Best Things to Do in Vietnam: Must-See Attractions & Places to Visit

This post covers activities, things to do, tourist attractions, unique spots, and free places to visit in Vietnam, from North to South.

Vietnam attracts travelers with its unique contrast—chaotic yet charming, fast-paced yet deeply rooted in tradition. It truly offers some of the most unique experiences in Southeast Asia.

Begin your journey in Hanoi, the vibrant capital where visitors can explore iconic attractions like the atmospheric Hanoi Old Quarter, the serene West Lake, and the historical Do Temple. Furthermore, the city provides rich cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

Explore these sightseeing highlights on foot, by scooter, cyclo (three-wheeled taxi), or motorbike. In addition, Hanoi serves as a perfect base to visit Halong Bay, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Red River Delta, known for its tribal craft villages.

• Check out Vietnam Luxury Tours

Central Vietnam

As you travel down Vietnam’s scenic east coast, make sure to stop in Hué to explore the magnificent Forbidden Purple City—a testament to the nation’s imperial legacy.

Next, visit the charming Old Town of Hoi An, widely known as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful cities and a must-visit spot for lovers of Vietnamese street food. Then, head to Nha Trang, where white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters provide the perfect coastal escape.

Southern Vietnam

In the south, Ho Chi Minh City—Vietnam’s largest and most modern metropolis—offers a dynamic mix of attractions and things to do.

Here, sightseeing tours guide you through cultural gems like the Saigon Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Vietnam Cookery Center—ideal if you’re looking to add a cooking class to your itinerary.

Just outside the city, explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a deeply moving reminder of the Vietnam War. Finally, the nearby Mekong Delta enchants tourists with its winding canals, rice paddies, and traditional villages, making it easy to extend your adventure all the way to the Cambodian border.

60 Of The Best Things To Do & Attractions in Vietnam

Vietnam showcases a rich variety of attractions that captivate every kind of tourist. Explore the historic streets of Hanoi or marvel at the stunning limestone cliffs in Halong Bay for a unique sightseeing experience. Discover the historic charm of Hoi An and the imperial heritage of Hué. Down south, Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy, culture, and vibrant street life. Whether you crave food, history, or nature, Vietnam offers countless things to do that transform your visit into an special adventure.

Sapa

Surrounded by dramatic gorges and stepped rice terraces, the landscapes around Sapa (Sa Pa) are some of northern Vietnam’s most striking. Visit Sapa to hike scenic trails past tumbling waterfalls, shop colorful traditional markets, and learn about Vietnam’s cultural heritage of Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Yi minority groups.

• Check out best things to do in Sapa Vietnam

Marble Mountains

One of Da Nang’s top attractions, the five outcrops that make up central Vietnam’s Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn) each are named after a different element: fire, wood, metal, water and earth. Visit the mountains to take in views of the landscape, to explore caves, Buddhist and Hindu grottoes, pagodas, and shrines, and even to shop.

Cu Chi Tunnels (Top Site)

Built by the Viet Cong in the 1940s as protection from French air raids during the Indochina conflict, the Cu Chi Tunnels extend underground for more than 155 miles (250 km) in the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City alone.

This network of subterranean passageways later provided vital access to and strategic control over the rural areas surrounding the city during the Vietnam War (also known as the Second Indochina War or the American War), when the tunnels housed living quarters, hospitals, booby traps, and storage facilities for the Viet Cong.

Nha Trang Beach

Sometimes called the beach capital of Vietnam, Nha Trang is known for its scenic shores and few are more delightful than the yellow sandy stretch of Nha Trang Beach.

This 6-km destination is ideal for swimmers, sunbathers and snorkelers, who will likely find uninterrupted turquoise blue waters to explore on their own. While a slightly more social scene can be found at jumping beach joints like Sailing Club and the local brew house, deserted island vibes can be found further down towards the south side.

A popular promenade offers a scenic place for an evening stroll and the nearby town comes alive with plenty of entertaining nightlife options once the sun goes down.

• Check our Nha trang Beach in details

Thien Mu Pagoda

More than just a tourist attraction, this 7-story Thien Mu Pagoda towers over the banks of the Perfume River (Song Huong River). The pagoda, which sits among the buildings of a Buddhist monastery, became known as a site for anticommunist protests after Thich Quang Duc, a Buddhist clergy member, self-immolated and brought attention to the plight of his people.

• Check out Hue City, in Central Vietnam

Hon Mun Island

One of a cluster of islands that stud Nha Trang Bay, Hon Mun island is the epicenter of the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area. Spanning 30,000 acres (12,000 hectares) of protected ocean, the zone is home to colorful coral and marine life. Visit to snorkel one of Vietnam’s favorite underwater spots. If you’re visiting Nha Trang, this is a very unique things to do, recommend it!

Saigon Central Post Office

The design of Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Post Office, completed in 1891, mimics an old-world European railway station with soaring ceilings and a giant clock face. These rich details lead travelers to pause and soak up the brilliant interior of this architectural landmark, which includes hand-painted maps of the old city. The whole complex is among the must see tourist attractions for pretty much anyone visiting the city.

Hue Citadel (Dai Noi)</h3

The renowned Hue Citadel (Da Noi) in Hue attracts history buffs from around the globe. The sprawling fortress, which was constructed in 1804 for the Gia Long Emperor, is surrounded by a 68-foot (21-meter) defensive barrier and is home to the tallest flagpole in Vietnam.

Hoi An Ancient Town (Top Things To Do)

Renowned throughout Southeast Asia for its antique charm, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town is a must-see for first-time visitors to Vietnam. The pedestrianized streets provide a calming break from chaotic traffic, while the colorful facades of lantern-clad houses harbor history that dates back more than 2,000 years.

Phung Hung Ancient House

Standing on the banks of the Thu Bon River is Phung Hung Ancient House, a historic Hoi An landmark that has housed more than eight generations of Vietnamese families. Among the most famous architecture in the city, the 18th-century house combines Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences and once functioned as a spice-and-handicraft shop. Another great things to do and place not to be missed in Vietnam.

Bai Tu Long Bay (Best for Activiy)

The fairy-tale limestone seascapes that made UNESCO-listed Halong Bay famous continue into Bai Tu Long Bay (Vinh Bai Tu Long). Quieter, less developed, and more difficult to reach than its famous sibling, Bai Tu Long Bay is an increasingly popular choice for day cruises and overnight adventures.

• Check out Things to do in Halong Bay

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Top Attraction)

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon) boasts a striking brownish façade and towering stone arches constructed with materials imported from France in the 1800s. But its architecture isn’t the only draw. In 2005, visitors reported seeing a tear flow from the eye of a statue of the Virgin Mary here, making it a destination for Catholics on a religious pilgrimage.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The art form of water puppetry originated at least 1,000 years ago in the rice fields of north Vietnam. Particularly if you’re traveling with kids, you’d be remiss to leave Hanoi without catching a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. A Vietnamese orchestra accompanies the water puppets, with some modern special effects. A must see, a unique place to see.

Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)

A place of interest, originally developed by the French in 1868 to commemorate the establishment of the colony of Indochina, the Reunification Palace (formerly Independence Palace) as it stands today was built during the 1960s. Known in Vietnamese as Dinh Độc Lập or Dinh Thống Nhất, it was most famously the symbolic site of the liberation of Saigon by communist forces that reunited the nation on April 30, 1975.

Po Nagar Cham Towers

A must see site in Nha Trang. Constructed between the 8th and 12th centuries, the Po Nagar Cham Towers sit at the mouth of the Cai River in central Vietnam, on the outskirts of the beach town of Nha Trang. The towers were built to honor the region’s Cham rulers and incorporate Buddhist temples and shrines to the Hindu gods Shiva and Ganesh.

Saigon Opera House (Opéra de Saïgon)

The Saigon Opera House (Opéra de Saïgon), aka Ho Chi Minh City Theater (Nhà Hát Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh), is a landmark piece of French colonial architecture. (Saigon was the colonial name for Ho Chi Minh City.) Built in 1897, it is home to the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra, but is best known for evening cultural shows, such as A O and Teh Dar.

• Check out performances at Saigon Opera House

St Joseph’s Cathedral: muse see attraction

Located in Hoan Kiem district, the neo-Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Hanoi and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hanoi. Modeled after Notre Dame in Paris, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the most famous and striking landmarks in Hanoi from the colonial era.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam’s 54 different ethnic groups at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (VME), one of Hanoi’s most interesting museums. Featuring a range of exhibits, from replicas of homes and everyday objects to priceless antiques and multimedia displays, the museum offers valuable insight into the culture and heritage of the country’s many groups.

Hoa Lo Prison: Top attraction

Built by the French in 1896 to hold Vietnamese political prisoners and known originally as Maison Centrale, Hoa Lo Prison was taken over by the Vietnamese in 1954. During the American War (Vietnam War), it housed American POWs, who referred to it as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Today, parts of the original prison have been turned into a museum.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh City’s Jade Emperor Pagoda is considered to be one of the city’s finest temples. It’s dedicated to the Taoist Jade Emperor Chua Ngoc Hoang, but Buddhist elements can also be seen. Its nickname is the Tortoise Pagoda, because of the many tortoises that live in the grounds. It’s a must-see attraction in HCMC.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, and the oldest in Hanoi, Tran Quoc Pagoda (Chua Tran Quoc) was built in during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De (AD 541–547) and moved to its present location in 1615. Located on an islet within West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda offers beautiful architecture, historic relics and artifacts, and a serene and scenic environment.

Thien Hau Temple

Thien Hau Temple (Chùa Bà Thiên Hậu), built by Cantonese immigrants in the early 19th century, pays tribute to Thien Hau (sometimes called Mazu), goddess of the sea and protector of seafarers. Situated on a busy street in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, the active temple displays intricate porcelain dioramas from Chinese mythology both inside and out.

One-Pillar Pagoda

Built on a single pillar and rising out of a square-shaped lotus pond, the One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot) is said to resemble a lotus flower. Originally built in the 11th century, the pagoda has been rebuilt over the years, most recently in 1955 after it was destroyed by the French, and remains one of Hanoi’s most iconic pagodas.

Vinh Tràng Pagoda: Less touristy attraction

The Vinh Trang Temple near My Tho in the Mekong Delta is quite different from many other temples found in Vietnam. The building was inspired by European architecture, and is a blend of East Asian and European styles. It’s one of the most important Buddhist temples in southern Vietnam, and well worth a visit when in the Mekong Delta area.

What to see: Top Places to visit in Vietnam

Explore Vietnam’s must-see places and destinations like Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hué, and the Mekong Delta for unforgettable scenery, culture, and history. Here are few of our best places to visit while in Vietnam.

Cat Ba Island (Top Place to visit)

A national park made up of dense jungle canvasses half of mountainous Cát Bà Island, the largest island in Halong Bay. Recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve and known for its golden sand beaches, the park is home to an extraordinary diversity of animals, including the endangered Cát Bà langur.

Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh)

Let the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City lift you up and carry you through this network of colorful bustling activity. Cho Ben Thanh, or Ben Thanh Market, comes alive every evening with a thrum of tireless energy that never ceases to enthrall.

This is the most celebrated and regularly visited of the markets. It is also the most central, located in one of the liveliest parts of the city where the streets and alleyways surrounding the market place fill with food stalls.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Best Place to visit in Vietnam)

One of the most visited places in Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of “Uncle Ho,” the beloved founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. He lies here in state, embalmed and in a glass case, with a military honor guard watching over him and the many visitors who come to pay their respects.

XQ Historical Village

Located in Dalat city, in central highlands of Vietnam. Though the name sounds old, XQ Historical Village was actually founded in the early 1990s by artists Vo Van Quan and Hoang Le Xuan as a way to showcase needlework and painting to travelers from overseas. More than 2,000 women work to create the intricate masterpieces that are put on display in this and other villages like it through Vietnam.Quan and Xuan utilized age-old needlework traditions that hale from China and were once used to tell stories of the Orient, to instead tell the tales of Vietnam through brightly colored, handmade items.

Stone Church (Nha Tho Nui)

The towering spire of Stone Church—a cathedral that’s known by many names to locals—can be seen from almost anywhere in Nha Trang. Despite how it’s humbly known, this stunning stone structure is one of the most striking architectural wonders in this Vietnamese city and a nod to European influence in this land that’s otherwise filled with Hindu and Buddhist temples.

The church’s clock tower sits high above a beautiful archway with a circular window inlaid with stained glass. And while the exterior of this church is undeniably beautiful, it’s the towering interior that’s worth marveling at.

• Check our best things to do in Nha Trang, Vietnam

Titop Island (A must see place)

Named in honor of Russian astronaut Gherman Titov during his 1962 visit to Halong Bay, Titop Island (Đảo Titop) offers a striking sight from a distance—a swooping tower of limestone rising out of the sea and blanketed with thick rain forest. Its main highlight is the crescent of pristine white sand lining its shore.

Long Son Pagoda

Topped with a vast white Buddha seated on a lotus leaf, Long Son Pagoda (Chùa Long Sơn is one of Nha Trang’s signature sights. Stairs lead up the leafy hill past temples, a prayer hall, a Chinese-influenced mosaic dragon screen, and a reclining Buddha. It’s not unusual to hear monks and nuns chanting.

Danang’s Dragon Bridge (Must see place)

One of the longest bridges in Vietnam, the 2,185-foot (666-meter Dragon Bridge (Cau Rong carries six lanes of traffic across the back of an undulating dragon. After sunset, the bridge is illuminated with hundreds of LED lights while on the weekend, fire and water spurt from the dragon’s mouth.

• Check out Danang Dragon Bridge

Temple of Literature

Few truly historic buildings exist in Vietnam, which makes the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam) extra special. First built as a Confucian temple in 1070 AD, it became Vietnam’s first university (Quoc Tu Giam) and operated as one for more than 700 years. Between ponds, gardens, and tranquil courtyards, it’s a haven in the heart of the Hanoi.

• Check out best things to do in Hanoi

Tam Giang Lagoon

Stretching 700 km along the Thua Thien-Hue seashore, Tam Giang is the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia with over 300,000 Vietnamese living along its shores.

Just 15 km from Hue, it’s a popular place to enjoy Vietnamese rural life and go out on a fishing boat with a local, learning traditional Vietnamese fishing methods along the way. At dusk, you’ll see traps being set to collect fish and shrimps before dawn the next day, and women working hard in the water to collect the oysters and clams which are then sold at the local markets.

Hoa Lu

Nestled among the forest-shrouded peaks of Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu served as Vietnam’s capital during the 10th and 11th centuries. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses the crumbling Nhat Tru Pagoda, the King Le Temple, and the King Dinh Temple—all of which offer insight into the far-reaching power of the Dinh dynasty.

• Check out Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Tam Coc (Top place to visit)

Set on the Ngo Dong River banks, UNESCO-listed Tam Coc’s limestone cliffs covered in greenery jut out from emerald rice paddies and waterways and are accessible by rowboat. Tam Cốc town, which forms part of the Ninh Binh province, draws fewer crowds than famous Halong Bay, resulting in a more serene experience of Vietnam’s spectacular scenery.

Khai Dinh Tomb

Khai Dinh Tomb is in Chau Chu village, south of Hue. It took 11 years to build—longer than Khai Dinh himself reigned. An elaborate, Gothic structure, with blackened concrete exteriors and flamboyantly gaudy interiors, it fuses French, Vietnamese, and Chinese architectural styles.

Hoan Kiem Lake (Muse see place in Hanoi)

Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake): A key landmark in the historical center of Hanoi, charming Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) offers a peaceful escape from the hectic pace and crowds of the city. It’s a popular meeting spot, and also makes a great place to people watch and experience local culture.

Bach Ma National Park

Home to a colonial-era hill station, the monsoon forests of Bach Ma National Park center on Bach Ma, or White Horse Mountain, which rises 4,757 feet (1,450 meters). Waterfalls, crumbling villas, hiking trails, and a wealth of wildlife, including pheasants, langur monkeys, and muntjac deer, are all just part of the things to see that make a magnetic spot to spend a day—or longer.

Lady Buddha

Perched on the side of Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain, the 220-foot (67-meter Lady Buddha statue is visible from anywhere in the city of Da Nang. Inside the statue—which sits beside the Linh Ung Pagoda—a flight of stairs leads up to 17 floors, each of which represent a different aspect of the Buddha.

Long Bien Bridge: Top thins to see in Hanoi, Vietnam

Designed by the same architect responsible for the Eiffel Tower, Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien) was the first bridge to span the Red River in Hanoi, providing a vital transport link between cities and towns in Northern Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, the bridge was bombed in American air attacks, and yet today, it still stands as a testament to the nation’s tumultuous history.

Saigon skydeck

Could be among the unique activities to do in Vietnam. A high-speed elevator inside the Bitexco Financial Center zips travelers up 49 floors to a glass observation deck ribbed with neon lights. Visitors say views from Saigon Skydeck are some of the best in Ho Chi Minh, offering a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral, among other city icons.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park nestle beneath some of Asia’s most spectacular karst rock formations. While some of the caves—such as Hang Son Doong, the world’s largest cave—are only available on expensive multi-day tours, others, such as Phong Nha, are easy to visit on a day trip.

• Learn more about Famous caves in Vietnam

Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain)

Used as an observation base in the American-Vietnam war, Son Tra Mountain (Monkey Mountain) overlooks Son Tra Peninsula near the city of Da Nang. Midway up the 2,790-foot (850-meter) peak, you find Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the Lady Buddha statue. Expect to encounter troops of monkeys dwelling in its jungle-covered cliffs.

Cham Island

Clustered around 13 miles (21 kilometers) from Hoi An’s Cua Dai harbor, Vietnam’s eight Cham Islands form the scenic archipelago known as Cham Island or Cù Lao Chàm. They offer white-sand beaches, granite cliffs, and coral reefs ideal for diving and snorkeling. The islands’ rich marine life and ecosystems have earned them UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status offers one of the most unique things to do in Vietnam.

Cat Cat Village

Cat Cat Village, located in the hills of the Sapa District, is a great place to witness the distinct culture and traditions of the Hmong people.

Travelers can wander the village where welcoming locals are eager to teach about the ethnic group’s fascinating customs—including a three-day engagement event called “pulling wife.” Shops of traditional craftsmen, like brocade weavers and blacksmiths who make custom gold and silver jewelry, line the dirt streets that wind through Cat Cat Village.

My Khe Beach

Central Vietnam’s My Khe Beach, near the city of Da Nang, is often considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches. With a wide sweep of white sand, calm and clear waters, coconut palms, and warm weather throughout much of the year, My Khe Beach is an ideal place to take a break from urban Vietnam.

Cai Rang Floating Market

No place gives better insight into life on the Mekong Delta than the Cai Rang Floating Market (Chợ Noi Cái Rang), where hundreds of wooden rowboats showcase everything from rice and clothing to exotic fruits and vegetables. Located just 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the city of Can Tho, the market can be admired from dry land or during a boat ride.

Mui Ne

A former fishing village, the seaside town of Mui Ne has evolved into a boutique beach resort that provides a convenient escape from the metropolitan madness of Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to a golden-sand beach, Mui Ne boasts vivid red and white sand dunes and the otherworldly Fairy Stream.

Saigon River

The Saigon River (Sông Sài Gòn), the fast-flowing main artery of Ho Chi Minh City, flows past both modern skyscrapers and rural villages that reveal old Vietnamese traditions. Locals often escape the urban bustle by relaxing along the riverbanks, where picnic benches and greenery create a pleasant refuge from the metropolitan mania of Saigon.

Dong Xuan Market

Hanoi’s largest indoor market, Don Xuan Market overflows with stalls that sell everything from clothing and cosmetics to household goods, pets, and plants. Although geared more toward local Vietnamese and wholesalers, it’s a great place to get a pulse on local life, and there’s also a lively food court and weekend night market.

• Check our night markets in Vietnam

Perfume River

The Perfume River (Song Huong River)—so-called due to the aroma released by blooming flowers in autumn—offers visitors a wealth of activities; furthermore, it attracts those seeking both relaxation and adventure. The river offers spectacular photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset, and cycle and walking paths flank it, providing a cooling escape from Hue’s humidity.

West Lake

West Lake (Ho Tay), the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi, provides a tranquil escape from the chaos of Vietnam’s capital. Lakeside cafés offer gorgeous views; historic attractions such as the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple provide insight into Vietnam’s past; and 5-star hotels offer fine dining and luxury accommodation. It is certainly offers a lots of free things to do in Vietnam

Hon Mieu Island

Around a half-hour boat ride from Cau Da Port in Nha Trang lies little Hon Mieu Island (Hòn Miễu in Vietnamese). Much of the island won’t be of particular interest to the average tourist, although there are a few pleasant beaches plus a sprinkling of seafood restaurants close to where the ferries come in.

The main attraction on Hon Mieu however is the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a unique boat-shaped building that, along with its surrounding waters, houses a large variety of fish and other marine life, including giant shrimp, sharks, and turtles. Visitors can even climb to the ‘top deck’ to check out the views.

Japanese Covered Bridge: Top things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam

Millions of travelers flock to the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) in Hoi An every year. Built in the 18th century, the bridge features intricate carvings and statues of dogs and monkeys and provides great views of the Thu Bon River. Set aside extra time to cross the frequently crowded bridge—it ranks as the most popular spot in the Old Town.

Mekong River

The Mekong River, the 12th-longest river in the world at 2,700 miles (4,345 kilometers), is the main artery of Southeast Asia. Its flowing waters are the beating pulse for a region that includes the fertile Mekong Delta around Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, the scenic hills of Laos, and the jungle-lined waterways of Thailand and Cambodia.

Perfume Pagoda

One of Vietnam’s most important pilgrimage sites, the Perfume Pagoda is a vast complex of Buddhist temples, grottos, and shrines dotted around Huong Tich Mountain. The shrines lie amid a flooded valley of towering karst cliffs and lotus fields—a stunning backdrop that makes for some incredible photo opportunities.

Temple of the Jade Mountain

Set on its own island on Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s easy to see why picturesque Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple) is one of the most visited places of worship in Vietnam (Rather than Hanoi). Full of history and scenic beauty, this fascinating 19th-century temple offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

Dong Ba Market

On the north bank of the Huong River is Hue’s lively Dong Ba Market (Chợ Đông Ba), stretching out for 16,000 square meters. The atmospheric market still retains its old bell tower from when King Dong Khanh first opened it in 1887. The market divides into separate sections, and the entire upstairs floor showcases clothes.

Although Hue has plenty of supermarkets, Dong Ba remains an important market for locals and a great place to experience Vietnamese life, since 5,000 to 7,000 people come here to barter daily. Moreover, this vibrant market truly captures the local culture. Additionally, visitors often find unique goods and lively interactions.

Cholon (Saigon Chinatown)

Cholon (Saigon Chinatown) is Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese quarter, and a place for free things to do and experience, it is also a largest in Vietnam. It’s full of Chinese Buddhist temples, as well as other religious buildings and markets. It contrasts with much of the rest of the city, with its narrow streets and varied architectural styles. This is a great place to come to see a different side of Ho Chi Minh City.

Tips About Visiting Vietnam

When to visit

Typhoons, monsoons, and drastic regional climate differences demand more planning for a trip to Vietnam than for most countries. However, the far north stays dry and avoids humid summers and monsoons. In contrast, central and southern Vietnam enjoy sunny weather during winter; therefore, the beaches become especially inviting. Additionally, this seasonal variation helps travelers choose the best time to visit.

Additionally, remember that many locals take vacations during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in January or February, so plan accordingly.

• Check out when is the best time to visit Vietnam

FAQ: Visiting Vietnam

Moreover, local trip advisors previously gave the answers below, and researchers also collected additional responses from across the web.

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