Exploring Vietnam

Once known as Saigon, this city is a mixture of towering skyscrapers and elegant temples, full of great food, history, and culture.

A large web of subterranean tunnels, now a Vietnam War memorial, featuring monuments, shooting range, and various artifacts.

Full of bustle and history, the streets of Saigon offer a great afternoon of exploration with its stalls, shops, and temples.

Unofficially dating to the 17C, this market is popular with travelers seeking authentic Vietnamese attire, handcrafts, food, and more.

Walk around the palace, admiring its modern architecture, as well as an array of historic artifacts and the original furnishing.

With white sandy beaches on the shores of the South China Sea, this relaxed city boasts colonial era architecture and lovely resorts.

Learn more about snakes, their habitat, and uses on a visit to this farm, where snake venom is harvested for medicinal purposes.

An impressive museum housing artifacts dating to the Bronze Age, and tracing the history of Vietnamese, Cham, and Khmer cultures.

Spend a night on the town and visit this 19C opera house, known for its French Colonial architecture and ornamentation.

Enjoy the spectacular view of Ho Chi Minh City from this enclosed observation deck, set on a 49th floor of an impressive skyscraper.

A 20C temple full of marvelous sculptures representing Taoist gods, heroes, and myths, featuring an artificial pond with turtles.

With hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching, this massive national park attracts visitors to its remarkably diverse rainforests.

Vietnam's fourth largest city offers an array of bustling boulevards, a pleasant quay promenade, and exciting floating markets.

Focusing primarily on the Vietnam War, this museum exhibits military artillery, prisoner cages, photographs, and a guillotine.

A 19C cathedral boasting Romanesque architecture, featuring a statue of St. Mary and twin 58m bell towers.

Attracting locals, tourists, and researchers alike, this wonderful protects several endangered species.

The perfect place for bird lovers, the 7,500 ha Tram Chim National Park is home to the endangered saurs crane.

One of southern Vietnam's oldest cities, Bien Hoa has been a major industrial center for years.

Known as the gateway to the Mekong Delta, this riverside city is a busy market town, dating back to the 17C.

Set in a mountainous region, Dalat offers diverse architecture and an easy access to natural and cultural monuments in the area.

Walk through the central streets admiring architectural remains from the French occupation, or head to the Night Market for a bite.

Operating day and night, the market is a great place to explore, get to know the locals, and buy fresh food and fine silks.

A simply styled Zen temple, surrounded with beautiful nature, and featuring a sculpture of Gautama Buddha and several halls.

Constructed of porcelain, pottery, and glass debris, this temple boasts lavish ornamentation, a golden Buddha, and a 50m dragon.

Swim among the corals, enjoy the rich ecosystem of this national park, and if you're lucky you may see turtles on the beach.

Nestled in the heart of a primeval forest, this 9m waterfall cascades down a basalt rock in a beautiful white shroud.

Surrounded by majestic pine forests, visitors to Dalat come to the lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the mild weather.

A park featuring a pine forest and a lake, as well as offering many activities, such as horse-riding, boating, paintball, and more.

An eccentric architectural complex, known for its fairytale-inspired multicolored facade, functioning as a guesthouse and a gallery.

Walk along the banks of the lake famed for a tragic legend of heartbroken love, or simply enjoy a relaxing hour by its still water.

Home to 440 animal species and nearly 2,000 types of plants, this national park is known for its two prominent mountain summits.

A mountainous national park dedicated to the preservation of the 2,442m high Mount Chu Yang Sin.

Stroll through Dalat's best garden, overflowing with vibrantly-colored flowers, and offering a great respite from the busy streets.

The residence of Vietnam's last king, this modernist palace houses antique furniture and offers a glimpse into Vietnam's history.

Influenced by Chinese architecture, this temple is comprised of three shrines and houses four 16C 4m statues made of sandalwood.

Remnants of the 1920s colonial period, this quarter is full of buildings, churches, and spas boasting French architecture.

Home to several villages of ethnic minority groups, this national park features lowland forests, a river, and a diverse ecosystem.

Known for its excellent sea-food restaurants, this bustling port city boasts lovely beaches and a busy harbor.

With world class beaches, stunning gardens, and great nightlife scene, Nha Trang is one of Vietnam's most popular destinations.

Explore the ins and outs of this busy sea-side town, enjoying the buzzing atmosphere, and sampling the delicious local cuisine.

Relax on the sandy shores of Nha Trang's picturesque beaches, enjoying the sunshine and the clear blue water.

Stroll along this picturesque bay, considered to be one of the world's most beautiful bays, admiring the bright turquoise sea.

Dating to the 7C, this ancient temple is dedicated to Yan Po Nagar, the goddess of the country.

Swim among the corals, enjoy the rich ecosystem of this national park, and if you're lucky you may see turtles on the beach.

Home to 440 animal species and nearly 2,000 types of plants, this national park is known for its two prominent mountain summits.

Stroll along the promenade, admiring the beautiful views of the sea, the wonderful sunshine, and the laid back atmosphere.

A Buddhist temple known for its 21m statue of Gautama Buddha, featuring gardens and ornate dragon glass mosaics.

Learn everything there is to know about the sea at this great aquarium, home to several species and marine exhibits.

Home to a collection of the famous bacteriologist's equipment and notes, this museum is dedicated to his unique scientific field.

Nestled in the heart of a primeval forest, this 9m waterfall cascades down a basalt rock in a beautiful white shroud.

A mountainous national park dedicated to the preservation of the 2,442m high Mount Chu Yang Sin.

A modern cathedral boasting French neo-Gothic architecture, as well as lovely stained glass windows.

Originally founded by the French, this old town has grown through the years, and is known for its local museum and coffee production.

Known as one Vietnam's loveliest towns, Hoi An is home to a remarkably preserved Old Town, bustling markets, and several historic sites.

Walk among these central streets, full of colorful interesting buildings, bustle of busy markets, and an undeniable charm.

Known for its white sandy 3km stretch, this beach is lined with good seafood restaurants and has a great relaxing atmosphere.

Discover a colorful world of fresh fruit, vegetables, and seafood as you make your way through the bustling stalls of this market.

Dating to the 17C, this temple is a marvelous example of Chinese architecture and boasts several interesting decorative details.

An urban center and a major Vietnamese port, this city offers great food and easy access to several significant historic landmarks.

Sprawling across granite mountains, Bach Ma national park is home to the ruins of a French village, as well as many animal species.

This fine 17C house boasts Japanese and Chinese influences, featuring a lovely courtyard and truly exquisite decorative elements.

Boasting an ornate facade, this 16C temple is dedicated to a general lauded for his integrity, and features several statues.

A unique shop where visitors can purchase silk, see a 17C loom, a modern cotton loom machine, and even silk worms at work.

Set in a traditional wooden house, the museum follows the history of Hoi An in the context of commerce and trading.

With three gates to the 40 buildings of this complex, this ornate 19C tomb picturesquely rests on the banks of the Perfume River.

Visit this 15C village, getting to know traditional Vietnamese woodcarving practices, as well as ancient local culture.

Boasting the original design dating to the 16C, this picturesque bridge is flanked with symbolic statues and hosts a small shrine.

Members of the Tran family offer guided tours of their chapel, built in the early 19C for worshiping ancestors.

History enthusiasts are attracted to Dong Ha thanks to its involvement in the Vietnam War. It is home to several sea food restaurants.

The perfect blend of modern features with ancient traits, Hue boasts world-renowned historic sites, rich culture, and great cuisine.

Dating to the early 19C, this colorful fortified citadel encompasses the Imperial City, the former residence of the emperor.

Made up of about 50 buildings, the construction of this massive beautiful mausoleum was directed by King Tu Duc himself.

Get to know the Imperial City, taking in its traditional charm, and enjoying its old-time atmosphere.

This ornate tomb took 11 years to build and features a unique combination of Western and Vietnamese architecture and design.

With three gates to the 40 buildings of this complex, this ornate 19C tomb picturesquely rests on the banks of the Perfume River.

Sprawling across granite mountains, Bach Ma national park is home to the ruins of a French village, as well as many animal species.

Save your souvenir shopping for this amazing market, buzzing with life, and home to numerous stalls selling all kinds of products.

The room in which 13 emperor sat to receive guests and host ceremonies, this stunning room is lavishly decorated in red and gold.

Dedicated to the cult of the Nguyen Emperors, this restored 19C temple features elaborate statues, urns, and colorful details.

Located in the An Dinh Palace, this excellent museum houses ceramics, paintings, furniture, silverware, porcelain and royal clothing.

An urban center and a major Vietnamese port, this city offers great food and easy access to several significant historic landmarks.

Visit this 15C village, getting to know traditional Vietnamese woodcarving practices, as well as ancient local culture.

Dating to the 17C, this ornate pagoda is dedicated to several significant gods including Buddha, Von Thu, and Pho Hein.

Set in a magical forest, visitors to this 19C pagoda can meet the 70 monks who reside there and listen to their melodic chanting.

The river is famed for its intoxicating perfume-like scent during the autumn, caused by flowers falling from an upriver orchards.

Almost totally destroyed during the wars, the Forbidden City was only open to the emperor, servants, and concubines.

Visit alone or with a guide, these preserved tunnels were built to shelter civilians during the Vietnam War.

History enthusiasts are attracted to Dong Ha thanks to its involvement in the Vietnam War. It is home to several sea food restaurants.

Popular for its proximity to the world-renowned Ha Long Bay, this city features hotels, casinos, bars, and more.

Get to know this busy city, buzzing with tourists, locals, and good nightlife.

Open during nighttime, this bustling market offers a great variety of traditional ware, food, clothing, and souvenirs.

Featuring gorgeous limestone formations and forested isles jutting from the water, this bay is a paradise for any nature lover.

The islands of this park include the beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay, an off the beaten path alternative to the tourist ridden Halong Bay..

The largest isle of the Ha Long Bay is home to a national park, boating rich biodiversity and many sites of natural beauty.

Located on an eponymous island, this national park offers hiking of various difficulties, diverse fauna, and a many-chambered cave.

Situated off the shore of North Vietnam, the gulf is surrounded by great off-the-beaten-path destinations, including Cat Ba Island.

An impressive cave with carvings and ornaments dating back to the 16C, where people have been worshiping for centuries.

Vietnam's capital and its second largest city, Hanoi boasts a rich royal history, colonial architecture, and many cultural attractions.

Explore the vibrant culture of Hanoi, getting to know its thousand-long-year history, and sampling some of the local cuisine.

A lovely lake located in the heart of the capital, known for its turtle population, small scenic isles, and old local myths.

A museum tracing all 54 of Vietnam's recognized ethnic groups, exhibiting traditional lifestyle, household, religions, and more.

Comprised of over 30 streets retaining original style and layout, this quarter is known for its artisan shops, cafes, and fine silk.

Visitors to the park enjoy hiking the majestic Ba Vi mountains, exploring beautiful vistas and a temple, as well as bird watching.

Take a boat through a river lined with rice fields and karst giants, discovering scenic views and the caves of the Tam Coc region.

Home to several architectural and historic landmarks, Hanoi's largest lake offers a nice stroll away from the city bustle.

One of Vietnam's largest art museums, this institute houses an impressive collection of Vietnamese art from throughout history.

Situated on an island on the West Lake, Hanoi's oldest temple dates to the 6C and features ten shrines and remarkable statues.

Cross a traditional Vietnamese bridge on your way to this 19C temple, also known as the Jade Mountain Temple.

Situated off the shore of North Vietnam, the gulf is surrounded by great off-the-beaten-path destinations, including Cat Ba Island.

Vietnam's first national park surrounds two mountain ranges and sprawling forests, it also offers some historical attractions.

Memorializing a significant victory over the French in 1946, this orderly market is full of fresh produce, meat, and seasoning.

Styled after a Parisian opera house, this Neoclassical architectural landmark houses frequent performances.

An impressive monument dedicated to the Vietnamese Communist leader, the mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh.

Satirically titled 'Hanoi Hilton,' the former prison now serves as a museum of the French Colonial period and the Vietnam War.

Full of untouched natural beauty, this national park offers primeval forests, limestone formations, rivers, and diverse fauna.

Vietnam's third largest city is a major transportation hub yet does not draw a lot of travelers. Be sure to try the local coffee.

Dedicated to Confucius, this 11C temple houses Vietnam's first university and features beautiful courtyards, pavilions, and sculptures.

Dedicated to the life and work of Ho Chi Minh, a former Vietnamese leader, the museum houses personal relics and political gifts.

Housed in a building mixing French and Vietnamese architecture, the museum hosts 200,000 historic items from prehistory and onward.

Housing over 28,000 relics in various exhibits, this museum traces women's position and contribution throughout Vietnam's history.

Surrounding a substantive wetland, this national park boasts a rich ecosystem, as well as beautiful landscapes.

The largest isle of the Ha Long Bay is home to a national park, boating rich biodiversity and many sites of natural beauty.