” the Bana Hills Hand Bridge is a 150-meter/492-foot walking path located just outside of Danang that offers stunning views of the city. Additionally, its unique structure and design bring in many tourists, which showcases two giant stone hands holding up the entire gold-painted bridge.
With a height of 1,400 meters/4,593 feet above sea level, the inspiration for this platform is the idea of taking a stroll through heavenly clouds. As visitors take in the panoramic sights of the countryside, they also get to enjoy walking beside a row of beautiful, purple Lobelia Chrysanthemum flowers, which extends the entire length of the bridge.
Dragon Bridge
Based in Danang, the Dragon Bridge is Vietnam’s longest bridge at 666 meters/2,185 feet long and presents fantastic nighttime viewing using more than 2,500 lights and fire on certain evenings. Opened in 2013, the bridge has become a hotspot for tourists and photographers looking to capture views of the structure extending over the city’s Han River.
During the day, it’s a busy place with six lanes of traffic and serves as a great modern road to connect the Danang airport to the rest of town. It’s illuminated in the evening and lights up over the water, with weekend shows where the dragon spits fire and water starting at 9 pm.
Landmark 81
Completed in December 2017, Landmark 81 is Vietnam’s tallest building based right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The 81-story building stands at 461.15 meters/1,513.0 feet tall and is set right along the Saigon River.
Inside Landmark 81 is a variety of high-end retail and living spaces, such as hotel facilities, conference rooms, luxury apartments, eateries, elegant bars, and an observation deck with three levels and a breathtaking view. Ho Chi Minh City tourists can purchase tickets to the top of the building but may not access the rest of the lower floors.
Cuchi Tunnels
To the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cuchi Tunnels are a popular tourist attraction, especially for history buffs interested in studying Vietnam’s wartime. The tunnels, now a part of a war memorial park, are interconnected underground pathways that run for 120km/75 miles and were used most famously by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War against the Americans.
Life in the tunnels was a challenge for the Northern Vietnamese fighters, who utilized them to rest, communicate, heal their wounded, transport supplies, and hide from their enemies during the battle years. It’s speculated that over 45,000 Vietnamese died while protecting the tunnels during the war, but many others perished due to illness and contact with rodents while living underground.
Tourists to the Cuchi Tunnels can walk through a short strip of the system to get a feel for what life was like while they were in use. Many travelers also recommend going on an organized tour to learn even more details about their significance.
Imperial City of Hue
Situated in Central Vietnam, the Imperial City of Hue is a massive complex that served as the home base for Vietnam’s rulers from 1802 to 1945. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, the historical complex is made up of many ancient structures such as imperial tombs, a flag tower, a library, pagodas, and the famous Citadel.
Within the Citadel is the “Forbidden Purple City,” where the emperor, his family, and his dearest friends lived. The entire area offers a glimpse into what life in Hue was like during the 1800s and early 1900s.
Even though the Imperial City is in ruins compared to what it once was, a lot of it has been restored and is a popular place for tourists to visit. Booking a group tour is the best way to see everything on the premises and learn more about the history than you might gather from self-exploring.
Sapa Terraced Rice Paddies
The rice paddy fields in Northern Vietnam’s Sapa region have been recognized internationally as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Photos of the region have been featured in many travel magazines, luring tourists to visit the rural area for the scenery and outdoor activities, like hiking.
The two most exciting times of year to see the fields are during planting and harvesting seasons when the rice crops look entirely different but just as beautiful on the step-shaped plains. People seeking those lush green fields for photography opportunities should travel during June and July when the rice is fully grown.
Cai Rang Floating Market
Vietnam is known for its floating markets, but the Cai Rang Floating Market located in Can Tho is the largest one in the Mekong Delta. Comprised of several little boats selling local goods, household products, and produce, the market is one of the best ways to feel the area’s authentic culture and get a taste for some local foods, too.
It’s estimated that around 300-400 boats are on the water selling these items each morning. The best time to show up for trading is around 6 am. before the crowds roll in around 9 am. Whether you book an organized tour or decide to go on your own, Cai Rang is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that will give you lasting memories.
Modern lifestyles are becoming more prevalent in Vietnam, but even some of the older manmade structures throughout the country as just as impressive as the newer ones. Don’t forget to keep this list handy on your next trip over to see if any of these wonders are near your travel destinations.