Our Destinations

The Hanoi capital is the national center of political administration, culture, science, education, economics and foreign trade. Due to a favorable geographical position, Hanoi is the key transport hub nationwide. 
After the administrative zone adjustment in 2008, Hanoi spans a total area of 3,300km2 and has a population of 6.8 million, one of the 17 largest capitals of the world. 
Hanoi is a culturally rich city with over 1000 years of history. There are many priceless cultural and historical legacies of which UNESCO registered Thang Long Royal Palaces and Saint Giong festival as World Cultural Heritages and the Doctor Steels in the Temple of Literature as a World Documentary Heritage. 
In the national tourist development strategy, Hanoi is supposed to play a crucial role as a travel hub in the north – one of the two most important tourist regions. 
Hanoi’s superior advantages lie in the way it combines the culture and history of an over 1000-year-old capital with ecological and landscape beauty. 
The capital’s attractive tourist sites include: 

The Temple of Literature 
The Temple of Literature is a top notch cultural vestige of the capital. It was constructed in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius for his renowned sages and teacher Chu Van An. The temple held Vietnam’s first university which was established in 1076 as a foundation for great talents throughout the country.
The interior complex consists of: The grand gate, the big middle gate, Khue constellation pavilion, the pond, the steles pavilion with 82 stone steles concerning examinations from 1442 to 1779, the dedication hall and the upper palace. The main hall was restored in 2000 in traditional architecture and dedicated to King Ly Thanh Tong – founder of the temple, King Ly Nhan Tong – founder of the university and King Le Thanh Tong – the father of the doctors’ steles.
The Temple of Literature is a tourist magnet for both domestic and foreign visitors and also a favorite venue for Hanoi cultural activities and to honor excellent students. The pavilion of Khue constellation has been chosen as Hanoi’s symbol. In March 2010, UNESCO officially acknowledged the 82 doctor steles as a World Documentary Heritage. 

Hoan Kiem lake – Ngoc Son temple
Hoan Kiem Lake is a natural lake of Hanoi. It is also known as the Sword Lake in association with the legend of the sword of King Le Thai To in the 15th century. The 12ha lake is situated at the very heart of Hanoi and surrounded by a large variety of plants. At the center lies the Turtle Tower and across the lake are Ngoc Son temple and The Huc bridge. Other surrounding historical sites include the statue of King Le Thai To, Lady Kieu temple or the pen tower...
Ngoc Son temple is dedicated to Guan Yu, La To, the Deity of Van Xuong (responsible for exams) and the national hero Tran Hung Dao, a glorified mortal by Vietnamese people. In 1865, the temple was restored by scholar Nguyen Van Sieu and combined with Tran Ba communal house, the pen tower and a crossing bridge to the isle create the complex of Ngoc Son temple – The Huc bridge – pen tower – ink tray gate.
Tran Quoc pagoda 
The Huc bridge is famous for its vermilion paint and 15 bending arches. It literally means “the gathering of the dawning light”.
Both the pen tower and ink tray gate symbolize the ideology of Hanoi’s elite in the late 19th century.

Hanoi’s old quarter
Spanning about 100ha and initiated in the early 15th century, the quarter lies outside Thang Long Royal Palaces. Residents who lived on traditional crafts and trades created unique separate crafting streets. Harmonious moss covered roofs and jostling tube-shaped houses make up the soul of the old quarter. These blocks serve both as dwellings and stores. Each street’s name may start with “Hang”, followed by some specific craft or product: Hang Dao, Hang Chieu, Hang Ma, Hang Thiec… There are over 50 streets remaining. Next to Hang Chieu is Quan Chuong gate (or the Eastern gate), a well-preserved site of this special ancient quarter.
The 36 streets of Hanoi is an etymology of the old urban area. Strolling through the narrow streets is the one of the greatest pleasures for both native and foreign tourists to Hanoi.
Near Hang Ma street is Dong Xuan market, a major trading center of Vietnam.

Thang Long Royal Palaces
Registered as a World Cultural Heritage in 2010, the complex is closely associated with the history of the Pre-Thang Long period from the 7th century up to now. The 20-ha complex encompasses the No.18 Hoang Dieu archeological site and the remaining ramparts of Hanoi’s ancient citadel such as the North Gate, South Gate, Princess Pavilion, Kinh Thien palace, stone dragons of Kinh Thien palace, D67 commanding shelter and Hanoi’s flag pedestal.
The No.18 Hoang Dieu archeological site, a center of this World Cultural Heritage, was discovered and excavated in 2002. Overlapping Hanoi at night architecture impacts of various dynasties spanning from the 7th to 19th century are quite consistent. There are still many types of bricks used for the construction of palaces and temples. Each type of brick is attributed to a certain dynasty.

Ho Chi Minh complex in Hanoi 
President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum along with the Ho Chi Minh complex and museum form a memorial architectural, cultural and historical site of President Ho Chi Minh.

Ho Chi Minh mausoleum: where the body of President Ho Chi Minh is stored. Commenced on September 2, 1973 and was inaugurated on August 29, 1975, the mausoleum was constructed on the former foundation of the stage of Ba Dinh square where President Ho read his Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945.

Ho Chi Minh museum: located near Ba Dinh square and behind President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. The structure was opened to the public on May 19, 1990 – the 100th birthday of the president.

Uncle Ho stilt house: situated within Ho Chi Minh complex, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi. The stilt house was the dwelling and working place of President Ho since 1958 till his death (1969). The house is encircled by a garden of hundreds of rare plants from throughout the country. In the front is Uncle Ho’s fish pond surrounded by all-year orchids. 

Vietnam museum of ethnology
The museum is nested on a 3ha area on Nguyen Van Huyen street, Cau Giay District and was inaugurated in 1997. This museum stores artifacts, housing models, products, belongings and precious sources of documents of the daily life and customs of the 54 ethnicities throughout Vietnam. 
Cultural activities of ethnicities often take place in the outdoor display area such as. 
These include a sacrifice of Dao people’s houses; shuttlecock kicking and còn throwing in Mong’s residence; grave houses of Co Tu people and reenacted weddings, funerals, water puppets and religious rituals in Kinh ethnic houses. 

West Lake landscape 
West Lake boasts its scenic beauty in the West Hanoi. The West Lake is the result of the Red River’s changing current. It covers 500ha, and is the largest lake in Hanoi. The lakeside street measures around 17km and includes streets of Thanh Nien, Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Nhat Tan, Buoi or Thuy Khue… It is also beautified by renowned pagodas and temples such as Tran Quoc, Kim Lien, West Lake pagoda or Quan Thanh temple… Since ancient times, various feudal dynasties have had their palaces erected around the lake for purposes of leisure. Rowing on the West Lake is an elegant pursuit to enjoy its breathtaking landscape. Recently, West Lake has witnessed some opulent structures erected as it has become a major tourist center of Hanoi.

Truc Bach lake: Next to the West Lake is Truc Bach lake. It was first mentioned in old accounts in the 17th century. Its northern side is home to Cau Nhi temple in association with the capital moving legend of King Ly Cong Uan. Along with the West Lake, Truc Bach lake creates a harmonious natural complex in honor of the capital.

Quan Thanh temple: dedicated to Saint Huyen Thien Tran Vu, one of the four Guardian Deities of Thang Long Citadel. The temple was built in King Ly Thai To’s reign (1010 – 1028) and ideally placed between the sides of Truc Bach lake and West Lake. Inside the temple is a grave and solemn black copper statue of Guan Yu weighing 4 tons. This black copper statue was the masterpiece of skilled artisans from Ngu Xa craft village. 

Tran Quoc pagoda: nested on an island of the West Lake, is Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, and was erected in King Ly Nam De’s era (544 – 548). It has undergone many restorations. The pagoda proudly holds a priceless statue of the Buddha in Nirvana and 14 steles recording precious historical information.

Kim Lien pagoda: regarded as one of the most significant pagodas for its well-preserved old architectural patterns, this pagoda was built in 1631. It’s dedicated to Buddha and Princess Tu Hoa who taught people the skills of silkworm breeding and silk weaving. The pagoda is now located in Nghi Tam village, Quang An, West Lake District.

Tay Ho pagoda: in Quang An ward, was formerly an ancient village in the East of West Lake. It is dedicated to lord Lieu Hanh, a talented woman long known as the mother. On every 1st and 15th day in lunar calendar, pilgrims flock here to pray for fortune and luck.
Bat Trang ceramic village 
Bat Trang is a 600-year-old village near the Red River, 15km Southeast from Hanoi. It is famous for crafting handmade ceramics.
Bat Trang’s pottery industry reached its peak in the 16th - 17th century. Thus, many ceramic religious items in pagodas, shrines, temples and communal houses nationwide originated in Bat Trang. Bat Trang was a pottery center of the ancient Thang Long and gained fame throughout the country. Nowadays, tourists can visit the village a its communal houses, old houses, narrow alleys, wharfs, ceramic market, stores, workshops or furnaces.

Duong Lam ancient village 
On the outskirts of Son Tay town, Duong Lam ancient village boasts 8 nationally registered sites and was the first ancient village to be registered as a National Historical Site in 2006. Duong Lam is typical of Vietnamese old villages with communal houses, temples, pagodas, shrines, village gates, banyan trees, wharfs, outposts, clan temples and laterite houses unique to the culture of the Red River Delta. It is considered an “outdoor museum of the rural and agricultural lifestyle” of Vietnam. Duong Lam has survived time’s harsh challenges to protect its mysterious charm and secrets.
Duong Lam is also the birthplace of two kings: Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen and of the Giang Van Minh or Lord Lady Mia (a concubine of Lord Trinh Trang)…
Tourist sites include: Ngo Quyen mausoleum and temple, Mong Phu communal house dedicated to Ngo Quyen, Giang Clan’s temple, Mia pagoda and some 200 to 400-year-old houses…

Tay Phuong pagoda
Situated on the peak of Tay Phuong hill (formerly Cau Lau mount) of about 50m in Thach Xa commune, Thach That, Hanoi, the long standing pagoda underwent various restorations from the 16th to 18th century and includes 3 parallel partitions: the altar, main hall and rear palace. Each area comprises two piled roof layers and walls of well-processed Bat Trang bricks…
The pagoda boasts some masterpieces of religious sculpture arts, including chiseling, reliefs and statues. There are 42 gold-plated statues of jack fruit wood such as the Buddha of Three Worlds, Lama, Tuyet Son, Kannon, Diamond statue or the statues of 16 Arhat…
Tay Phuong pagoda is a unique religious structure to representing Vietnam’s fine art in the Post-Le period (17th - 18th century). 

Ba Vi tourist and national park The park is an attractive resort complex of spectacular landscape in Ba Vi mountains (Ba Vi District, Hanoi) lying in the town Son Tay. Go 16km further to Hai Fountain, and row on the lake; visitors will never be disappointed with an otherworldly experience in the fresh air and fairy landscape. Among the sites are the Ho Chi Minh temple, Saint of Tan Vien mount temple and some remains of the resort built by the French in the 1940s at the height of 2000m above sea level. Ba Vi National Park is truly a valuable outdoor lab and ecological site of biodiversity. There are currently some resort areas around Ba Vi National Park for weekend excursions including: Khoang Xanh, Ao Vua, Heavenly Mountains – Ivory Fountain to Da Waterfall… 

Perfume Mountain & surroundings The Perfume Pagoda is in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, about 70km away from Hanoi’s center. Its surroundings which encompass thousands of hectares, provide many rich natural wonders from mountains, streams, villages, pagodas (18 pagodas and temples) and caves. Pilgrims to the Perfume Mountain complex usually follows three main routes: Perfume Mountain, Long Van and Snow pagoda. Main routes to the Perfume pagoda: from Duc wharf, go down Yen fountain to Tro wharf (Thien Tru wharf ) to visit Trinh temple, Thien Tru and climb to the finest and most famous grotto – Huong Tich. In the 17th century, during a trip to the site, Lord Trinh Sam sealed five Chinese characters on the grotto “Nam Thien De Nhat Dong” (the finest grotto under the Southern sky). But Thap temple in Bac Ninh Duong Lam ancient village

Mai Chau

Mai Chau (in Hoa Binh province) is an immense green valley with villages of ethnic minority people living. In Mai Chau, tourists can visit the lakes and villages of Mong and Muong people, such as Hang Kia, Pa Co, Van Mai, by bicycle or on foot. Visitors can also enjoy popular music performances, the Thai special foods in Lac village, Van village, and Pom Coong, and the unique landscape of the mountainous area along to Da river. Staying overnight at Lac village will help tourists to better understand the manners and customs of the Northwest ethnic minorities.

Moc Chau Highlands

Moc Chau Highlands (Son La province) is the home of the Mong ethnic people. It is 1.050m above sea level, 200km Northwest of Hanoi, and reached by highway No.6 from Hanoi.

Moc Chau is a green steppe, has cool and airy climate, in summer it is often around 20oC. Moc Chau is well-known for its tea farms, dairy and now flower farms. Tourists can visit Dai Yem waterfall, pine forests, caves as well as see immense grass fields, unbounded white-plum and yellow flower.

A cluster of Dien Bien Phu relics

The Dien Bien Phu battlefield, Dien Bien province, is 500km west of Hanoi. The valley of Dien Bien was the location of an extremely heroic fight between Vietnamese people and the expeditionary army of French colonialism. The battle lasted 55 days and nights (13/3/1954 – 7/5/1954) with the defeat of the French. The Dien Bien Phu victory created a great resound that forced France to enter into Geneve Agreement for recognition of independence and peace for Vietnam. Destinations of Dien Bien Phu include: Dien Bien Phu Historic Victory Museum, Dien Bien Martyrs’ Cemetery, the outstanding relics of Dien Bien battlefield in the old days, hills A1, C1, C2, D1, entranced fortifications Hong Cum, Him Lam, Independence Hill, Muong Thanh bridge and airport, commanding cellar of General De Castries... currently become the attractive destinations for tourists. 

Mu Cang Chai terraced field

Mu Cang Chai yellow terraced fields (Yen Bai Province) in the North-west highlands are 1.750m high compared with sea level, far 300km of mountain pass and slope road from Hanoi.

Visiting Mu Cang Chai, tourists will be surprised at amid the high mountains with full of obstacles and difficult of access; there are the gigantic and endless terraced fields of Mong people.

In this region, there are approximately 90% Mong people, who had taken water rice to the high mountains and changed mountains and hills into layers of immense terraced fields curving round the mountain slope. In Mu Cang Chai town, terraced fields are in everywhere and take account of approximately 2.200ha.

October is the month of yellow ripen rice, is the most beautiful month in Mu Cang Chai and the month at which quantity of tourists reaches the highest number. In three communes La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh, 500ha of terraced fields have been kept intact and is the relic of Mong, which was ranked to be the national level relic.

Sapa

Sapa is the vacation spot famous for the illusory beauty of the Northwest Mountains and forests. It’s a colourful destination with the cultural beauty of the ethnic minorities: Mong, Thai, Tay, Nung… Lying in the Northwest, the town of Sapa town (Lao Cai Province) is about 1.600m high above sea level, 38km from Lao Cai City and 376km from the capital Hanoi. Sapa has natural and poetic beauty with the terraced fields curving around mountain slopes, May Bridge, Bac Fall and Heaven Gate...

Ham Rong mountain is a beautiful site, from this position, tourists can see the whole of Sapa, Sapa’s famous church, the ancient stones in Muong Hoa valley, villages such as Cat Cat, Ta Phin, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ban Ho… Sapa is also “the kingdom” of many kinds of fruits and flowers such as peach blossom, plum flowers, pear-tree flowers, immortal flowers and more.

Fansi pan peak – Hoang Lien Son

Fansipan, also known as “the Roof of Indochina,” is the highest mountain within the Hoang Lien Son mountains with a height of 3,143m. It lies southwest of Sapa. Hoang Lien National Park is a gigantic national park with a vegetation cover and many endemic varieties.

Bac Ha

The town Bac Ha has long been famous for its Sunday market. At this place, tourists can visit villages of the Mong and Tay ethnic minority people as well as kermises in Can Cau, Coc Ly.

Hoang A Tuong edifice is in the center of Bac Ha district (Lao Cai Province). It was built in 1914 and completed in 1921. Its owner is Hoang Yen Cha, a Tay ethnic minority person. His father is Hoang A Tuong. Hoang A Tuong edifice has been conserved, maintained and embellished so that tourists can learn about the history of mountainous semi-colonial and semi-feudal society throughout time.

Tan Trao historical relic

Tan Trao is a small valley in Son Duong district, 40km East of the town Tuyen Quang and 200km from Hanoi.

Tan Trao is a historical relic area, and acted as a revolutionary base for Vietnam in the Before August Revolution period. It used to be the temporary capital of the liberated area.

Main relics: Tan Trao communal house, Hong Thai communal house, Tan Trao banian tree, Na Lua tent where President Ho Chi Minh lived from June to August, 1945, before he returned to the capital Hanoi.

culture of ethnic minorities on Stone Plateau (UNESCO considered it as the special feature of Dong Van Stone Plateau Geopark in the global Geopark system). In the region of Dong Van Stone Plateau, tourists can visit villages of Mong people, Lo Lo people..., Lung Cu flagpole at the top of the North of Vietnam, Vuong Chi Sinh edifice, Dong Van market and ancient street and Khau Vai love market (held once a year in the night of 26th and 27th March of lunar calendar in Khau Vai commune, Meo Vac district).

Ba Be lake

Ba Be is the unique natural beautiful site in Bac Kan Province 250km North of Hanoi. Ba Be is one of 20 largest freshwater lakes in the world. The natural reserve of Ba Be is nearly 500ha wide, 8km long and 145m above sea level. It has three main lakes sourced from three rivers including Nang river, Ta Han river and Nam Cuong river.

Tourist destination: sitting in a dug-out canoe on the lake, visiting Puong cave, Duu Dang fall, Tien pond, Room fall, Phya Khao, going to the kermises Nam Cuong, Quang Khe...

Villages, in which Tay people are living such as Pac Ngoi, Po Lu, are close to the lake and always welcome tourists at their home.

Museum of The Cultures of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups

Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups was built in 1960 at the centre of Thai Nguyen City. The museum includes 5 rooms which display and reserve nearly 30,000 family objects from the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. The museum is an interesting tourist destination for internal and external tourists because has a simple and easily understandable display which brings visitors closer to the lives of ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Ban Gioc fall – Pac Bo cave

In field of Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang Province, Ban Gioc waterfall is considered as the most grandiose and beautiful waterfall in Vietnam.

From a height of more than 30m, the water falls as clear as huge band of silk. The famous Nguom Ngao cave is close to the fall and has a length of 3km.

Visiting Cao Bang, tourists cannot ignore Cac Mac mountain, Lenin stream or Pac Bo relic (Ha Quang district). Passing a bendy stretch of mountainous roads, tourists will have the chance to understand the revolutionary life of President Ho Chi Minh much more, and visit the charming landscape.

Chi Lang pass

Chi Lang pass is 20km long, 3km wide and connected with Chi Lang district and Huu Lung district of Lang Son Province. Chi Lang pass is a beautiful spot that is enclosed by the range of Kai Kinh Stone Mountains in the West and the range of Bao Dai mountain in the East. The two ends of the pass have towering stone mountains, which provide an advantageous defense position. The powerful history of Chi Lang connects closely to the activities of great military geniuses such as Ly Thuong Kiet, Tran Quoc Tuan and the heroic leaders of Lang region. Chi Lang pass has been considered a wall of the Thang Long ancient citadel for northern invaders.

Tam Thanh cave

The famous cave west of Ky Lua street is Tam Thanh cave. It lies in the middle of a range of mountains in shape of herd of elephants on a green glass surface. The cave entrance faces the east, is approximately 8m high, with a including 30 stone steps carved into the side of the mountain. The right wall of the cave has a carved a poem from Ngo Thi Si (1726 - 1780) when he worked as the chief of Lang Son Province. The poem praises the grandiose beauty of nature. Tam Thanh and Nhat Thanh, Nhi Thanh, Tien pagoda, Ky Lua, Ky Cung River, Vong Phu mountain, and the legend of To Thi create an attractive beauty for tourists when they visit the Lang region. 

Hung Temple

Hung Temple lies on Nghia Linh mountain, in Co Tich hamlet, Hy Cuong commune, Phong Chau (Phu Tho), 100km from Hanoi and 14km from Viet Tri City. It has many national historical relics, and contains vestiges of Hung Kings in the initial time of establishment of Van Lang State. Hung Temple is associated with the legend Au Co, Lac Long Quan, the first state of Vietnamese people, which has been handed down in many generations. Hung Temple has been established for a long time and received many repairs and improvements.

The relic area includes main items such as Ha temple the bell-tower, Thien Quang pagoda, Trung temple, 6th Hung King’s royal tomb, Gieng temple, Mother Au Co temple and Hung Vuong museum.

Hung Temple Festival is annually organized on March 10th of the lunar year and also the national holiday in Vietnam.

Tam Dao

Tam Dao is a rocky mountain range in the Northeast of Vietnam, located in three provinces: Vinh Phuc, Thai Nguyen and Tuyen Quang. Tam Dao resort (in Tam Dao town) is romantic location, located in the valley of Tam Dao National Park 86km from Hanoi.

Tam Dao resort is has an average height of 879m above sea level, endowed by great mountains, cool air and annual average temperature of 18OC. From the early 20th century, the French built this place as a resort with many villas, hotels, swimming pools and sports grounds.

Tam Dao National Park also has about 2,000 species of plants and about 840 species of animals. Many species are enlisted in the Red Book as they are extremely rare and precious.

On Tam Dao range, there is the famous relic site named Tay Thien and Tay Thien temple (also known as Mau temple). The road to Tay Thien is full of obstacles and difficult of access. Tourists must cross many rivulets, streams, mountain slopes and dense forests.

But Thap pagoda

But Thap pagoda (in Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh Province) was built in 1647. It is one of the famous pagodas with unique architecture and ancient sculptures with the most accurate scale in Vietnam. The stone 5-storey Bao Nghiem tower is regarded as the cultural symbol of Northern Vietnam. In the pagoda, there are many valuable statues of Buddha and antiques such as the thousand-eye and thousand-hand Kuan Yin statue with the height of 3.7m, Tuyet Son statue, Thi Gia statue and 18 arhats.

Transplanting festival

Con Son - Kiep Bac relic and tourist attraction cluster

Con Son relic site in Chi Linh district (Hai Duong Province), about 70km from Hanoi, includes a complex of mountains with pine forest, rivulets and many famous relics such as Con Son pagoda, Nguyen Trai temple, Gieng Ngoc, Fairy Alta, Thach Ban flagstone. Originating from the Tran dynasty, Con Son was one of three centers of Truc Lam Zen (Con Son, Yen Tu, Quynh Lam). This land has been associated with the names and careers of many Vietnamese celebrities such as Tran Nguyen Dan, Huyen Quang and Nguyen Trai.

Kiep Bac historic and cultural relic site in Hung Dao commune, Chi Linh district (Hai Duong), 5km from Con Son, is where Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan established his base, stored food and trained soldiers in the resistance wars against Nguyen Mong invaders in the 13th century. The center of the relic site contains the Saint Tran Temple built in the early 14th century.

Cat Ba island

Cat Ba is an archipelago with 367 islands of various sizes, distributed mainly in Lan Ha bay succeeding Ha Long bay. The main island is Cat Ba covering about 100km2 and 30 nautical miles from Hai Phong port.

Cat Ba archipelago is recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Cat Ba National Park covers 15,200ha including 9,800ha forest and 5,400ha sea to create an ideal ecological environment. Coming to Cat Ba, you can bathe in Cat Co Beach 1, Cat Co Beach 2, Da Bang Beach, Ben Beo Beach and Co Tien Beach and more. Also, you can visit Trung Trang cave, Hoa Cuong cave or join in ecological tours in Cat Ba National Park and in Phu Long commune.

Ha Long bay

Ha Long bay - one of new world seven wonders, has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO for aesthetic and geological - geomorphologic uniqueness. It lies on a total area of 1,553km2 with 1,969 lively and grandiose islands. Ha Long bay is part of the Gulf of Tonkin, located between Lan Ha bay and Bai Tu Long bay. It includes the coastal area of Ha Long City, Cam Pha Town and part of Van Don Island District.

There are two types of islands in Ha Long: limestone islands and schist islands. The bay has been developed by various activities for hundreds of millions of years. Ha Long Bay has many wonderful caves such as Dau Go, Thien Cung, Bo Nau, Trong, Trinh Nu and Sung Sot. Each cave is associated with interesting legends.

Coming there, tourists can travel by boat to visit islands, floating fishing village, discover natural beauties, visit historic and cultural relics (Bai Tho mountain, Duc Ong temple, Long Tien pagoda), fish market to study cultural values and even kayak.

Yen Tu

Yen Tu relic site is a complex of pagodas, hermitages, towers and ancient tree forests and is regarded as a famous mountain of Vietnam. Yen Tu is considered the center of Buddhism of the old Dai Viet country and the origin of Truc Lam Zen who was associated with the Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong (1258 - 1308). Vast Yen Tu now has 11 pagodas and hundreds of the most famous hermitages and towers: Trinh temple, Hoa Hien pagoda, Dong pagoda (on the highest peak 1,068m from the sea level). An Ky Sinh statue, ancient apricot forest, Vang waterfall, Giai Oan spring, Tung road, Truc forest are excellent tourist destinations.

Over the past years, Truc Lam Yen Tu Monastery has been built on the base of the old Lan pagoda.

Keo pagoda

Keo pagoda was built from 1630 to 1632 in Vu Thu district, Thai Binh Province and is regarded as the largest and most beautiful pagoda in Northern Vietnam Delta. The pagoda has wide architectural scope covering about 58,000m2. Now, there are 17 architectural works left, including 128 Buddhism worshiping areas and Zen Buddhist Khong Lo Temple. The famous architectural work of the pagoda is bell tower made of wood with a beautiful, solid and unique design. 

Xuan Thuy National Park

Xuan Thuy National Park is located in Giao Thuy district (Nam Dinh Province), 150km from Hanoi. This is also the first mangrove swamp biosphere reserve in Vietnam to be recognized internationally under the Ramsar convention.

Xuan Thuy National Park is located right at Ba Lat gate where the Red River merges into the East Sea. The core area of the park is the salt mash land on three rivers and sand dunes, namely Ngan dune, Lu dune and Xanh dune in Giao Thien commune. These cover about 7,100ha, including: 3,100ha ground land area with forest and 4,000ha mangrove swamp land.

Every year there are around 100 species of migrating birds heading South to seek warmer climates for the winter. Close to one fifth of the worlds’ black-faced spoonbill fly through this area. This place is estimated to accommodate 215 species of water bird; about 165 species of zooplankton and 154 species of zoobenthos, 120 species of high class plants, including many species of seaweed of high economic value.

Located near Xuan Thuy National Park, the community ecological tourist model in Giao Xuan helps tourists have more interesting experiences in the trip.

King Dinh temple and King Le temple

King Dinh Tien Hoang temple and King Le Dai Hanh temple are located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province. This area was once the ancient Hoa Lu capital city. King Dinh temple in Yen Thuong Hamlet (Thuong temple) is built on a land area covering 5ha. It is shielded by Ma Yen mountain and Du mountain, including three layers: Kowtow Palace, Celestial Perfume Palace and Seraglio. In the seraglio, there is a statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang and statues of Prince Dinh Lien, Prince Dinh Toan and Prince Hang Lang on the sides.

King Le temple is situated in Yen Ha hamlet (also known as Ha temple) with smaller architectural scale than King Dinh temple. In the temple, there are statues of King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Duong Van Nga and King Le Ngoa Trieu. Every year, the sacrifice festival is opened on the lunar 10th day of March, also known as Truong Yen festival.

Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Bich Dong is located in the Ngu Nhac Son mountain range in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province. In 1773, Nguyen Nhiem (father of the great poet Nguyen Du) visited the cave. The mountain, cave, river, rice fields and sky in this place are covered with a breath-taking green color, thus he gave the cave a very beautiful and romantic name “Bich Dong”. The beautiful scenery of Bich Dong is called “The second most beautiful cave in Vietnam.” From Bich Dong, tourists can continue by boat to visit Tam Coc. Tam Coc means three caves: First Cave, Second Cave and Third Cave. When the boat goes into the three caves, tourists will feel cool. Stalactites from the cave ceiling hang down unevenly and sparkly like magical pearls and gems.

Trang An - Bai Dinh relic site

Located 95km from Hanoi and mostly in Hoa Lu district (Ninh Binh Province), there is Trang An ecological tourist resort - “Ha Long bay on land”. It has a total area of 2.168ha and belongs to two main ecosystems, namely limestone mountain and submerged land.

Surrounded by limestone mountain ranges, Trang An is a complex of 31 valleys, 48 trans-water caves and many lakes together with historic relic sites intercalated in forests and limestone mountains.

The most popular big caves are Dia Linh, Sinh Duoc, May, Toi, Sang and Nau Ruou with diversified beauty.

This place still stores many relics of the prehistoric men from 5,000 to 30,000 years ago in Bui cave and Trong cave.

The complex of Trang An (Ninh Binh) was acknowledged by the UNESCO as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage on June 23, 2014.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is located in Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh Province, on the border of Ninh Binh Province, Hoa Binh Province and Thanh Hoa Province, over 100km Southwest of Hanoi. It was the first National Park of Vietnam and was established in July 1962. The park covers 22,000ha, including a majority of limestone mountains with the height ranging from 300 to 600m above sea level. Cuc Phuong has a diversified flora and fauna with nearly 2000 species.

Cuc Phuong is famous for parashrea stellata, ancient dracontomelum aged about 1000 years old, with the height ranging from 50 to 70m, trachypithecus delacouri and many species of rare and precious butterflies.

Main attractions: environmental interpretation center, primate rescue center, ancient man cave, Con Moong cave.

Phat Diem stone cathedral

Phat Diem stone cathedral is located in the town Phat Diem, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh Province, 120km south of Hanoi. This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Vietnam and was built from 1875 - 1898. Phat Diem means the generation of beauty and was named by Nguyen Cong Tru. Phat Diem stone cathedral is a unique architectural complex bearing Oriental style. Phat Diem stone cathedral is the hallmark in the panorama of the historical and beautiful spots of the ancient capital.

Sam Son beach

Located 16km from Thanh Hoa City, Sam Son beach is 10km long with silky white smooth sand. It is an ideal relaxation destination that was used by the French starting in 1906 and quickly become a famous resort of Indochina. Sam Son has many beautiful scenes: Trong Mai stone, Doc Cuoc temple, Co Tien pagoda and aquatic life such as prawns, mackerels and squids.

Ho dynasty citadel

Ho dynasty citadel was built in the reign of King Ho Quy Ly in 1397 with very big and solid green stone blocks and unique architecture in Vinh Loc district, Thanh Hoa Province. The square citadel is also known as Tay Do with each edge 500m long and surrounded by a deep trench. The citadel has 4 gates, one in the east, west, south and north. The citadel southern gate still maintains curved archways made with 3 green stones. The remaining citadel walls are made of earth. In the citadel, there remain many vestiges of an ancient palace.

The previous ancient citadels of Vietnam such as Hoa Lu, Co Loa are made of earth but Ho dynasty citadel was built with big stone blocks and is one of very few stone strongholds left in the world. Ho dynasty citadel was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO (27/6/2011).

Kim Lien relic site - native land of President Ho Chi Minh

Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district, Nghe An Province, about 15km from Vinh City, is the relic site of the native land, family and childhood of the President Ho Chi Minh. This place accommodates many relic sites including: the birth place of the President Ho Chi Minh in his maternal native land, Hoang Tru village (also known as Chua village), Sen village (Kim Lien commune) - his paternal native land, where he lived from 1901 – 1906 tomb quarter of Ms. Hoang Thi Loan - mother of the President Ho Chi Minh, relic cluster of Chung mountain and many other sites closely associated with his childhood.

Cua Lo beach

Located 18km from Vinh City, Cua Lo beach is nearly 10km long and has gentle slopes, smooth white sand, clear clean water and diversified seafood. Above the beach, there are many wide forest areas with green pine trees and coconut ranges. Cua Lo is surrounded by many small mountains, and has Hon Ngu Island 4km far from the beach and Cua Hoi also near the beach.

Pu Mat National Park

As the core area of the Western Biosphere Reserve of Nghe An, Pu Mat National Park is located on the administrative boundary of 3 districts: Anh Son, Con Cuong and Tuong Duong, Nghe An Province. The core area of Pu Mat Park covers 94,804ha and the buffer area covers over 86,000ha. The park has many species of rare and precious animals and plants, and was one of the first places to discover Pseudoryx nghetinhensis. Pu Mat National Park has grandiose Pu Mat peak with the height of 1,841m, Kem waterfall with the height of 150m, Giang River, Moc spring and short pine forest. Tourists can choose to walk in the forest or stay on boat along Giang River to observe animals and visit the mountain villages of Dan Lai ethnic group in the forest.

Thien Cam

Located 26km north of Ha Tinh town, along the National Road 1A, Thien Cam beach (in Cam Xuyen district) is like a bow shape nearly 3km long from Thien Cam mountain to Dau Voi mountain. This place has natural beauty, is fresh and has quiet environment. Close to the beach is splendid Thien Cam mountain. Legend has it that when King Ho Quy Ly inspected the defense of this land, he heard a faint wind, and waves leaving sounds bouncing against the mountain wall. It created a melodious sound, thus he named this land Thien Cam (sky musical instrument)

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is located in Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province, about 50km Northwest of Dong Hoi City.

This is part of the most ancient limestone mountain area in Asia, which was created more than 400 million years ago by various geological activities. In 2003, Phong Nha - Ke Bang was recognized as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO.

Caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park are classified into 2 types: dry cave and water cave. Main caves include: Phong Nha, Tien Son, Thien Duong, Son Doong. Phong Nha cave is nearly 8km long with 14 small caves and a sparkling underground river nearly 14km in length. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is home to many archeological vestiges which show proof of human life from the Stone Age.

Vinh Moc tunnel

Vinh Moc tunnel (in Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri) is a special work of tunnels which accommodated a village of hundreds of people during the resistance war against American imperialists. The tunnel is nearly 2km long and includes 3 layers, at the depth of 12 - 23m. The tunnel is designed for nearly 100 families, with wells, meeting halls, maternity home, surgery room, kitchen, etc. Vinh Moc tunnel is nearly undamaged and an attractive sightseeing point for international tourists.

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The DMZ is a collection of many war historic relics along Northern and Southern banks of Ben Hai river, associated with the 17th parallel, it has famous places such as Hien Luong bridge, Ben Hai river, Mieu slope, Tien Dune, Gio Linh, Khe Sanh, Ta Con, Vay village, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and Cam Lo.

The road No. 9 from Dong Ha town to the Lao Bao border gate to Laos was one of the key traffic routes during the war.

One of the important sightseeing locations is the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, a relic of the bloody 81-day-night war to protect the ancient citadel in the summer of 1972.

Visiting the DMZ, tourists can go to other tourist locations such as Cua Tung, Cua Viet, Truong Son Martyr Cemetery and La Vang church.

Hue imperial city

Hue imperial city (in Thua Thien - Hue Province) was Vietnam’s capital for the reigns of 13 kings during the 143 years of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Located on the northern bank of Huong river, the imperial city is surrounded by walls 6.6m in height, 21m in thickness, nearly 9km in length and protecting an area of over 500ha. There is a protective deep moat outside the walls. Nearly 140 architectural works are contained by three imperial city grounds: Imperial city, Royal citadel and Purple Forbidden City.

Royal citadel and purple Forbidden City are collectively referred to as the Royal Palace. The Royal Citadel is home to the most important rites and political agencies of the court and temples.

The Purple Forbidden City is the working and living place of the king and imperial family, which is strictly protected. The Royal Palace is includes the following architectural structures: the Southern Main Gate Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa temple and theater for ceremonies.

• The Mieu is the place worshiping Nguyen dynasty kings with Cuu Dinh.

• Dien Tho temple and Truong Sanh temple are the living place of the Queen Mother and Mother of Queen Mother.

• Home Affairs Palace is the place of storing precious items, and manufacturing royal appliances.

• Co Ha Garden and Kham Van temple is the place where princes study and play.

• Purple Forbidden City: Can Chanh temple (living place of the king), Ta Vu and Huu Vu, Vac Dong, Duyet Thi Duong (theater), Thai Binh Lau (king library).

Relics in the imperial city: Ky Dai, Quoc Tu Giam, Long An temple, Fine Arts Museum of Hue Imperial Palace, Phu Xuan temple, Tinh Tam lake, library, Important and Secret Institute - Tam Tao, Dan Xa Tac.

Relics outside the imperial city: Mausoleums of Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh.

Other relics: Tran Binh Dai, Phu Van Lau, Thuong Bac Palace, Temple of Literature, Temple of Martial Arts, Dan Nam Giao, Ho Quyen, Hon Chen temple, Thien Mua pagoda, Bao Quoc pagoda, Tu Hieu pagoda, An Dinh Palace.

Hue was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO on 11/12/1993 for its architectural relics and beauty.

Non Nuoc seaside resort: Non Nuoc seaside resort stretches nearly 5km with clean wide sand banks and clean blue sea water. Non Nuoc seaside resort is close to the base of Ngu Hanh Son and beside Non Nuoc fine arts stone village with many famous stone sculpture works.

Champa sculpture museum: (or the Cham museum) was built in 1915 under the sponsor of France Far East Research Institute in Vietnam and was officially opened in 1939. The Cham sculpture museum was adapted from the motif of Champa architecture and has a white showroom. At present, the museum displays hundreds of original sculpturesmade from sandstone, and some terra-cotta. Sculptures have been collected from Cham temples and towers dispersed in the Central region from Quang Binh to Binh Thuan. 

Hoi An ancient town

Hoi An (in Quang Nam Province) is situated by Thu Bon river bank. In the 16th and the 17th centuries, the name Faifoo was famous for many Japanese, Chinese, Netherlands, Indian and Spanish traders. At that time, Hoi An’s trading port developed prosperously and was a big trading center of the Southeast Asia, and one of the main stops for trading boats to the Far East.

Hoi An has ancient street rows that are preserved nearly to their original state. Ancient houses in Hoi An are characterized by wood and tubular male and female tiles throughout all streets, combining living space with the shops.

Main sightseeing points: Cau Pagoda, Quang Dong Club-house (Ong Pagoda), Phuc Kien Club-house, Trieu Chau Club-house, Hoi An Historic Museum, Hoi An Ceramic Museum, family churches, ancient houses including: Tan Ky, Diep Dong Nguyen, Phung Hung ancient house. Inside the ancient houses, there remain such items as altar, horizontal lacquered boards, pairs of wood panels and columns with sophisticatedly carved patterns. Hoi An is a living museum, an ancient city that was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and the place which preserves the lifestyle of the ancient capital in Vietnam.

Hoi An is surrounded by some craft villages such as Tra Que vegetable village, Kim Bong carpentry village and Thanh Ha ceramic village.

Cua Dai seaside resort is 5km from Hoi An. It’s beach extends with smooth white sand, clean blue water and small waves. There are many famous health resorts here.

Coming to Hoi An, tourists may have quality clothes quickly tailored, buy decorative multi-colored lanterns and handmade souvenirs.

Two hours offshore to the east of Hoi An is Cu Lao Cham, a World Biosphere Reserve.

My Son cultural heritage

My Son is located in Duy Xuyen district (Quang Nam Province), 70km from Da Nang City and 45km from Hoi An. This is the My Son tower temple complex situated in a closed valley surrounded by mountains, where sacrifices and offering rites of many old Champa royal dynasties were conducted. This grandiose religious relic site bears the characteristics of Champa culture and was built continuously over a 1000 year period.

Commenced from the 4th century to the early 14th century, this relic complex has over 70 tower temples with Hindu influenced architectural and sculpture style typical of historic Champa kingdoms. Most tower temples face the East towards the sunrise where spirits reside. Due to hundreds of years of fierce war and severe natural conditions, My Son retains only about 20 relics in seriously downgraded condition. Recently, with the assistance of the governments, organizations and international specialists have restored some structures.

Main temples in My Son worship Linga - Yoni set, or the symbol of the spirit Siva - the Protector of Champa reigns. For important architectural, cultural and historic values, My Son Relic Site was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1999.

Truong Luy relic

Truong Luy is a newly found historic relic. It is a system of connected fortifications stretching hundreds of kilometers, starting from the south of Quang Nam Province through Quang Ngai provincce and 8 districts to the north of Binh Dinh Province.

At present, researchers have discovered 127.4km of Truong Luy including 113km in Quang Ngai. Truong Luy was established in the mid-16th century and completed in the early 19th century. The rampart is built mainly from stone, and some places by earth with an average height of 2m. The rampart base is 4m wide and rampart surface is 1m wide. Fortifications have a square shape, each edge averaging from 25 to 30m. Truong Luy - fortifications are not only designed to protect but also designed for economic and cultural exchange between the lowland and the mountainous areas.

Rang waterfall

Located at the foot of Xuan Van mountain, about 3km Southeast of the center of Quy Nhon City, Rang Waterfall is a succeeding stone bank, winding along the curve of the mountain channel.

The natural aggression and wave corrosion have exposed giant stone blocks to overlap one another, creating strange and lively caves and shapes such as Hon Chon. It also includes many stones randomly fixed to each other, and Da Trung with many natural round smooth stones.

Quang Trung museum

45km from the city Quy Nhon, Quang Trung museum is located in the town Phu Phong (Binh Dinh Province), and is the native land of the three brothers of Tay Son dynasty: Nguyen Nhac, Nguyen Hue and Nguyen Lu.

Established in 1978 on a campus covering 95,000m2 with ancient and modern architectural style, Quang Trung museum is a cultural space including: museum, Tay Son Three-hero temple, statue of the Emperor Quang Trung, Tay Son martial art music performance house, cultural house of Central Highland ethnic groups.

Da Dia reef

Da Dia reef is a natural beautiful location with particularly interesting landscapes and unique geology in Vietnam. It is situated in An Ninh Dong commune, Tuy An district (Phu Yen Province). It is believed that tens of thousands of years ago, lava from volcano eruptions met cold seawater and created intercalated stone column layers with heights of 60 - 80cm from the sea level. The stone surface is like numerous overlapping black discs.

Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa

Nha Trang is the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province with all-year moderate climate, and accessible by waterway, roadway, airway, and railway. Nha Trang has many famous landscapes and is one of the biggest sea tourist centers for the whole country with many coastal health resorts.

Nha Trang’s location is quite beautiful facing the sea. It is surrounded by 5 mountains. Beaches stretch numerous kilometers and attract millions of tourist each year.

Nha Trang bay covers around 500km2 including 19 islands, forming an adjoining island cluster. The biggest island is Hon Tre covering 36km2, which shields the shore and makes Nha Trang’s beaches calm. Nha Trang bay is a home to underwater biodiversity. This place has many beautiful coral reefs that create favorable conditions for diving tourist development.

On Nha Trang bay, there are famous hotels and resorts that are managed by world famous groups such as Starwood, Mandara, Six Senses, Hyatt, Marriott, etc.

Vinpearl Land: situated on the beautiful Hon Tre island in the middle of the sea with a clean blue beach, Vinpearl Land resort is the leading 5-star resort in the region with a splendid garden, entertainment park and shopping street. It is possible to travel to the island by canoe, sailboat, motorized boat or the longest suspension cable in the Southeast Asia.

Nha Phu pond: situated at the foot of Hon Keo, it is one of the two largest ponds in Khanh Hoa and is about 15km from Nha Trang. Nha Phu pond is about 10km long and about 1,500 ha wide. This place has many ideal resorts: Hon Lao, Hon Thi, Hoa Lan spring and Ninh Van resort with wooden houses close to the water edge.

Van Phong bay: situated in Van Ninh district, about 60km north of Nha Trang. A sand hill with the length of 18km is located between the mainland and two islands, giving Van Phong Bay a splendid landscape.

Dai Lanh beach: located in Van Ninh district, by the National Road 1A, about 80km North of Nha Trang, Dai Lanh Beach is like a crystal white sand strip stretching in the shape of crescent moon with green willow ranges.

Doc Let: Situated in Ninh Hoa district, about 50km north of Nha Trang, this wonderful beach has smooth white sand banks stretching along the sea of clean blue water for nearly. It is called Doc Let because this place has long spotless sand dunes tens kilometers above the willow row, separating the mainland from the sea.

Hon Mun Marine Reserve: located in the South of Nha Trang bay. On the island, there are emerging rock tops with dangerous cliffs creating ebony caves. Every year swallows fly to the caves to make nests. The sea floor of Hon Mun region holds multi-colored coral reefs which are inhabited by many diverse marine creatures. It is the favorite place of marine creature researchers, oceanographers and tourists.

Nha Trang is also known as a city of festivals: Sea festival and the place to hold competitions: Miss Universe 2008, Miss World 2010.

Po Klong Garai tower

It is the common name for the most grandiose and beautiful Cham tower cluster in Vietnam located

in the Northwest of Phan Rang. Cham tower (Ninh Thuan Province) is about 7km from the city center.

Po Klong Garai tower is a complex of three towers: main tower (20.5m high), fire tower (9.31m high), gate tower (8.56m high). The towers worship King Poklong Garai (1151 - 1205) who had many merits in ruling the country.

Po Klong Garai Tower was built from the late 13th century to the early 14th century under the guidance of King Che Man. This tower is the climax of architecture and sculpture of Cham people. Every year, Cham people organize Kate Festival in July in Cham calendar, which is the biggest festival in the year for Cham people.

Mui Ne

It is the name of a fishing village, 22km Northeast of the city Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan Province) along Nguyen Dinh Chieu road (road 706). Developing from a desolate beach strip with desert like red sand hills, far from traffic roads and only several poor fishing villages, Mui Ne now has hundreds of resorts and hotels.

From Phan Thiet city to Mui Ne, there are many relics and famous landscapes for tourists to drop in such as Mui Ne fishing village, Ong Hoang Castle, Mui Ne sand hill, Poshanu tower, Duc Thanh School, Suoi Tien, Hon Rom.

Over the past years, the sand hill has become a composition theme for many photographers.

Ba Na village

Ba Na ethnic minority is one of the most populated native ethnic minorities in the Central Highland. They live mostly in Kon Tum province. Visiting Ba Na village, tourists will see square or rectangular stilted houses with sophisticated wooden carved staircases. Ba Na people were the first ethnic minority in the Central Highland to learn to use writing and use buffaloes and oxen to plough fields.

Like many other ethnic minorities in the Central Highland, in the middle of the house floor of Ba Na people, there is a cooking fire that is always active; the cooking fire is the living center of the family.

Central Highland funeral house

Funeral houses and statues are typical characteristics of the traditional culture in the Central Highlands. The tradition of erecting funeral house and statues is seen only in the Ba Na, Ede, Gia rai, Mnong and Xo Dang ethnic minorities. Funeral houses are built over the grave and are the place of the grave-hut removal ceremony. There are many types of funeral houses which often use the 3 colors black, red and white for decoration. Funeral statues are unique sculptures to this land, especially the funeral statues of the Gia rai and Ba Na ethnic minorities. The grave-hut removal ceremony is a ritual that sees the dead off to another world.

To Nung Bien Ho

Located in Bien Ho commune, Pleiku city, Gia Lai, this fresh water lake provides water to the city. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Central Highland. To Nung Bien Ho is in a volcano that has been dormant for hundreds of million years. The oval shaped lake has depth of 20 - 30m and area of 230ha. The landscape around the lake is quite spectacular with trees, flowers, endless forests, rolling hills and dug-out canoes surfing on the water. 

Don Village

Don Village is located in Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, Dak Lak Province, 42km Northwest of Buon Ma Thuot City. This place has endless forests and the grandiose Serepok river. Don Village has been famous not only for the landscape of forests and mountains but also for the wild elephant hunting and taming tradition of the elephant hunter king Amakong. Coming to Don Village, tourists have a chance to ride elephants, climb mountains, cross streams and swim the river.

This place also has Yok Don, the Vietnam’s largest national park that covers 115,500ha with forest ecosystems and where preserves Asian elephants and rare grey brown oxen.

Dray Sap waterfall

Dray Sap waterfall is the downstream waterfall in the system of three waterfalls Gia Long - Dray Nur - Dray Sap of the Serepok river, Dak Nong Province, 30km South of Buon Ma Thuot City. The waterfall is nearly 20m high but 100m wide. In

Ede language, Dray Sap means the smoke waterfall because the water stream falling from a high position creates a misty spray resembling smoke. All year round, the region resounds from waterfall and is flooded in the vaporous water smoke. 

around 24OC during the normal day. It also has year long sunshine. Da Lat is called the city of spring, flowers and pine forest.

Located in Lac Duong district (Lam Dong province) , about 25km from Da Lat, Bi Dup - Nui Ba National Park covers 64,800ha, including 50,000ha of primeval forest with pine forests, Fokiena hodginsii L. forests, green cypress forests, Cephalotaxaceae forests and many species of rare and precious animals and plants. Bi Dup - Nui Ba National Park is one of 221 endemic bird centers of the world. Common birds include: shrike, black-necked grackle, spotted dove, francolin, Moorcock, boucal, drong and woodpecker. Among them, there are three species of endemic birds: black-throated laughing, black-headed laughing and yellow sparrow.

Two famous mountain tops are Langbian and Bi Dup which like many rivers and waterfalls in the area, are part of national park.

Pongour waterfall, also known as seven-layer waterfall: located in Duc Trong district, Lam Dong Province, 50km from Da Lat city. Pongour waterfall is 30m high, hundreds of meters long and has a wide veranda. Pongour is a famously beautiful waterfall that was regarded by the French as the “most grandiose waterfall in Indochina”. The waterfall is surrounded by the primeval forest covering about 2.5ha a diversity of vegetation cover and many ancient trees and animals.

Dambri waterfall: about 18km from the center of Bao Loc town, located in the middle of a secluded and beautiful primeval forest. Dambri waterfall is about 60m high. In the rainy season, upstream water flows violently and it is possible to hear the sound from several kilometers away. The waterfall is surrounded by a nearly untouched forest.

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest economic hub of Vietnam and an important gateway connecting Vietnam to the world; natural area is 2,095.6km2, population 7,681.7 thousand, average population density 3666 persons/km2.

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest urban area in Vietnam through its dynamic economic growth, modern structures, large commercial and department stores and recreational areas… Serving as an international gateway and a developed city, Ho Chi Minh City is determined to be a crucial tourist hub (up to 70% of foreign tourists to Vietnam visit Ho Chi Minh City).

Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism is characterized by the city’s history, urban services on the basis of a dynamic economic center in combination with landscape and ecological values.

Ben Thanh market: situated at the heart of District 1, it built from 1912 to March 1914. In 1985, Ho Chi Minh People’s Committee conducted a great restoration and refurbishment of Ben Thanh market, yet its original architecture with the clock tower remained intact. The market usually serves as an iconic symbol of the city.

Grand market: a huge residence including district 5, district 10 and parts of Districts 11 and 6. Chinese densely populate this area, resulting in many Chinese restaurants, herbal stores, pagodas and Assembly houses such as Ba pagoda and Minh Huong pagoda…

Notre Dame Cathedral: built by the French colonial authorities, it was inaugurated on April 11, 1880 in the Parisian Commune Square, District 1. The cathedral offers fine views from every angle with its Noveau-Roman architecture mixed with Gothic influences as designed by architect J. Bourad. Construction materials and ornaments were all transported from France.

This solemn and divine cathedral is an architectural masterpiece of Saigon.

Vinh Nghiem pagoda: commenced in 1964 and finished in 1971. The pagoda is named after the Buddhist school Vinh Nghiem (in Ly dynasty in Bac Giang), one of the birthplaces of the Three Divines Zen school. Inspired by the ancient northern pagoda, yet constructed using modern materials. This is a typical structure of 20th century Vietnamese Buddhism and also the largest Mahayana pagoda in the city.

War Remnants Museum: located at No.28, Vo Van Tan Str., Dist. 3, the War Remnants Museumwas founded in September 1975 and previously known as the Exhibition Hall of the US and Allies’ War Crimes. The museum offers some war artifacts such as aircrafts, cannon, tanks, guillotines and two jail cells in the actual proportion of those in Con Dao prison. There are exclusive halls focusing on the Southwestern Frontier War, Northern Border Protection War, Spratly Islands Issues.

The outside of the museum features pavilions of Vietnam’s ethnic cultures and water puppet houses that appeal to large numbers of foreign tourists.

Reunification Palace: on its foundation once lay a structure called Norodom Palace that was built in 1873.

In 1975, the President of the Puppet Government, Ngo Dinh Diem chose the building as the Presidential Palace. In late 1962 the palace was reconstructed and renamed the Independence Palace.

It comprises 5 stories with 100 rooms, each of which is characterized by distinctive decorative styles. The floor area is 4500km2 on a total land area of 120,000km2.

On April 30, 1975, tanks of the Liberation Army penetrated the Independence Palace to mark the end of the Saigon Puppet Government.

After unification, the palace became the headquarters of the City’s Takeover Army Committee. In December 1975 there was the Consultation Conference of Unification and the building was renamed the Reunification Palace.

Botanical Garden: commenced in March 1864 and finished in 1865 on an area of 12ha, it features rare species of plants and animals from all over the world. Many nearly extinct animals are also seen here, earning it the name The Zoo. In late 1865, The Zoo was extended to 20ha. Nowadays the Saigon Botanical Garden has an abundant collection of floras and faunas. Many animals unfamiliar to Vietnamese people are here such as hippos, pygmy hippo, South American cheetah, African ostriches, flamingos, orangutans or giraffes and more… Saigon Botanical Garden has forged ties with many other international organizations including the Southeast Asian Zoo Association (SEAZA), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUNC) and International Zoo Education Association (IZEA)…

Suoi Tien Recreational Complex In Thu Duc district, Suoi Tien Recreational Complex covers 20ha and serves as a commonplace for the weekend leisure of Ho Chi Minh City People. Suoi Tien was inspired by folk legends and divided into four places of sacred beasts: dragon, unicorn, turtle and phoenix. The giant dragon measures 400m. The underground aquarium features over 500 marine species full of lively colors along with reenactments of Vietnamese history.

Suoi Tien complex is also famous for modern activities for dynamic young people such as an artificial ocean, waterfall and 4D cinema…

Vam Sat – Can Gio Eco Tourist Site

50km away from Ho Chi Minh City, the Can Gio Natural Reserve of Mangroves is one of the typical reserves of the tropical coastal region lying on an area of over 75,000ha. This was the first mangrove forest to be acknowledged as a World Biological Reserve by the UNESCO in Vietnam.

Vam Sat is an eco tourist site in the best position of Can Gio mangrove, covering about 2000ha in Ly Nhon commune and surrounded by four rivers: Dinh Ba, Lo Ren, Goc Tre and Vam Sat. There is a natural bird yard of over 100ha with rare water bird species. The Bat Marsh here also boasts 100 black flying foxes and a natural reserve of wild animals.

Along with Binh Chau Hot Spring, Vam Sat was registered by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) as the World’s Most Sustainable Eco Tourist Site. Reaching Vam Sat, visitors should go through two wharfs Binh Khanh and Dan Xay. Roads are good.

Sites: Can Gio forests, alligator camp, islands with monkeys, pythons, snakes, birds and iguanas…, Sac Military Forest with interlacing tree roots that were once the shelter of anti-US guerillas, Can Gio market, April 30 beach, etc.

Cu Chi tunnels

In Phu My Hung commune, Cu Chi is 70 Northwest of Ho Chi Minh City’s center. Cu Chi tunnels are a revolutionary vestige with 250km of twisted underground tunnels with various floors and lanes combined to create a labyrinth of sheltering. The tunnels served as places for accommodation, meetings and fighting.

The digging of these secret tunnels began during the Resistances against France (1948), but were only 17km at the time. After 1960, the system continued being reinforced and extended to 250km. Cu Chi tunnels have three floors; the greatest depth is 8 to 10m. Cu Chi is dubbed the “Home of Tunnel War” and has been awarded the title The Invincible Fortress. This historical site is also a tourist magnet that attracts thousands of foreign and domestic visitors per day.

Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City

Nam Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien is the name of a the roughly 71,350ha of land located within a winding section of the Dong Nai river through three provinces: Dong Nam, Binh Phuoc and Lam Dong. It is a tropical primeval forest area with many ancient trees such as banaba, red wood as well as unique species of mammals and birds such as the red feather pheasant, ibis, one-horn rhino and elephants.

Nam Cat Tien National Park often attracts researchers, archaeologists, explorers and tourists. At the head of Dong Nai river, archaeologists found a relic temple from Phu Nam culture. This is a valuable archaeological work that reveals origin of a forgotten kingdom. In November 2001, Cat Tien was recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Dai Nam Paradise Resort

Dai Nam Van Hien is the largest recreation and tourist resort in Vietnam covering an area of 450ha. It is located within the town Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong Province and is about 40km from Ho Chi Minh City. Main attractions include: Dai Nam temple, also known as Kim Dien, famous for gold-inlaid statues, embossment and worshipping items; Bao Son mountain; temples for Mountain God, Farming God, White Tiger God; zoo with many species enlisted in Red Book such as: white lion, white tiger, white rhino, giraffe and zebra.

There is also an artificial sea, a water park and a dolphin training center.

Long Hai beachLong Hai is a town in Long Dat district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 25km from Vung Tau City. The town is surrounded by many beautiful beaches stretching along the base of Minh Dam mountain. It is isolated, and an ideal location to relax and sunbathe. In the middle of the beaches Huong Bien and Hang Duong, lies Dinh Co temple. During the Dinh Co festival (lunar 12 February), people pilgrimage to this place to wish for peaceful travels at sea and great seafood.

Binh Chau - Ho Coc Ecological Resort

Binh Chau - Ho Coc Ecological Resort (Xuyen Moc district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province) is located amid endless primeval forests. Its main attraction is the hot water spring with more than 70 open spray points, forming a stream and lake system that always radiates heat at temperatures from 37OC to 82OC. The water vein under this endemic cajuput forest contains high content of silicon, nitrogen, sulfur, natrium and chloride that are used to treat many diseases and said to be good for your health. Beside Binh Chau primeval forest, there is Ho Coc Sea with its long gentle sloping sand bank.

Binh Chau together with Vam Sat mangrove forest (Ho Chi Minh City) was recognized as two of 65 “most sustainable ecological resorts in the world” by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Bau Lach grass field

Fifteen km from the town Duc Phong (Bu Dang District) lies this 500ha grassland amid the endless forests and mountains. Twenty connected fields of grass make up the whole area with many white streaming waterfalls standing out amid the ancient tree forests. The widest and most beautiful grass field with nearly 140ha is called the Great Grass Field. It is vast laden with water ponds amid open space, making it suitable for camping, walking, parachute jumping and hunting. Water lakes and grass fields are located in the middle of a restricted forest, thus there are no residents but many wild birds and storks.

The grass fields are surrounded by the villages of the M’Nong, Xtieng and Ma ethnic minorities.

Vung Tau

Vung Tau is a big tourist center located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. Vung Tau’s attractiveness as a tourist spot derives from the harmonious combination of the sea with mountains and urban architecture. It also has many cultural works such as monuments, pagodas and.

Vung Tau has no winter, thus resorts can operate all the year round. There are 7 seaside resorts close to the city each resort has its own beauty such as Sau resort (Thuy Van), Truoc Resort (Tam Duong), Dau Resort (Phuong Thao), Dua Resort (Huong Phong), Hang Bang Resort (or Lang Du Resort), Vong Nguyet Resort (or O Quan). Vung Tau also has many sites and scenic spots such as Hai Dang on Nho Mountain and Lon Mountain, Bach Dinh, Niet Ban Tinh Xa, Thich Ca Phat Dai, Long Son Great House.

Con Dao

Located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 180km along the sea road from the city Vung Tau, there is an archipelago. The archipelago includes 14 islands with beautiful terrain, a diversity of natural resources, beautiful landscapes, beaches, the historic Con Dao and the famous Hang Duong cemetery. The biggest island is Con Son with the center being the town Con Dao located between Co Ong Airport and Ben Dam port. The town Con Dao has many residents, health resorts and administrative units of Con Dao District.

Nowadays, Con Dao is regarded as a paradise for those who are interested in learning about history, and experiencing nature in a land that continues to have new findings on the sea biodiversity of Vietnam. 

Long Hai beach

Long Hai is a town in Long Dat district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 25km from Vung Tau City. The town is surrounded by many beautiful beaches stretching along the base of Minh Dam mountain. It is isolated, and an ideal location to relax and sunbathe. In the middle of the beaches Huong Bien and Hang Duong, lies Dinh Co temple. During the Dinh Co festival (lunar 12 February), people pilgrimage to this place to wish for peaceful travels at sea and great seafood.

Binh Chau - Ho Coc Ecological Resort

Binh Chau - Ho Coc Ecological Resort (Xuyen Moc district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province) is located amid endless primeval forests. Its main attraction is the hot water spring with more than 70 open spray points, forming a stream and lake system that always radiates heat at temperatures from 37OC to 82OC. The water vein under this endemic cajuput forest contains high content of silicon, nitrogen, sulfur, natrium and chloride that are used to treat many diseases and said to be good for your health. Beside Binh Chau primeval forest, there is Ho Coc Sea with its long gentle sloping sand bank.

Binh Chau together with Vam Sat mangrove forest (Ho Chi Minh City) was recognized as two of 65 “most sustainable ecological resorts in the world” by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Bau Lach grass field

Fifteen km from the town Duc Phong (Bu Dang District) lies this 500ha grassland amid the endless forests and mountains. Twenty connected fields of grass make up the whole area with many white streaming waterfalls standing out amid the ancient tree forests. The widest and most beautiful grass field with nearly 140ha is called the Great Grass Field. It is vast laden with water ponds amid open space, making it suitable for camping, walking, parachute jumping and hunting. Water lakes and grass fields are located in the middle of a restricted forest, thus there are no residents but many wild birds and storks.

The grass fields are surrounded by the villages of the M’Nong, Xtieng and Ma ethnic minorities.

Vung Tau

Vung Tau is a big tourist center located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. Vung Tau’s attractiveness as a tourist spot derives from the harmonious combination of the sea with mountains and urban architecture. It also has many cultural works such as monuments, pagodas and.

Vung Tau has no winter, thus resorts can operate all the year round. There are 7 seaside resorts close to the city each resort has its own beauty such as Sau resort (Thuy Van), Truoc Resort (Tam Duong), Dau Resort (Phuong Thao), Dua Resort (Huong Phong), Hang Bang Resort (or Lang Du Resort), Vong Nguyet Resort (or O Quan). Vung Tau also has many sites and scenic spots such as Hai Dang on Nho Mountain and Lon Mountain, Bach Dinh, Niet Ban Tinh Xa, Thich Ca Phat Dai, Long Son Great House.

Con Dao

Located in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, 180km along the sea road from the city Vung Tau, there is an archipelago. The archipelago includes 14 islands with beautiful terrain, a diversity of natural resources, beautiful landscapes, beaches, the historic Con Dao and the famous Hang Duong cemetery. The biggest island is Con Son with the center being the town Con Dao located between Co Ong Airport and Ben Dam port. The town Con Dao has many residents, health resorts and administrative units of Con Dao District.

Nowadays, Con Dao is regarded as a paradise for those who are interested in learning about history, and experiencing nature in a land that continues to have new findings on the sea biodiversity of Vietnam. 

Lang Sen

Lang Sen salt-marsh natural reserve is located in Tan Hung District, Long An Province, and is sponsored by the Global Environmental Fund (GEF), UN Development Program (UNDP), International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Program (MWBP). This was selected as one of the two regions for intelligent biodiversity preservation in Mekong Sub-region. In Lang Sen, there is a diversity of plants and animals including hundreds of species, especially sarus cranes.

Tram Chim National Park

Tram Chim National Park is located in Tam Nong Province, Dong Thap Province, covering 7,588ha. This is a wetland with a diversified and abundant biological system. It is home to many species of plants, nearly 200 species of wet birds, about one quarter of the species of birds in Vietnam, and includes many rare species of birds in the world. The most typical and known specie of bird is sarus crane. Coming here, tourists have chance to see sarus cranes - one of 15 species of cranes existing in the world on the brink of extinction. The cranes can be over are over 1.7 high with glossy grey feathers, red heads and wide wings.

Xeo Quyt

Xeo Quyt base, which is over 30km from the town Cao Lanh, Dong Thap Province, is a cajuput forest covering more than 20ha. In the resistance war against American imperialists, this was the base of the Provincial Party Committee Agency (from the end of 1960 - 1975). Nowadays, it has been restored by Dong Thap Province as a resort. The ecological environment is quite diversified with hundreds of species of wild animals including the Indian python, ptyas mucosus, cuora trifasciata, etc. that are enlisted in the Vietnam Red Book. Therefore, Xeo Quyt is often called the miniature Dong Thap Muoi.

Chau Doc

Close to the Vietnam - Cambodia border, Chau Doc town is near Hau River, in An Giang, about 245km west of Ho Chi Minh City. Chau Doc has Ba Chua Xu Nui Sam temple (Ba Chua Xu Festival is organized in lunar April every year). Chau Doc is the place where tourists can study the culture of Cham and Khmer ethnic minorities and Holy Sees of Cham ethnic minority.

Relics and beauty spots in Chau Doc include: Sam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu temple, Tay An pagoda and Thoai Ngoc Hau mausoleum.

Ba Chua Xu temple: established in 1820 with the architecture of “quoc” letter. The temple holds a statue made of blue stone named Lady of the Realm. Ba Chua Xu Festival is organized every year on the ending days of lunar April. Tens of thousands of people rush to this temple to attend the Lady of the Realm statue ceremony, and partake in the ceremonies.

Tay An Pagoda: located at the food of Sam Mountain, also known as Tay An co tu, is 5km from Chau Doc. Tay An pagoda and Sam mountain (284m high) is a beautiful tourist spot. Tay An pagoda was constructed with influence from Indian and Islamic art, combined with ancient pagoda architecture of Vietnamese Buddhist.

Thoai Ngoc Hau mausoleum: located in the Sam mountain relic site, and built in 1820. This mausoleum is also the place to worship Thoai Ngoc Hau - who was instrumental in reclaiming the southern land, defending the national border and the works left for the next generations such as Thoai Ha trench (nearly 32km long) and Vinh Te canal (extending from Chau Doc to Ha Tien about 90km long).

Tra Su cajuput forest

Tra Su cajuput forest is located in Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province. This is a wetland cajuput wetland and abundant animal and plant system. Tra Su is characterized for the beauty during flooding season in An Giang.

Tra Su cajuput forest is 845 ha in the core area and 643ha in the buffer area, 10km from Cambodia border and located on the tourist route which connects Cam mountain, Sam mountain and Tuc Dup resorts. It is best to visit Tra Su in the flooding season when the water covers most of the forest creating unforgettable beautiful sceneries.

Ha Tien beauty location

Ha Tien is a northwestern border town of Kien Giang Province, about 90km from the town Rach Gia by road. Ha Tien was founded nearly 300 years ago with close association with the Mac family. Ha Tien is home to many beautiful and untouched natural areas. Sites include deep and thrilling caves, rock islands on the sea, rivers, lakes, pagodas, mausoleums and many beautiful seaside resorts.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand in Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province. Duong Dong Township, is the district seat of the island, 120km from the town Rach Gia. The area includes 22 islands in which Phu Quoc is the biggest with area of about 590km2, length of 50km and the widest part (in the North) of 25km. Phu Quoc has mountains, lowlands and natural forest covering 37,000ha with many precious kinds of wood and birds. Phu Quoc is called Pearl Island because of the natural richness and ecological diversity, tourist potential, strange land with primeval forests, Dau waterfall, Tram Trench, and Vem Trench. It holds many many beautiful seaside resorts such as the Truong and Kem resorts. The specialty of the island is Phu Quoc fish sauce and pepper. In 2006, the coast and Kien Giang Island (including Phu Quoc) was recognized as a world biosphere.

Ngoc Hien Bird Sanctuary in Ca Mau cape land

Ca Mau is at the extreme southern tip of the country. Every year, nearly 100m of land is lost to rising sea levels. Ca Mau Cape Land National Park is the the last landmark of Vietnam’s southern inland, with total area of 41,862ha - a natural mangrove forest with mangrove, avicennia germinans. Natural mangrove forests are along the coastline and the riverbank acts like protective walls to prevent wind and erosion.

Ngoc Hien bird sanctuary is located in Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau Province and covers 130ha. It is one of the biggest natural bird sanctuaries in the country. Ngoc Hien bird sanctuary has the Bay Hap river intertwined with a canal system. It also has abundant all-year fresh vegetation cover, which is the natural environment and shelter for the birds.

Doi pagoda

Located at No. 73B Le Hong Phong Street, in the town of Soc Trang, Soc Trang Province, Doi pagoda is also known as Ma Toc or Mahatuc pagoda. The pagoda was built in the 16th century and restored many times with the traditional architectural style of Khmer.

The pagoda campus is wide and home to tens of thousands of bats and crows. The bats never eat the fruits of the pagoda where they are sheltered.

Cai Mon fruit garden

Located in Vinh Thanh commune, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre Province, this fruit garden has ripening fruits all the year round. Every year, Cai Mon craft village provides the market with many seedlings such as durian, mangosteen, sweet mango, longan, langsat and segmented fruits. Cai Mon is also the provides decorative plants in beautiful shapes of deers, dragons and phoenixes. Its products are sold in great quantity in Ho Chi Minh City and Bien Hoa as well as exported to the countries in Southeast Asia.

An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuoc island

Floating amid Tien river, opposite to the town Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province, the island includes 4 communes: An Binh, Binh Hoa Phuoc, Hoa Ninh and Dong Phu, in Long Ho District. The island covers around 60km2 with fertile land.

The locals grow many fruit trees such as rambutant, mango, longan, durian and sapoche. Tourists to the island often visit families to see the Bonsai garden with hundreds of decorative plants such as: yellow apricot, wrightia religiosa, and also to visit the fruit garden and osphronemus goramy pond.

Thoi Son dune - Hick ecological tourism

Thoi Son Island (Chau Thanh District, Tien Giang Province) covers nearly 660ha with fertile soil for such fruits as mandarin, longan, jackfruit, mango and star apple. Tourists can freely walk freely at Thoi Son Island to visit handmade milk rice cake and coconut candy bake houses; try the products and buy them as souvenirs. Tourists also have the chance to enjoy tasteful bee honey or pollen wine, relax in the countryside setting and listen to live music in the local garden. Recently, there have been many new tours such as fishing or staying overnight on the dune. At the end of Thoi Son Island, many motorized boats are willing to take tourists to discover small trenches situated quite far in the coconut groves, and see typical houses amid numerous fruit gardens among the two sides of the trench.

Cai Rang floating market

Located in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, it is one of the famous river markets in the southwestern region. Although the present road traffic system has developed, the floating market still exists and gets busier. The market often opens from dawn to 8 or 9 am. The market usually sells fruits, agricultural and forest products of the region. To show what kind of goods are being sold, sellers often plant a pole on top of their boat with a sample of their goods. This cultural characteristic is only seen in the Me­kong River Delta.