The top 45 most attractive destinations in Vietnam were choosen by travel companies, Vietnam Record Association and local and foreign tourists with the view of seeking and promoting the country’s fastinating tourism site.
The Top 45 list include Top 5 ancient temples with the oldest education in Vietnam, Top 10 islands with natural beauty, Top 10 destinations for spritual tourism, Top 10 sea tourism landscapes, Top 5 ancient villages and Top markets with specific characteristics of three regions
Top 5 ancient temples with the oldest education in Vietnam:
1. Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam): Located in Hanoi, the Temple of Literature was founded in 1070 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. It served as Vietnam’s first national university and was dedicated to Confucius and scholars. This temple is renowned for its emphasis on education, and it still houses the Stelae of Doctors that honors the country’s most learned scholars.
2. Tran Bien Temple: Located in Nam Dinh Province, Tran Bien Temple dates back to the 14th century and was built to worship Tr?n Th? ??, the Prime Minister during the Tran Dynasty. It is considered one of Vietnam’s oldest educational temples and played a significant role in fostering scholarship during the Tran Dynasty.
3. Keo Pagoda: Situated in Thai Binh Province, Keo Pagoda is a historic temple complex built during the 11th century. It is known for its remarkable architectural design and served as a place of learning for Buddhist monks. The pagoda has preserved many important ancient documents and literary works.
4. Phuoc Duyen Temple: Located in Binh Dinh Province, Phuoc Duyen Temple was established in the 11th century under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. It is dedicated to the teachings of Buddhism, and the temple provided education and training for Buddhist monks. The temple houses many artifacts related to Buddhism and ancient education.
5. Do Temple: Situated in Bac Ninh Province, Do Temple is dedicated to the worship of the Tran Dynasty’s kings and their mandarins. It was built in the 15th century and served as a place of education for scholars. The temple includes many historical artifacts and valuable documents, including the stone stele inscribed with the names of successful candidates in the national examinations.
Top 10 islands with natural beauty in Vietnam
1. Phu Quoc Island: Known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush greenery.
2. Cat Ba Island: Located in Halong Bay, it offers stunning limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife.
3. Con Dao Islands: These remote islands offer crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and untouched coral reefs.
4. Cham Island: Situated off the coast of Hoi An, it is known for its breathtaking landscapes, marine biodiversity, and vibrant coral reefs.
5. Ly Son Island: Famous for its volcanic landscapes, including black lava fields, crystal-clear blue sea, and beautiful sunsets.
6. Co To Island: Known for its untouched beauty, with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs.
7. Bach Long Vi Island: Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, it is famous for its dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and diverse marine life.
8. Cu Lao Cham Island: Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it offers stunning coral reefs, clear waters, and picturesque landscapes.
9. Cat Ba Archipelago: With over 360 islands, it features caves, hidden lagoons, and breathtaking landscapes scattered throughout the archipelago.
10. Hon Dau Island: Situated in the Bai Tu Long Bay, it offers beautiful sandy beaches, emerald waters, and stunning rock formations.
Top 10 largest spiritual tourist destinations in Vietnam
1. Perfume Pagoda (Chùa H??ng): Located in Hanoi, it is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Vietnam and attracts thousands of pilgrims during the Perfume Pagoda Festival.
2. Bai Dinh Pagoda: Situated in Ninh Binh province, it is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam and is renowned for its magnificent architecture and stunning scenery.
3. Yen Tu Mountain: Located in Quang Ninh province, it is considered the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism and is home to many ancient temples and pagodas.
4. Tran Quoc Pagoda: Situated on an islet in Hanoi’s West Lake, it is the oldest pagoda in the city and offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.
5. Linh Ung Pagoda: Located in Da Nang, it is famous for its giant Lady Buddha statue and offers breathtaking views of the city and coastline.
6. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Situated in Ninh Binh province, it was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties and is home to numerous ancient temples and pagodas.
7. Thien Mu Pagoda: Located in Hue, it is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam and overlooks the Perfume River, offering a serene and spiritual experience.
8. Tay Thien Pagoda: Situated in Vinh Phuc province, it is often referred to as “the heavenly capital” and is a popular destination for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts.
9. Cao Dai Temple: Located in Tay Ninh province, it is the holy temple of the Cao Dai religion, which is a unique blend of different beliefs including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism.
10. Non Nuoc Pagoda: Situated in Nha Trang, it is a famous Buddhist pagoda known for its beautiful beachfront location and intricate architectural details.
Top 10 sea tourism landscapes in Vietnam
1. Ha Long Bay – Known for its limestone karsts and emerald waters, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular sea tourism destinations in Vietnam.
2. Nha Trang – With its stunning beaches and clear waters, Nha Trang is known for its snorkeling and diving spots, as well as its lively nightlife.
3. Mui Ne – This coastal town is famous for its beautiful sand dunes and pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
4. Phu Quoc Island – Located off the southwestern coast of Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a haven for snorkeling and diving.
5. Da Nang – Boasting picturesque beaches along its coastline, Da Nang is not only a beach destination but also offers attractions like the famous Golden Bridge and Marble Mountains.
6. Cat Ba Island – As the largest island in Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island offers stunning limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and secluded beaches, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
7. Con Dao Islands – A remote archipelago in southern Vietnam, the Con Dao Islands are known for their untouched natural beauty, pristine beaches, and rich marine life, including coral reefs and sea turtles.
8. Phan Thiet – Famous for its unique red sand dunes and vibrant fishing port, Phan Thiet is a popular destination for beach holidays, kite surfing, and fresh seafood.
9. Vung Tau – Situated on a peninsula in southern Vietnam, Vung Tau offers picturesque beaches, colonial-era landmarks, and a vibrant beachfront dining scene.
10. Quy Nhon – With its unspoiled beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and historical attractions, Quy Nhon is an emerging sea tourism destination that offers a quieter and more authentic experience.
Top 5 ancient village in Vietnam
1. Hoi An – Known for its well-preserved architecture, Hoi An is a charming ancient village located in central Vietnam. It features a unique blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Duong Lam – Located on the outskirts of Hanoi, Duong Lam is one of the oldest villages in Vietnam, dating back to around 1,200 years. It is known for its ancient houses made of laterite and wooden structures, which reflect traditional Vietnamese architecture.
3. Phuoc Tich – Situated in Thua Thien Hue Province, Phuoc Tich is a small ancient village that dates back to the 15th century. It is famous for its well-preserved traditional houses, temples, and pottery making tradition, which has been passed down through generations.
4. Kim Bong – Located on Cam Kim Island in Hoi An, Kim Bong is a traditional woodworking village that has been in existence for over 500 years. It is known for its carpentry skills and the production of beautiful and intricate wooden products.
5. Hoa Lu – Located in Ninh Binh Province in northern Vietnam, Hoa Lu was the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. It is famous for its historical significance, including ancient temples and structures that showcase Vietnam’s rich history.
Top typical markets of 3 regions of Vietnam
1. Northern Vietnam:
– Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi: This is one of the largest and busiest markets in the city, offering a wide range of products including clothing, electronics, household items, and fresh produce.
– Hoi An Night Market in Hoi An: This vibrant market offers a mix of local handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and street food. The market becomes especially lively in the evenings with colorful lanterns illuminating the surroundings.
– Bac Ha Market in Lao Cai: Held every Sunday, this market showcases the diverse ethnic cultures of the region. Visitors can find a variety of traditional garments, handicrafts, and local food specialties.
2. Central Vietnam:
– Han Market in Da Nang: A popular shopping destination in the city, Han Market sells a wide array of goods ranging from fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood to textiles, clothing, and souvenirs.
– Con Market in Da Nang: Another bustling market in Da Nang, Con Market specializes in fresh produce, local delicacies, household items, clothes, and accessories.
– Cho Ba Pagoda Market in Nha Trang: Located near the famous Cham Towers, this market offers a diverse selection of handicrafts, clothes, food, and local products.
3. Southern Vietnam:
– Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City: One of the city’s oldest and most iconic markets, Ben Thanh Market has a wide range of goods such as clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and local street food.
– Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh City: Situated in the vibrant Chinatown, this market is known for its wholesale products, including fabrics, textiles, spices, and fresh produce.
– Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho: One of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, it offers a unique shopping experience with boats selling various fruits, vegetables, and local products.
Please note that this list represents some of the typical markets in each region and there are many more markets with their own unique specialties and charm.