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:

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

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

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

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.

War Remnants Museum

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.