My Son Cham Ruins
The Cham people began building dozens of Hindu temples over 1600 years ago, near Duy Phu. The Cham ruins served as political and religious centers for the Kingdom of Champa. A number of these temples are still standing surrounded by the green valley they are known as ‘My Son’. While most of the temples are in ruins it really adds to the overall atmosphere, because a
visit here is like stepping back in time. This happens in large because of the secluded area the temples are found under the shadow of the Cat’s Tooth Mountain.
- Located near the village of Duy Phu,Xuyen, Quang Nam Province, in Vietnam.
Con Dao Prison Complex
Con Dao prison was closed for 42-years ago, and locked behind those doors are some horrific memories, that cast a shadow over the entire town. Con Dao is called ‘true hell on earth,’ because thousands upon thousands of Vietnamese prisoners were tortured and died first at the hands of French colonials, then later between 1863 to 1975 at the hands of the South Vietnamese government, which was USA backed. The prison uses restraints on contorted mannequins to bring home the reality of the experiences the prisoners of Con Dao underwent.
- Con Dao Prison located at Co Ong St., in Con Dao, Vietnam.
Cu Chi Tunnels
When you visit Vietnam you’ll find there are all kinds of historical places to visit, and the Cu Chi Tunnels should definitely make that short list. Here you discover a complex network of tunnels running underground that were built initially in the late 1940s during the French colonial time. Then when the US escalated its military presence in the early part of 1960, to support a non Communist regime in South Vietnam, the tunnels were expanded. These tunnels have played an important role in Vietnam’s history.
- Located at Phu Hiep, in Phu My Hung, Cu Chi, Vietnam
Cannon Fort
The Japanese were the first to install Cannon Fort in Cat Ba, as a military outpost during WWII. Later on during the Indochina War, the French used it, and then during the Vietnam War the Communist force used it. These trenches and tunnels are worth visiting because they tell a story about the key role they played in Vietnam’s war victory. But they also have some of the most breathtaking panoramic views that overlook the sea and Cat Ba Hill.
- Located at Cat Ba in Cat Hai, Haiphong, Vietnam.
Khai Dinh Tomb
Hu is the former capital of Vietnam, and there are plenty of royal tombs there, but Khai Dinh tombs, which have a European/Asian fusion, set themselves apart from the many other Nguyen Dynasty tombs, because it’s more of a monument to the incredible amount of Kai Dinh’s wealth, which was the result of him being a puppet of the French colonial government his entire life.
- Located at Khai Dinh, in Thuy Bang, Hue, Vietnam.
Imperial City
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Imperial City is compared to Beijing’s Forbidden City. The Purple Forbidden City was found in the middle of the secure walls and this was an area exclusive to the Royal family. The Imperial Citadel is near the demilitarized area separating North & South Vietnam, which made it significant during the Vietnam War, and it remains significant today to the history buffs of the world as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Imperial City has a circumference of 10 kilometers, is 21 meters thick with forts, and is with 6.6 meters high. There are artilleries, ammunitions, and cannons in these forts. Initially the fortress was built with just soil, later it was replaced with bricks. A complex canal system surrounds the city.
- Located Imperial City, Hue, Vietnam, Phone: +84 234 3501 143.
War Remnants Museum
Make sure your visit to Vietnam includes a visit to the War Remnants Museum, previously called the American and Chinese War Crimes Museum. While the information tends to be one sided it still tells a story about just how gruesome the war was on Vietnam. Very educational for everyone.
- Located at 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, in District 3, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
Cao Dai Temple
The Cao Dai Temple is one of the most sacred Vietnam attractions. It was built during the 1930s. Caodaism is a Vietnamese religious that was influence by Taoism, Buddhism, Roman Catholicism, and Confucianism. The Cao Dai Temple conducts four prayers daily. As a visitor, you are permitted to participate in the ceremony if you wish. At noon a processional mass takes place on the temple balcony. The melodic choral hymns are fascinating. Make sure to stroll the grounds and enjoy the beautiful murals. There’s also a complex house, admin buildings, a hospital, and other residences. Stop at the local restaurant and enjoy lunch, and then get ready to enjoy the 75 miles of complex mazes.
- Located in the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Hang Nga’s Guesthouse (Crazy House) Da Lat
Hang Nga’s Guesthouse, which is located in Da Lat, is also known to travelers as the Crazy House, because of its strange architecture, which is also where you’ll find accommodations in Da Lat. Dang Viet Nga was the local architect who designed the building, and you can see the Spanish influence. The Hang Nga’s looks like tree. The cavernous stairs have branches that twist out of the windows and the furniture and fireplaces are sculpted into animal shapes. This is very cool and it should be on your ‘must do list’. You won’t be disappointed.
- Located at 03 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Ward 4, in Da Lat, Lam Dong. Phone: 1-866-500-4938
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is in Hanoi. It was built way back in the 11th Century and it is dedicated to Confucius, honoring the academic achievements of locals and scholars from the past and present. The first university in Vietnam is also here. In additions, the many Confucius statues there are some striking pagodas, and the Well of Heavenly Clarity pond.
- Located at Ho Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Vinh Moc Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels were used mostly by the military, the Vinh Moc Tunnels, built 1966-1967, were used by civilians as a bomb shelter housing 300 people who lived and worked in the three levels of tunnels for six-years during the US bombing.
- Located in Vinh Thach, Vinh Linh District, Qudng Tri Province, Vietnam.
Hanoi Tour Special mission!
A trip to Hanoi is definitely in order, because there you’ll find all kinds of interesting historical and cultural sites. The capital pays respect to their nation’s iconic communist leader, Ho Ci Minh, with a huge marble mausoleum. You’ll want to make sure you see this! Take in the Water Puppet Theater where you can watch the puppets dance and slide around the liquid stage. There’s also the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is far more than a tourist attraction, as it is a living history, and you won’t soon forget your visit here. The Perfume Pagoda is another place to visit, which is a series of Buddhist temples built that is a maze of alleys carved into the rock streams and forests. It’s actually built into the mountain range. Hanoi Old Quarter should also be on the list, because you’ll get to experience many great architecture examples. There’s more, which is why a tour to Hanoi should be at the top of your to do list. There are a wide range of tours to Hanoi some even involving an overnight stay. Don^ miss out!
Book your tour online. There are numerous providers of Hanoi tours. Choose whafs important to you and then book accordingly. These sites convert to your currency to make it easy to figure cost. This is a very affordable option and it’s a great way to see Hanoi.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral stands strong in Saigon. What a stunning sight this is. It was built way back in the 19th Century and you can clearly see the neo Romanesque and European influence in the architecture. The interior is as impressive as the exterior, including the stain glass panels that have survived.
- Located at 01 Cong Paris, Ben Nghe, Quan 1,Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
Hoi An Historical and Culture Tours
Hoi An should be on your list of places to see, and with so many different tours to choose from you can find one thafs a perfect match for you. You can visit two of the UNESCO World Heritage sites including Hoi An Ancient City and My Son Sanctuary,Son Tra Peninsula . Pottery is a big part of the local economy and you can discover ore about this local talent at the Museum of Trade Ceramics. There are historic landmarks to be enjoyed, Da Nang Shore excursions, culinary tours, explore the local arts, and the list goes on. Hoi An has so much to offer and you’ll come away with a better understanding of Vietnamese history and culture. This community has so much to offer, make sure you include a tour to the area.
Book your tour online. There are numerous providers such as Hoi An Half Day Temple Tours, Hoi Sanctuary and Boat Tour. The list is long. These sites convert to your currency to make it easy to figure cost. This is a very affordable option and it’s a great way to see Hanoi.
Read more:
A MUST-READ GUIDE TO LIVING IN THE WORLD’S BEST CITY OF 2019 – HOI AN
Vietnam National Museum of History
The Vietnam National Museum is location in a Vietnamese style building, and the long and interesting history of Vietnam is superb, portraying history and art dating back to 2857 BC. Ifs a pretty powerful experience. ThereS no air conditioning so it’s a good idea to dress appropriately.