10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

By Hoang Vu   August 9, 2024 | 08:00 pm PT
In a list of 10 most loved attractions in Vietnam as voted by readers of Tripadvisor, eight representatives come from northern and central regions, and two from Ho Chi Minh City.
10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

Hoi An ancient town topped the list based on reviews and opinions collected from the user community over a 12-month period.

Tripadvisor praised Hoi An for "its charming architecture and picturesque streets."

"With scenic boat rides, bicycle rentals, and hand-pulled carts available, there's no shortage of ways to experience this peaceful and captivating destination," Tripadvisor wrote.

Hoi An was recently named the fourth most beautiful city in the world for 2024 by Travel + Leisure.

Photo by Vo Rin

10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

War Remnants Museum on Vo Van Tan Street in downtown HCMC ranked second.

The museum opened in 1975 to exhibit the crimes and consequences of the French and U.S. wars on Vietnam. It now houses a vast collection of more than 20,000 historical documents, artifacts, photographs and films.

Dozens of aircraft, tanks and weapons used in the Vietnam War are still displayed outside the museum, attracting curiosity of foreigners.

Photo by Quynh Tran

10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

Cu Chi Tunnels, lying about 70 kilometers to the southwest of HCMC center, a symbol of Vietnamese resistance and bravery during the Vietnam War, came third.

Used by Vietnamese soldiers as hiding spots and communications and supply routes during the war, the tunnels are preserved as a war memorial, attracting tourists from all over the world to see what underground life was like at the time.

Now, half-day tours of the Cu Chi Tunnels are available on international travel platforms.

A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels accompanied by an English-speaking guide cost from $20, including entry tickets and transportation.

Photo by AFP

10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO heritage site dotted with thousands of islets rising out of the emerald waters, ranked fourth.

Its popularity rose after Hollywood blockbuster "Kong: Skull Island" was filmed there in 2017.

"Travelers visit Ha Long Bay for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they're breathtaking," Tripadvisor wrote.

Tripadvisor advised tourists to rent a junk boat to cruise through thousands of small vegetation-covered islands and towering limestone cliffs.

The most ideal time to visit the natural wonder is between March and April and September to November.

Photo by Meo Gia

10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

Hue Imperial City, once the home of Nguyen Dynasty during the feudal times for over 100 years, came in fifth.

Covering an area of more than 500 hectares (1,235 acres), the citadel was built between 1804 and 1833, serving as a symbol of wealth and power of Vietnam's last ruling family.

The house for the kings and their families in the Forbidden City is protected by walls of 3.5 meters high.

With more than 100 houses and buildings, the entire city is also well dotted with trees, gardens and ponds.

Photo by Vo Thanh

10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

Trang An Landscape Complex, located in the northern province of Ninh Binh, around a two-hour drive from Hanoi, ranked sixth.

Surrounded by limestone karst mountains, towering cliffs, ancient caves, and winding rivers, Trang An is famous for its boat tours.

“Delve into the well-preserved caves and grottoes, learn about their rich cultural and historical significance, and snap some great photos along enjoyable hiking trails,” Tripadvisor recommended.

10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

Fansipan, at 3,147 meters above sea level, is the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula, hence its nickname "the Roof of Indochina."

It ranked seventh on the list.

But the trail to reach the summit of Fansipan mountain is not easy to conquer, especially for amateur trekkers, as they have to negotiate different terrains, steep slopes, towering cliffs and thick jungle.

The journey takes you to the summit and visit the complex of Buddhist pagodas that stands out with the Great Amitabha Buddha statue, recognized as the copper statue located at the highest altitude in Asia by the Guinness book of World Records.

Photo by To Ba Hieu

10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

The Lady Buddha, a 67-meter statue of Bodhisattva Guanyin standing on a lotus at Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula in the central city of Da Nang ranked eighth.

"Lady Buddha offers a serene atmosphere where you can gain insight into local culture and religion while admiring the majestic statue," according to Tripadvisor.

The Guanyin statue is considered as the highest in Vietnam to date.

Legend has it that a Buddha statue drifted downstream to the region and ran aground on a sandy embankment in the 19th century under the reign of King Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Local fishermen thought it was a good omen and built a small pagoda to worship the statue.

Photo by Pham Phung

10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

The Temple of Literature in Hanoi ranked ninth.

It was built in 1070 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong in honor of Confucius and then became Vietnam's first university.

For many years now, it has also been a place for hundreds of thousands of students and parents who believe touching the stone stele marking the names of scholars who passed the mandarin exams long, long ago will bring them luck in major exams. 

The Temple of Literature has pride of place in Vietnamese history and culture, and is featured on the VND100,000 note.

Recently, Hanoi opened a night tour, allowing visitors to see the relic with splendid views at night.

Photo by Van Mieu Night Tour

10 most loved tourist attractions in Vietnam

The Marble Mountains in Da Nang, a complex of network of caves, tunnels, towers and pagodas built by Mahayana Buddhists and the Nguyen Dynasty Kings, finished the list.

There are half a dozen large caves hidden in the Marble Mountains, and many other small ones that are rarely visited.

Most of the caves are cool inside, with jungle plants and mossy walls and even small shrines to worship the Gods in Buddhism and Taoist rituals.

Photo by Nguyen Dong

 
 
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