Travelers who dream of visiting an Asian country famous for jasmine gardens, mesmerizing beaches, pompous ancient temples, want to know what to see in Vietnam.
Holiday season in Vietnam
It is advisable to plan a trip to Vietnam in December-April. Beach holidays in Vietnam are possible throughout the year, but at certain resorts. So, in winter, you should pay attention to the northern coast, where sea water warms up to + 26-28˚C, and the velvet season falls in January-February. And in Da Nang it is best to swim in May-July, since the typhoon season begins here in August.
Divers can go to Vietnam any month of the year, except December - February (rough seas). In Nha Trang and Whale Island, diving is best in February - October, and on Phu Quoc Island - in November - May.
Top 15 places of interest in Vietnam
Lake of the Returned Sword
Lake of the Returned Sword
Lake of the Returned Sword is a landmark in Hanoi. The lake has several islands with buildings located on them. So, on the Jade Island, the temple of the Jade Mountain of the 18th century was built, the complex of which is equipped with a pavilion that resists the waves, the Tap-Bat tower and the "Contemplation of the Moon" pavilion. And on the other island, everyone will be able to see the Turtle Tower, dating back to 1886.
A legend is connected with the lake: Emperor Le Loyu won a victory in the fight against the Chinese army thanks to the sword given to him by the golden magical turtle that lived in the lake. Then she demanded the sword back, and the emperor returned it.
Tunnels Ku-Chi
The Ku Chi tunnels stretch 187 km underground from Saigon to the Cambodian border. The “underground village” was equipped with warehouses, living quarters, weapons workshops, field hospitals, kitchens, command centers.
Tourists will be offered to explore the tunnels with a guide (since the manholes are narrow, you will have to wind through the underground labyrinths on all fours, but some passages and hatches have been redesigned so that tourists wearing clothes over 44 sizes can crawl through them), watch a film about the life and battles of the peasants of Ku- Chi in the museum, shoot with the MK-16 or AK-17 at the range.
Halong Bay
The location of Halong Bay is the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea. It consists of rocks, caves, cliffs and 3000 islands. On the island of Tuan Chau, tourists will see the residence that previously belonged to Ho Chi Minh (President of Vietnam in 1946-1969), and on the island of Cat Ba - waterfalls, lakes and grottoes. On Catba Island, you can go on a trekking tour of the national park and spend time on one of the coasts (the best swimming area is Lan Ha Bay).
In addition, in Halong Bay, you should pay attention to the Heavenly Palace, the Bonao, Daugo and Drum grottoes (when the wind gusts in the grotto, drumming sounds are heard). Those who wish can fly over Halong Bay by helicopter: the minimum cost of a helicopter ride is $ 175/1 person.
Bao Dao Villas
Bao Dao Villas is a park, museum and hotel where everyone can stay for a couple of nights. Walking through the museum, sightseers will admire the historical interior and the museum collection in the form of photographs, the emperor's national dress and personal belongings of his family members. From one of the hills (at the top there is a restaurant where guests are treated to European and Vietnamese dishes), where the villas are located, you can admire the Bay of Nha Trang, and in the park that surrounds them, you can take a walk and retire with nature.
Everyone can try on an imperial outfit and take a picture in it for $ 1.30, and get into the territory of five villas for $ 0.90.
Po Nagar Towers
Po Nagar Towers
Po Nagar Towers (entrance ticket costs $ 1), more than 1000 years old, is located on Ku Lao Mountain. The main entrance to the towers is decorated with thick columns, but another entrance with a staircase located to the left of the columns is intended for tourists.
Previously, there were 10 towers, but today there are only 4, and in each of them different deities are worshiped. The largest and most important is the 28-meter North Tower: at the entrance you can see the image of the god Shiva (he dances on a bull), and inside there is a statue of the goddess Po Nagar with 10 arms (its height is 23 m).
The towers are worth visiting in March when the Buddhist festival is held there, lasting 2 days (theatrical performances + colorful rituals).
Pongur waterfall
Pongur waterfall
The 7-cascade Pongur waterfall, falling from a 30-meter height, is located 40 km from Dalat (you can take a taxi or hire a guide to the waterfall). Near the waterfall (it will be possible to reach it by a steep stone staircase, but there are footbridge and handrails on the route) tourists can rest in the gazebos located next to it and have a picnic in a special barbecue area.
It will be possible to look at the water jets falling on the slab-steps (it is allowed to swim at each of the 7 steps) for 0, 70 $.
Kanzo Mangrove
The Kanzo mangroves are 50 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Tourists will be offered to walk along the paths of mangrove thickets; attend a performance with macaques; visit the bird market (tourists will have a chance to observe cormorants, marabou, storks, herons and other birds), in a crocodile nursery (here everyone will be able to ride on the river in which crocodiles swim, on a protected catamaran, as well as take part in feeding crocodiles from fishing rods) and in the lagoon with flying mice living there; climb the Tang Bong tower (from a 25-meter height you will be able to admire the entire territory of mangrove forests), go to the pond where crabs are bred.
Depending on the program interesting for tourists, a visit to the mangrove forest will cost them $ 2.65-11.
Marble mountains
Having overcome only 5 km from Da Nang, everyone will be able to be close to the Marmara Mountains. The ascent to the mountains is carried out by carved stairs, and for the convenience of travelers on the route there are benches for rest, signs and stalls with drinks and food sold there. Since it is rather difficult to climb, those who wish can use the elevator.
Travelers will be able to go rock-climbing in the mountains, visit original villages (you can get unusual marble crafts from local craftsmen), see Khyen Khong (the floor of the cave is decorated with rare tiles, and the walls are equipped with artistic lighting; a temple in honor of Buddha is built inside), Am Phu (here it will be possible to admire the marble figures of monks and musicians, and the altar) and other caves.
The cost of visiting the Marble Mountains is $ 1.5 (08: 00-17: 30).
Temple complex Michon
Temple complex Michon
The Michon temple complex is 50 km away from Hoi An. Previously, it consisted of more than 70 buildings, and today a little more than 20. Buildings in the form of towers, pagodas and temples are decorated with unique drawings and patterns (they were hand-carved by ancient craftsmen). Today excursions are conducted along narrow paths and passages, during which tourists can also see sculptures of Hindu deities.
The attention of tourists deserves 2 objects located next to the complex:
- museum: its exhibits will allow you to better know the history of the Cham empire;
- cultural center: there you will be able to attend folklore thematic events.
Opening hours: 06: 30-16: 00 (daily); ticket price - $ 4, 40.
Long Sean Pagoda
The Long Son Pagoda ("Flying Dragon") was first located on Mount Traithu, and after it was damaged by a storm, it was restored and moved to the foot of the mountain. Now, at its former location, there is a 14-meter statue of Buddha in the lotus position, and next to it is an observation deck, where you should climb for panoramic views of the surroundings.
Do you want to be cleansed from sins? Climb 144 steps of the grand staircase - from the pagoda they will lead you to the temple (it is decorated with colorful ceramic tiles and mosaic dragons) with a garden and an artificial reservoir.
The pagoda can be reached on foot from the Central Beach of Nha Trang in 30-40 minutes or by bus # 2, 7, 1, 6.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon with 2 bell towers (each height 58 m) is a landmark of Ho Chi Minh City (its location is the Paris Commune square). The cathedral was built in a neo-Romanesque style with elements of the Gothic style, and its bell towers are equipped with 6 bells. Every day at 05:00 and 17:30 1 bell rings, on weekends - 3, and in honor of the Nativity of Christ - all 6. Anyone who enters will see numerous arches, elegant stained glass windows, a white marble altar on which figures are carved angels, and during the service - he will hear the choir and sounds made by the organ.
Opening hours: from 4 to 9 am and from 14:00 to 18:00. You will be able to attend Sunday Mass (English) at 09:30.
Monkey Island Hon Lao
To find yourself in the "den" of monkeys, you need to move 20 km from Nha Trang. In Soviet times, experiments and research were carried out on primates in the scientific laboratory located here. After its closure, some of the monkeys were taken away, while others fled through the forest. Having adapted to the new habitat, the monkeys became masters on the island.
It is worth visiting the local circus on the island - visitors are shown performances during which elephants, macaques and bears perform. Guests are also entertained with acrobatic performances and dog races. Tourists will be able to have a snack in one of the Vietnamese restaurants, relax in shady gardens and on a well-groomed beach.
A group tour will cost $ 12-50, and an individual one - from $ 55.
Ke Ga lighthouse
Ke Ga lighthouse
The Ke Ga lighthouse is located on a cliff on the island of the same name, and their total height is 64 m. It will take about an hour to get to the Ke Ga lighthouse from Phan Thiet: you will have to go both by land and by water (300 m of the way by boat, which Vietnamese rent out on the shore; on average, the trip will cost $ 0, 90/1 person). Or you can resort to the services of a travel agency - as part of the excursion, you will be able to visit not only the lighthouse, but also Mount Taku, famous for the large statue of the Reclining Buddha and the Lin Sean Truong Tho pagoda.
If, upon arriving on the island, you find that the lighthouse is closed, go to the white building to buy tickets (price - $ 1) and take the keys. A staircase with 183 steps will lead you to the top of Ke Ga lighthouse. From there you will be able to admire the beautiful panorama of Phan Thiet and MUI ne.
Lunatic asylum in Dalat
Lunatic asylum in Dalat
The Hang Nga hotel (here to this day tourists are accommodated) with 9 rooms and a house for newlyweds was given the name Crazy House by the locals. The building looks like a huge tree, from which roots "crawl out", hollows and branches of trees stick out, and there are also stairs, labyrinths and bizarre sculptures installed everywhere. The role of benches here is played by hemp, and, for example, a giant giraffe is a café near the hotel (this is a tea house). Inside, the house is no less extravagant - the windows have an irregular shape (they have grilles, the pattern of which copies the cobweb), wooden furniture is represented by stumps with thick roots, and the walls are decorated with original drawings.
For visiting the "Crazy House" is open from 09:00 to 18:00 (entrance cost - about $ 2).
Fongya Kebang National Park
Fong Nya Kebang National Park is located 50 km from Dong Hoi City. The park is famous for about 300 caves and grottoes, with a total length of 126 km. Most of them were formed by the Tyai and Shon rivers.
Of particular interest are Shondong (the length of the largest cave room is 5 km), Thyendyong (tourists have been able to admire its stalactites and stalagmites since 2010), Fongya (a cave, more than 7700 m long, equipped with a 13000-meter underground river and 14 grottoes) and other caves.
And tourists in the park will be offered to go mountaineering, raft down the Tyai River, visit waterfalls, in particular, the 50-meter Chai, Buffalo Field (wild bulls graze here), Lying Stone, Horizontal and the Nyokchoi spring.
