Dramatic landscapes, lush rice terraces carved into steep hillsides, budding cities, absorbing history, delectable food, pagodas and temples, the high-on-energy vibes - the list of Vietnam Attractions may be long but the magic this country pulls you in with is never-ending. Shrugging off its past, Vietnam no longer bears the scars of the war but today stands out as a top holiday destination in Southeast Asia instead. What is truly amazing about this country is that on one side, it has the busy and booming cities sitting within a little distance from the calm oceans while on the other, the trails lead you to the tranquil world of natural wonders and mounting limestone karsts. Whether you are out on a gratifying food tour in the capital Hanoi, seeing the spectacular rice terraces in Sapa, going gaga over the scenic beauty of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh or soaking in the old imperial city vibes of Hue, you will find an abundance of “must-discover” Vietnam Tourist Attractions to add to your travel bucket list.

Over the years, the importance of the capital city Hanoi in Vietnam’s tourism index has peaked dramatically; thanks to its dynamic blend of natural beauty, historical importance and general urban scene of the city which is growing by leaps and bounds. It is the second-largest city in the country after Ho Chi Minh City, located on the banks of the famed Red River. Each of Hanoi Attractions is unique and intriguing in its way- be it the colossal marble structure of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the scenic Temple of Jade Mountain or the Water Puppet Theatre; nothing here ever tends to disappoint. But out of all that makes the city an authentic Vietnamese marvel, the Old Quarter stand out as one of the most favoured Hanoi Tourist Attractions, which is mainly famous for its food scenes and addictive coffee culture, especially for serving the signature egg coffee. Dig in a little deeper to find out the best places to visit in Hanoi and you will be amazed by the local life of the city well-represented through their old houses, lining narrow alleys, delicious street food and the different aromas dominating every corner.

For getting the true essence of this versatile country and ideas on things to do, see and experience, go through our list of Top places to visit in Vietnam given below.

Best Places to Visit in Hanoi and Vietnam:

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

War Remnants Museum

Bitexco Financial Tower

Bitexco Financial Tower is a skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. At its completion in 2010 it became the tallest building in Vietnam and kept this status until January 2011

Vietnam History Museum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

St. Josephs Cathedral of Hanoi

Cu Chi Tunnel

Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Cholon

Phước Hải, Đất Đỏ

Angkor Wat

Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Ngoc Son Temple

Tonlé Sap

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum

National Historical Museum

Museum of Revolution in Jinggang Mountains

Vietnam Military History Museum

Museum of Trade Ceramics

Ong Temple

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Tonlé Sap

Temple of Literature

Van Mieu is a temple dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi northern Vietnam. The temple also hosts the Imperial Academy Vietnams first national university. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. It is one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius sages and scholars.

Water Puppet show

Water puppetry is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Todays Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation of the ancient Asian puppet tradition. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large bamboo rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers who are normally hidden behind a screen to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.

Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace of Vietnam located in the city of Hanoi currently is the official residence of the President of Vietnam. Before 1954 it was named the Palace of Governors-general of Indochina.

Ba Dinh Square

Ba Dinh Square is the name of a square in Hanoi where president Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on September 2 1945. It is named after the Ba nh Uprising an anti-French rebellion that occurred in Vietnam in 18861887 as part of the Can Vuong movement.

Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is a Vietnamese cultural show in Ho Chi Minh City. The theme of their performance showcases the beauty of ancient Vietnam and its mythologies. The theaters colorful lanterns and large puppets at the entrance made the show look more attractive. Seeing plenty of locals lining up to watch the water puppet show made us more optimistic.

Saigon Opera House

The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City also known as Saigon Municipal Opera House is an opera house in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. It is an example of French Colonial architecture in Vietnam. Built in 1897 by French architect Eugne Ferret as the Opra de Sagon the 500-seat building served as the house of the unicameral National Assembly from 1956 to 1967 and then as bicameral houses Lower House and a Senate or Upper House of the National Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. And also held the Peoples Assembly of the Republic of South Vietnam from 1975. It was not until 1976 that it was again used as a theatre and the faade was restored in 1995.

Saigon River

The Saigon River is a river located in southern Vietnam that rises near Phum Daung in southeastern Cambodia flows south and south-southeast for about 225 kilometers and empties into the Soi Rp which in its turn empties into the East Sea some 20 kilometers northeast of the Mekong Delta.

The Independence Palace

The Independence Palace also publicly known as the Reunification Convention Hall is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. It was designed by architect Ng Vit Th and was the home and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Ho Chi Minh City Hall officially called the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Head Office is the city hall of Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. The hall was built in 19021908 in a French colonial style by architect Paul Gardens.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a complex of historic buildings associated with the history of Vietnam located in the center of Hanoi Vietnam. Its construction began in 1010 and was completed in early 1011 under the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To of the Ly dynasty.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Ho Chi Minh Museum Hanoi

The Ho Chi Minh Museum is located in Hanoi Vietnam. Constructed in the 1990s it is dedicated to the late Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh and Vietnams revolutionary struggle against foreign powers. Ho Chi Minh museum is located in the Ho Chi Minh complex. The museum documents Ho Chi Minhs life with 8 chronological exhibitions. The first one from 1890 to 1910 modeled after his upbringing hometown and youth. The second exhibit concerns the next ten years of his life when Ho Chi Minh traveled the world seeking a means of freeing Vietnam from the restraints of colonialism.

Halong Bay Cruise

A day cruise will show you a glimpse of Ha Long Bay. Take at least two days to make the most of your trip. You will be able to see the most stunning moments on Ha Long Bay or its greatest wonders sunset sunrise and starry or moonlit night. Booking a Ha Long Bay tour cruise from Hanoi is easy you can deal with a travel agent the cruise line operator or at your hotel in Hanoi. It is advisable to shop around and ask clearly for what is included in the package. Also when you book through an agent or hotel make sure you get a hotline number to contact in an emergency.

Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay is a bay in Vietnam. It encompasses Bai Tu Long National Park. Bai Tu Long Bay is northeast of Ha Long Bay. Bai Tu Long bay National Park is a protected area zone in northeastern Vietnam. It was established in 2001 succeeding the former Ba Mun National Conservation Zone. It is one of seven Vietnamese amphibian national parks which has both a terrestrial zone and an aquatic zone. According to legend an immense dragon descended Ha Long Bay millions of years ago dropping numerous eggs. These eggs hatched forming thousands of rocks and islands. The tail of the dragon extended far to the sea forming Bach Long Vi island. As she returned to heaven she said goodbye to her offspring at the Bai Tu Long Bay. Now the park is part of Van Don District 20 km distant from Cai Rong town.

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a vast maze of rivers swamps and islands home to floating markets Khmer pagodas and villages surrounded by rice paddies. Boats are the main means of transportation and tours of the region often start in nearby Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho a bustling town in the heart of the delta.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi is located on a small island near the southeastern shore of Hanois West Lake Vietnam. The Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi is the oldest pagoda in the city originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De thus giving it an age of more than 1500 years. When founded the temple was named Khai Quoc and was sited on the shores of the Red River outside of the Yen Phu Dyke. When confronted with the rivers encroachment the temple was relocated in 1615 to Kim Ngu islet of Ho Tay where it is now situated. A small causeway links it to the mainland. The last major repair to the temple was undertaken in 1815 when the main sanctuary reception hall and posterior hall of the dead were renovated.

Quan Thanh Temple

Quan Thanh Temple also known as Tran Vu Temple is a Taoist temple in Hanoi Vietnam. Dated to the 11th century the temple was dedicated to Xuan Wu or Tran Vu in Vietnamese one of the principal deities in Taoism. As one of the Four Sacred Temples of the capital Quan Thanh Temple is located near West Lake in a ward of the same name Quan Thanh Ward and is one of the leading tourist attractions in Hanoi. The temples name means Place of the Gods. The name of long street running by the temple is also called Quan Thanh street.

Ba Na Hills

Ba Na Hill Station is a hill station and resort located in the Truong Son Mountains west of the city of Da Nang in central Vietnam. The station advertised as the Da Lat of Danang province by local tourism authorities was founded in 1919 by French colonists.

Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda is located in an area known locally as Bai But or Buddhas Sanctuary towards Hoang Sa road. It is the largest pagoda in Central Vietnam. Lady Buddha Da Nang statue is inside Linh Ung pagoda courtyard with a height of 67m being the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. It can virtually be seen from every corner of Da Nang becoming an attractive tourist site in the city.

One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda formally belongs to an architecture complex called Dien Huu tu which means Extend Bless pagoda. The pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple in the central Ba Dnh district Hanoi the capital of Vietnam.