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Historical Sites
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| The One Pillar Pagoda - Hanoi |
The original name of the One Pillar Pagoda was Dien Huu Pagoda, which literally means “long lasting happiness and good luck”. The pagoda is located in the western part of the city on Ong Ich Khiem Street, near Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. It was first built in 1049, during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong. According to legend, ageing Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who had no children, often went to pagodas to pray to Buddha for a son. One night, he dreamed that he was granted a private audience with Buddha. Buddha, who was seated on a lotus flower in a square-shaped lotus pond on the western side of Thang Long Citadel, gave the king a baby boy. Months later, when the queen gave birth to a male child, the Emperor ordered the construction of a pagoda supported by only one pillar to resemble the lotus seat of his dream in the honor of Buddha
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| Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Hanoi |
President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum was constructed to keep the remains of President Ho Chi Minh, a great patriot who was later conferred the title of “World Cultural Activist” in 1990 on the occasion of his centenary birthday. The mausoleum is divided into three floors. The first floor is a terraced stand exclusively used for grand meetings organized at Ba Dinh Square. The second floor is the centre of the mausoleum, where the remains of the president are kept in a chamber, accessible through a series of passages and flights of marble stairs. The upper floor is the roof. The facade of the upper floor bears the inscription “President Ho Chi Minh” in dark violet, precious stone.
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| The Temple of Literature - Hanoi |
The Temple of Literature ( Van Mieu ), dedicated to Confucius, was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. In 1076, Vietnam's first university was established here to educate Vietnam's administrative and warriors class. Parts of the university date from this earlier time period although the large complex has undergone many changes over the centuries. But recent archaeological study indicates that the architecture of this site belongs primarily to the Ly (1010-1225) and Tran (1225-1400) Dynasties. The complex is in a tranquil park-like site in the heart of central Hanoi. The progression is essentially axial from the entrance gate to the central temple sanctuary.
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| Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi |
Hoan Kiem Lake constitutes the core of Hanoi. Its other name, Lake of the Restored Sword, was derived from a legend about Emperor Le Thai To, in which a large turtle came towards him while he was boating on the lake. The turtle grabbed his sword that had secured victory against the Minh aggressors and restored it to its place. Emperor Le Thai To named the lake after this episode.
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| The Imperial City - Hue |
Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999. Hue is famous for its imperial architectural treasures that include the royal citadel, palaces, tombs, pagodas and shrines, all located in astonishing natural landscapes on both sides of the Huong River. In 2003, Nha nhac Hue (Hue Court Music) was officially listed by UNESCO among masterpieces of the Oral and intangible heritage of humanity.
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| The Ancient Town - Hoian |
The ancient town of Hoian is now the tourist focus of the central Vietnam. UNESCO listed Hoian as the World's Cultural Heritage. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of the Southeast Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Hoian still preserves hundreds of houses built of precious wood in a very original style of architecture, either one or two storeys, in their complete wholeness. These houses date from the first part of the 19th century or earlier give visitors the feeling that they have been transported back a couple centuries ago.
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| Cuchi 250 kilometres Underground Tunnels - Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) |
Detail : Cu Chi Tunnels are a famous historical relic located approximately 70 km northwest of the city. It is a network totalling more than 200 km of underground tunnels that served as a resistance base during the struggle against the American aggressors.
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Natural Sites
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| Halong Bay - Hanoi |
Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the bay is one of the most magnificent places of interest in Vietnam. Belonging to Quang Ninh Province, approximately 160km from Hanoi, it covers an area of 1,500 sq. km with thousands of islands and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. One can spend a day trip on a boat contemplating this enchanting landscape and bathing in the sea. In the year 2000, Halong Bay has been recognized as a World Heritage Site for the second time for its geological value.
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Beach Sites
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| China Beach - Danang |
China Beach extends north and south of the Marble Mountains and was made famous by the war and subsequent TV series. China Beach is within cycling distance of Da Nang and it was this close proximity that led to it being used as an R&R destination for American soldiers during the war. It is a long beach that stretches all the way down to Cua Dai beach at Hoi An, though you will get a larger surf at China Beach. China Beach actually hosted Vietnam’s first International Surfing Competition in 1992.
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| Cua Dai Beach - Hoian |
Located 4 km to the east of Hoi An old town, the beach of Cua Dai is about 3 km long, 1 km of which is ideal with white sand, blue sea, clear, sunshine, cool water and sloping sea floor. Therefore it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Central Viet Nam. Along the beach is a stretch of willow trees. From very early in the morning, the living force of fishing villages is going on vividly and impressing while early swimmers from town come to the beach in great numbers.
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| Nha Trang |
Nha Trang is a popular seaside resort known for its palm-lined white sand beaches and clear turquoise water. Snorkeling and scuba diving is excellent-as is the nightlife along the strip of oceanfront restaurants, bars and cafes. Life in this Southern coastal city centers around the beach, of course, so take a boat trip and discover the small, isolated islands where you can stop to explore hidden coves and swim in crystal-clear water.
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| Mui Ne - Phan Thiet |
Phan Thiet - Mui Ne, located in Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan province, has long been considered the "Hawaii" of Vietnam. It boasts shady roads under coconut trees, a beautiful beach and cliffs battered by the waves of the sea. The typical scenery of Mui Ne lies in the moving lines of golden sand caused by the wind and when they are seen from afar they look like moving waves. The scenery looks more fascinating at dawn, when young Cham girls in green dresses go to work. Mui Ne is an ideal place for rest and relaxation.
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