Iconic Vietnam

Vietnam

Vietnam has had a tumultuous history. These iconic destinations bear witness and visits to these places provide an educational experience like no other. Reading is one thing. Seeing an iconic place in person leaves an indelible impression.

Iconic Vietnam
Destinations

Vietnam Highlights

A curated look at the best Vietnam has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.

Khai Dinh Tomb

Khai Dinh Tomb

Vietnam’s 12th Nguyen Emperor broke from many of the traditions set in stone by his predecessors’ tombs. Instead of separating his crypt and temple, Khai Dinh housed both in Thien Dinh Palace — a single structure built into the side of a steep hill on the outskirts of Hue. The overall area of the tomb occupies a much smaller parcel of land than many of the other tombs, but it is easily the most opulent and flamboyant.

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Minh Mang Tomb

Minh Mang Tomb

Built with the help of 10,000 workers and artists, Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb manages to strike a perfect balance between the stately and the sublime. Travelers looking for a photo-worthy example of Nguyen Dynasty architecture will find it here.

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Golden Sand Dune Mui Ne

Golden Sand Dune Mui Ne

Leave the beaches behind to see the Golden Sand Dune of Mui Ne. These dunes are majestic and feel far removed from the busy seaside town. The winds change their shape every day, ensuring that no one ever photographs the same dunes twice.

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Love Valley

Love Valley

Love Valley makes for a pleasant stroll on a sunny afternoon in Dalat. This garden showcases Dalat’s famous blooms as well as kitschy, cartoonish statues. (Lots of people prefer to use the adjective “tacky,” but we’ll let you be the judge!) Come here to appreciate stunning views of Da Thien Lake and experience the unique ambiance of many a Vietnamese courtship and honeymoon.

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Tu Duc Tomb

Tu Duc Tomb

The artistic Emperor Tu Duc left behind an intricate tomb and a legacy plagued by upheaval. He faced the first waves of French colonialism and had a long reign filled with intrigue, including one coup attempt. The longest reigning of the Nguyen Emperors, Tu Duc sat on the throne from 1848 to 1883. He had no heir of his own, as a bout with smallpox in his childhood left him unable to have children. His reign marked the end of an era and soon after his death Vietnam fell to the French.

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Trips to inspire

Featured Vietnam Trips

Browse our handpicked selection of Vietnam itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.

8 days | $$$

Action & Relaxin’ in Vietnam

Explore Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vung Tau. Tour the Mekong, learn about Ho Chi Minh City’s French ties; then, relax on a sun soaked beach. #PerfectVacation

 Action & Relaxin’ in Vietnam
14 days | $$$

This Vacation Will Be Legendary!

This is the ‘see it all’ trip that you and your friends have been craving. Travel across Vietnam as you explore sights, cuisine, and awesome adventures. This vacation, go big!

This Vacation Will Be Legendary!
10 days | $$$

Action & Adventure in Vietnam

Adventure and excitement await you and your family when you indulge in an active trip across Vietnam. Perfect for older children and teens, take your family off the beaten path.

Action & Adventure in Vietnam
15 days | $$$

My Journey, My Way in Vietnam

This luxurious solo getaway features stunning accommodations in cities and the countryside. A variety of curated private activities let you experience Vietnam in greater detail.

My Journey, My Way in Vietnam
17 days | $$$

Our Ultimate Vietnamese Adventure

Return home as an expert of Vietnam after taking your family on this incredible journey, exploring all of the nation’s highlights. Don't worry, you'll still have time to relax!

Our Ultimate Vietnamese Adventure
8 days | $$$

C'Mon My Love, We're Headed North!

Northern Vietnam offers incredible landscapes towards the border of China, and a variety of awesome adventures. Sample the cuisine and the culture on this Signature Trip.

C'Mon My Love, We're Headed North!
8 days | $$$

We MUST See...Vietnam Together

From Halong Bay by seaplane to Saigon at night by Vespa, you’re going on a grand tour of Northern Vietnam. Share great meals and great times with your favorite travel companion.

We MUST See...Vietnam Together
8 days | $$$

3 Cities in Vietnam, and My Love

Explore the cuisines and cultures of Vietnam’s most influential cities on this whirlwind tour of North, Central, and South Vietnam. Enjoy exciting activities and stunning scenery.

3 Cities in Vietnam, and My Love
8 days | $$$

Our Family Week in Vietnam

You and your family are in for an eventful week when you go on a grand tour of Vietnam. It's perfect for families on a tight schedule, without making you feel pressed for time.

Our Family Week in Vietnam
7 days | $$$

Our Big Adventure in Vietnam

You and your best mates are going on a grand excursion of Northern Vietnam. Enjoy the nation’s diverse activities and landscapes; highlights include Mai Chau’s ecolodge and Sapa.

Our Big Adventure in Vietnam
8 days | $$$

Solo Excitement in Vietnam

Treat yourself to a getaway where you can relax and unwind. Explore when you want to, and make the most of your ‘me time’ on the beach when you want to. This is Vietnam YOUR way.

Solo Excitement in Vietnam
9 days | $$$

The Cities Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An Vietnam plus Angkor Cambodia

The Cities Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An Vietnam plus Angkor Cambodia
7 days | $$$

Saigon and Mekong Cruise in Vietnam plus Siem Reap Cambodia

Saigon and Mekong Cruise in Vietnam plus Siem Reap Cambodia
14 days | $$$

6 Vietnam Highlights plus Angkor Cambodia Angkor Archaeology

6 Vietnam Highlights plus Angkor Cambodia Angkor Archaeology
7 days | $$$

Vietnam's Saigon and Mekong to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Cambodia

Vietnam's Saigon and Mekong to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Cambodia
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More Iconic Vietnam

There's always more to discover in Vietnam. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.

Saigon Opera House

Though it has been renamed the Saigon Municipal Theatre for some time now, everyone in Ho Chi Minh City still refers to the elegant building in the center of Lam Son Square as the Saigon Opera House.

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Marble Mountain

Marble Mountain is just a short drive from Da Nang. These mountains are made of a mixture of marble and limestone, although nowadays the marble is left intact.

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Bao Dai Palace

See Vietnam’s quirky side at the last Emperor of Vietnam’s summer palace. This unique building in the hills outside of Dalat is like nothing else you’ll see in the country.

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Phat Diem Stone Church

Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is a prime example of blended Eastern and Western architecture. Visitors to Ninh Binh come here to see an aesthetic shaped by Vietnamese Catholicism, built toward the end of the French colonial reign. On the outside, the cathedral looks traditionally Vietnamese, but inside the church looks more distinctly European.

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Saigon Central Post Office

For a long time, there was confusion about who the architect was that designed the Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City. Today we know it was not Gustave Eiffel – as was long reported – but in fact, a lesser-known character named Alfred Foulhoux who envisioned and created the grand structure that still captivates everyone who comes through its doors.

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