Vietnam’s Top 10 Tourist Attractions
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Vietnam is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia. In 2023, Vietnam recorded 12.6 million foreign visitors, the 4th highest in the region after Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
In addition to its famous historical tourism, Vietnam offers a wide range of natural, cultural, and culinary destinations. Among the various tourism options, here are the top 10 tourist attractions in Vietnam as voted by Tripadvisor readers.
- Hoi An Ancient Town
The city topped the list based on reviews and opinions gathered from the user community over 12 months. Hoi An is loved for its charming architecture and picturesque streets.
“With scenic boat rides, bicycle rentals, and hand-pulled carts available, there’s no shortage of ways to experience this peaceful and captivating destination,” Tripadvisor wrote.
Hoi An was recently named the fourth most beautiful city in the world for 2024 by Travel + Leisure.
- War Remnants Museum
Located on Vo Van Tan Street in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum is a poignant testament to the devastating impact of the French and American wars on Vietnam.
Opened in 1975, the museum houses a staggering collection of over 20,000 artifacts, photographs, and films that offer a stark and uncompromising look at the atrocities of the conflict.
Outside, a haunting display of captured planes, tanks and weapons is a stark reminder of the destructive power of war. These relics, once instruments of war, now stand as eerie monuments, drawing visitors into a contemplation of the past.
- Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi tunnels are a symbol of Vietnamese resistance and courage during the Vietnam War. Located about 70 kilometers southwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the tunnels were used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war as hideouts, communication, and supply routes.
The tunnels have been preserved as a war memorial and attract tourists from around the world.
Today, half-day tours to the Cu Chi tunnels are available through international travel platforms. Visits to the tunnels are led by an English-speaking guide and cost $20, including entrance and transport.
- Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Ha Long Bay is a mesmerizing tapestry of thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters. Immortalized in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Kong: Skull Island’, this enchanting landscape has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide.
Cruising through this surreal seascape aboard a traditional junk boat is an unforgettable experience. Towering limestone cliffs covered in lush vegetation rise dramatically from the water, creating a breathtaking panorama. Intricate natural caves offer a glimpse into the geological wonders of the bay.
The best time to experience the splendor of Ha Long Bay is between March and April or September and November when weather conditions are most favorable.
- Hue Imperial City
Hue Imperial City is a sprawling citadel that once housed the Nguyen dynasty for over a century. Built between 1804 and 1833, the sprawling 1,235-hectare complex is a breathtaking showcase of wealth and power.
Within its fortified walls, the Forbidden City was the exclusive domain of the emperor and his family. Protected by a formidable 3.5-meter high wall, this inner sanctum housed over 100 ornate buildings, surrounded by serene gardens and tranquil ponds.
- Trang An
Nestled among the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh Province, a two-hour drive from Hanoi, lies the ethereal Trang An Landscape Complex. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a captivating tapestry of towering cliffs, hidden caves, and meandering rivers, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through time and nature.
A boat trip through this watery labyrinth is a must. Glide past verdant rice paddies, venture into mysterious caves with stunning stalactites, and discover the region’s rich cultural heritage. With every bend in the river, a new view unfolds, leaving visitors in awe of nature’s artistry.
- Fansipan
Towering at 3,147 meters is the undisputed monarch of the Indochinese Peninsula, earning it the nickname “Roof of Indochina.” But conquering this crown jewel is no easy feat. Its ascent requires endurance and skill as trekkers navigate treacherous terrain, from precipitous slopes and sheer cliffs to dense, impenetrable jungles.
Reaching the summit is rewarded with breathtaking views and a visit to a sacred Buddhist complex dominated by the colossal Great Amitabha Buddha statue, a Guinness World Record holder as the tallest copper statue in Asia.
- Lady Buddha
The colossal 67-meter statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, enthroned on a lotus flower, is a revered icon at the Linh Ung Pagoda on Da Nang’s Son Tra Peninsula. Renowned for its serene atmosphere, the site offers visitors a deep connection to local culture and spirituality while admiring the majestic statue. As the tallest of its kind in Vietnam, the Guanyin statue is a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Legend has it that a statue of Buddha mysteriously washed ashore here in the 19th century during the reign of King Minh Mang. Believing it to be a divine sign, local fishermen built a small pagoda to honor the sacred image, laying the foundation for the revered Linh Ung Pagoda.
- The Temple of Literature
Founded in 1070 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a tribute to Confucius, the Temple of Literature later evolved into Vietnam’s first university. For centuries, countless students and parents have flocked to touch the sacred stone steles inscribed with the names of esteemed scholars, believing it to be a powerful talisman for academic success.
A treasured icon of Vietnamese history and culture, the temple graces the VND100,000 banknote. Recently, Hanoi unveiled a captivating night tour, allowing visitors to experience its enchanting ambiance under the starry sky.
- Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains of Da Nang are a fascinating labyrinth of caves, tunnels, towers, and pagodas created by the skilled hands of Mahayana Buddhists and Nguyen Dynasty kings. Hidden within this geological marvel are half a dozen large caves and countless smaller ones, many of which remain unexplored. The caves offer a refreshing escape, adorned with lush jungle vegetation, mossy walls, and sacred shrines dedicated to both Buddhist and Taoist deities.
TRIP ADVISOR | VN EXPRESS
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