Astounding natural beauty, interesting but complex culture and history, mouth-watering culinary treats, chaotic and vibrant cities is what awaits you in Vietnam. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, you don’t want to miss out on some of the famous Vietnam landmarks. These Vietnamese landmarks include both historical and natural attractions.
If I look back at my 2 week Vietnam itinerary, it appears like a series of unforgettable experiences. Watching the sunset unfold over limestone islands in Halong Bay, enjoying the gastronomic delights in the old town of Hoi An, going across the Hai Van pass to visit the Imperial city of Hue, taking a stroll in the French quarters of Hanoi, contemplating the indefatigable human spirit while going down in one of the Cu Chi tunnels. There are so many interesting places and landmarks to visit in Vietnam. Here is a list of 20 Landmarks in Vietnam for you to visit on your trip.
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Famous Landmarks in North Vietnam
1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi
This mausoleum is one of the most famous landmarks in Vietnam. This building was constructed to house the embalmed body of Vietnam’s greatest political leader, Hồ Chí Minh. It gets a large number of international and domestic visitors each day. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a work of great significance. It showcases the feelings that Vietnamese have for their leader.
The overall architecture of Ho Chi Minh Tomb is a solid square block. You can visit the Ho Chi Minh tomb each morning except for Mondays and Fridays, when the mausoleum is closed to visitors. There are several other landmarks that you can visit in this mausoleum complex: One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh museum, Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh house on stilts.
You can visit the mausoleum by yourself or take a guided half-day tour of Hanoi that includes this landmark.
2. The Temple of Literature, Hanoi
This is a unique Hanoi landmark. The Temple of Literature was erected in honour of the philosopher Confucius and his disciples in 1070. In 1076, it became home to Hanoi’s first university. The site is one of the oldest in Hanoi and a national symbol of Vietnamese education and architecture.
Visit this peaceful site by yourself. This Vietnam landmark gets covered if you take this Hanoi City Motorbike Tour. Or you can choose this full-day city sightseeing tour that includes most landmarks of Hanoi.
3. Opera House, Hanoi
Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this beautiful colonial building is the largest theater in Vietnam. It is located in French Quarter, which is a historic neighbourhood in Hanoi that was built during the French colonial period. In the late 19th century, French occupied Hanoi and replaced many of the old Vietnamese buildings with impressive French-style houses in this area.
The Opera House with its yellow facade is one of the most appealing buildings here. It is considered as an important historical and architectural landmark in Hanoi. Nowadays, people can come here to enjoy various music forms including opera, classical music, traditional plays and folk music. You should earmark the French Quarters as one of the places to visit in Vietnam.
4. Old Quarter in Hanoi
Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter is a single square kilometre comprised of 36 streets. It is a great place to observe local life, and have street food in Hanoi.
We had delicious egg coffee in one of the cafes in the Old Quarter. You can stroll through this chaotic area by yourself. Or consider taking a city tour. This full-day Hanoi City Tour ends with a water puppet show in the middle of the Old Quarter.
5. Ha Long Bay
Formed by more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets, the famous bay in north Vietnam is estimated to be more than 20 million years old. I would put an overnight cruise experience at Halong and Bai Tu Long bay on the list of what landmark to visit in Vietnam.
If I close my eyes, it is easy for me to bring up images of hundreds of forested limestone karsts jutting out of emerald waters of Halong Bay, and the uncrowded Bai Tu Long Bay. A magical evening on a cruise that takes you to the serene Bai Tu Long Bay with good food, and a riot of colours being showcased in the sky is quite an experience. And if you are adventurous, kayaking in the calm waters of the bay the next morning is fun as well. Halong Bay is high on the list of places to visit in Vietnam. If you book an overnight cruise at Halong Bay, it includes hotel transfers from Hanoi.
Halong bay is the most famous place to visit near Hanoi, but there are many other options for day trips / overnights trips from Hanoi.
6. Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
Tam Coc is also known as “Ha Long Bay on Land”. It has breathtaking limestone karsts, mysterious caves, and emerald river. Tam Coc is about a 2 hour drive from Hanoi in north Vietnam. It is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site with both cultural and ecological significance.
You can take a boat tour in Tam Coc to enjoy the limestone mountains. There is also Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is a huge complex of Buddhist pagodas, to be explored. One of the most impressive sights in Tam Coc is the Mua Caves. You get gorgeous view over the surrounding rice fields, rivers, and karst mountains.
Your day trip to Tam Coc from Hanoi includes hotel transfers and visit to both natural and cultural attractions in this area.
7. Sapa rice fields
Don’t overlook Sapa rice fields when you visit Sapa, the most renowned town in Northwestern Vietnam. These captivating landscapes will also provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the local communities.
When ethnic people set out to cultivate rice in the harsh mountainous areas, they plow and create flat plots of land on the mountain slopes. Similar to Ubud in Bali where terrace rice fields are a way of agricultural life. In Sapa and other provinces of Northwestern Vietnam, terraced fields have existed for hundreds of years. These 5 Sapa rice fields are amongst the famous landmarks in Vietnam: Cat Cat village, Moung Hoa valley, Ta Phin village, Sin Chai village, and Y Linh Ho Village.
It is best to visit Sapa for 2/3 days to enjoy the beauty of this area. But if you are short on time, consider this day trip from Hanoi to Sapa.
8. Ban Gioc waterfalls
Fed by the Quay Son River, which marks the border with China, Ban Gioc Waterfalls are an incredible natural landmark in Vietnam. The falls can be viewed from afar, however, it is worth the low entrance fee and raft hire to get a closer feel of the falls.
Located in the district of Trung Khanh right on the Chinese border, the waterfalls cascade through 3 different layers, all of them forming azure natural pools. To get the best of Ban Gioc, you need to board a bamboo raft and navigate to the middle of the Quay Son River.
You can book a 2-day trip to Ban Gioc from Hanoi.
Famous Landmarks in Central Vietnam
9. Imperial City of Hue
For a historical immersion, there is nothing better than visiting the imperial city of Hue, one of the best day trips you can take from Da Nang. The Imperial City of Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled until 1945. It is one of the most impressive heritage landmarks in all of Vietnam.
You should visit the Hue Imperial City for its art and architecture. It was the highlight of our one day Hue itinerary. Within the old walls of the complex is a collection of important public buildings, opulent residences, and places of worship. If you are inclined to history and culture, no better place to visit in Vietnam than the Imperial Citadel in Hue. If you are in Hue, you can book a guided walking tour to Imperial Citadel & Forbidden City in Hue. Or consider this day trip from Hoi An or Danang to visit Hue.
10. Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue
Hue is credited as the repository of many holy Buddhist relics which has become a decent place of local pilgrimage. This pagoda is the oldest Hue Temple of over 400 years and is one of the landmarks in Vietnam.
Thien Mu Pagoda is also known as Linh Mu Pagoda or Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda. It is perched on the north bank of the Perfume River, roughly 3 kilometers west of Hue Citadel. Thien Mu Pagoda was initially founded in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, the first Nguyen Lord. On our Hue day tour, we first visited the Imperial Citadel and then went to Thien Mu Pagoda.
11. Hoi An ancient town
Hoi An Ancient Town is a well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. With its old-world architecture, cobbled streets, and colorful lanterns, Hội An’s ancient town is a worthy landmark to visit in Vietnam.
You can buy an Old Town Ticket at the entrance to the old town to get entry into 5 of Hội An’s heritage buildings. Visit the Japanese covered bridge in the old town which was constructed in 1593 to link different neighbourhoods.
Take it from me, the car-free town of Hoi An will charm you over. From cultural and historic sites as merchant houses, to vibrant restaurants and cafes, Hoi An deserves its fame (and the crowds!). This is where we ate some of the best food in Vietnamese restaurants. The best thing to do is to amble around the old town in the evening and soak in the atmosphere. Plus take to people-watching from the comfort of a cafe. We stayed at Danang and one of our best experiences in central Vietnam was the trip from Danang to Hoi An.
Consider taking this visit to local market and cooking class in Hoi An.
12. Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills
The Golden Hands Bridge is probably one of the most iconic landmarks in Vietnam! The bridge is slightly curved and supported gracefully by a pair of separate enormous hands. Walking the bridge also provides some of the most scenic and panoramic views of Da Nang city and the valley below.
There are three different tickets available – cable car ride (mandatory), buffet meal (optional) and wax museum (optional). You can book your entry ticket to Golden Bridge. Or if you need hotels transfers from Danang or Hoi An and entry tickets, consider this day tour to Golden Bridge.
13. Marble Mountains, near Danang
Marble Mountains is a group of 5 limestone peaks situated seven kilometres from downtown Da Nang. This attraction outside Danang city is part historical treasure, and part natural wonder. The 5 karsts are named after the 5 elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth.
You can book a tour or do a morning climb yourself to these mountains. There are half a dozen large caves hidden away in the Marble Mountains. Book a half-day tour to Lady Buddha, Monkey Mountain, Marble Mountain, and Am Phu Cave from Da Nang.
14. Linh Ung Pagoda, Danang
Linh Ung Pagoda attracts a large number of tourists and Buddhists all over the world. This pagoda is situated on Son Tra Peninsula, 10 km away from the center of Da Nang City. The pagoda faces the peninsula, overlooking the East Sea. There is Cham Island to the left of the pagoda and a spectacular view of Hai Van Mountain to the right. Linh Ung Pagoda Da Nang was built in this area in 2004.
You can book a combined tour to Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula from Danang.
15. My Son Sanctuary
My Son sanctuary is surrounded by tropical jungle, and its Hindu-themed ruins range from delicate stone sculptures and temples to ornately carved towers. The temples at My Son are believed to be erected between the 4th and 14th centuries and worship Shiva. Over the course of a thousand years, the kings of the ruling dynasties of Champa used the sacred temple site for various religious ceremonies.
Explore My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An with a local guide on a walking tour of this cultural site.
16. Son Doong Cave
Son Doong is one of the largest natural caves in the world. This cave is located in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in central Vietnam. The Son Doong Cave has a total length of nearly 9 km long.
Home to underground rivers, tropical jungle, exotic wildlife and impressive stalagmites, the cave is a stunning natural landmark and offers an experience you will never forget! But it is not an easy destination to get to.
Famous Landmarks in South Vietnam
17. Cu Chi Tunnels
Situated just 70 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are conveniently located and easily accessible for travelers. This proximity to Ho Chi Minh city makes it a perfect day trip to this famous landmark in Vietnam.
These tunnels served as a lifeline during the Vietnam War, a secret underground network that housed soldiers, served as a supply route, and even hosted entire communities. Soldiers used these underground routes to house troops, transport communications and supplies, lay booby traps and mount surprise attacks, after which they could disappear underground to safety.
Our trip to Cu Chi Tunnels on the Ho Chi Minh itinerary made for an excellent experience. The informed guide showed us the various displays put up, and the documentary on the war. But what was thrilling was to enter one of the tunnels – a sanitized version of course – to crawl through imagining the lives of soldiers who lived and waged a war from here. Apart from exploring the tunnels themselves, you can partake in shooting ranges where you can try your hand at firing historic weapons.
Book your half-day tour to Cu Chi tunnels from Ho Chi Minh city.
18. War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh
War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most famous history museums in Vietnam. This Museum holds immense historical significance as a testament to the brutal realities of the Second Indochina War and its profound impact on the Vietnamese people. It was first opened to the public in 1975, established to show the real and brutal truth about the Vietnam War.
The War Remnants Museum has been one of the most visited attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. The museum opens daily and year-round, even on Vietnamese holidays from 730 AM until 6 PM.
19. Mui Ne Sand Dunes
While powder-like sand dunes on a beach are not that rare, Mui Ne’s dunes are so spectacularly large that they create a small Sahara-like desert. The village is popular with visitors for its beaches, local charm, cuisine and stunning scenery. However, it is the dunes here in Mue Ne that make it a must-see landmark.
If you visit Mue Ne, you can book a jeep tour to explore these dunes. Also, consider this 2-day tour to Mue Ne from Ho Chi Minh city.
20. Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a network of tributaries in southwest Vietnam, between Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia. Besides their famous floating market, there are also impressive pagodas and local orchards to visit at My Tho city. Cần Thơ is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta region and home to the Cái Răng floating market.
The Delta’s rich natural resources and fertile soil make it one of Vietnam’s most productive regions. Villages here are full of family-run industries, from fish farms, to brick factories, to fruit orchards.
Book this 2-day tour from Ho Chi Minh to explore Mekong Delta and Cai Rang. There are travelers who also enjoy a longer Mekong River cruise,, a mix of sightseeing, wildlife and cultural immersion.
This completes the list of 20 cultural and natural landmarks in Vietnam. Hope you get to explore many of these famous attractions on your Vietnam trip. A holiday in Vietnam does make for a great family destination in Asia.
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out these posts.
Read this 2-week itinerary to Vietnam for the best places to visit.
You will find this Vietnam packing list quite handy for your trip.
From Hanoi, I would recommend an overnight cruise to Halong and Bai Tu Long Bay.
The historic towns of Hue and Hoi An make for fantastic day trips from Danang. Also see the detailed one day Hue itinerary from Danang.
Finally, a 3-day itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City
[This post was originally published in 2023 and last updated in December 2025.]
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I visited Vietnam in March. It was perfect time to tour before the temperatures climbed above 90F in HMC. You definitely selected some of the best sights to see!