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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Da Nang to Xi'an?
The direct drive from Da Nang to Xi'an is 1,628 mi (2,620 km), and should have a drive time of 1 day 6 hrs in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Da Nang to Xi'an, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Hanoi, Hue, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Chongqing, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and Cat Ba, as well as top places to visit like Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and Thien Mu Pagoda, or the ever-popular Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang.
The top cities between Da Nang and Xi'an are Hanoi, Hue, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Chongqing, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and Cat Ba. Hanoi is the most popular city on the route. It's 9 hours from Da Nang and 21 hours from Xi'an.
Huế, located in central Vietnam, served as the capital from 1802 to 1945 and is steeped in history. The city boasts the impressive Đại Nội Citadel, a 19th-century complex surrounded by moats and stone walls. Within this citadel lies the Imperial City, home to palaces and shrines, as well as the Forbidden Purple City, once exclusive to emperors.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2003 due to its ancient karst mountains that date back approximately 400 million years. It is a paradise for speleologists with hundreds of cave systems, including the largest discovered cave in the world, Hang Son Doong. Aside from exploring the underground wonders, visitors can also indulge in forest trekking, learning about the area's war history and rural mountain biking.
This is one of the most beautiful places of Vietnam!Must visit!
paroma chakraborty — Google review
This is a must visit places for a vietnam trip. From here you can visit the Paradise cave, take a boat ride into the Phọng Nha cave, visit the Hien Lương bridge and the demarcation line which separated the North and South vietnam during the infamous Vietnam War.
You can reach phong nha by train, bus or plane. We took a flight from HCM city to Đồng Hới; the train and bus from different cities also end here. You should have contact your homestay or hotel, they will pick you up at the airport, train or bus station.
For food, there are a few options for western foods; Google is your best friend to search a place to eat. We stayed at the Sondoong homestay within walking distance to the boat ride to phong Nha cave.
Another good option is the Victoria Road homestay next door to Sondoong homestay. The Victoria is owned by an Australian with lots of experience exploring phong nha by bike.
The restaurant is pretty nice and cozy with some good western dishes and decent pizzas. There are also other places but this is the only places we ate during our time here.
There are a lot of places to stay in phọng nha, many tours are offered to fit your schedule. Overall, there is no 5 star accommodation and be prepared for the unexpected. But I can assure you this is a well worthy trip and enlighten your perspective.
The scenery is beautiful and truly reflect the live of the rural vietnam. This lifestyle has not changed for the last 60 years.
Life is still tough for a lots of local people, tourism brings some relief to this corner of the world and they are welcome and appreciated.
I also wanted to visit the demarcation line separated the north and south up to 1975. I have to say, for me at least, is a disappointment. The bridge is in shameful, neglected conditions with pealed paints, rotten wood planks on both sides of the bridges. I am not sure how to interpret the intentions here. Like it or not, this is a piece of history should be preserved. Either maintain it or tear it down !
For history bluffs, this city in right on the Ho Chi Minh trail, the road the north Vietnamese armies and supplies were moving south to attack the southern government. The old dirt roads are paved now but i can tell it is not a smooth road even today; small road barely fit 2 cars in opposite directions.
From here you can visit Khe Sanh, where some well known battle grounds took place during the so called American war. Sorry I can’t help to draw a comparison to the south Vietnamese situation then and the Ukrainian ones now; they all relied on the support of the American and at the mercy of the support of the American politicians who only cares about themselves and/or their idiotic party lines. They withholding the last aid in 1975 and eventually abandoned the South. I hope the Ukrainian will fare better this time.
Khe Sanh is now a city, I found virtually nobody has any knowledge about the war.
If you want to know more or feel adventurous, the owner of Victoria Road can help fulfill your quest.
I loved this trip. It is a bit rough for us, since she is wheelchair bound but we made it
phuong nguyen — Google review
Wharf for boating
Minh Hoang Le — Google review
Not that impressive as Paradise cave, but worth visiting. Almost all tour is on boat. Only at the very end they let you walk on small piece of land.
Pay attention, that to buy entrance tickets you need to go on boat station which is about 5 km away from cave. There is no way to buy tickets near cave!
Alex 123 — Google review
It’s a long hike to the cave, so bring good walking shoes and water. You can buy cheap hats there if needed. And I recommend taking the golf cart if you can afford it at 100k/two-way.
Le Parc Saigon Hotel — Google review
Ok
B?o Nguy?n V?n — Google review
Good way to spend a couple of hours walking to the jungle with great nature sounds. A nice viewpoint over the gorge and good waterfall. Footing tricky in places so not really suitable for flip flops. We biked there from phnom nha just a 500 metre stretch that was too steep without gears
Steve Briggs — Google review
Such an amazing place to visit. The cave is breathtaking and you will feel so cool inside.
Vineeth — Google review
Do yourself a favor and skip these caves. The place is really touristy. It’s no longer local anymore. It’s lost it’s beauty.
I did love the kayaking and sand bath experience. This place is family friendly too.
But i had a great time at Oxalis adventures. They take you to the caves that are really great and less touristy. I am sure they have day trips as well.
Arun Chidambaram (Arun) — Google review
Well, Phong Nha cave and Paradise cave are really stunning. But place as a whole is way too commercialized. You may not simply buy a permit and walk in the jungle, as this normally works in similar places around the world. You have to pay hundreds of dollars to authorized "travel agencies" for a guided tour. Boring and stupid.
Max Bel — Google review
Definitely worth hiring a moped to drive around the National Park! Was absolutely stunning!!
Zak Foster — Google review
One of the more beautiful caves I've ever been to. I got the boat from the tourism centre and travelled 1km into the cave. The tickets were 150,000 vnd per person to enter the cave.
The boat price was a little more tricky. Its around 500,000 vnd for a boat which can take 1-12 people, but the more people you have the cheaper it is because you can split the bill as the price is for the entire boat and not per person.
If you have the money I would recommend travelling there by boat as you get to see more of the cave and you don't have to walk a great distance, especially in the summer heat.
The boats also depend on the weather and the water level. The cave system is connected to Laos so if there was a lot of rain recently in Laos, it will travel through the cave system into Vietnam, making the water levels rise and the cave not accessible by boat. I got lucky 😄
Anita Owczarek — Google review
Breathtaking! I am really grateful to have seen the beauty of this nature.
Christiane von Festenberg-Pakisch — Google review
Preservation is possible without charging 1650000d for a simple hike of a few hours, and this is the cheapest option - the proper hikes for 2-3 days are available around 500 USD. Absolutely ridiculous pricing everywhere, and not a singele indipendend hike available, left that cashtrap called Phong Nha the next day.
This park is all about quick tourist money. The surroundings are beautiful though, what a shame i could only enjoy it off of the motorbike.
most404 — Google review
3% as popular as Hanoi
23 minutes off the main route, 13% of way to Xi'an
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Ninh Bình is a province located in the northern region of Vietnam's Red River Delta. The area features the sprawling Cúc Phương National Park with its lush valleys, karst mountains, and conservation centers. Visitors can explore hiking trails and caves while encountering rare species like langur monkeys and pangolins. Meanwhile, the capital city of Ninh Bình serves as a gateway for those wishing to visit nearby temples.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city steeped in history and culture with influences from Southeast Asia, China, and France. The bustling Old Quarter showcases centuries-old architecture and narrow streets organized by trade. Visitors can explore the area's many temples such as Bach Ma and browse through Đồng Xuân Market for local goods and street food. Additionally, Hanoi offers a taste of Italian hospitality with restaurants like Good Morning Vietnam providing authentic cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.
Most popular city on this route
11 minutes off the main route, 30% of way to Xi'an
Cát Bà Island is a beautiful place in Ha Long Bay with excellent hiking trails and stunning views. It is part of Cat Ba National Park, one of the world's most important biosphere reserves.
I have lived and worked on this island for 11 years, as a person who likes to explore beautiful places, historic sites on this island I feel like a paradise for beauty lovers. nature and want to learn the epic war history of the Vietnamese people. The friendly and hospitable Cat Ba people are happy to welcome you from all over the world.
KingCong Cat Ba — Google review
I have read some negative reviews about this island being overcrowded, expensive and dirty. Well, the reason is that most of these reviews come from tourists going to touristic places, staying at touristic hotels and buying from touristic stores. If you want a real experience then you have to be away from tourists! Try to do some research and find good spots to visit. We had a great time exploring the jungle and one of the caves in an unpopulated area. The scenery of the mountains and the sounds of the birds are breath taking.
Anas Alsayed — Google review
If you're planning for retirement,please reconsider to this island everything was affordable inclusive of property. People are friendly quiet environment,beaches and mountain surrounding this wonderfull paradise.
orson niyu — Google review
A picturesque place. Peaceful calm, ideally for both couples and family. Best part is it is also very budget friendly. You can spend a week in less than 500 dollars for a couple while staying in good hotels and good food
Aamir Masood — Google review
If you’re an experienced traveller, you’ll probably think this area overrated. There is no landscape or city that will create a wow moment. Nevertheless, it is a relaxing place with a couple of things to see (town/beaches). I would not stay more than 2 days.
viv privee — Google review
Very peaceful starting from September until May. This time in the North the weather is very cool and is the low season for tourism, you will get good service at affordable prices.
AAN mark — Google review
DescriptionCát Bà Island is the largest of the 367 islands spanning 260 km2 that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago, which makes up the southeastern edge of Lan Ha Bay in Northern Vietnam. Cat Ba island has a surface area of 285 km2 and maintains the dramatic and rugged features of Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island has been included in the itinerary of many Ha Long Bay cruises and a strip of tall, thin, five-storey budget hotels line the seafront, receiving more than 350,000 visitors a year.
Nithin Chandra SR — Google review
Everything you read about Cat Ba mentions gorgeous beaches and crystal clean waters. It is far from it. The beaches are littered, and the water is mostly brown. We visited the first of three big beaches. It is small and filled with people, causing traffic havoc as more arrive. The main thing to do is boat trips which is what we want for. It was enjoyable, but if we had known what we know now, we would not have gone at all. We tried to choose sustainable activists as tourists, but unfortunately, travelling to Cat Ba merely adds to the situation.
Gabriel Lawson — Google review
Extremely busy, dirty and noisy. Avoid on weekends at all costs. Waters surrounding are heavily polluted. May appeal to some but we didn't enjoy our stay.
Ken Winning — Google review
Sod Halong!!! This is much easier and less touristy (and cheaper) if you want to see the bays. Soooo glad we opted for Cat Ba.....what an AMAZING experience, absolutely mind-blowingly beautiful!!! ❤️
Family of Six Travelling Nomads! — Google review
I really like this place very beautiful and peaceful, on the main island of Cat Ba there is a small town, but quite modern. People here live by seafaring and tourism, they are trying to catch up with the hustle and bustle of tourists from outside arriving on the island. However, the service here is not always good, when experiencing the restaurant here you should pay the price before ordering.
Thiep Mai Phuc — Google review
A must visit destination if coming to the north region
Situated a few hours from the capital, Cat Ba Island is an amazing place with a number of activities to do and sightseeing including a ever-green national park ( NP ) having very good views and treks, an amazing promenade giving the city view, a few beaches, i.a.
The most popular ( and the cheapest and feasible ) way to reach here is by a bus ( and then a boat, and then again by a bus ) which comes as a whole package, which run regularly from Hanoi. However, I took a way which can be called a long-cut but it allowed me to explore both the cities more and get a experience of the Vietnamese trains.
It took me about 2.5 hrs to reach Haiphong, and then a mile-walk to the ferry station, only to come to know that ferries weren't working on that day. However, taking a ferry means more requirement of transfers and extra walk, as they won't go as close the boats go and take long time. Boat transfers by private agencies are about three per day, and it took me around 12.00 pm to reach the Cat Ba town.
Ideally two to three days are recommend to explore here, one whole day for Cat Ba national park and the two caves, one day for the rock climbing and other sea activities, the beaches and local village sightseeing, and one for Lan Ha Bay tour. I did former and latter including a visit to just 1 beach. The slopes are sharp at most of the places in the city centre although the main road is wide and good to ride on. A night walk along the long promenade is recommended, and it allows one to immerse in fresh air and take a good view of the city.
The island has something for all the budgets including good hostels and hotels from as low as c $5 and c $12 respectively, and from street food to decent to fancy restaurants and bars all along the main road. Public transport is very limited, however getting a bicycle or motorbike on rent is easy and at very good rates. The plush hotels are situated a bit away from the city centre and have private beaches.
Overall, its a refreshing and affordable destination.
Pratik Gadgil — Google review
We really enjoyed our time in Cat Ba Island. It was recommended to us by a local in Hanoi in order to see Ha Long Bay on a budget. She was right! Full day cruises were a lot cheaper starting in Cat Ba and we had a chance to experience this quiet, seaside town. The locals are lovely and very hospitable and you will find anything you need on the island - it's full of small restaurants and cute cafes, there's grocery shops and pharmacies. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a budget friendly seaside trip, a little relaxing weekend on the beach or a starting point before heading to Ha Long Bay.
Karolina Bak — Google review
A very good alternative to Halong Bay.
You can do a very similar cruise and you can explore the island with its national park and caves.
Sebastian “Reisefueddle” Kracher — Google review
3% as popular as Hanoi
1 hour off the main route, 32% of way to Xi'an
I'll never travel to Xi'an without this trip planner again
Hạ Long Bay – an internationally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam – is home to hundreds of limestone islands, crystal-clear waters and world-renowned diving and climbing spots. Day cruises and overnight cruises are the best way to see the bay and its many attractions.
Very beautiful. If possible do an overnight cruise that allows you to visit sunrise and sunset and visit the island. Price of the cruises can range significantly. Go during good weather and be awarded with amazing views.
Dan — Google review
A bit disappointing with the view as I might be expecting too much (as it's the world heritage). The cave is wonderful, the bay is so so, nothing WOW 😅
The port is nice and very big but it's very crowded with tourists.
Kitty BKK — Google review
A marvel of nature's creation this place is a must go for anyone visiting Hanoi. You can book any good 2 day cruise package and enjoy the scenic beauty of this amazing location at various times of the day. It's picturesque beauty can be captured from the cruise boat or from Titop beach.
Sudipto Marik — Google review
Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking natural wonder located in northeastern Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
Here are some key features and activities you can experience in Ha Long Bay:
-scenic view
-cruise tours
-islands and caves
-kayaking and swimming
-sunsets and sunrises
Chiay Z — Google review
We took one day tour to Ha Long Bay. After getting on board of cruise we had lunch which was good and after that we stopped at one island where there was option of hiking or swimming. We did hiking which was tough and excruciating but view from above was worth it. After that second stop was there where there was option of Kayaking or Bamboo boat and we chose Kayaking which was awesome experience and last stop was the caves. Caves were fabulous and worth seeing.
Priyank Khatri — Google review
Located off the beaten path, this island is a serene retreat with sandy beaches and crystalline waters, offering an ideal setting for kayaking and swimming.
Must visit in Vietnam 🇻🇳
Himanshu Verma — Google review
Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. I was so impressed by the islands even when our cruise ship entered the bay. So many beautiful rocks and islands seem to pop up from the ocean. It is even better when we have a local cruise boat that can bring us up close to those islands, and our activities are delightful and fun.
Michael W. — Google review
This place was a fishing village before tsunami. The residents have been relocated and given opportunity by the government to continue earning a living at sea by becoming canoe paddlers. We can meet former residents of fishing villages when the boat leaning on a pier near the caves.
It is not as we we expected. The distance, the view of the cave is not meet our expectations. If you look closely, you will turns out that the dirty water -even though the color is still green-. There was some kind of oil layer, floating at top of the water, some sort of waste that might have come from our boats. With this water conditions, I don't know if it's safe to swim here. It's a shame the world heritage is not well maintained even though it has entered UNESCO protection.
BludStory — Google review
Beautiful scenery.
Extremely friendly cruise via La Regina Royal.
Recommended to visit if you're travelling to Hanoi.
db O — Google review
Speechless
Beautiful places to visit when you guys are traveling to Hanoi..
Make sure you book travel agent and check the weather, sunny is good to explore Ha Long Bay.
Don’t bring plastic bottle water, bring your own tumblr.
Hari Farisca — Google review
Ha Long Bay natural heritage is one of the main attractions in Vietnam. Mesmerising and stunning views of ocean and mountains. Lots of cruise and boat tours available. Must visit destination. Recommended.
devabrat bindhani — Google review
Beautiful and must visit spot!
Choose you’re cruise carrier carefully.
The water in the bay aren’t very clean and clear as expected. And the ones who jumped in to swim ended up smelling bad.
It’s a beautiful nature phenomenon that is a must go to in North Vietnam.
Staying on a ship for the night was really special and made our wake-up moment in front of the mountains unforgettable
Galit Mimran — Google review
I booked a tour through the hotel I stayed at in Hanoi. The drive there was calm, and not too long, just about 2 hours. We took a boat out to the islands. There was a pearl shop tour before the boat, which has a lot of nice jewelry. Lunch was served on the boat, and then they took us kayaking. I would recommend this for sure.
S P — Google review
With more than stunning 1,600 islets raising up from emerald waters make this natural wonder worthy of a UNESCO World Heritage listing as unforgettable experience
I took a full day cruise booked online, my recommendation is to choose for premium day cruise to enjoy the trip of the amazing Halong Bay. Don’t forget to check the best month to go here ✌️👌
Ira Rodrigues — Google review
Beautiful!! Even the rain didn’t ruin the scenery instead it added a hint of mystique. We liked the “kissing rock. There’s a cave there that’s very cool too.
EH — Google review
Stunning landscape. We had a wonderful cruise combined with kayaking, boat tour and other activities. One of the most beautiful places we've ever visited. The only negative is the amount of litter tourists leave behind, which is a shame.
Apostolos Motas — Google review
World heritage. It's nice to cruise around the bay
Nguyen Hung Son — Google review
Breathtaking experience. It was another level all together.
We stayed over night in the cruise.
We boarded the ship, went to caves, been to ti top island.
We had cooking activity in the cruise night. Our cruise was surrounded by the other cruise and the view was breathtaking in the evening. Had all the facilities inside the cruise.
It might be very difficult for vegetarians to survive. Need to rely only on Bread Jam.
Ajay Managaon — Google review
Cannot recommend enough!!! Can’t believe I didn’t review about this place after being there for like 10 times in my whole life 😝😝😝 highly recommend overnight cruise and visit caves and hidden beaches around this bay 🥰🥰🥰
Julie Griste — Google review
Splendid. Breathtaking. Marvellous. A true wonder that is not to be missed.
I totally recomment the 2 days/ 1 night cruise at least to fully enjoy the setting.
Paid 128$ for the cruise everything included except drinks...and you get a lot of food.
You get to visit a cave, go to a small island beach and viewpoint. Learn to cook spring rolls. Fish in the sea. And in the morning you will visit a pearl farm and enjoy kayaking in the bay.
A mesmerizing experience.
florent magnoac — Google review
Went as part of our tour. It was an overnight stay on a boat out quite some distance in the bay. It is a stunning area and the trip through the many islands is amazing. I would recommend an overnight stay on a boat as we found the staff excellent in every way. On our boat we had great food and a cooking demonstration which we found participate in. The highlight was actually just sitting on the top deck with our other tour members just watching the sun set and then seeing all the other tour boats ( and there were many) with their lights on in the dark.
Chris Fellows — Google review
If you stay in Vietnam 🇻🇳 it's a must to go for a Day Trip to Ha Long Bay. It was very interesting and so beautiful. Don't be scared about the old negative Reviews, the Ocean 🌊 was perfect clean 👌. Amazing Day Trip 🎉
AURELIO MAXIMUS — Google review
This has a great reputation and the beauty and scenery lives up to expectations. We had three or four really wonderful boat rides around the islands one particularly attractive one at sunset. Just a beautiful place.
Ross Daniels — Google review
Dramatic seascapes of towering limestone pillars jutting from emerald waters. Thousands of these karst formations create a mystical scenery, dotted with hidden grottoes, secluded beaches, and floating villages. Cruise options allow exploration of the bay's beauty, while kayaking and spelunking offer adventurous activities. Ha Long Bay is also steeped in local myths and legends, making it a destination rich in both natural wonder and cultural heritage.
Renand Arteja — Google review
Breathtaking magnificent scenery of limestone mountains rising from emerald water at Ha Long Bay, a Unesco World Heritage site. Hạ Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km2 (600 sq mi), including 1,969 islets, most of which are limestone. Ha Long means descending dragon.
CK Cheong — Google review
Famous area. A day cruise is sufficient to see everything, unless you want to experience sleeping on a boat. We did a day cruise from Hanoi hosted by Vietnam Tonkin Tours and it was great
Fred Liu — Google review
This was one of the the attractions I was most anticipating. Was unlucky with the overcast weather and absence of the standard warmth of the season. Still the boat cruise was smooth, with non obstructed views due to the off season. Would return again, in the peak season as the views with the weather would be magnificent
Adam Brown — Google review
Totally worth it! You should come here whenever you have the chance to visit Vietnam! The scenery is so beautiful. You can have lunch in the boat, then take smaller boats to see the caves. It’s breathtaking!
Nadya Janitra — Google review
So amazing place to visit to see nature! To see how the limestone cliffs just go straight up from the sea is magnificent! So much different to see while cruising between them, and you can go for an option of kayaking between them, that was so amazing even though we were a little bit unlucky with the weather!
Mathias Skjæran Landrø — Google review
Excellent cruise destination with family for a day outing. Lots of things to do and a lot to take in. Wonderful Bay Area and evenings on a cruise in the lap of nature awesome.
Pradeep Kustagi — Google review
13% as popular as Hanoi
34 minutes off the main route, 32% of way to Xi'an
Chongqing, located in southwestern China at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, is a bustling municipality with a rich history and modern developments. The city center boasts impressive landmarks such as the Great Hall of the People complex and the Three Gorges Museum, showcasing artifacts from the construction of the Three Gorges Dam and ancient art. Chongqing's liquor has a storied past dating back to ancient dynasties, contributing to its cultural depth.
5% as popular as Hanoi
11 minutes off the main route, 74% of way to Xi'an
Best stops along Da Nang to Xi'an drive
The top stops along the way from Da Nang to Xi'an (with short detours) are Old Quarter, Hạ Long Bay, and Hue Historic Citadel. Other popular stops include Fortifications of Xi'an, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and Thien Mu Pagoda.
The Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang is a serene lakeside temple complex that serves as the final resting place for the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors are greeted by an impressive sight as they cross a walkway over a pond to reach the towering tomb, surrounded by scattered trees and vibrant red roofs. Located just a 30-minute drive from Hue's city center, this imperial tomb covers several hectares and features over 40 monuments, stone tombs, and temples.
The largest tomb in the complex of Hue ancient capital. Interesting place to learn about the life of emperor Minh Mang.
Lam Cao — Google review
I didn't visit all the tombs in the town, but this was my favourite.. beautiful calm place, reminds me more some beautiful park than tomb/temple. Grab a book, some snack and just chill on the edge of the lake!
Jan Pileck? — Google review
Quieter and less visited than many other tombs in the area. The grounds and temples here are just as beautiful. I appreciated how flat the ground was here, a lot less climbing than at other tombs. We might have skipped this one if we hadn’t already bought the number four ticket that included the entrance here. So glad we did come, this is one of my favorites.
Reflections Enroute — Google review
This is the best spot in Hue but doesn't seem to be considered as such by tour organisers. We went on a sunny but mild day, it wasn't overly busy and the grounds are stunning. Its very easy to navigate but you can also quite easily wander off and find your own shaded pavilion to chill out at. Could spend anything from 30 minutes to 3 hours here. Just fantastic.
Andrew Stevenson — Google review
It's one of my favourite thoombs in Hue. It us more distant, but it's quieter, not too many tourists are going there, it's spacious, surrounded by the river and lakes. If you come before closing time, before 5 pm, you can witness the green parrots singing and nesting. It has a great atmosphere.
Pavla Jarkulischova — Google review
We visited three graves during our stay in Hue. Renting a scooter (which you can do at your hostel or rental store) was the best way to go about this. The three tombs are all approachable in the same day, along with other places, if you use a scooter.
Surrounding this specific mausoleum are some lovely gardens. However the actual tomb site is only open once a year, on the anniversary of the emperors death, therefore you can’t actually see the tomb unless you go on this date. It’s worth a visit though if you are doing the other tombs. The entry fee is 150,000 and can be bought right outside the entrance.
Nguy?n Trung Ki?n — Google review
Amazing architecture! Our personal tour guide, who accompanied us, was able to provide us with further information about the location's history. It is situated in a fairly large region. There is a tonne of shelter and wonderful locations for photographs.
Ph?m Th? L? Th?o — Google review
I'd say this is one of the better looking masoleums in Hue, mostly due to the fact that they included trees and lakes in the design, hence the atmosphere is very tranquil, and there are actual shades from the sun (bring a hat & sunscreen people, the sunshine here is not to be messed with 🥵).
Walking straight from the entrance all the way to the tomb would take you around 20 minutes, otherwise it would take nearly an hour if you take a lot of pictures.
There are 3 entrance to the masoleum, we followed the sign on the road and actually had to *walk* for another 10 minutes along the masoleum wall to the ticket kiosk 🤧
One adult ticket costs 150,000, though if you are a Hue residence, then it's actually half.
Albert Vũ — Google review
The tomb is well-preserved. The architecture of the buildings are kept like hundred years ago. We can’t pay visit the the king’s grave itself but the surrounding areas are beautiful enough.
Also it is not too far from the Hue center. You can drive your motorbike to here and back in the morning.
dung Nguyen — Google review
This is the burial site of the secon Vietnamese king. The favourite of the local people as you can see by the enormous mausoleom he has and by the many visitors. It is a very beautiful place with fancy buildings gorgeous plants and a calm atmosphere. I can highly recommend going there if you are already in Hue.
Buddhas Fury — Google review
Great experience. Audio guide is great and at 70K, no reason not to get it. Makes a huge difference. Grounds are beautiful and buildings well maintained. A really interesting experience.
Colin Thompson — Google review
An amazing restoration that peaks the interest of anyone inclined to enjoy history and culture. Quite enjoyable.
James Marsden — Google review
One of many temples / palaces in this city, most are worth visiting like this one
Rob Barsony — Google review
Very beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Had a lovely wander around the royal tomb. I definitely recommend buying the combo tickets in advance if you are planning to visit more than one of the local historical sites.
Don’t get conned by the taxi drivers insisting you don’t use the Grab App as no drivers will be around and that you must book them to hang around for you. We managed to get a taxi very easily through the app.
Nestled in a picturesque setting with a lily pond, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc is a tomb and temple complex honoring a 19th-century emperor. Located in Duong Xuan Thuong village, about 8 kilometers from Hue City, it is renowned as one of the most beautiful and largest architectural works of royal palaces and tombs under the Nguyen Dynasty.
Beautiful Vietnamese history. ♿ Not much wheelchair accessible but You have to visit with helper. But you can get the electric buggy to travel around inside the area.
Pradeep Hewavitharana — Google review
This place is incredibly beautiful and can take 30 to 45 minutes to see it all. Lots of good photography places and the tomb itself is really well kept. Tickets are not expensive at all, around 100,000 if I remember correctly. No need to book online, tickets are at the door and there is plenty of space to walk around, a gift shop, toilets and a photography section if you want to sit on the throne and get dress ups. Ofcourse that's an additional price inside.
Ryan Gregory — Google review
Overall, my experience at the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc was both enlightening and humbling. It offered a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past while also serving as a reminder of the enduring legacy of its rulers. I would highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in history, culture, and the beauty of Vietnam's architectural heritage.
Bao Nguyen — Google review
The place is big, but be prepared for hot weather, (we came in early April). Consider bringing an umbrella, wearing light clothing, and applying sunscreen. We parked our motorbike outside and were asked to pay a 10k parking fee by a lady across the street. We quickly entered as we had pre-purchased tickets from the Imperial Palace.
Theodora Widjaja — Google review
It was quiet when I visited. Good place for a walk and enjoying the scenery.
Ticket was 150k/person
Jaqobs Tran — Google review
There are many Mausoleums on the banks of the Perfume River and this I enjoyed most as it is more like a Japan theme garden. The entire compound covers some 10 to 15 football field so it is big. Place is well maintained also. You probably want to set aside 2 hours for this place if you want to enjoy. Best go in morning or before closing.
Won Soon Lau — Google review
Tu Duc Tomb is a fascinating and beautiful landmark that provides a glimpse into Vietnam's royal history and architecture. It reflects the emperor's personal interests, with its gardens, pavilions, and temples showcasing his artistic and aesthetic sensibilities.
One of the highlights of Tu Duc Tomb is the tranquil atmosphere, with the peaceful gardens and quiet surroundings offering a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hue. Visitors can spend hours exploring the various buildings, gardens, and courtyards, making it a great destination for those interested in history, culture, and nature.
Nguyen Thanh Tam — Google review
Ticket : 150.000 dong / person
which really expensive.. i expect something more. Like they should hev to use tho moneys to hire pp to clean the trashes and taking care more of the temple/ pagoda in here. Pretty sad..
But anw, beautiful landscape/ lake / forest/ etc. The map was clear (ez to understand). This mausoleum had a thousand years history behind, really interesting to hear about it.
Enjoy your moment in here. Took around 3 hours to visit and take pictures.
( Tipps : Oh if u had motorbike, be careful with the woman in front of the enter door. She will tell u that she will watch out for your bike free. But then after went out ( after visiting) to take bike, she will insist u to buy some of her drink. If u don't buy it, she charged u a lot for the bike. Literally u allowed to park there but they try to scam u.. freaking annoying! )
Miranda — Google review
We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. The gardens and surrounds are beautiful, it is a relaxing walk to explore all the expansive buildings, pagodas and tombs within the grounds. It was a very hot day when we were here and were grateful for the ancient trees providing shade and the vending machines discreetly located for water and soft drinks. The fish in the pond kept us entertained for some time also. This is a well preserved piece of history which allows you to learn and explore about the Emperor and the history of Hue.
Marjorie — Google review
One of the best places to visit in Hue.
I spent hours walking around and enjoying its beauty.
Nhu Ho — Google review
- It's an interesting place to visit.
- Recommend to come early in the morning when it's nice and cool,not too hot. And browsing through place to place at least 1 hour if you want to look carefully.
- Entrance fee is 150,000 VND per person.
Pasan Sensouk — Google review
The site is pretty big with a lot of different elements to see. It makes a magnificent ensemble within a beautiful scenery with a lake and the forest surroundings. At least 1 hour is required to apprehend the place.
The tomb itself is not accessible but the setting with a bridge and a big door leading to it add to the mysticism of the place.
florent magnoac — Google review
This was the first of the three mausoleums we visited with our citadel combined ticket number 4. The grounds here are peaceful and serene and a pleasure to walk around and explore. The koi in the pond are hungry and colorful. The mausoleum and temples are beautifully decorated. Cold coconut at the small cafe just inside the gate was the perfect refreshment after walking around in the heat.
Reflections Enroute — Google review
A must-visit when in Hue! This mausoleum is something of an oasis in a secluded valley, based around a beautiful lake and with lots of sprawling and wonderful temples around. Spend an hour walking about and getting lost - you won't regret it!
[In terms of getting here, I took a motorbike tour to several of the mausoleums around the Hue countryside. Very worth doing - can also ride the bike yourself if confident enough!]
Jack Pinder — Google review
I’ve visited a few time in the past and it’s my favorite tomb to visit. Was really disappointed this time. The entrance fees workers are scandalous(corrupted). I gave the ladies at the tickets booth 500k dong for 2 pax and had to ask for them to me give me my change. Kept on ignoring me when I was asking for it. Took them a while to get it back. When I went in, the guy checking for tickets scanned our ticket and refused to give the ticket back to us. I wanted to keep the ticket for momentos(the person checking for tickets at the Khai Dinh tomb gave us our ticket back.) Administration should do some audit of their workers. It seemed the workers are trying to pocket some of the entrance fees.
Troy Nguyen — Google review
Beautiful mausoleum with a very lush green garden all around and a huge pond where you can feed the enormous koy fish. If you come on a motorbike like we did, the ladies from the shops and restaurants facing the entrance will immediately tell you to park right near the entrance saying that it is free. Once you do, they will tell you that when leaving, you will have to buy something from them. Fair enough, better than to pay for parking and get nothing in return.
Nuno Parreira — Google review
A huge historical site, considerably the most beautiful mausoleum among the 7 that you can visit in Hue.
Bảo Trần Đức — Google review
Really enjoyed visiting Tu Duc Tomb although it’s very large and I felt tired walking around this place. Entrance fee was 150000 VND per person.
Béo — Google review
There isn't only the Royal tomb. Inside it is also a temple and pagoda. There are many things to see. Fortunately 😁
That's why is worth visiting this place. It is well preserved and there is a lot of the Royal history. Inside you can also rent a Royal dress and take a picture in a suitable environment. Thank you🤩
Ales Tvrdy — Google review
Man made river flowing through needle pine forrest, with spread out tombs each with their own personal styles, a must see along your temple journey
Rob Barsony — Google review
Great mausoleum with some lovely surroundings! The tempels and shrines are a bit wore down, but we thought that adds to the beauty.
Bram Bessems — Google review
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4.0
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Cầu Đông Ba, thôn Thượng, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000, Vietnam
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Located in Hue, Vietnam, the Thien Mu Pagoda is a 7-story Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to 1601. Situated between the Perfume River and a pine forest, it is considered one of the most ancient and captivating pagodas in the city. The name "Thien Mu" translates to "Celestial Lady," originating from a local legend about a woman who prophesied the construction of a great pagoda for the country's prosperity.
Place is nice. The tower is short though. I was expecting something more. Very chill environment. 5 stars because i was able to watch by chance a Buddhist prayer happening at the temple (i think it was 4pm). I went by Grab bike but to return only Grab cars were available, and not bikes.
Felipe Rosado Lima — Google review
Iconic and historical pagoda in Hue. It was build by Lord Nguyen Hoang and been there along history until now. Not many things to see but the view across Perfume River is just too good! No entrance fee but only pay for parking fee.
An Hoa Nguyen — Google review
Stunning structure surrounded by lovely gardens and intriguing figures. A good view of the Perfume River and the steps that must be taken to get there may be had from the pagoda's base. It will be worthwhile!
H?ng ??ng — Google review
Very cool pagoda nearby the Forbidden City. Lots of tourists around but that's okay. Cool excerpt on the self-immolating monk, good historical anecdote. The Perfume River is in front of this pagoda, so that's a cool sight to see walking along the road.
Joe Tran — Google review
In the embrace of tranquility, amidst the ancient echoes of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, I discovered a sanctuary where time whispers through centuries. Each step unveils the poetry of history, and every moment spent here is a profound journey into the serenity of the soul.
A G — Google review
Lovely Pagoda in Hue. Serenely situated on what is probably the highest point around. Gardens, bonsai trees abundant with stunning koi pond. The Austin vehicle is a somber reminder of the past. Well worth the visit if you can.
Tim Marshall — Google review
Nice historical place next to the big river and no entrance fee.
Nicolas — Google review
A little bit out of Hue but it is a great site of the pagoda once you climb the stairs at the entrance. The site also includes a temple and a garage including the car owned by a monk who set himself alight in protest to protect the values of his religion. The grounds are serene and when we visited the monks on site were performing a ritual so the music and prayer set the scene.
Joe Hyde — Google review
Beautiful gardens and intriguing statues are all around this stunning edifice. The Perfume River and the stairs that must be climbed to get to the pagoda are both clearly seen from the pagoda's bottom. Effort well spent, we'll!
H?i Phong — Google review
I really enjoyed it, and entry was free (!)
Definitely worth wandering around the grounds here. I saw most people stopping only at the pagoda, but up the back it really nice and a relaxing spot to stop and relax in the summer heat.
Be aware, you will have many people trying to sell you everything out the front. Was really full on.
Stephen P — Google review
We arrived at about 8.50am and there were few people there. When we left at 9.35am, the entrance was crowded with tour groups. Since there were few people, the walk in the pagoda and temple premises was quiet and peaceful. It is a place to soak in the serene temple atmosphere and carefully curated premises.
LP Pua — Google review
More than a walk from the central city area, but easy to access on a bike. Parking for locals around the left hand side helps avoid the "shopping" strip at the front, but strongly recommend you approach and enter from the water. A beautiful 7-tier pagoda and grounds, still actively used and peaceful even when theres a crowd. The rear of the grounds is calm and shaded; worth exploring beyond the first gate.
Adam Lloyd — Google review
Very spiritual place. Lots to see and appreciate. Open your mind before coming here and take in the uniqueness.
Nathan — Google review
One of the top 3 most visited attractions in Hue. Basically a functioning temple with a very old Pagoda. I am not sure which sect of the Buddhism this place belongs too. But it is a nice walk around the temple compound. Free entry. Spent about 45mins.
Won Soon Lau — Google review
Pretty cool place. Nice Pagoda, nice gardens and some nice views on the river. Fre entrance. The place could be extremely peaceful but there is a lot of tourism in the area which sucks a bit.
Riog Nimal — Google review
Beautiful place, u should really walk around a lot and explore everything. Try to focus on the sound of nature, it opens your inside soul !
Bring water, sunglasses, suncream or umbrella with. Really hot and sunny inside while u walking!
No ticket needed.
But please respect the culture and dont wear shorts or tank top inside the temple! ( They did put the warning sign outside the temple, but nobody seemed to care, it's really disrespectful:( )
Miranda — Google review
Great place with well kept environment and gardens.
Read an interesting story of the ex-President of the pagoda (VN calls a big temple ground a pagoda) who sacrificed himself during the US war.
A must come for couples seeking to have a child. A taboo for unmarried couples according to legends.
Paul Toh — Google review
It's free entrance so like literally no reason not to check this out, and it's a pretty small pagoda so it shouldn't take that long to look at everything. It's also well kept and clean, and decent to take photos of yourself with or without traditional clothing. idk if this was coincidence but we came at a time when the monks were praying/chanting. so ye check it out if you like these kinda stuff.
Michael Ung — Google review
Visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda was a serene and spiritual experience. Perched on the banks of the Perfume River in Hue, its iconic seven-story pagoda stands as a symbol of the city. The tranquil gardens and historical artifacts within the temple grounds provided a reflective space, inviting peace and contemplation. It's not just a site of religious significance but also a beacon of Vietnamese culture and history. A must-see for those seeking a deeper understanding of Hue's spiritual heritage.
Bao Nguyen — Google review
Beautiful, very old pagoda in an idyllic setting just above the hill overlooking the Perfume river. The best time to visit is in the evening during sunset as the orange hue of the sky shimmering on the river and the pagoda feels mystical and jubilant, with fewer crowds. Encourage you to go behind the main pagoda as there is a temple and a smaller pagoda inside that is in a more serene setting than the main one in the front. A short 1 hour stop is enough here before you go back to the hotel.
Hans Jonathan — Google review
We took a dragon boat along the perfume river to this site. A popular tourist and local destination, and area is not big, hence the crowd is unavoidable.
There are 3 parts to this historical site: the seven-tier Pagoda (front), the temple and monastery (middle), and the tombstone (innermost). While the monastery and gardens are well-kept, many of the ancient structures are run-down. Unless you have an interesting and knowledgeable tour guide, about 20 mins is all takes to tour this place. Look for a blue car exhibit in the middle section and find out the story behind.
Ori Joy — Google review
The Pagoda and the view is great cause it is facing to the beautiful river. However there is no clear historical context about the Pagoda. It is a wonderful place to pray though.
Derry — Google review
This temple has a history more than 400 years. The oldest one in Hue. Not really special for Asian tourists, but the ex-host of the temple burned himself right after getting the car to object the government’s suppression of Buddhism. The car is still well kept here.
Antony Li — Google review
The original Pagoda has been destroyed, but there is one that was built by order of the king for his grandmother.
Monks live and work on the premises, maintaining everything. It's worth the visit.
Mar Leuwol — Google review
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Huế, Hương Hòa, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000, Vietnam
Hue Historic Citadel, a royal palace located within the expansive walled complex of the forbidden city, is a significant cultural site in Vietnam. The citadel is home to the Hue Royal Traditional Theatre of Arts, where artists perform traditional plays for visitors and local authorities. While many tourists tend to focus on the Imperial City and royal tombs during their visit to Hue, there is much more to explore beyond these major sites.
Would definitely recommend a visit here. Lots of beautiful temples and gardens to see and take pictures of. Lots of history to learn while walking around. The tour offers an audio set before entering as well which is useful when walking around the grounds. You can spend the whole day walking around because it’s so big !
Alannah Barry — Google review
Good for visit.... please take bicycle more nice can park outside and visit inside the palace....if walk around it far and take time alot....hot😁
???????????? AlineAlina — Google review
Fantastic place. I loved how quiet it was, meant you could get good photos & not feel rushed through it. It’s not as big as it looks so is quite manageable. The gardens were very beautiful.
Note: If you want to go in the temple you will need to dress modestly, no shorts or strappy tops.
Richard Williams — Google review
A beautiful place where you can learn a lot about the emperors that lived there during french occupation. Some interesting testimony of the colonial time and nice gardens too
Charles Milliaud — Google review
We arrived at 9.50am and left at 11.15am. It is a big compound showing what is left of the Citadel after the war. There is little shelter between buildings, and so it is advisable to bring an umbrella to fend off the sun. It is a historical place, but not overly impressive. A guided tour is recommended to appreciate the history and significance of some of the buildings and rooms.
LP Pua — Google review
Stunningly quiet, large ancient palace. Great easy walks around the grounds and visits to several temples dedicated to the nine dynastic emperors. Evidence of the Vietnam war is fairly minimal and the beauty of the gardens is complemented by the bonsai garden
martin walker — Google review
Absolutely Stunning Architecture
Great to walk around the grounds as a tourist admiring the complexity of this historic place.
Lots of culture, history and effort poured into maintaining such importance history of Vietnam.
A MUST SEE WHEN IN HUE
We were here in march, very hot, make sure to wear a hat and Suncream
There are vending machines for cold drinks including water, which was needed
Very wonderful piece of learning here
tarah shaw — Google review
An amazing place to visit, recommended to anyone in the area. The once imperial home of royalty of Vietnam. It does has some damage from the American war during the 60 - 70s but is still very impressive and is slowly being fully restored to its former glory
Bruce Newman — Google review
The Citadel is a very beautiful place to visit and was much larger than expected. My group spent two hours there and didn’t see all of it. Unfortunately one of the main buildings was closed due to restoration but there was still plenty to see.
There is an arts and crafts shop which was lovely and we had the opportunity to make some incense. They also run workshops there and would recommend checking it out.
Amelia Norris — Google review
Super HUGE. Prepare yourself with walking. Crowded on weekends but it’s ok. Amazing place and a must see if you’re in Hue. Should spare around 3 hrs. The combination tickets with the tombs is cheaper.
Phr Tht — Google review
You cannot dismiss this amazing place! Absolutely top. Please consider having the whole day to go through. Combo tickets strongly recommended.
anitulinka — Google review
A wonderful place in Hue with beautiful architecture, as far as I can tell the main attraction. I loved the mix of restored and unrestored buildings. It’s a huge complex that takes probably 2-3 hours to completely cover. Really wanted to see the shows in the theater but missed them the day we went. Highly recommend a visit here if in Hue!
Courtney Halverson (courtneya99) — Google review
We had a group tour from Da Nang to her ( 870.000 Vietnam Dong). It took almost 2 hours to arrive. It is a nice place where you can get an idea about the history of Vietnam.Very nice gardens. Most of the buildings have been destroyed during the war. The restoration process is going on.
Özlem TUNÇ DEDE — Google review
Be prepared to spend 2 hours wandering around the huge complex. The buildings are located quite far apart from each other. Signage is relatively poor and directions are often confusing.
A lot of construction work is on-going. Some of the buildings are not as well maintained (roof tiles falling off), with many bullet-ridden walls from the Vietnam War. Still, a beautiful place to visit and one of Vietnam's most important cultural heritage.
Justin Au-Yeung — Google review
I really enjoyed the Royal lake and the gardens. Lots of wonderful bonsai here as well. I spent a little over 2 hours here on a Monday afternoon - was very peaceful and serene walking around, especially near the back away from the main entrance.
Varun Mokhashi — Google review
Lots of history and things to learn. Pretty places as well. Just be careful as it closes at 5pm, so give yourself enough time (2-3hours minimum) to explore. May be good to take food and drink in with you.
T N — Google review
So beautiful. Love the architecture, the tree, the water. It can be very hot during summer though. We visited at perfect weather.
Huong Vo — Google review
We have visited this on weekdays and there was no rush at all. Weather was too hot and it's become difficult to roam there. Carry umbrella and water. It is nice place to see history. If you are interested to visit historical place then it will require 2 - 3 hours by max to explore this. Ticket price is 200.000 VND per person.
Prashant Chaudhary (Travel Diary) — Google review
A must see. Hué thanks to the Imperial City and all the Emperors burial sites has some of the most astonishing historical sites in the whole Vietnam.
You need at least a full day or even 2 to visit most of the sites.
I spend 1 day (3h Imperial city and 5h for 3 burial sites, the abandoned water park, a viewpoint with bunkers).
Prices vary but you can buy a combo ticket for the city and 2 or more tombs.
florent magnoac — Google review
Recommend, just allow for 2-3 hrs + to be able to fit it all in. It's a large area full of various buildings, gardens etc. Very beautiful & majestic understandably. Lots of random buildings but also for eg Royal Theatre that are amazing buildings, & must see's!
Frederick Hohenzollern — Google review
The Hue Citadel is a must-see for anyone visiting Hue, Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical landmarks in the country. The citadel is a sprawling complex of palaces, temples, gardens, and other structures, all surrounded by a massive wall.
I was particularly impressed by the scale and grandeur of the citadel. It is clear that the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam at that time, invested a great deal of time and resources into building and maintaining this impressive complex.
Some of the highlights of the citadel include:
- The Ngo Mon Gate, also known as the Meridian Gate, is the main entrance to the citadel. It is a massive gate with five arches, each of which represents a different social class.
- The Thai Hoa Palace was the throne room of the Nguyen emperors. It is a large and impressive building with a golden roof and intricate carvings.
- The Imperial Garden is a beautiful garden with a variety of flowers, trees, and ponds. It is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tips for visiting:
1. The citadel is a large complex, so it is best to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as it can get quite hot in the sun.
2. There are several restaurants and cafes inside the citadel, but it is also a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks.
3. There are English-speaking tour guides available, which can be helpful for learning more about the history of the citadel.
4. Allow at least 3-4 hours to visit the entire citadel.
Hanif Noer Rofiq — Google review
A modest sized citadel. It’s interesting to see 19th century Vietnamese architecture. However, most buildings have been destroyed during the war. The ones that remain contain a lot of new interior and exterior refurbishments. So it’s not clear if what we see is modern or old. Still worth a visit to see imperial life.
Marlon L — Google review
Very extensive set of well restored temples and royal government buildings. Good interpretive panels in Vietnamese, French, and English. Pretty remarkable given the damage incurred during the French & American wars!
Scott Shannon — Google review
Beautiful place that is well worth the visit. If you’re in town for a day, this should definitely be checked out.
Lots of culture, history and effort poured into maintaining such an importance part of Vietnam. Word of advice: we visited in mid-April and were scorched by the sun so make sure to carry water (there are cafes here too), sunscreen and sunglasses along with a cap to protect against the sun.
Expect to do lots of walking and reading of the various pieces of history scattered about
Omar Haroon — Google review
Great example of Asian culture and achievement, so many years ago! Fantastic structure and well maintained for the most part. Easy to walk around. Go early as it gets busy during the day. Well worth the time to see.
Tim Marshall — Google review
I loved the arquitecture. It is a very bid place, but they give you a map with different routes. We did the long one that took us more than four hours but there are shorter routes. Bring water and try to take it easy
Elizabeth Garcia — Google review
Loved this place. Highly recommend.
You could spend hours exploring all the different monuments and buildings. Was a great place for our kids as they loved exploring all the different buildings and nooks and crannies.
Amazingly well kept gardens that were very picturesque. There are so many places here to take amazing photos!
Kent Somerville — Google review
Nothing much to see with construction sites inside. No shorts are allowed to enter into the temple. Enjoyed to music from this group of ladies. Ticket Price 200,000 VND. The electric bus inside needs to be paid. We, 3 persons, 300,000 VND. Later found out that it was doubled the normal price.
S L — Google review
The just place to visit . They keep restoring the buildings to preserve this historic landmark. Be prepared for 2 hours of walking around, bring hat & water. There are a few cafes and public toilets dotted around. You can either get a guide or pay for audio guide. I used self-guided tour on GPSmyCity app.
Julia Kantorikova — Google review
Loved this place! So many views of old buildings. Learnt the history as well. You can easily enter this place. Plenty of tickets to buy there (not required to buy online). However, please approach their staff prior to purchasing. As the bundled packages shown are for other places other than this Hue Citadel. Meaning you need to travel to another place via car.
Troy — Google review
A citadel full of colours and emotions! All the area around is beautiful and peaceful! You must spend more than 3 hours to go around all the places into the forbidden city but you will feel the zen in every corner.
akis p — Google review
Beautiful palace. They really fixed it up nice comparing when I was here ten years ago. A lot of walking so bring your walking shoes. You can buy a day pass or buy one with combinations with three tombs. A must see when visiting Hue.
A New American Life ຊີວິດແບບອະເມຣິກາໃຫມ່ — Google review
Exploring the Hue Historic Citadel was an unforgettable journey back in time. The sprawling complex, with its majestic palaces, grand temples, and imposing walls, offers a vivid glimpse into Vietnam's royal past. The intricate details and the serene gardens within the citadel provided a peaceful respite from the bustling city. It's a testament to the cultural richness and architectural prowess of the Nguyen Dynasty. A visit here is essential for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Vietnam's history and heritage.
Hue, a city with a rich history and royal heritage, offers visitors an array of attractions to explore. One of the highlights is the Perfume River, which flows through the heart of the city. Spanning approximately 80 kilometers, this river derives its name from the fragrant flowers that fall into it from upstream orchards.
I was lucky enough to visit this city and this remarkable river days before the 'Tet holiday' or 'Vietnamese New Year'. And the way Vietnam celebrate New Year is by decorating flowers everywhere nationwide. What an environment friendly celebration. And Perfume River Park is ready for the celebration at that time. Flowers everywhere. It was just so beautiful. Romantic both daytime and night time. It was a sure lovely place.
Check out my IG photos @j.dormido
JL Dormido — Google review
It’s really nice for a journey along the water.
The people selling boat rides WILL rip you off. A 200k ride for an hour quickly became 200k per person. Then our 1 hour ride was over in 15 minutes.
Look it’s not expensive, I just didn’t appreciate being ripped off.
Stephen P — Google review
A peaceful place to admire the amazing skyline of Hue. It is ideal for a stroll along the riverbank and the park nearby. It was pity that we couldn't enjoy Hue folk song performances due to bad weather.
Tuyettrinh Tran — Google review
An amazing river at Hue
This is the best nice river flow through the a city in Viet Nam.
Its name "Sông Hương" meaning Perfume river.
Once upon a time, the Nguyen empire choose this city because the river and the sight so harmony with nature.
If you come to Hue. Take a dragon boat cruise along the river. Visit Thien Mu pagoda and tomb of the king. The boats and the river gives you an insight into the fisher families and Hue culture.
Have a nice trip.
Khanh Hoang Ngoc — Google review
Very clean, good view from both sides of the river. Lots of restaurants and cafes around to enjoy.
Quan Pham — Google review
Nice river cruise but nothing much to see.
Potential for future development.
Nana Jjj — Google review
Walking along the river, the scenery around the river is very poetic, like the name of the river.
Yes Reality — Google review
Took the Dragon boat from City center to the Thein Mu Pagoda. You pass the Citadel and beautiful riverside parks.
Women set up shop on the boat to sell all kinds of stuff.
very relaxing.
Richard Schagrin — Google review
Perfume River spans approximately 80 kilometres in length, flowing from Truong Son Mountain through Hue City Centre and Bang Lang Fork. The river was given its name over 100 years ago, due to the scent of flowers that dropped in the water from upriver orchards. As the strong floral scent was carried through the river during autumnal months, it resulted in locals naming it as Perfume River. Today, it may not smell as fragrant due to modernisation and the increasing number of riverboats but it’s still one of the most popular landmarks in Hue. The waterfront gets very lively in the evening. Local youths often flock to the park to enjoy breathtaking sunset views of Perfume River. The Trang Tien Bridge (Cau Truong Tien) also becomes illuminated with colourful LED lights, resulting in an impressive sight.
Loris Huynh — Google review
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Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
I'll never travel to Xi'an without this trip planner again
Vinh Moc Tunnel Museum is a remarkable complex of tunnels that served as a refuge for over 90 families during the Vietnam War. This underground village, located in Dong Ha, was not only used as bomb shelters but also housed a school, hospital, and theater. The tunnels are well-preserved and offer visitors an immersive experience into the lives of the people who sought shelter there. Exploring the tunnels can be surprising and hiring a tour guide is recommended for those unfamiliar with directions.
These tunnels are fascinating and whilst date the Museum brings it to life. It’s included as part of the ticket.
Olly Pirozek — Google review
Incredible experience and a great way to learn more of the Vietnam history.
Tom Derbyshire — Google review
Good
Thanh Sơn Lê — Google review
Well worth the trip!
Christopher Branden — Google review
(Translated by Google) Admiring the ancients and the people who created this system. There are many surprises when exploring on your own (if you are not familiar with directions and maps, you should hire a tour guide). Exit number 10 is a surprise.
vietw
(Original)
Khâm phục các cụ ngày xưa và những con người tạo ra hệ thống này. Rát nhiều bất ngờ khi đi tự khám phá ( nếu bạn không thạo định hướng và bản đồ thì nên thuê hướng dẫn viên đi cùng). Ra cửa số 10 là bất ngờ.
vietw
Việt Nguyễn Quốc — Google review
(Translated by Google) Location to visit to understand more about history, instead of going to Cu Chi, you can go here.
It's quite cool here, it's quite nice to sit and drink sugarcane juice.
(Original)
Vị trí tham quan để hiểu biết thêm về lịch sử, thay vì đi Củ Chi thì có thể đi đây cho biết.
Ở đây khá mát, ngồi nghỉ uống nước mía khá sướng.
Vũ — Google review
(Translated by Google) An interesting place to visit in Quang Tri. Come to understand a period of heroic history of the nation.
(Original)
Một địa điểm thăm quan thú vị tại Quảng Trị. Đến để hiểu về một giai đoạn lịch sử hào hùng của dân tộc.
Đình Hưng — Google review
(Translated by Google) The most beautiful national monument
(Original)
Khu di tích quốc gia đẹp nhất
Paradise Cave is a renowned tourist destination known for its splendid limestone cave system, which has a towering height of up to 72 meters. The initial one kilometer section of the cave is open to visitors, and it is highly recommended that tourists include this attraction in their itinerary. To ensure that you secure your spot, it's advisable to book ahead and guarantee your spot on the tour.
Incredible 400M year old cave with beautiful formations all over. This was my second time here — did the 7km trek in 2018 and took my husband to do the 4km one (couldn’t do the longer one due to weather) in 2022, and was best as beautiful and awe-inspiring the next time around. The 4km trek is pretty flat all over, so can be done by anyone. Swimming the river for both treks is optional, so make sure to bring a change of clothes if you want. They also give you so much yummy food that you eat in the cave. Our guide Lac was very informative, nice, and funny, and made the whole experience over and beyond amazing :))
Jacklyn Chua — Google review
Huge cave which is really beautiful. We walked to the cave though you can get a little buggy car it’s not far. I don’t know what the 7km is ppl refer to it was just over 1km to the start of the climb and the buggy stops here anyway. The climb up was tiring so take water! In the cave you can explore another 1.5km or so it’s quite a way in which is amazing as at home we wouldn’t be able to do this without a guide! Lots of interesting features of weathering inside the cave. Really worthwhile and very quiet and peaceful when we were here.
Sarah Quick — Google review
The Asia's Longest Dry Cave, the spectacular scale and truly speak of its name, Paradise cave offer the art-like limestone formation, jaw-dropping beauty that you couldn't find elsewhere
We had to trekking uphill from the parking around 1.5km to reach the cave entrance, it was a little bit raining that day, the floor was quite slippery. So please be careful and prepare for all weather and conditions
Not a single regret.. I was walking down there in the wooden staircase to the cave, silently appreciate this nature-made beauty. It truly is magnificent !
saydoppa — Google review
Lovely wonderful experience.
1st km was well it and well-paved... many stalactites and stalagmites for viewing.
Highly recommended to take the exclusive 7km Hike package at 2million dong!
Our group consisted of 13 members with 3 additional guides.
Walk through the dark cave with only light on your helmet. Water bodies add to the fun!!
I was 56 years old, an older gentleman among us was 80+ years old and youngest probably at 13 years old.
Doable so long as you're able to walk well!
At end of trail, you'll be rewarded by rays of sunlight shinning through an opening on top of cave.
Kenny Goh — Google review
Quite a fun experience. The golf cart takes you up for most of the way, followed by a small hike up to the entrance and then into the actual cave itself which isn’t too big. The initial descent into the cave may be a bit alarming for those not used to the exercise but it flattens out pretty quickly.
Inside you will have a few small staircases so pack plenty water & comfortable shoes. Oh and it was quite cool inside compared to the hot and humid weather outside. Enjoy the cool setting and the unique scenery of this beautiful cave
Omar Haroon — Google review
Huge and long cave. You need to do a trek like 1 km before reaching the cave. The cave has many kind of stones, gems with various shapes and colors. There is under water river but shallow. The humidity inside the cave is high and the temperature inside the cave during end of April like 12 degrees celsius. The walk way inside the cave well made so you don’t need to prepare much for a walk. Make sure bring enough water for the trek. It’s wonderful cave like a paradise (in my imagination)
Dieu Linh Nguyen — Google review
We took the electric car to the ramp and found that the path was in very good repair. Washrooms were surprisingly quite clean. The inside of the cave was having some maintenance work done but it did not impede our experience at all. The cave was impressive, well lit, clean & a really cool experience.
The boardwalk can be a bit slippery as it’s very humid/damp but proper footwear allowed it to be totally manageable.
Amy Passafiume — Google review
AMAZING! DEFINITELY GO HERE
Park closes at 5:00 p.m.
They stop selling tickets at 3:30 p.m.
5K to park your bike at the only bike parking lot attendant at the beginning of the park
250k entry
100k for electric bus from the ticket counter to the stairs leading up to the cave. You also get a return ride.
You don't need to take the bus, if you walk it will take you between 10 to 20 minutes. There's tons of shade anytime of day
Lots of steps leading up to the cave, probably around 15 minutes
There's a little shop at the mouth of the cave where you can get snacks and drinks. Bathrooms available
No bathrooms inside the cave
We spent about 2 hours walking through the pathways to the back of the cave and had half the time by ourselves with no one there because we got there around 3:00 p.m. . A friend of mine said he was there around 10:00 a.m. and it was packed with tour groups and super noisy, they only spent about 30 minutes in the cave and he didn't really like it that much
So if you want a more peaceful cave experience go by yourself and go closer to the time around 3:00
The cave is incredible. If you like caves you will love this!
Also, if you take your time look carefully and don't make any noise and get away from groups you can see a lot of wildlife here. I saw some type of jungle squirrel a couple of times, some large rainbow skink looking creature a few times and my girlfriend found this ridiculous stick bug. It was very docile and you could just pick it right up!
Chris M — Google review
À must visit. Not expensive, can get there on your own or take a tour. Very manageable, and absolutely beautiful inside. I won’t add photos as you can discover if yourselves !
Neill Hobson — Google review
Incredible experience! Well worth the money for us personally. Especially if you rent a scooter and drive round the Phong nha national park, stop here by yourself and explore. Took us about 2 hours. 15 minutes hill before you enter the cave, with is a cool 22-23 degrees.
It’s so much bigger than expected and super interesting to explore on your own. Even more so with a guide I imagine.
They will try to scam you into buying a shuttle buss ticket. You CAN walk if you want to save the 20k. There were almost nobody there when we went midday during may
Svan — Google review
It's about 70 km from center of Dong Hoi, 35 km from Phong Nha cave. It's a great adventure if you travel by motorbike with your friends from Dong Hoi or Phong Nha to Paradise Cave. Tourist have to buy entrance ticket and ticket for electronic-car that run from gate to foothill. You have to walk on 500m dip road (but I think the road is nice, not difficult to walk) to the cave-door. There is a small store that sells water and ice cream outside the cave. After entering the cave, go along on 1 km wood bridge, you can enjoy the comfortable atmosphere and very cool temperature, you will be surprise about many spectacular colorful stalactites (the most beautiful stalactites I've ever seen), you will actually admire the wonder masterpiece of the Creator. It's a must visit when you travel in Quang Binh
Qu?c V??ng H? — Google review
Mesmerize with the cave. Even though I came during the rain, I do not regret it. If you ride using a motorbike, this place is quite far away and once you reach there you need to walk to the ticket counter and then walk around 1km to the base. But you can pay for the buggy. You need to hike to reach the entrance of the cave.
Nurul Hidayah Sahudi — Google review
The most beautiful cave I have ever been to. It is truly awe-inspiring. The images speak for themselves, but like always, the photos do it no justice. This cave is huge once inside and is also a really nice temperature, especially after the uphill walk before you reach the entrance.
We visited around 4pm and were either lucky or picked the perfect time to visit as it was just us inside the cave. I heard it gets extremely busy around midday so perhaps best to avoid this if you’re wanting to minimise the crowd and noise whilst in the cave.
Super glad we visited this cave all round, however, do be cautious of the various restaurants based at the bike parking area as I’m pretty sure I’ll be coming down with food poisoning soon! Also, don’t pay for the buggy ride that’s offered to reach the cave, it doesn’t take you to the entrance and only saves you about 10 minutes of walking.
Jessica — Google review
Mesmerizing cave with very well ventilated and cool weather within the cave while it was hot and humid outside.. the electric buggy rides saves u time and effort to walk all the way to the cave. The cave starts after about 1 km of slope hike.. and then stairs within the cave to go down and you can cover about a 1 km of the cave in all..the cave is much bigger than that.. a lot of native vietnamese people would want to click pictures with you so be a sport and smile for the pic!
Meenaz Khoja — Google review
We visited this cave on our second day of our stay (July 2023) and I can describe the cave spectacular. It is by far the largest cave I have visited and a major tourist attraction for locals and international visitors.
Note that the ticket office is located at the base of the mountain and there is 1.6 km walk to the switch back pathway that leads to the cave entrance at the top of the mountain. If you have elderly or young children in your group use the shuttle between the ticket office and the ramp in both directions.
At the top of the ramp is a shop that sells ice creams and drinks which is great after the long and thirst climb
The entrance to the cave is via a steep set of steps but once at the cave floor there are well constructed boardwalks throughout the cave. The cave is described as the longest dry cave in Asia and as such has an amazing collection of formations and colours. Allow half a day for this trip which includes tranfers to and from the cave.
Stephen Smith — Google review
Beautiful cave. But you don't need a guide or package to go there . Just book one scooter and travel and buy your ticket. It works out much cheaper.
Kabita Kumari — Google review
Amazing cave! Takes a little time to get up to it (a little hike and stairs while coming down). You can still take a buggy to reduce the time of walking (you'll still have to hike a bit). Totally worth it!
Anshuman Swain — Google review
It's an awsome ride just to get then pay your ticket about 265k, then take group golf cart 2km to base of mountain where you walk up 600m of steep walkway where the cave starts. Inside you will have many levels of staircases and a decent walk inside about 1km so pack plenty water & comfortable shoes.
Enjoy the unique scenery of this beautiful cave
Rob the Philanthropist — Google review
This cave is located in Dong Hoi, Vietnam and was around 1.5 hrs away from the place we were staying at. The drive to this place is exquisite and really peaceful. Surrounded with green mountains all around, and takes about 30 mins to trek to the entrance of this cave. This cave has an entry fee of 250000 VND (~ ₹800). This is the longest dry cave in Asia, around 31 kms long. The trek to the entry of the cave is quite painful frankly, but trust me, that seems worth when you reach the entrance of the cave. The construction inside the cave is done really well which will help you to move inside the cave easily. The view inside the cave is surreal and calm.
Definitely recommend this to anybody who visits Vietnam.
Saptasree Basak — Google review
Incredible!
I was in complete awe from the moment I entered until the moment I left. I spent atleast 3 hours in here. I am positive that this is the single most beautiful cave in the world. It looks so much bigger than it does on the pictures, the cave is giant. It takes half an hour of walking just to get to the end, every time you turn a corner thinking it will be the end but it just keeps on going. This has been the most amazing thing I've seen this year backpacking Asia and I'm sure I will never see another cave like this again.
Even with the relatively high entry price of 280k đồng, just visit it.
You will never forget this cave.
Trevoid — Google review
250k entry if you pay on arrival! I’d recommend this over paying 1.5 million for a tour. You do not need a tour here. Just turn up yourself. Steep walk to the entrance so bring water. Caves inside are cold so it’s a nice relief. About 10 minutes walking inside to reach the last point for people. Cool caves just not worth the expensive price.
Jarrod McTeggart — Google review
A great cave experience where the interior of the cave has had significant lighting and walkways installed to allow a straightforward explore.
The walk up to the cave, even with the electric car is still quite a way, but there is a continuous ramp path so it's relatively easy. The views that peak through occasionally are excellent.
There are cafes at the top and the bottom.
Sam Yeates — Google review
The motorbike ride there is even better than the cave. It is a 20 min walk from the ticket counter and then a 15 min walk upstairs or through a slope. The visit itself inside the beautiful cave takes 1 hour. Don't take a tour, the motorbike is a must to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Jordi Albatross — Google review
OH MY GOD! What a beautiful cave . It's really paradise 💖. Most beautiful and photogenic. 20-25 minute bike ride from Phong nha town. We didn't go through any tour company, just us. Truly you don't need it. Just ride and reach. Only remember download Google offline map.
530k price for the tickets per person including buggy , and after 650meters beautiful walking. They build beautiful comfortable wood steps to go inside the cave. I think 200 steps you have to walk and then all flat but very very beautiful and incredible sinrey. Trust me go after 11 so very less crowded because all groups are coming early here in morning so it's big rush but after 11 so quite and nice .
Water available at the main entrance of the cave. So don't carry from down or outside.
love it❤️
Dhruv Sharma — Google review
Amazing cave, and so extremely long! Very cool to see all the rock formations, the stalactites and stalagmites! But the cave is a bit touristy being many people there, so much late and built platforms everywhere, so you don't get the feeling of exploring caves
Mathias Skjæran Landrø — Google review
Paradise Cave was unlike anything I'd ever seen. It wasn't just a cave with a bunch of stalactites hanging from the ceiling (although there were definitely plenty of those!). This place felt like a whole other world, like stepping into a giant, glittering cathedral carved by nature.
The walk through the cave was incredible. They have these wooden paths that snake throughout, so you can really get up close to all the formations. Some of them were these massive, towering columns that reached all the way up to the ceiling, and others were these delicate, translucent curtains that looked like they could melt in your hand. The lighting was perfect too - it wasn't harsh and artificial, but soft and subtle, which really let the natural beauty shine through.
It's not the easiest place to get to - it's a bit of a drive from Dong Hoi, and the walk up to the entrance involves a fair amount of stairs. But trust me, it's worth it. Paradise Cave is a must-see for anyone visiting Quang Binh!
Thanh Hảo Lê — Google review
Paradise Cave is truly exceptional, a masterpiece crafted by nature itself. I was in awe as I entered the cave after a challenging climb to reach the top of the ramp, but the effort was absolutely worth it. If you find yourself in Phong Nha, visiting this cave is a must. I also recommend exploring it on your own, perhaps by moped or bicycle, to fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding countryside, though this is a personal preference. While there were some loud visitors, most people were respectful and treated the cave like a museum exhibition, which enhanced the overall experience. Nevertheless, the breathtaking views inside the cave were simply unbelievable and made the visit unforgettable.
Ben — Google review
4.7
(4814)
•
4.5
(1901)
Km 16 Đường Hồ Chí Minh, Nhánh Tây, Bố Trạch, Quảng Bình, Vietnam
Phong Nha Cave Gate Marina is a must-visit destination in Vietnam, offering an epic display of stalagmites in Paradise Cave. The surrounding countryside is stunning and can be explored through activities like trekking, cycling, or motorbiking. To reach the cave, visitors need to purchase a standard boat ticket from the Tourist Center in Phong Nha city. The boat ride costs $550,000 and can accommodate up to 12 people.
Amazing experience! You cannot get here without buying the standard boat ticket. To come to the cave, you have to go to the Tourist Center in Phong Nha city, and then the boat brings you here. The boat is $550,000 regardless of how many people go in it, and can take up to 12 people, so try to make friends at the ticket office to split the price, and the ticket office will let each individual pay their split price.
John Gobin — Google review
Beautiful cave which is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to wear good shoes - it is slippery inside and sometimes you walk on sand.
Annie A — Google review
Pradise cave, it's amazing cave
Thang Tran — Google review
Nice cave to visit, would advise to take a tour guide. They will take you through the cave, tell you the history behind it and you get to do some kayaking as an extra. Great fun
The sightseeing tour agency Tam Cốc offers a Ngô Đồng River boat tour through rice fields. The entrance fees include sightseeing tickets and boat tickets. Children under 1.40 meters are free when accompanying an adult.
What a fabulous place to stay and visit. Lots of lovely family run homestays and restaurants. Stunning scenery. A great place to cycle around the waterways and karsts. Very friendly locals. Gets busy especially at weekends with boat tours.
Chris Sutcliffe — Google review
Bad services, you have to pay VND150K (~$6.5) for boat and additionally VND 120K (~$5) per person for sightseeing but there is only one option of going by boat. Besides, the ferry man always ask for money!!! Street vendors (or river vendor) were so annoying
Luong Nguyet — Google review
Well: it feels bad to rate a place this low, because it’s a nice place and all but:
1. You can park outside for free. Local women will try to persuade you to park and tell you the entrance fee is included. I assure you the temple visit is free, so this is a well-dressed lie.
2. Be sure to bring something with sleeves and proper trousers. The temple etiquette demands it and the women outside use this to force you into buying long sleeves there.
3. It’s a simple temple. Nice, but simple.
I read you can do boat rides but why would you, really?
Stefan Bussels — Google review
Interesting spot, but a little over the top on tourism. Strange to see so many tourists getting paddled along the river by boat operators using their feet to navigate and propel their crafts. Seems a bit unseemly.
Would be a nicer spot without all the wholesale tourism and related infrastructure. Beautiful scenery, regardless.
Good during rain or shine. And no mosquitos, in March anyway.
Greg Angevine — Google review
Not well organized, here the rower was not happy with our tip and was rude to us, the caves are pitch black, lots of garbage in the water and its the same way go and back. But still we enjoyed it as we were a long time in Ninh Binh, but if you stay short time, go to Trang An! Trang an also has 3 routes
Esteban Bourguignon — Google review
The place looks nice but I was quite disappointed.
It is super small and beyond the lovely entranceway the rest is rather disappointing in relation to a lot of things there are in Vietnam. Perhaps it'd be different if going with a guide.
To go to third pagoda you also need to go through a cave. Whilst it is interesting as an experience, the cave has bats and it absolutely stinks.
Worth going there if you have extra time. Otherwise not.
Also, the ladies at the bike parking place tried to charge us 100D arguing there was an entrance fee. We had read it was free and ended up paying 10D only for the parking but that was very annoying too..
Samanta Boero — Google review
It's a shame I didn't explore everything. However it's a very nice and peaceful place to visit. I personally think it's alright, not really having a big feeling towards this spot. However , please be aware that if you're visiting this temple, make sure you wear appropriately (no short shorts or tank tops or whatever that exposes too much of your skin )
Erique Chong — Google review
To go here, you must buy an entrance ticket, especially to take a boat on the small river through three caves and then enter Thai Vi temple to worship the Tran kings. The scene is very beautiful, majestic nature mixed with ancient features. The entrance ticket is also cheap, including tickets to visit 3 points, take a boat through 3 caves to Thai Vi temple, then enter Tien Cave and finally enter Bich Dong pagoda (the temple is located on the top of the mountain, facing outward and the back is inside). mountain cave... very beautiful).
Thiep Mai Phuc — Google review
Decent boat ride but cannot be compared to Trang An! Weather can be very hot and sunny. My boat rower was nice and can communicate in chinese, but she does keep asking me for more tips….
Jun Wei Chan — Google review
It was a good place to visit in Ninh Bing. Although there was some vendors on the boat asked you to buy some food the boatman made me feel uncomfortable. Overall it was a good experience.
Amy Chang — Google review
Very commercial. Beware of the guys who take photos. They say it's
$1 but will end up taking ton of your pictures and sell it to you. M vendors selling stuff if u don't buy they will ask you to top ypur rower. Rowers negotiating tips with you. Overall place is excellent beautiful but this commercialization makes experience bitter. Hence two stars deducted
Raj De — Google review
Amazing place ! Super peaceful! I highly recommend. You can stay here for 5/7 days easy! Specifically if you are looking a place to chill!
At same time you have a lot of places to go and things to see.
Definitely One of my favourite places!
Navegador de Mundos — Google review
Still under-crowded gem a bit out of Nin Binh. Day trippers do crowd the visiting sites but it’s a wonderful place to stay. Recommend the lake trip through the caves and the Mua Cave. Definitely grab yourself a bike or a scooter for easy access everywhere
Andy Karemani — Google review
Great and wonderful experience. Every one who are visiting Vietnam Must visit this place. You will enjoy the boating like anything. Beautiful hills and mountains are so nice. People are so friendly here. We weee about 31 in the group and everyone enjoyed the boat trip. No one will be disappointed…. 💕💕💕
jaison philip — Google review
The Tam Cốc area was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being surrounded by the limestone cliffs we were in awe. The inside of the caves was gigantic, and felt like they went for miles. The talented boat rowers added more to this experience as we were amazed by their rowing skills. 2 hours - all by their feet! Their leg muscles must be crazy.
Make sure to tip the rowers. This is how they make their living. Our driver was a sweetheart, and kept us smiling - despite the language barrier. Although this attraction was touristy it was relaxing and beautiful.
Erica C — Google review
During my visit to Hanoi in February, I had the opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of Tam Cốc – Bích Động in Ninh Bình, Vietnam. This hidden gem left me in awe and provided a truly memorable experience.
Tam Cốc - often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land" - is a scenic landscape filled with limestone karsts and winding rivers. The boat ride along the Ngo Dong River was the highlight of my visit. As we glided through the serene waterways, surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery, I felt like I had entered a tropical paradise.
The area is famous for its caves, and Bích Động was a standout attraction. Climbing steep stone steps and exploring the cave complex was an adventure in itself. The intricate network of pagodas and temples nestled within the natural caves added to the mystique and spiritual atmosphere.
What made this destination truly special was its peacefulness and tranquility. The absence of crowds allowed for a more intimate experience, and I was able to fully appreciate the natural beauty and surrounding serenity.
The local people were friendly and welcoming, and their hospitality added to the overall charm of the place. They were eager to share their knowledge and stories about Tam Cốc, enhancing my understanding and appreciation of this unique destination.
Visiting Tam Cốc – Bích Động in Ninh Bình was an unforgettable experience that showcased the natural beauty and cultural richness of Vietnam.
Marco — Google review
Not sure if this true, they said the movie “Kong the Skull Island” was shot here. One of the best boating ride. It mostly the starting point for most of the Vietnam Visitors.
We went in the month of August. Temperature was a bit hotter.
There is a trekking as well. Unfortunately we could not do it as it was not included in our itinerary. We missed the top view of the river because of this. If people reading this review before booking and a fan of trekking then please add that in itinerary too.
We get biscuits, fruits sellers and photographers on the way. They try to loot you so please be careful. Take cash in smaller denominations and give them. If given a higher denomination then the right amount might not come back 😅.
Ajay Managaon — Google review
Interesting couple of small temples nested under a cliffs with a cave/tunnel connecting the two.
If you clash with a coach trip it gets difficult as you have to file across a narrow bridge through narrow gaps.
Andrew Rixom — Google review
Great experience in a boat ride by hand and not by machine.. The view was spectacular and the greenery and the nature.. It was just wow.. If you wanna have a short ride in the boat then go for this.. Timing is one and a half hours...
Chenghun Phukon — Google review
Good experience on the boat - they use leg paddles! Amazing view around the caves and padi field
The Hang Múa Ecolodge is a mountain lodge with pleasant cottages, a restaurant and bar, and an outdoor terrace. It is situated in the lush countryside of Ninh Binh province, Vietnam and offers great views of the limestone mountains. The resort also has facilities for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
The room was nice, with an outdoor shower and bathtub that provides sufficient privacy. Inside was well air conditioned, comfortable bed, ample storage and a decent bathroom.
The breakfast was good, not out of this world but a good non crowded start to the day.
The location is great as it avoided the craziness of downtown and is inside the gates to the caves and lookout. The ability to start the climb before the public was allowed in was great as the steps got crowded later in the morning. As an added bonus there are bicycles to use around the area. We rode on paths in the middle of rice fields, not something I see at home.
Christopher Roth — Google review
Stayed here twice, and it has unfortunately declined seriously since it first opened. Back in the day, it opened with great ambition and was a jewel of a property, building on centuries of rich history in the area. Unfortunately, as happens in this country, it has declined to another very average resort with medeocre food being served onsite and tacky amenities that render it lame.
Keith A. — Google review
I loved this place. It's very nice, and really has everything that you could need. My room was nice, included with mosquito nets and great A/C. The staff was very helpful, from my late night check-in to organizing taxis to various other nearby attractions. Also, the Mua Caves Viewpoint hike and lotus ponds are part of the property, and entrance fees as waived as part of the stay (both are incredible, I highly recommend exploring them). I would easily stay here again.
Nathan Marcellino — Google review
Accessible for toddlers! My 3 and 5 year-old made it up there! Just make sure you bring lots of water! And plan on 1h to get up there. Then you can spend a lot more time: go to the other peak (if they follow), walk across the rice fields when back down, stop at a Cafe, etc
Marjorie Carr Zippert — Google review
You should be here around 3-4 pm, that's good time to hikking and seeing sun set
Drift backpacker — Google review
some how Google is referring to the hotel, BUT actually this is a beautiful landmark/ tourist attraction without having to stay at the hotel. You have around 500 steps truly worth the climb. We were there when, unfortunately, the weather wasn't great and still it was a fabulous place to be and look around. very much recommended!!!!
?? ??? — Google review
Beautiful place. Easy to get to on bicycle or motorbike or car. Park at the lot closest to the entrance no matter what the locals on the street say. Beautiful scenery and if at the right time, the lotus are mesmerizing. Wear non slip shoes if you want to climb to the tail of the dragon.
Sierra Stein — Google review
Very nice place with stunning attraction combination to explore. challenge ourselves to climb up the Flying Dragon Mount to see top-down views are yellow fields and amazing lotus lake.
the best season to visit here is summer since the fields are yellow and lotuses are blooming.
highly recommend to visit this place at sunset 5PM to climb easily without hard sunshine.
Ty Pha — Google review
So I am writing this while staying here and the experience is pathetic. Staff is not very cooperative. Room is infected with cockroaches and bugs , its like the room has not been cleaned in ages. Bedsheets smell of sweat. Hygiene is neglected. Even my toddler understands that the room is not good and hasn’t slept whole night. There are management issues. Overall this ecolodge either needs to shutdown if they are not able to manage properly or they need a full renovation from scratch. Have been to a lot of places and hotels and by far the worst place to stay ever considering the hype.
Highly disappointed. 👎
Aayushi Agarwal — Google review
Un hôtel dans un très beau cadre au cœur de la Baie d’Halong Terrestre. L’hôtel est au sein même d’un site populaire qui permet l’accès à un joli point de vue (accès gratuit pour les résidents).
De superbes balades à proximité. Service de location de vélo (50k/jour) ou location de scooter mais plus cher qu’ailleurs (200k/jour).
La chambre était plutôt agréable et très propre dans l’ensemble. Mais loin d’être aussi idyllique que les photos laissaient paraître (traces d’usures et un peu dans son jus).
Il y a une piscine mais très froide (séjour en avril) et pas super propre.
Bonus pour le restaurant et le buffet du petit-déjeuner, rien à redire et le personnel est super agréable et aux petits soins pour les clients. Attention peut-être à éviter de servir les jus de fruit dans des gobelets en plastique jetables.
Bon séjour globalement mais peut-être un peu cher la nuit à mon goût.
(Translated by Google)
A hotel in a beautiful setting in the heart of Terrestrial Halong Bay. The hotel is within a popular site which allows access to a lovely viewpoint (free access for residents).
Superb walks nearby. Bike rental service (50k/day) or scooter rental but more expensive than elsewhere (200k/day).
The room was quite nice and very clean overall. But far from being as idyllic as the photos made it appear (traces of wear and a little in its juice).
There is a swimming pool but very cold (stay in April) and not super clean.
Bonus for the restaurant and the breakfast buffet, nothing to complain about and the staff is super pleasant and takes great care of the customers. Perhaps be careful to avoid serving fruit juices in disposable plastic cups.
Good stay overall but perhaps a little expensive at night for my taste.
Maxime Visticot — Google review
Just fantastic. Wish we spent more time here. The location is brilliant, set amongst the mountains and forest, the only noise coming from the wild animals in the forest. Lovely spa pool, huge rooms with private terraces, great food and drinks offers. Would highly recommend.
Andrew Mucha — Google review
Really enjoyed our stay here. Our room was huge but a little hot because the air con couldn’t cool the size of the room! Perfect setting after you get over the fact you’re basically staying in a tourist attraction. Very peaceful once all the tourists leave after dark and means you get the caves and viewpoint all to yourself first thing in the morning. The restaurant was actually really good food too.
Rebecca Prince — Google review
We stayed at the ecolodge. The room was fine, enough for 3 adults. facilities overall were quite dated including the surrounding. The restaurant dinner was good and cheap. Staff were friendly.
It’s good to stay here if you want to get to the top first. Less crowded that way. Really nice view. Nice climb. 500 steps so quite steep. Some slippery rock so be careful
Tu Linh Nguyen — Google review
Nice place with a garden and a little cave, but more importantly a big Lotus plantage and an even bigger stair which will exhaust you quite a bit, but also will reward you with a great view over the area. The price was okay, not much for a tourist from Europe or America
Robin H?wener — Google review
Went here for the hike.
Well worth the steps but here's the figures (from the bottom)
462 steps total to dragon
278 to the turn point / decision between left (higher) and right (lower) peak
184 after turning left to temple and dragon
It was hard work, I wouldn't recommend those not mobile, or young kids, it gets really hard with large steps and not much shade.
Nathaniel Freeman — Google review
This,place us amazing..
Definitely the best break from all the hustle and bustle.
There's so much greenery and the air feels fresh.
The hike and bike rides a must aswell.
Zee Cav — Google review
Rooms are smelly due to humid of the environment, it doesn’t look ‘fresh’ as it does in the pictures. Blue looking pool is actually turned to be green and unhealthy. Coffee and juices is way below the Vietnamese standards. Open buffet breakfast ended up to a plate of what they offer to you. Staff in general wasn’t helping with difficulties we had. Only good side is beauty of surrounding which you can just visit on the day time, no need to pay for accommodation to dream of a quiet place because it’s filled up with tourists visiting the area. Plus, they have new construction going on, therefore be ready to hear lots of noise and dust.
Ömer Gökçe — Google review
Great place to stay very close to Hang Mua. I loved it to explore the resort by night with all the laterns and the ponds, beautiful! The rooms are very clean and pretty with comfy beds. Breakfast is huge and they make great pancakes fir you. In the winter there will be constructions going on so be ready to wake up at 7:00. The WiFi was very slow and often disconnected. Take care when taking a taxi outside the resort. There is a little Mafia guy in a black car who will chase away your grab driver and tell you that he is grab. He is a little cheater. You can get a cheaper taxi down the street on the left hand in an homestay (see the TAXI sign outside) while the weird guy in the black car will follow you of course ;)
Graf Starkall — Google review
Great location but the WiFi connectivity wasn’t great and the bathrooms are clean but not very modern or well equipped with the fittings. Highly recommended for the views.
Parinita Das — Google review
The Mua Cave Ecolodge in Ninh Binh, close to the Lying Dragon Mountain area, is often likened to a "Ha Long Bay on land." Situated about 100km south of Hanoi and 200km southwest of Ha Long, reaching this serene retreat is convenient, whether by a simple 2-hour drive or a train journey from Hanoi. Spanning across 40,000 square meters, the Ecolodge is embraced by verdant rice fields and breathtaking limestone mountains, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting.
suyogya parasar — Google review
Perfect location and landscapes. Avoid possible agglomerations in mua cave. At night will be a quiet place, dont expect parties or drinks.
Manuel G.Romero — Google review
Tried to leave the lodge at 11:30pm to try and get some food and go watch some sport at a bar but the gate was closed. The security guard in front told us that we cant leave even though we had rented a motorbike from the lodge so we had our own transport. We tried calling the lodge but no one picked up so basically we were stuck inside like prisoners even though we paid to stay here and could not leave. This is unacceptable. Rooms are tiny for what you are paying for. We had no hot water during the first night of our stay. Overall would not recommend a stay here as its overpriced and you do not get treated well.
Erin Solomon — Google review
Really wasn’t for us so we left 2 nights early to go to another lovely wee homestay in Tam Coc. In Tam Coc taxi/ scooter rental was more than half the price than the hotel for the day and we found it more suiting with a bit more of a buzz about the place and more to do.
The hotel and room was not quite as advertised. The photos are a bit misleading and the discretion was wrong. “The fire place is a top feature of this double room” we never had or seen any fire places. The heating didn’t work (we had to ask twice for an extra duvet) and the hot water doesn’t fill the bath. The place is extremely busy with visitors during the day. And is a bit of a weird theme park.
If going by moped be aware that there are a lot of fake parking attendants jumping in front of you with whistles trying to make you stop and pay to park. Just drive to the end through the gate. It was fine.
The Mua caves viewpoint was nice.
LoveLiveRun — Google review
The best place to stay in Ninh Binh! The location was fantastic and if you stay here, you get free entrance into Mua Caves. our stay was excellent and so convenient. we got a nice variety for breakfast which is included in the price. the room was spacious and had a bathtub and an extra bed! Super clean and our highlight was the lotus garden infront of our room! We had a great view of the mountains and the Mua Caves as well. The hotel itself was not crowded and we even saw some mountain goats. we took their bicycles (which come free with the hotel too) and roamed to nearby coffee shops! Great overall! Highly recommend staying here as it also accessible to other activities like Tam Coc River and cafes
Trang An Grottoes, located 7km northwest of Ninh Binh, offers a captivating experience for visitors. This region, known as Trang An, boasts stunning limestone caves that can be explored by renting rowboats along the Sao Khe River. The area is abundant in natural wonders such as mountains, rocks, and caves. Surrounding these formations are beautiful religious structures set amidst canals and lakes.
A beautiful, and very professionally organised 3 hour boat tour through a UNESCO world heritage site. Through caves and grottoes, with occasional stops at some stunning temples and gardens along the way allowing you to stretch your legs. For 250,000 VND I haven’t found a better value tourist experience in Vietnam like this yet. Don’t forget to tip your guide. Unlike the Tam Coc tour, they won’t ask for it but they definitely deserve it. Unless you want to tan, I definitely recommend bringing a hat/sunglasses.
Tim F — Google review
Boat ride through mountains and caves in a river that full of healthy grass that’s a treat itself. World heritage site that’s well maintained. The stunning nature around limestone caves are truly impressive. The boat ride provides umbrella, yet the weather in November is just perfect. For older folks is hard to sit in the boat for that long though. Maybe bring some cushion as you are sitting on the hard surface the entire ride. Flowing alone with river is so peaceful and relaxing. The only bad part is too many tourist. We actually had traduce inside the cave.
The Foodie Architect — Google review
This place is seriously heaven on Earth! It is definitely not expensive, given that the boat tour takes 3 hours and the scenery is breathtaking throughout! We visited in October and took route 1. Going through the caves was great, the guide was super friendly, and the place is INSANELY beautiful. Would visit again in a heartbeat!
Desiree Chetcuti — Google review
The Trang An Grotto Tour was amazing experience and definitely a must do if visiting Ninh Binh. The price of 250,000 vnd is more than fair for 3 hours of river boat sightseeing. There are three routes all of which have their pros and cons. Route one offers the most sights and is the longest, which makes it in my opinion worth it over the other two. Unlike the river tour at Tam Coc you will not be harassed to buy things or forced to buy trinkets in order to continue the tour.
Konrad — Google review
We bicycled from Tam Coc to Trang An, it took about 35 minutes using the walking directions on Google (enter through a large gate and proper road). Don't use the driving directions, you'll end up on the highway.
We arrived around 3:45 and were one of the last tours out. We opted for #2 and weren't disappointed. It was a bit shorter but the temples and caves didn't disappoint. If you want your own boat for two people you have to buy four tickets, we opted for 2 tickets and had two great boat mates from Canada and Thailand. We had a great time, no one trying to sell us anything, no scams, no hussles, no line ups and were one of the last boats of the river so it was very peaceful. Highly recommend. And if you don't mind biking in the dark, go late in the day. They close/stop selling tickets at 4pm
JAD Bermuda — Google review
If I could sum this place up in one word, it would be: Stunning. But one word is never enough. If you get a chance, make sure you come and see this place. It's calm and serene and majestic all at the same time. Hire a boat to take you around to all the temples and through the caves and mountains. There are lots of people visiting, but there are lots of times when you're away from the big tour buses. We managed to ask around in town and get a car to bring us, so it is possible to get here on your own.
Michael Davidson — Google review
17th October 2022 selected route 3 . Superb views. Covered all three caves and temples. Great experience. Boatwoman was very nice
bilu koshy — Google review
We did tour 1 on an early December morning and loved it. We were just under three hours exploring the caves and temples. Every corner we turned we were blown away by the scenery.. a must if you are in this area
Julia Wood — Google review
Really beautiful boat ride of 2 hours going through the lime stone river system and caves and you visit some moderately nice temples. Major downside is that it is extremely touristy at every moment of the day it seemed
Bjorn Rispens — Google review
Boat ride experience is amazing. We went for route 3 where we stop at 2 pagodas and went in 3 caves. There was 1 cave which was 1000m long. We needed to sit low since the cave is kinda low also. We went at 14:00hr and it was extremely hot! I recommend you wear tons of sunscreen or hat and long sleeve because it’s extremely hot!! The view is just breathtaking. It was a total of 4hrs boat ride including the stops. An unforgettable experience. 💖
HaVen HeaVens — Google review
Absolutely amazing boat ride!! Go in the morning otherwise it gets too hot. We were worried it was too touristy when getting tickets (250k each), but after 10 minutes, you are separate from the other boats and forget other people are there. We did route one, which went through 9 caves and 3 temples. At the first temple, buy some fish food for 10k (see video). The middle temple is up (then down) about 100 uneven rock stairs. Overall, it was an amazing experience and was the best part of our trip to Ninh Binh.
River O'Neill — Google review
We did the route 3 boat tour, which goes through 2 caves and stops at multiple pagodas. The route took just under 3 hours in total. The scenery is spectacular and going by boat is an ideal way to take it all in. Just make sure to put on plenty of sun cream if it's a sunny day.
Eoin G — Google review
A must do in Vietnam! Best activity we did by far. This is the Ha Long Bay on land (and I thought it was even more beautiful).
The Huong Pagoda is a massive collection of Buddhist shrines, grottos and temples constructed within the limestone mountains of Huong Tich. It serves as the location for an important religious festival that attracts numerous pilgrims throughout Vietnam. The main temple lies in My Duc District's Huong Son Commune, formerly Ha Tay Province, now Hanoi. The complex's heart is located in the Inner Temple or Perfume Temple situated within the cave of Huong Tich.
The Perfume Pagoda (Vietnamese: Chùa Hương, Chữ Hán: 香寺) is a vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Hương Tích mountains. It is the site of a religious festival which draws large numbers of pilgrims from across Vietnam.[1] The centre of the Hương Temple lies in Hương Sơn Commune, Mỹ Đức District, former Hà Tây Province (now Hanoi). The centre of this complex is the Perfume Temple, also known as Chùa Trong (Inner Temple), located in Hương Tích Cave.[2]
Hoang Tran — Google review
The boat ride to Hương pagoda is magnificent if you don’t mind the old boat ride typically for about 1 hr.
Along the way to the pagoda, you’ll see many local vendors, do not stop and buy anything there.
One thing to remember, they don’t have proper public restrooms at this time.
So just keep that in mind.
Alynn Nguyen — Google review
Amazing. The whole experience was fantastic. From the boat to the temple and the beautiful smell of jasmine throughout. Must see if you want to experience the spiritual and historical side of Vietnam
mathew brown — Google review
The cave is beautiful! Others? Not so special. Kinda lame.
Toan Nguyen — Google review
Astounding place . Must visit But please carry your umbrella as you will have to travel by rowing boat
joe chen — Google review
Chùa Hương, also known as the Perfume Pagoda, is a celebrated spiritual site near Hanoi, drawing thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually. The journey to the pagoda is an adventure in itself, involving a serene boat trip followed by a hike or cable car ride up the limestone mountains.
The tranquility of the river, the verdant rice fields, and the towering karsts set the stage for a profound experience. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the striking sight of the Huong Tich Cave, the heart of the complex, where incense smoke fills the air, and the sound of prayers echoes against the stalactites and stalagmites.
The Perfume Pagoda festival, held in the spring, is the peak time to visit, offering a glimpse into Vietnamese culture and religious practices. However, the site's natural beauty and spiritual ambiance can be appreciated year-round.
For a fulfilling visit, it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and arrive early to avoid crowds. The Perfume Pagoda is not just a destination; it's a spiritual journey that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
Ha Dao Ngoc — Google review
The pagoda is beautiful, the Yen river is beautiful. There is lot of food. The car parking is available. The boat driver is frendly. It is easy to go there through 21B road. But the service is bad. The ticket counter is not at the gate, it is somewhere on the road, about 3 km back from the entrance gate. You will find it is hardly to get the boat only with the ticket. Tourism have to pay more money to have boat. Some local have the action of threaten the boat driver if they allowed you to reach the boat before pay the extra money. With the experience like that, I will not go there again if they don't change they way of service. I hope they will change in the future like Trangan.
tung tran.thanh — Google review
Spiritual Place , Many Visitor , Beautiful View..First you will go a boat ride about 1 hrs and then walk up to the cable car to the top temple cave . You will walk down few steps in to the cave . It seem it a yearly pilgrimage for the locals
Hari Dass Kumar Ratna Kumar — Google review
Decent place....not recommend for sunny day....boat ride will not have any cover and it takes atleast 1 hr each side.
Peaceful place,good cave,pagoda
Cable car👍
abc def — Google review
Spectacular. One of my best memories in Vietnam.
There was never a dull moment the entire day. We started out in boats, and headed up river to the temple. It was raining the day we went, but was beautiful nonetheless.
Spectacular views; really an experience out of this world.
Cafeteria/restaurant is massive and open-air.
Great day!
Neal Irvine — Google review
Very impractical set up. Standard let's walk up a mountain temple. Nice temple complex. What is bad is the people who run the site. You need a 30-minute rowboat trip to get to the site which is romantic and beautiful in nice weather in the rain not so much . You pay according to the amount of people in a little row boat and they will make you wait until the boat is full or charge you extra. When we arrived cold and damp we walked up the mountain to go to the cable car to bring us to the temple complex. Very slippery in the rain. Unfortunately, as signs are in Vietnamese we missed that tickets were not available at the cable car but back half way down the mountain. Also we would have to wait to get enough people in the cable car we weren't allowed to go by ourselves??. Being tired wet and cold we decided to just call it a day and go home. On return to the docks to get the boat back. We saw that there were motorboats going up and down the river and asked if we could take one as we were not looking forward to another wet uncomfortable trip. This was not possible not only did they not want to help us we had to pay extra to leave early. Very unfriendly staff and hardly any English spoken.
Dirk de Vlaam — Google review
A major pilgrimage place for the Vietnamese people. The pilgrimage goes on in January February March.
Praying there is believed to be able to overcome conception issues. If you have a baby you have to come back every year for 18 year ;)
Yves-Emmanuel Jutard — Google review
Worthy visit, do not go on the festival days to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Use the boat to reach the Thien Tru pagoda, it will be better to trekking to Huong Tich caves if you have strong health and trekking hobby, if not you can use cable to reach there.
hanna nguyen — Google review
Good to see old and new extended temple. Worth to go on boat, cable care as well as walking around. However, a lot of rubbishes in the way to go and on the river. Also dont agree with the shop owners to sell wild animals, birds for releasing. The more people buy it, the more people demand to catching wild animals.
Dinh Hong Thom — Google review
This is from my travel diary: We had arranged to go on a tour out to the Perfume Pagoda which is about 120 km outside of Hanoi. On the way there we had a really good look at villages. Then to get to the Perfume Pagoda, known as Huong Pagoda, we had to take a long ride in a dugout canoe. This is a very impressive site. The Perfume Pagoda, known locally as Chua Huong or ‘inner temple’, is at the centre of a very revered and sacred site featuring a maze of mainly Buddhist temples built into the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich. At the heart of this complex lies the Perfume Temple or Perfume Pagoda in the Huong Tich Cave. It is believed that the first temple was built here in the 15th century, although legend declares that the site was actually discovered over 2,000 years ago by a Buddhist monk who was meditating nearby. The mountain foothills are an area of great natural and spiritual beauty filled with streams, tropical plants, and temples. We basically spent the whole day there.
Ross Daniels — Google review
Very interesting place to visit, unique history, set in a remote location, surrounded by beautiful vistas.
To get to any of the 15 pagodas in this area you must travel by boat. The Huong Pagoda was 3km upriver and you must visit the local temple as part of the journey. It's a very tranquil way to start.
The Pagoda itself is set up a short but steep walk up from the shore, and is maintained by a group of working monks. Unique to this Pagoda, is that is a monk dies here, they are given their own tomb on the grounds, and they're cast as a statue, and after 200 years the statue will be painted gold, as it is believed they have achieved enlightenment as a Buddha.
The star attraction is the cave at the top of the nearby mountain, said to be the restimg place of a king's daughter. You can walk to the summit (3,400 steps) but unless you are very, very fit you'll want to take the cable car. There is still another 200 or so steps to the summit, before you decend into a very stunning and tranquil cave.
Overall I'd say it's well worth the visit, however there are a few things to be aware of:
1) There is a festival here Jan-Mar, that attracts 2mil worshippers. The river is choked with boats, and it is shoulder to shoulder walking room. This in itself would be an experience.
2) The place is step up to sell to those visitors during the festival - everywhere the path is lined with makeshift shops and restaurants all the way to the summit. Outside of the festival time period the majority of these are closed, so you are walking past walls of tarps.
3) The heat - there is nowhere to hide from it. Especially on high humidity days. There are no air-conditioned buildings, just fans and refrigerated drinks. A number of our group suffered heat exhaustion, and there was little relief until we were back on the bus.
The Cannon Fort Cat Ba Hotel is an affordable and casual accommodation that offers both private rooms and dorms. Complimentary Wi-Fi and a cafe are also available for guests to enjoy. The hotel's scenic location offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, jungle-covered hills, and beautiful sunsets. Visitors can explore World War II-era underground tunnels and other tourist attractions such as bunkers and gun emplacements nearby.
Nice hotel, spacious rooms. Good service!
cruises venezia — Google review
Very nice hotel in good price. We were there in group of 4 people and we enjoyed it. Close to restaurants, clubs and around 15min to beach. Owners helps a lot with organising stuff like tours, buses and others
Maciej Staniszewski — Google review
Spacious room and comfy soft large bed. Room is very clean and cheap. Wifi is strong. Located in the middle of the town, very convenient for getting food and tourist attractions.15 minutes walking to the Cat Co beach; 30 minutes by bike to the Cat Ba national park. Staffs are very friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Recommended!
Huyen Tran — Google review
This is such a nice little hotel. My wife and I stayed four nights in a double room with very spacious beds and everything was super clean. The breakfast was nice. The cheese and ham omelette can be recommended. The people who run the hotel are also really sweet. They helped us rent a scooter and extend our stay with two more nights. This place is such good value. The only downside is that the rooms are not that well sound isolated within the building, but it does a pretty good job keeping the noise from outside away. And the hotel is nicely located a bit away from the main street.
Daniel Holmdahl — Google review
Stayed here for 2 nights. The staff are extremely friendly, and the price was a ridiculous $10 a night. The bed was the BIGGEST bed I have ever been on, it was like a super super king size. We had a private room with a shower. The facilities were clean, the staff clean the room to perfection, you get a free bottle of water every day and they have the BEST ham and cheese omelette in the morning. I would stay here again for sure.
Bryce Flannery — Google review
Stayed here for three nights in a private room. The location was really good and the staff were mostly helpful and friendly.
The room was spacious and clean, no complaints at all there. Price was very decent.
The negatives for me was that the hotel lacked a bit of personality, which is why I don't give it the highest grade. This is maybe something that not every traveler seeks, but personally I enjoy a hotel with charisma and a good vibe, and here it was a little bit stale unfortunately.
Lukas Frösslund — Google review
Amazing quality for a great price. Been traveling Southeast Asia for two months now and this is one of the more memorable hotels. Good location. Very clean. Quiet. Huge beds. Delicious breakfast.
I came with my friend for her bday and the staff helped me arrange to put a birthday cake and champagne in her room (which I paid a little extra for) but then they also got her a beautiful bouquet of flowers which made the room smell so good.
Emily Petrocy — Google review
Such a nice place! The rooms, beds and bathroom are very clean, everything works perfectly (A/C, lockers, hot water...) and the bed are so comfy!
The staff are really nice, they explain everything that you can do on or outside the island with a free map they give you, and they can book a tour for you.
Breakfast is really good with a lot of choices and unlimited fruits, juices and coffee/tea.
A bed in a dorm is really cheap for quality of the place.
Highly recommend it!
Clément Laurence — Google review
It was a good hotel. Rooms were clean and good. Service was good. Shower was not functional in one of our rooms. Hotel receptionists were good and polite. They provided a very good guidance for places around the island and good restaurants suggestions. Also they took good care of booking a boat ride for us which we really enjoyed a lot. Keep your good work and thanks a lot.
Cát Bà Island is a beautiful place in Ha Long Bay with excellent hiking trails and stunning views. It is part of Cat Ba National Park, one of the world's most important biosphere reserves.
I have lived and worked on this island for 11 years, as a person who likes to explore beautiful places, historic sites on this island I feel like a paradise for beauty lovers. nature and want to learn the epic war history of the Vietnamese people. The friendly and hospitable Cat Ba people are happy to welcome you from all over the world.
KingCong Cat Ba — Google review
I have read some negative reviews about this island being overcrowded, expensive and dirty. Well, the reason is that most of these reviews come from tourists going to touristic places, staying at touristic hotels and buying from touristic stores. If you want a real experience then you have to be away from tourists! Try to do some research and find good spots to visit. We had a great time exploring the jungle and one of the caves in an unpopulated area. The scenery of the mountains and the sounds of the birds are breath taking.
Anas Alsayed — Google review
If you're planning for retirement,please reconsider to this island everything was affordable inclusive of property. People are friendly quiet environment,beaches and mountain surrounding this wonderfull paradise.
orson niyu — Google review
A picturesque place. Peaceful calm, ideally for both couples and family. Best part is it is also very budget friendly. You can spend a week in less than 500 dollars for a couple while staying in good hotels and good food
Aamir Masood — Google review
If you’re an experienced traveller, you’ll probably think this area overrated. There is no landscape or city that will create a wow moment. Nevertheless, it is a relaxing place with a couple of things to see (town/beaches). I would not stay more than 2 days.
viv privee — Google review
Very peaceful starting from September until May. This time in the North the weather is very cool and is the low season for tourism, you will get good service at affordable prices.
AAN mark — Google review
DescriptionCát Bà Island is the largest of the 367 islands spanning 260 km2 that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago, which makes up the southeastern edge of Lan Ha Bay in Northern Vietnam. Cat Ba island has a surface area of 285 km2 and maintains the dramatic and rugged features of Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island has been included in the itinerary of many Ha Long Bay cruises and a strip of tall, thin, five-storey budget hotels line the seafront, receiving more than 350,000 visitors a year.
Nithin Chandra SR — Google review
Everything you read about Cat Ba mentions gorgeous beaches and crystal clean waters. It is far from it. The beaches are littered, and the water is mostly brown. We visited the first of three big beaches. It is small and filled with people, causing traffic havoc as more arrive. The main thing to do is boat trips which is what we want for. It was enjoyable, but if we had known what we know now, we would not have gone at all. We tried to choose sustainable activists as tourists, but unfortunately, travelling to Cat Ba merely adds to the situation.
Gabriel Lawson — Google review
Extremely busy, dirty and noisy. Avoid on weekends at all costs. Waters surrounding are heavily polluted. May appeal to some but we didn't enjoy our stay.
Ken Winning — Google review
Sod Halong!!! This is much easier and less touristy (and cheaper) if you want to see the bays. Soooo glad we opted for Cat Ba.....what an AMAZING experience, absolutely mind-blowingly beautiful!!! ❤️
Family of Six Travelling Nomads! — Google review
I really like this place very beautiful and peaceful, on the main island of Cat Ba there is a small town, but quite modern. People here live by seafaring and tourism, they are trying to catch up with the hustle and bustle of tourists from outside arriving on the island. However, the service here is not always good, when experiencing the restaurant here you should pay the price before ordering.
Thiep Mai Phuc — Google review
A must visit destination if coming to the north region
Situated a few hours from the capital, Cat Ba Island is an amazing place with a number of activities to do and sightseeing including a ever-green national park ( NP ) having very good views and treks, an amazing promenade giving the city view, a few beaches, i.a.
The most popular ( and the cheapest and feasible ) way to reach here is by a bus ( and then a boat, and then again by a bus ) which comes as a whole package, which run regularly from Hanoi. However, I took a way which can be called a long-cut but it allowed me to explore both the cities more and get a experience of the Vietnamese trains.
It took me about 2.5 hrs to reach Haiphong, and then a mile-walk to the ferry station, only to come to know that ferries weren't working on that day. However, taking a ferry means more requirement of transfers and extra walk, as they won't go as close the boats go and take long time. Boat transfers by private agencies are about three per day, and it took me around 12.00 pm to reach the Cat Ba town.
Ideally two to three days are recommend to explore here, one whole day for Cat Ba national park and the two caves, one day for the rock climbing and other sea activities, the beaches and local village sightseeing, and one for Lan Ha Bay tour. I did former and latter including a visit to just 1 beach. The slopes are sharp at most of the places in the city centre although the main road is wide and good to ride on. A night walk along the long promenade is recommended, and it allows one to immerse in fresh air and take a good view of the city.
The island has something for all the budgets including good hostels and hotels from as low as c $5 and c $12 respectively, and from street food to decent to fancy restaurants and bars all along the main road. Public transport is very limited, however getting a bicycle or motorbike on rent is easy and at very good rates. The plush hotels are situated a bit away from the city centre and have private beaches.
Overall, its a refreshing and affordable destination.
Pratik Gadgil — Google review
We really enjoyed our time in Cat Ba Island. It was recommended to us by a local in Hanoi in order to see Ha Long Bay on a budget. She was right! Full day cruises were a lot cheaper starting in Cat Ba and we had a chance to experience this quiet, seaside town. The locals are lovely and very hospitable and you will find anything you need on the island - it's full of small restaurants and cute cafes, there's grocery shops and pharmacies. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a budget friendly seaside trip, a little relaxing weekend on the beach or a starting point before heading to Ha Long Bay.
Karolina Bak — Google review
A very good alternative to Halong Bay.
You can do a very similar cruise and you can explore the island with its national park and caves.
Hạ Long Bay – an internationally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam – is home to hundreds of limestone islands, crystal-clear waters and world-renowned diving and climbing spots. Day cruises and overnight cruises are the best way to see the bay and its many attractions.
Very beautiful. If possible do an overnight cruise that allows you to visit sunrise and sunset and visit the island. Price of the cruises can range significantly. Go during good weather and be awarded with amazing views.
Dan — Google review
A bit disappointing with the view as I might be expecting too much (as it's the world heritage). The cave is wonderful, the bay is so so, nothing WOW 😅
The port is nice and very big but it's very crowded with tourists.
Kitty BKK — Google review
A marvel of nature's creation this place is a must go for anyone visiting Hanoi. You can book any good 2 day cruise package and enjoy the scenic beauty of this amazing location at various times of the day. It's picturesque beauty can be captured from the cruise boat or from Titop beach.
Sudipto Marik — Google review
Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking natural wonder located in northeastern Vietnam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
Here are some key features and activities you can experience in Ha Long Bay:
-scenic view
-cruise tours
-islands and caves
-kayaking and swimming
-sunsets and sunrises
Chiay Z — Google review
We took one day tour to Ha Long Bay. After getting on board of cruise we had lunch which was good and after that we stopped at one island where there was option of hiking or swimming. We did hiking which was tough and excruciating but view from above was worth it. After that second stop was there where there was option of Kayaking or Bamboo boat and we chose Kayaking which was awesome experience and last stop was the caves. Caves were fabulous and worth seeing.
Priyank Khatri — Google review
Located off the beaten path, this island is a serene retreat with sandy beaches and crystalline waters, offering an ideal setting for kayaking and swimming.
Must visit in Vietnam 🇻🇳
Himanshu Verma — Google review
Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. I was so impressed by the islands even when our cruise ship entered the bay. So many beautiful rocks and islands seem to pop up from the ocean. It is even better when we have a local cruise boat that can bring us up close to those islands, and our activities are delightful and fun.
Michael W. — Google review
This place was a fishing village before tsunami. The residents have been relocated and given opportunity by the government to continue earning a living at sea by becoming canoe paddlers. We can meet former residents of fishing villages when the boat leaning on a pier near the caves.
It is not as we we expected. The distance, the view of the cave is not meet our expectations. If you look closely, you will turns out that the dirty water -even though the color is still green-. There was some kind of oil layer, floating at top of the water, some sort of waste that might have come from our boats. With this water conditions, I don't know if it's safe to swim here. It's a shame the world heritage is not well maintained even though it has entered UNESCO protection.
BludStory — Google review
Beautiful scenery.
Extremely friendly cruise via La Regina Royal.
Recommended to visit if you're travelling to Hanoi.
db O — Google review
Speechless
Beautiful places to visit when you guys are traveling to Hanoi..
Make sure you book travel agent and check the weather, sunny is good to explore Ha Long Bay.
Don’t bring plastic bottle water, bring your own tumblr.
Hari Farisca — Google review
Ha Long Bay natural heritage is one of the main attractions in Vietnam. Mesmerising and stunning views of ocean and mountains. Lots of cruise and boat tours available. Must visit destination. Recommended.
devabrat bindhani — Google review
Beautiful and must visit spot!
Choose you’re cruise carrier carefully.
The water in the bay aren’t very clean and clear as expected. And the ones who jumped in to swim ended up smelling bad.
It’s a beautiful nature phenomenon that is a must go to in North Vietnam.
Staying on a ship for the night was really special and made our wake-up moment in front of the mountains unforgettable
Galit Mimran — Google review
I booked a tour through the hotel I stayed at in Hanoi. The drive there was calm, and not too long, just about 2 hours. We took a boat out to the islands. There was a pearl shop tour before the boat, which has a lot of nice jewelry. Lunch was served on the boat, and then they took us kayaking. I would recommend this for sure.
S P — Google review
With more than stunning 1,600 islets raising up from emerald waters make this natural wonder worthy of a UNESCO World Heritage listing as unforgettable experience
I took a full day cruise booked online, my recommendation is to choose for premium day cruise to enjoy the trip of the amazing Halong Bay. Don’t forget to check the best month to go here ✌️👌
Ira Rodrigues — Google review
Beautiful!! Even the rain didn’t ruin the scenery instead it added a hint of mystique. We liked the “kissing rock. There’s a cave there that’s very cool too.
EH — Google review
Stunning landscape. We had a wonderful cruise combined with kayaking, boat tour and other activities. One of the most beautiful places we've ever visited. The only negative is the amount of litter tourists leave behind, which is a shame.
Apostolos Motas — Google review
World heritage. It's nice to cruise around the bay
Nguyen Hung Son — Google review
Breathtaking experience. It was another level all together.
We stayed over night in the cruise.
We boarded the ship, went to caves, been to ti top island.
We had cooking activity in the cruise night. Our cruise was surrounded by the other cruise and the view was breathtaking in the evening. Had all the facilities inside the cruise.
It might be very difficult for vegetarians to survive. Need to rely only on Bread Jam.
Ajay Managaon — Google review
Cannot recommend enough!!! Can’t believe I didn’t review about this place after being there for like 10 times in my whole life 😝😝😝 highly recommend overnight cruise and visit caves and hidden beaches around this bay 🥰🥰🥰
Julie Griste — Google review
Splendid. Breathtaking. Marvellous. A true wonder that is not to be missed.
I totally recomment the 2 days/ 1 night cruise at least to fully enjoy the setting.
Paid 128$ for the cruise everything included except drinks...and you get a lot of food.
You get to visit a cave, go to a small island beach and viewpoint. Learn to cook spring rolls. Fish in the sea. And in the morning you will visit a pearl farm and enjoy kayaking in the bay.
A mesmerizing experience.
florent magnoac — Google review
Went as part of our tour. It was an overnight stay on a boat out quite some distance in the bay. It is a stunning area and the trip through the many islands is amazing. I would recommend an overnight stay on a boat as we found the staff excellent in every way. On our boat we had great food and a cooking demonstration which we found participate in. The highlight was actually just sitting on the top deck with our other tour members just watching the sun set and then seeing all the other tour boats ( and there were many) with their lights on in the dark.
Chris Fellows — Google review
If you stay in Vietnam 🇻🇳 it's a must to go for a Day Trip to Ha Long Bay. It was very interesting and so beautiful. Don't be scared about the old negative Reviews, the Ocean 🌊 was perfect clean 👌. Amazing Day Trip 🎉
AURELIO MAXIMUS — Google review
This has a great reputation and the beauty and scenery lives up to expectations. We had three or four really wonderful boat rides around the islands one particularly attractive one at sunset. Just a beautiful place.
Ross Daniels — Google review
Dramatic seascapes of towering limestone pillars jutting from emerald waters. Thousands of these karst formations create a mystical scenery, dotted with hidden grottoes, secluded beaches, and floating villages. Cruise options allow exploration of the bay's beauty, while kayaking and spelunking offer adventurous activities. Ha Long Bay is also steeped in local myths and legends, making it a destination rich in both natural wonder and cultural heritage.
Renand Arteja — Google review
Breathtaking magnificent scenery of limestone mountains rising from emerald water at Ha Long Bay, a Unesco World Heritage site. Hạ Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km2 (600 sq mi), including 1,969 islets, most of which are limestone. Ha Long means descending dragon.
CK Cheong — Google review
Famous area. A day cruise is sufficient to see everything, unless you want to experience sleeping on a boat. We did a day cruise from Hanoi hosted by Vietnam Tonkin Tours and it was great
Fred Liu — Google review
This was one of the the attractions I was most anticipating. Was unlucky with the overcast weather and absence of the standard warmth of the season. Still the boat cruise was smooth, with non obstructed views due to the off season. Would return again, in the peak season as the views with the weather would be magnificent
Adam Brown — Google review
Totally worth it! You should come here whenever you have the chance to visit Vietnam! The scenery is so beautiful. You can have lunch in the boat, then take smaller boats to see the caves. It’s breathtaking!
Nadya Janitra — Google review
So amazing place to visit to see nature! To see how the limestone cliffs just go straight up from the sea is magnificent! So much different to see while cruising between them, and you can go for an option of kayaking between them, that was so amazing even though we were a little bit unlucky with the weather!
Mathias Skjæran Landrø — Google review
Excellent cruise destination with family for a day outing. Lots of things to do and a lot to take in. Wonderful Bay Area and evenings on a cruise in the lap of nature awesome.
Pradeep Kustagi — Google review
13% as popular as Hanoi
34 minutes off the main route, 32% of way to Xi'an
I'll never travel to Xi'an without this trip planner again
Bhaya Classic is a luxury cruise company in Halong Bay. The company offers air-conditioned cabin rooms, a restaurant, and various onboard activities such as Vietnamese cooking classes. The transfer from the airport to the cruise ship is smooth and comfortable, with air conditioning and charging outlets. The cruise itself is wonderful, with beautiful views of Halong Bay.
We did a two night cruise with bhaya cruise and it was great.
Our boat was small and intimate. A small error was made which meant all the other guest were on a one day cruise- quickly solved when on the second day we had a private tour.
Prior to going I thought this might be a bit “touristy” and while yes it busy it stunning so worth doing.
One day is good but we got a lot extra on the second day so well worth doing
Henry was incredible as was hero.
Aiden Lynch — Google review
We highly recommend the Private Legend Cruise. It is very nicely arranged with a good Private Lunch n Dinner off shore. Me n my family was so impressed with the lunch at floating platform n the Dinner at the Cave. We all hv a best memorable surprises that will last a long long time. Love it!
Jane Tung (Lady Jane) — Google review
We took the Bhaya Premium cruise, which is a smaller boat and a more intimate experience than some of the other cruises. The itinerary was great - we kayaked around a small floating fishing village (option to go on a bigger boat and be taken around), visited a cave with sparkly limestone/silicone walls, made spring rolls, swam off the side of the boat, and fished for squid. Our room was lovely - we had a private balcony - but the rooftop was also a perfect place to recline and watch the mountains pass by. Our cruise manager Son was so much fun and all the staff were polite and friendly. If you go with this option, you are paying for the smaller boat - cruise staff to passenger ratio is pretty even - so that’s something to think about. The lowlight of the cruise was the air pollution - there are so many boats on the bay that there is a thick smog that hangs over the water. This might change on any given day, but I wished I had one of those face covers you see people wearing all over Vietnam. I was glad our cruise went further out than some of the other ones, because the smog lessened as we did. Overall, we had a wonderful experience with Bhaya Cruises!
Sophie G — Google review
We did the 2 nights/3 day package on the small 3 cabin premium boat. It absolutely exceeded my expectations of how great the overall experience was. The crew and out manager (Kevin) were absolute fantastic and made sure that our every need was met as sharing sharing local Vietnamese history and cultural tips along the way.
I honestly thought it would be an overpriced tourist experience (and in some ways it is) but it was honestly just so worth it - the boats are amazing, you feel transported into another world and the team at Bhaya are exceptional. Rey who organised the booking for our trip was very patient and ensured we had all of our booking requirements met.
Hayley Trebilco — Google review
A great cruise, with well run excursions. Our room was lovely, with a balcony to ourselves and a great spacious shower. There was also a hot tub.
The transfer was smooth and comfortable, with air con and charging outlets.
The cruise itself was wonderful, Halong Bay is an absolute treat.
Jacky — Google review
A once in a life time experience with fantastic views in an amazing location. Thanks to Peter and the team for looking after us. Cảm ơn 🇻🇳🎉🥰
Ryan Guest — Google review
Halong Bay is definitely not to be missed if you visit Northern Vietnam ❤️
HaThuong Dinh — Google review
Wow!! Wonderful boat, beautifully furnished. Top notch food. Excellent staff. And Halong bay is spectacular
Tania Herweg — Google review
My wife and I took a 2 night 3 cabin cruise through Ha Long Bay and it was pure bliss. The staff was extremely attentive to our every need (especially Kevin & Duc). We had a blast kayaking, visiting an oyster farm, cave exploring, and more. The locations they took us were planned very well to avoid the crowds of the day boats.
Denver Chernin — Google review
We took the premium package and it was magnificent in all ways possible.
Great boat. Room is romantic and beautiful. The staff is super friendly. Food, especially, is too good and quite a bit.
Thank you Bhaya for such an experience in Ha Long. We love this place.
Tra Vo — Google review
Food excellent, staff lovely.
Very interesting place but the weather was not good for us.
Our cabin was nice but very cold
Dawn Baker — Google review
Very nice experience.
We did the 3day/2night cruise, but 1 night would have been enough.
But definitely go for the premium cruise, its worth the extra money.
Staff doesn’t speak very good english, but the guide really tries to learn and is kind and social.
Food was nice, but i think with a small extra effort, it could be more luxurious to match the rest of the setup.
Nature was amazing, suggest to go when its warm so you can swim
Marco Burmeister — Google review
Spent two nights on one of their bigger ships. Had a balcony and the view was fantasic, had a great view of Halong Bay from all sides of the ship.
The people there were so lovely and kind, and the rooms were beautiful.
The food there was a bit much, but they made us special meals because me and my mom are vegetarians and most of the food was really delicious. They also prepared a whole lunch just for us when we stayed on the ship becuase we didnt want to go cycling.
I really liked the trips we did, visiting caves and a floating village and doing kayaking. However, everything was planned from morning to evening and you often had to hurry to make it to the trips in time.
We were also really looking forward to relax on the boat and just take time to admire Halong Bay, but there wasnt really much time for it since there was a lot going on. It was also a little bit too tourist-y for us. The music was a bit cheesy and the dinner was always very fancy, but I really enjoyed the Thai Chi on the sundeck of the ship.
It was a wonderful excerience, and I really recommend staying 2 nights.
Victoria — Google review
We enjoyed our 2d/1n tour on the Au Co 2 a lot. The staff is very friendly, the excursions are well organized and you can relax as everything is organized.
The lunch was amazing, the dinner bbq was ok. It is a bit costly, but definitely worth the price.
Michael Neesen — Google review
4.5
(571)
•
5.0
(2132)
No 9 Ngọc Châu, harbour, Ward, Quảng Ninh 26000, Vietnam
The Au Co - Cruise Center offers a luxurious cruise experience on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, with air-conditioned cabins featuring balconies for breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy various activities such as Vietnamese cooking lessons and snorkelling. The center also provides airport transfers, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, babysitting services, family rooms, water sports and tours.
Had a blast! The best part was Mr. Strong and the rest of the crew - they seemed to love working together and were so much fun!
Daniel Wilson — Google review
I like givinng constructive comments ( complaints) given 1/2 a chance and Auco cruise gives me No Chance to do that. It was such incredible cruise, staff, food. Highly recommended !
Hung Do — Google review
A trip to paradise. Fantastic crew. Food was delicious.
Margie G — Google review
Not recommend, AC unit didn't work . Cruise is overrated , I will pick different company for next cruise .Food was average
marta smith — Google review
The best ever experience I got, having a most unforgetable moment journey with this luxury cruise. Everything was perfect. The crews were so friendly and they also respect for Moslem visitors by serving us Halal food. The service was tremendous, really great.
Love the interior design of the cruise with some classics touch, it tries to bring us more comfy during the cruise.
Indratno Pardiansyach — Google review
I had the pleasure of being on the Au Co 2 for two nights and tree days in February. Besides the amazing natural beauty, the staff is dedicated to making your stay the highlight of your Vietnam travels. I was a solo traveler, but the crew always made me feel welcomed and important. Tom was an amazing cruise director, and Cindy and Joy were personable and highly professional. I can’t thank Elijah enough for helping me find transport back to Hanoi after discovering my planned transport was not at the port. Treat yourself to a trip of a lifetime by taking the Au Co cruise in Ha Long Bay – you will not be disappointed.
L Hull — Google review
We had a wonderful time on the Au Co. Standout service and incredible value for money. We could not believe the quality of the rooms, food and drinks for such an affordable price. The staff were so friendly, always helpful and would go out of their way to make the trip extra special and memorable. We loved that the company is also doing so much for the local communities and environment. Kevin, Ben, Viking, Iris, June, Ruby, Kevin, Khue, Tiger P, Gin, David, Mahn, Ngyu thank you to you and your teams for making our trip so wonderful.
J Duarte — Google review
This is the meeting place for Auco and Bhaya cruises.
The staff are lovely and the service is excellent.
I went on a 2 night 3 day cruise which had amazing service and was an incredible experience. Highly recommended
Only one point for improvement, the bathroom in the cabin needs a deep clean. Ours smelt of urine.
Good service lovely staff and a good experience
Sam — Google review
If you want to have the experience of a lifetime, Au Co is the only choice. I would really just echo all the other incredible things that were said about the experience and of quality of the company and their staff. This is a first class experience throughout, and if you are going to visit Ha Long Bay you should really invest the money in making the experience perfect. I can truly say that for our family it really was perfect. It was worth 5x what they charged.
As a little example, our older son was having his 6th birthday on the ship. I thought they might do a little cake or something for him, but no, they gave him flowers in the room, and then a carved watermelon with Happy Birthday Ethan. It was spectacular, and it made him feel like the most special person in the world. That is just one example of many. Do yourself a favor and just book with them.
David Britton — Google review
Awesome trip with an outstanding crew!
The au co cruise is a very nice ship which fulfills all needs. The facilities are great and spacious which include a nice sun deck, spa area with jacuzzi and a big restaurant (among others). We were quite lucky with the weather and could enjoy the sun on board most of the times. During the 3D/2N we had plenty of activities to discover the bay and some islands. Highlight on those activities was going to a small private beach part in the bay where we could swim and go around with a kayak.
The best part of the trip was the crew. The crew was really friendly and welcoming. Always with a smile they were attentive at all times to fulfill all needs and beyond.
Difficult to point out someone as everyone was really great, but Tien made the trip special with further information about the country and culture. Also Joy ( the crew manager) was in top of things and informed the crew of people’s food preferences and special needs.
Last but not least, the food was excellent, just delicious. Having great set menus or buffet, there was something for every taste. Super tasty food with an outstanding presentation. The cruise trip to Halong Bay was truly the highlight of our trip to Vietnam.
Miguel K — Google review
4.6
(63)
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5.0
(1100)
Building 9, Tuan Chau Marina, Tp. Hạ Long, 200000, Vietnam
Lavender Elegance Cruises is a popular choice for tourists visiting Halong Bay, Vietnam. The cruise offers comfortable accommodations with amenities such as 24-hour security and daily housekeeping. Many tours to Halong Bay start from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, making it a convenient starting point for international travelers. Guests have praised the friendly and informative tour guides who ensure that visitors experience the highlights of the bay, including Ti Top Island and Secret Cave.
Took one of their vessels on a two-day tour with a group. Had a very pleasant stay. All looked clean and staff was very friendly. I enjoyed my stay on board.
Robin de Bruin — Google review
(Translated by Google) We cannot recommend this tour!
On the way there, the bus was very small and uncomfortable. On both trips there is an unnecessarily long break (45 min) at a tourist shop, where one should obviously buy something.
The rooms on the boat are very small, not what it seems in the pictures. You can just walk around the bed.
The food is rather below average, which I think is hefty for the price and just sufficient in terms of the quantity. The prices of the drinks are European. Breakfast was very early, from 6:45 to 7:30. So no chance to sleep in, if you could sleep at all. The boat's engine ran all night and was very loud / caused strong vibrations.
The service is very unfriendly and eager to get the money out of your pocket.
No trace of elegance!
(Original)
Wir können diese Tour nicht empfehlen!
Auf der Hinfahrt war der Bus sehr klein und ungemütlich. Bei beiden Fahrten wird eine unnötig lange Pause(45 min) bei einem Touristen-Geschäft gemacht, wo man offensichtlich etwas kaufen soll.
Die Zimmer auf dem Boot sind sehr klein, nicht so, wie es auf den Bildern scheint. Das Bett kann man gerade so umrunden.
Das Essen ist eher unter dem Durchschnitt, was ich für den Preis heftig finde und von der Menge gerade ausreichend. Die Preise der Getränke sind europäisch. Das Frühstück war sehr früh, von 6:45 bis 7:30. Also ausschlafen keine Chance, falls man überhaupt einschlafen konnte. Der Motor vom Boot lief nämlich die ganze Nacht und war sehr laut/hat starke Vibrationen verursacht.
Der Service ist sehr unfreundlich und eher darauf aus, einem das Geld aus der Tasche zu ziehen.
Von Eleganz keine Spur!
T K — Google review
We did a 2 night cruise, and had 2 different guides who didn’t communicate and the second day was a repeat of the first, so we stayed on the boat. The food was average and the room wasn’t cleaned on the second day, which is awful when u can’t flush the toilet paper. Also my husband and 3 Kiwis got an upset stomach after night 2. The food looked good but didn’t taste good. The boat is old and tired and has fake grass covering the uneven deck. Please consider paying a bit more and choose something a bit better.
Suzie Bailey — Google review
We had a lovely cruise on Halong Bay on Lavender Cruise. Alex, our tour guide was friendly and informative and provided an enjoyable cruise ensuring we ticked off the highlights of the bay including Ti Top Island and Secret Cave. Alex is extremely knowledgeable about the area and ensured we made it to Secret Cave before the crowds on the second morning. The crew on board the boat ensured we were well fed and looked after.
Highly recommend.
Megan Hills — Google review
our corner rooms were the largest and quite comfortable with decent beds and lots of windows to look out. the food was plentiful and decent. the transportation from hanoi wasn’t very comfortable but the way back was in a different bus and quite good.
Derek Brown — Google review
One of the best experiences during my stay in Vietnam. The cruise was booked last minute because other cruise company tried to cheat us. And we are so happy we booked Lavender cruise at the end.
The guide Bobby is very nice, helpful and tried to make everything so the passangers were satisfied. They upgraded our room so we had a big corner room surrounded by windows with stunning view.
Main attractions of the cruise - Titop island, kayaking and Surprising cave are very crowded but thanks to Bobby we had kayaking only by our small group. There are also night attractions - karaoke and squid fishing.
The food on the ferry is very delicious. Mostly they serve seafood so if you have other preferences you need to inform them in advance. The cocktails on board are quite expensive (6-7$ per one) but it is a common practice on ferry cruises in Hà long.
We were very lucky to have a great weather and to meet great people on the boat so if I could, I would rate this cruise 6 out of 5 because everything was way better than we expected.
Zoriana Niemiec — Google review
We had an amazing cruise with lavender cruises in Halong Bay. Our guide Alex was so friendly, funny and helpful. We had so much activitiew and the food on board was amazing. Recommend.
Megan — Google review
(Translated by Google) We had the impression of being sheep, all the boats were following each other, the visiting sites were full of tourists then 1 hour later no more people so really poor organization.
The boat rooms were ok but we found a cockroach!
The only water it provides is a 310cl bottle after which you have to buy some and it's a minimum of €1.50 for a 500cl bottle.
(Original)
Ont a eu l’impression d’être des moutons, tous les bateaux se suivaient les sites de visites étaient remplis de touristes puis 1h après plus personnes donc vraiment une mauvaise organisation.
Les chambres du bateau étaient correct mais nous avons trouvé un cafard!
La seule eau qu’il fournisse est une bouteille de 310cl après il faut en acheter et c’est minimum 1,5 € pour une bouteille de 500cl.
Rachel Manuaud — Google review
(Translated by Google) One of our worst experiences in Vietnam.
A cruise agency clearly not up to par.
The food was photogenic and in quantity but tasteless. We had to pay for water at the table and were misled about the poor quality cocktail offerings.
The staff appeared to sleep cloistered in rooms at the rear of the boat. There were serious air conditioning problems in the boat.
Very disappointing.
(Original)
L’une de nos pires expérience au Vietnam.
Une agence de croisière clairement pas à la hauteur.
La nourriture était photogénique et en quantité mais sans goût. Nous devions payer l’eau à table et avons été induit en erreur sur les offres de cocktails de piètre qualité.
Le personnel semblait dormir cloîtré dans des chambres a l’arrière du bateau. Il y avait de sérieux problèmes de climatisation dans le bateau.
Très décevant.
Florian — Google review
3.2
(17)
•
5.0
(1144)
Halong Bay, Lot 26 Tuần Châu, Thành phố Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh 200000, Vietnam
Hoa Lo Prison Relic, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, is a museum that was originally built by the French colonial government in the late 19th century to detain Vietnamese revolutionaries and dissidents. Later, it housed American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, including well-known figures like Senator John McCain. The museum showcases the history of war crimes and offers a glimpse into the harsh conditions endured by inmates.
A very good museum which provides good insight into the French colonial struggles from the perspective of Vietnam. Enjoyable isn't the right way to describe a visit, but is is very insightful and we'll worthwhile. Also excellent value.
IridiumRose — Google review
Entrance fee was very cheap. When enter, you have the choice of getting a tour guide, listening to the audio guide, or just freely explore on your own accord. I chose to listen to the audio!
The history is amazing. They actually map out a route that would take you through a decent line of story.
The experience and stories from past prisoners are tragic, and it broke my heart listening and seeing the inside. There was a memorial where visitors can go in the put incense in memories of the heroes.
I appreciate the people who got locked up/received death sentences while fighting for the independence of the country I was born and raised in 🤍
I had to take off 1 star because there was only one restroom...
Nhi Nguyen — Google review
There are two ways to experience a place like this. One is to read up on history in advance and immerse yourself on what it might have been like. The other way is to enjoy the experience as it’s designed. The official tour is a bit obscured let’s say. John McCain and others were referred to as guests. Sure, that’s one ways of saying it.
I chose option 1. Read in advance and bring the historical narratives into a significant historical space. I’m glad i did.
Shayne Fitz-Coy — Google review
A good history of the resistance and struggles of Vietnamese political prisoners during the French occupation. There is a small section on its use as an American POW prison that may give a different perspective than what's taught in the US. Worth a visit for anyone interested in Vietnam or US history.
James Coleman — Google review
This was the first thing we did in Hanoi and I really enjoyed it. You do have to pay to go in but it's not expensive (30,000 VND per person).
So much history and old artifacts to see here, it's very fascinating. Also pretty horrifying to read what went on there and see the conditions in which the prisoners lived. Awful but extremely interesting. Everything was in English too so easy to follow. Definitely worth a visit.
Vicky Adams — Google review
Almost $2 entrance fee and you will get a ton of information from their exhibits. There's plenty to learn and see. There are translations from Vietnamese, English and French. You will learn the life of the prisoners and how it inspired them to revolt.
Town Traveller — Google review
Entry was only 30k and for the audio tour was 110k. We ended up just walking around ourselves and it was great, a lot of history in there I had no idea about. Worth the time to check it out
Steven — Google review
Hoa Lo Prison Relic is one of the tourist object in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. It is a museum which kept the history of the prison life in Hanoi. There are numerous exhibits which can tell the story inside the cells during colonialization era. Ticket can be purchased on site at the ticketing counter during visitation. The museum can be reached by walking if you are staying at Old Quarter zone or e-hailing Grab.
Edwin Petrus — Google review
Incredibly well maintained and fantastic job of sharing the stories of those held captive. Horrific to see what the French did to the Vietnamese people, deeply moving and highly recommend visiting!
Liam G. — Google review
Enjoyed this tour very much, especially considering the price. Being able to walk through the buildings and rooms while learning about the horrific history is quite powerful. They also do a nice job of sharing the history of American prisoners of war with the displays near the end.
I would definitely recommend the audio guide as it’s quite busy and so reading all of the displays is difficult and not as cohesive as hearing it all.
Luke G — Google review
Really fascinating to see everything and read about the history. They try to charge you for an audio tour guide but I didn’t accept this, all the information was written on the information boards so I don’t recommend getting persuaded to buy that
Isaac d — Google review
Prices: 30k entrance fee, 100k for audio tour.
Do the audio tour, it will help with you understand the history of the prison better. There are signs next to the pictures/exhibits but the audio tour is more detailed.
Prison museums can be depressing, but despite its dark past the Hoa Lo Prison is not a super heavy pill to swallow. You’ll leave respecting and understanding the Vietnamese spirit a bit more after visiting this Relic.
John Dean — Google review
The prison leaves a lasting impression. Exhibits that are well lit and original components give a very authentic impression of the time. The only criticism is that to get all the information you need hearing aids with extra charge. Also for people who want to read the story one can expect to have a detailed text in English and not just the topic number on the recorder. Slight a gamble.
Joel Wiegand — Google review
I think its one of the best place to experience a full service, carefully crafted work to reflect on history of Vietnam. I had a wonderful time, from staffs to the actual show was suprisingly good. Plus the marketing people help changed the perception of a landmark like this.
Tú Nguyễn — Google review
very cheap entrance fee ~2$ and you get to experience history. you can opt to spend around 20$ if you want an audio guided tour if you are really interested but for me paying 2$ is enough. They show case the life of prisoners and what happened during the US invasion. They also sell milktea and snacks for a cheap price. worth visiting if you are into history
Ryan Tan — Google review
This was a very cool and interesting museum. It’s built on the former site of the Hoa Lo Prison (Hilton - Hanoi) and has a lot of interesting photos and exhibits from the prison during its active years.
The staff are friendly and approachable. You can also expect entry to be ~30 baht per person. I would say that no more than 1-2 hours is needed as the museum only takes up a small portion of true former prison grounds.
With it centella located to the old quarter in Hanoi it’s easy to get here by walking or getting a taxi or grab!
Chris Parker — Google review
Great history of the early French colonial times. Some info on American pilot years. There are plenty of pictures. Very busy, so expect a crush. Recommend not getting the audio. Often long winded.
Brad Williams — Google review
This is a prison which was built in the end of 19th century, converted into a museum. It's one of the major tourist sites of Hanoi. Entry fee has to be paid at the door and an additional fee is charged if you want audio guide. It takes around 30 min to 1 hour to visit all the cells and look at the exhibits of items used during those days. There are posters displayed regarding the wars. Overall, a place worth visiting if you are interested to know about the political history of Vietnam
Manasa M — Google review
It was a cool museum! Their speciality exhibit was great, and the translations were much better than the rest of the museum. The entire museum had signs that were in French & English. They tried to get us to buy an audioguide for over double the 50,000 VND (~2USD) entrance price, but I think it was just fine without it. The English translations had some small errors, but it was still easy to read and understand.
Georgia Thomas — Google review
we really enjoyed visiting this museum. It was a very interactive experience. we arrived a bit late due to our flight timing.The closing time was 5pm, and we arrived at 5:10. Fortunately, the staff let us in to tour around.You can get the tickets right outside the museum.
khan huma — Google review
An amazing place to learn an important part of Vietnam’s history, from the French colonial times to the relatively modern-day Vietnam/American War of the 1970s.
Well preserved historical artifacts from each era, couples well with the (expensive) audioguide. Highly recommended excursion when in Hanoi.
Hezry Bin Abu Hasan — Google review
A must visit landmark when you are in Hanoi...tickets are easily available at the entrance, there was no queue when we visited...do not miss taking the audio guides (100k dong), but totally worth it...the audio guide has 26 sessions and the story adds to the charm of the prison tour with detailed narratives about the life and times of the prisoners...the complete tour will take about 2 hours, totally worth the time...they also have souvenir shops to buy memorabilia
Amitabh Anand — Google review
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1 P. Hoả Lò, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is a significant cultural and educational site, often considered one of the city's most appealing historical attractions. It comprises two architectural complexes: Van Mieu, a Confucian temple dedicated to revered figures, and Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam's first university. Surrounded by stone walls and old trees, the temple exudes a peaceful atmosphere despite its location on a bustling street.
This was a very interesting place to visit. So much history and culture here. It was one of our first "tastes" of Vietnam. Easy to spend a lot of time here. Definitely worth a visit! Only cost 30,000 VND per person. Good faculties too (toilets were decent plus places to buy water if needed!)
Vicky Adams — Google review
Vietnam's first national university and was established within the temple. A wonderful atmospheric place where it is pleasant to be. Neatly and tastefully maintained garden park complex. Tranquility and relaxation, lots of greenery, authentic ponds and buildings, a temple full of well-being and pleasant smells.
It's make sense since they are used for student who need studying at quiet areas with ancient trees and trimmed lawns, where scholars would relax away from the bustle of the outside world. In ancient it used to be common to rub the stone turtles' heads, but now there is a fence that is meant to prevent people from doing this in order to preserve the turtles. wich honour talent and encourage study.
BludStory — Google review
Must see. There are so many little things to see such as the architecture, reading about the history and education in Vietnam and the name of historically important people. The sones/memorials were so interesting. The place is also kid friendly and interesting for families to play games. The gardens are refreshing. Entrance fee is really cheap like $1-2
James Z — Google review
We enjoyed our tour here. Place tells the story of ancient scholars. Explanations were displayed in English as well as the local language. Place is well maintained, rather spaced out & not too crowded.
Avril Teo — Google review
Totally loved the serenity of this temple. Spacious. Not too crowded. Plenty of spots to photograph. Great way of learning more about Hanoi and Confucius and the Imperial Academy. There’s a house of stelae here. Unique.
Beauty of Life with Jo — Google review
Smaller than I thought, but a significant historical location and well worth the entrance fee and visit! My favorite part was the turtles carrying tablets engraved with the names of the individuals that passed exams there a thousand years ago! Incredible. The inside of the temple is extravagantly lovely, as are most temples and pagodas.
Jan Smith — Google review
A great plac eto visit in the heart of Hanoi. Here you will learn another piece of history from one of the most important place of VietNam
Van Thu Pham — Google review
One of the best places to visit in Hanoi. Gets too busy sometimes with people getting in the way posing for thousands of elaborately posed pictures, but otherwise is good for an hour out. It's 30.000d to get in but I've noticed loads of people either jump the wall or walk in through the unguarded exits at the top end rather than pay.
D T — Google review
The Temple of Literature, also known as Van Mieu, is a historical and cultural landmark located in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It is one of the country's most important educational and architectural sites.
Originally built in 1070 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature was Vietnam's first national university. It was dedicated to Confucius and honored scholars and literary achievements. Over the centuries, the temple underwent various expansions and renovations, becoming a complex of buildings and courtyards.
The main features of the Temple of Literature include the Great Gate, the Courtyard of the Sage, the Well of Heavenly Clarity, the House of Ceremonies, and the Temple itself. The architecture is influenced by traditional Vietnamese design, with beautiful gardens, pavilions, and statues.
Today, the Temple of Literature serves as a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Hanoi's rich history and intellectual heritage. It also hosts the annual Vietnamese National University Entrance Examination, reflecting its ongoing connection to education.
Visitors can explore the temple grounds, admire the ancient architecture, and learn about Vietnam's scholarly past. The site is particularly busy during the graduation season when students come to seek good luck and blessings for their future academic endeavors.
devabrat bindhani — Google review
It is a good place for a short visit in the city and the ticket I bought is 70,000VND to enter.
You may buy some souvenirs here as the blessing for education and career. In addition, there is a person can write calligraphy with quite decent price.
There is a souvenir place that is inside the room that besides the exit, maybe you should avoid that one to buy the souvenir.
Ding Mark — Google review
A wonderful for tourists to visit, probably one shall find the historical building and tortils but still much worthy to visit.
sirajuddin Mobini — Google review
visited there in mid-November on weekend, and it was bit too crowded, overwhelmed by school kids. prefer to visit on weekdays.
it's a beautiful place to visit, relax & learn about Vietnamese culture, especially their traditional education.
has lots of photogenic spots featuring Vietnamese architecture & lush green gardens.
entry fee $1.5 per person, time required 2-3 hrs max, English audio guide available.
cafes selling refreshments located inside, restaurants located outside
r41nm4k3r _ — Google review
This is definitely a must see place in Hanoi. It’s a really nice and calm place to walk around and has a really chill cafe near the left exit.
The entrance is 30.000 VND, but if you have a student card the price will be 15.000 VND.
Beatriz Iruretagoiena — Google review
If you're in Hanoi, you definitely need to make time for the Temple of Literature. Tickets were 30k for those over the age of 15. You can get an audio guide in your preferred language for 50k each. We ended up hiring an English tour guide for 200k and the two were lasted 1 hour. It was well worth it. Our guide was phenomenal and very patient with all of our questions. I don't think we would have had the same experience without her. I was really wonderful to learn about past and current emphasis on morality and their education and to get contacts of why so many students will come and rub the heads of the turtle statues ( even though they're protected now and not supposed to be disturbed). Even while we were there, there were parents picking up their little kids and telling them to run up and touch the turtles' heads. The rest of the buildings have interesting history. There is a section of one of the main buildings that is set up more like a Temple where some come to worship, but mostly this is a museum in full of historical facts. All of my kids were impressed and enjoyed the whole tour. My kids are ages 8 all the way up to 15.
Jessica Smits — Google review
The name lives up to its reputation. The place is vast and the structures are worth admiring. The greenery of the place adds to its beauty. The main temple has many ancient murals and statues that are highly regarded.
It's a good idea to come early in the morning as the place gets very crowded and hot during the day.
Manish Gayan — Google review
The temple was founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. It became the first university of Vietnam also known as the Imperial Academy. Until the colonial period, it had been opened for over 700years and taught hundreds of renowned scholars. Students come to pray for luck in their upcoming exams and studies.
Juliette RGD — Google review
A must see in Hanoi, the temple of Literature built in honour of Confucius! Admission fee is 70.000 VND. Entire park / temple consists of 5 courts for different topics.
Is recommendable!
Hafid H — Google review
As one of the long-standing famous historical sites in Hanoi. This is also the first university in Viet Nam-where a lot of historical data is stored. The campus is planted with a lot of trees to bring a feeling of freshness. Besides, there are also many ancient artifacts imbued with Vietnamese culture and check-in attractions for visitors. Should visit here when coming to Hanoi.
Henry — Google review
Amazing ancient architectual design, surrounding by well kept manicured gardens, picturesque for many nice background shots like all the locals take that dress up in older traditional clothing, enjoy the pics, recommend stopover here
Rob Barsony — Google review
Worth a visit to get a first impression of the long intellectual tradition that is connected to popular religion. What was memorable was knowing that reforming oneself preceded learning something new. And the of course the high esteem that knowledge demanded. But the latter might be a bit biased from my side
Abdulkader Tayob — Google review
This is the university established in 1010 and used for 700 yrs. During French war, it was destroyed and now it has been restored and available for people to visit .
This is in central Hanoi and very peaceful.
Entry ticket is 70k dong and it is open up to 5 pm in the evening.
With additional 100k ,one can take the audio guide along with the ticket.
Pallavi Anantwar — Google review
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58 P. Quốc Tử Giám, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi is steeped in legend and history. It's associated with the tale of Emperor Le Loi, who returned a magical sword to a Golden Turtle God after defeating invaders. The lake is home to the ancient Great-Grandfather Turtle and features remarkable architectural landmarks like the hundred-year-old Turtle Tower, Ngoc Son temple, and the vibrant red The Huc bridge.
This area once again is super lit at night. The amount of energy this place during night is quite high. What I love about this place is that everyone is enjoying here & living in the moment. This place has not ♿️ accessible parking but entrance is ♿️ accessible.
Amit Singh — Google review
I loved this place although it is very busy over the weekend. It’s a good place to chill and relax but too crowded sometimes. This is a great area to visit early in the morning or evening as sitting by the lake side. It’s a quite nice to having a coffee at a nearby café.
BludStory — Google review
Day time and night time is very different so you can come around sunset to see the two sides of its beauty. It’s good for after meal walking as there are plenty of space for walking and seats for resting.
Eva — Google review
Quite a beautiful lake that has its beauty both in day time as well as nighttime. Loved the overall vibe here with people sitting to take a break from all the chaos.
Best thing hang around a nice cafe overlooking this cafe and enjoy.
Tahseen Ahmad — Google review
Mesmerised by the beauty of the lake and it is well kept, if you’re looking for peace and serenity in Hanoi, come over to Hoan Kiem Lake, you will not be disappointed.
KAB — Google review
An absolute beauty during the evening sunsets. Very picturesque, with a red bridge lighted up and the reflection dancing in the lake waters. Come with your loved one, and write poems or just a love letter.
Michelle Y — Google review
Love this lake, very peaceful, this is my first stop to sit and find the address I need. Next to crowded Old Quarter but it is great spot. I walk every morning for exercise and sometime at night for relaxing. It has the magic!
Angie Mok — Google review
Hoan Kiem Lake is the freshwater lake with around 12 hectares size. This lake is one of the landmark in Hanoi and a must visit place in Hanoi. Actually, nothing is too special about the lake. Just a Chinese temple in the middle of the lake. But, around the lake, there are numerous attractions from historical sites to hotels, food and beverages as well as shopping. As it is an iconic lake of Hanoi, tourists must visit here as the sign that you have been to Hanoi. At the lake side, you can sit and rest. Locals also organize gathering, picnic, event, etc. As it is within walking distance from Old Quarter, you may walk from your hotel at Old Quarter to this lake.
Edwin Petrus — Google review
It’s a pretty lake whether you want to take a stroll or photo op. You’ll see lots of ladies wearing áo dài to take pictures so don’t be surprised. You could also rent one and have a photo shoot too!
It comes to life at night with more food vendors/stalls.
My Dao Ngo — Google review
A beautiful lake that has its beauty both in day time as well as nighttime. Loved the overall vibe here with people sitting to take a break from all the chaos.
There are a lot of nice cafe's nearby and has a great view
Shashwatee Shwetapadma — Google review
I love going there in the evening.
Easmin A. — Google review
This place is really peaceful , lot of charming place to sea , nice coffee to try , the little temple is really looking beautiful , if you have a little moment to go visiting Hanoi this a place you definetly have to go to it s really beautiful .
tom garnier — Google review
Nice lake adjacent to Old Quarter, perfect for a stroll along the shores. Not too large so can easily walk around it in ~30 minutes, and nice to view from nearby coffee houses and restaurants. While there visit the temple in the lake, vey nice. They close the street around the lake in summer on weekends and people come out for fun.
Arlene Lum — Google review
Really lovely way to spend an hour in Hanoi, walking around the lake and then visiting the temple. Lots of great photo opportunities, as well as being a nice restful place to sit. Looks beautiful at night.
Hilary Lowe — Google review
There are many things to see and do in the area. I suggest taking a stroll around the lake and enjoying the attractions of the traditional side of Vietnam. If you have the opportunity, I also recommend visiting the temple across the bridge, as it is affordable and provides a wealth of information.
H Dinh — Google review
A lot of people on holiday. On island have small temple pay around 1USD. Inside beautiful but can not take a photo.
Panuwong Yokying — Google review
Simply a stunning lake, that encompasses all the parts of hanoi, the old and the french quarter are very popular with tourists, recommend walking the circumference of the lake at least twice, in the the day and at night, both complexly different experience's, all a good way to get away from the general chaos.
V H — Google review
I have very fond memories of this lake. Whether it is early in the morning or late in the afternoon or any time in between this is just a beautiful place to walk around. It is located in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by lush greenery and is home to the famous red bridge, Huc Bridge, which leads to the Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island in the lake. I can understand why it is incredibly popular.
Ross Daniels — Google review
Really like this lake, very comfortable and spectacular. Quite a number of artists there to draw the portrait for the passers-by. It is definitely worthy to keep a record of your journey:)
Jasmine Lam — Google review
Great place to come for a walk in the morning 🌅 or the evening 🌆!
Locals come and do Dance Groups, take photos with traditional clothing and flowers.
Truly feels like a community park.
Jose Puente — Google review
It is a very relaxing and beautiful lake. So many locals come here to enjoy the Central Park of the city. The Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding area are the central park for Hanoi. Many ladies come here in the morning for dancing exercises, and the guys run or walk in the park.
Michael W. — Google review
Nice lake with ruins of temple pagoda in the centre. There were plenty of people visiting here with food stalls and fresh juice vendors lining the sides. Ample seating to relax and people watch while here.
Roop Singh — Google review
HanoiHoan Kiem Lake, nestled in the heart of Hanoi, is a serene gem that captivates visitors with its timeless beauty and cultural significance. During my recent visit to Vietnam's capital city, I had the pleasure of exploring this enchanting landmark, and it left a lasting impression on me.
Surrounded by lush greenery and shaded walkways, Hoan Kiem Lake offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Hanoi. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll along its shores or sitting on one of the benches to admire the view, the tranquil ambiance of the lake is truly rejuvenating.The centerpiece of the lake is the iconic Turtle Tower, standing majestically amidst the shimmering waters. Legend has it that the tower is home to a sacred turtle, adding to the mystique and allure of the area.One of the highlights of my visit was crossing the charming red bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake.
The temple's intricate architecture and rich history provided insight into Vietnam's cultural heritage and spirituality.Hoan Kiem Lake also serves as a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike, with activities such as tai chi sessions, street performances, and traditional water puppet shows adding to its allure.Whether you're seeking solace in nature, immersing yourself in Vietnamese culture, or simply enjoying a leisurely day out, Hoan Kiem Lake offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you enchanted and inspired.Overall, my time spent at Hoan Kiem Lake was a highlight of my trip to Hanoi, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city
pooja dubey — Google review
A great historical and spritual place to visit in Hanoi.
Having a pagoda and a royal museum inside, this place is a must visit in Hanoi Old Quarter.
The lake is big and the water is green 😁 which is so lovely to see.
You'll fall in love ❤️🇻🇳
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi offers a unique and traditional Vietnamese art form known as water puppetry. The performances showcase classic Vietnamese folklore and legends, accompanied by live traditional music played on instruments like wooden bells, drums, horns, bamboo flutes, and cymbals. Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, the theatre provides an opportunity to experience Vietnam's rich culture while enjoying a visually captivating show that is perfect for capturing memorable photos.
The water puppet show was amazing and unique. This show depicts the story of Vietnam in the form of puppets. The language of this show was in Vietnami which was difficult to understand but the overall experience was very good. The theatre was almost full even in the time of restricted travel but they are taking care of safe distance. The host of this show were very nice
Shivam Agarwal — Google review
I have never experienced such an awesome & interesting place in my life. This was my first time seeing a puppet show that too underwater puppet show. The show is in Vietnamese but you will understand everything they are showing via puppets. You can also buy additional audio language packs if you like. I wanted front row seats so I emailed them before & asked them to
Book for me. I paid 200,000 VND for 1 front row seat. This place is must for people from all ages & kids would love it.
This place has not ♿️ accessible parking but entrance is ♿️ accessible.
Amit Singh — Google review
The Puppet Show was a great insight into the Vietnamese culture. It was chorused in Vietnamese language and hypnotising music that was just beautiful. Would highly recommend seeing this. I think it was just long enough to get a real thorough overview of their ways of life and their beliefs.
Debbie Alley — Google review
Me and my partner booked to see the puppet show as we heard it’s very popular here. We went around the theatre earlier in the day and booked for a 3pm show. In all honesty, we both did not enjoy it. We both felt confused and didn’t really understand the hype surrounding the show. There were elements that were nice including the music and the puppets themselves but I felt like there was no true storyline so it was hard to get into it. I think if you want to experience it, try it but if your looking for something amazing you’re going to be very disappointed.
Celeste Herrera — Google review
Fun experience. The cast is fun and lighthearted. To truly enjoy it, you have to know some basic Vietnamese folklore. It includes the story of the Sword Lake. Make sure to take pictures with the cast prior to the show starting. Splurge a bit
more for better seats. It’s worth it!
Dan — Google review
Very interesting place and show. I rented a translator ear peice which I found helpful. The musicians are amazing with the old school instruments they played, truly a dying art. See it live while it still is available. As a Canadian tourist married to a Vietnamese, we both enjoyed it well worth your time and little money.
Marco Palumbo — Google review
Once in a lifetime experience to watch this traditional show in the heart of Hanoi! Locals used to go to this show to just relax with family and have a good laugh after a long day of work. Approach this show with that mindset, and you will enjoy it even if you don't understand the words. I didn't bother with audio guide definitely not needed. You can use common sense to understand the stories. They are about life of locals in rural area and legends. We go the backrow seats (100k dong). The entire theater is not even that big so front or last row doesn't make that much difference. We were on the last row and had perfect visibility to the puppets and performers on side stages.
We arrived a few minutes after the show start time and they still allowed us entry. I recommend to squeeze this into your day. :)
G — Google review
What a wonderful show full of Vietnamese culture and beauty. The artists side stage were unreal at singing and playing their instruments and the puppeteers are also so talented. I would highly suggest buying tickets at the office a day or more before or online if you don’t mind paying a little more. They sell out right away.
Tasha L — Google review
Cool experience, wasn't really sure what was going on. The live performance was nice, puppets a were ok - they started off strong with some fire breathing dragons but after the first 5 minutes the rest of the show were very simple people, ducks, boats, etc. Everyone is a tourist, no locals go here.
Liam G. — Google review
For the price definitely worth a watch - sure it would be amazing for young children! Definitely a unique way to spend an hour in the city.
Ellis Escapes — Google review
It's a unique place, the small house with a waterpool and a classic oriental palace as a stage, and two platforms where musicians accompany the performance. The musicians are a gem crew themselves, with wonderful local music instruments. The show is comprised of everyday local life scenes that change one another, from planting rice to the Emperor visit. The legend of the Returned Sword on the lake opposite the theater is also played here. All the scenes prove the circle of Life is most important in Orient life. Another point is that this ancient art is carried through centuries and they keep it alive every day till today 365 days a year.
??????? ??????? — Google review
My first experience of a water puppet show. It was amazing. A 50 min show with stories of culture and village life including traditional live music.
It was worth a visit for one time. You get headphones in your preferred language as the show is in Vietnamese.
dhyan dev — Google review
My friend’s been wanting to take me here for a long time, and when I got to Hanoi the first thing she did was we walked towards the theatre and we bought tickets for the 630 show it was so good. It was so cute. It was so adorable. I would highly recommend this show for anyone.
The puppets and the way they make the movement I mean it’s funny. Yes, it’s sung sort of in Vietnamese language it was but I think if you can look at the motion of the puppets, you can kind of figure out what they’re doing.
Definitely go see this this is something you’ll never see anywhere in the world 🌎 unless
Follow Fauzia — Google review
Fun and unique show, with water puppets in Hanoi’s old quarter. No need to buy the audio guides and no need to understand Vietnamese to get the short sketches. Overall great hour spent!
Tickets should be bought in advanced, but it was somewhat disappointing to see many good spots still free, after I had been told the only free seat was in one of the last rows.
Carlotta Zuliani — Google review
We bought our tickets in advance from Agoda and we had to collect it from the venue about an hour before the show starts. We had to queue with the other ticket buyers and found out that we had paid more than double the price for buying it online than on the spot. So get it earlier on the spot to save some money.
The show was really fun even though we don’t understand Vietnamese. The puppets were such cute characters and the live music and voice actors were amazing! So it was worth paying for this!
Kye Lin Lung (Kylie) — Google review
Great cultural experience right next to the lake. A little bit touristy but it was still a highly enjoyable time. The puppets are all just above the water and the music is all traditional. The dialogue is also in Vietnamese but the context can be ascertained from the actions of the puppets.
There is ample seating inside the theatre with the seats towards the front coating a little more, however this is not important as the seating is staggered so that the view is reasonably unimpeded regardless of where you decide to sit. The seating is also all allocated according to your ticket so there is no rush to get to your seats. The restrooms aren't especially clean but are good enough.
Roop Singh — Google review
I really enjoyed the 50 minute show.
I would recommend sitting either right at the front or right at the back for the best views.
We got tickets for the 3pm showing without any trouble. There wasn't a queue to get in but was quite busy once every one was seated. My youngest son and I moved seats to the back when someone tall sat in front of him.
We hired 2 of the audio description headsets for 50k each. We could've just shared 1 between the 4 of us and just taken it in turn to listen though.
Be warned people have their phones out taking video and photos and will hold them up sometimes blocking your view.
Holly Maurice — Google review
Advisable to buy tickets in advance as the shows are generally full... we were lucky to get on the spot tickets, but it's not worth the risk as the show is an absolute must... we first visited the Sword Island pagoda and then walked over in time to catch the 630 show... they have 3-4 shows everyday, please check the times and buy tickets in advance... do not skip the audio guides, or you will not get a wholesome experience of the story telling masterpiece that the show is... the puppets are beautiful, and the artists use the water to great effect...
Amitabh Anand — Google review
It is better to buy the ticket in advance because the line might be long. We came 20 mins before and bought the ticket on the spot. Good thing we were able to buy just in time ( we went a bit late).
Even though they used local language, I enjoyed the show and definitely it is a must visit place in Hanoi.
Theodora Widjaja — Google review
It was a wonderful experience. One gets to experience exquisite puppetry, traditional Vietnamese music, and a soothing atmosphere. We did not realize that one could also get translation in different languages. So we did not follow the narration or songs (they are in Vietnamese) but could only follow what was being shown. To cut waiting times, it is best to book tickets when you visit the sword lake temple and then go to the theatre 15 minutes before show time. You can also but some puppets after the show. Don't miss the souvenir shops around the theatre. All in all, this was the high point of our stay in Hanoi.
Sivasenani Nori — Google review
It was a wonderful experience! They act out folklore and small stories of their culture through puppets!! It was just breathtaking how the marionettes were controlled when the people can’t even see them properly . I should also mention the opera singers and musicians who did a wonderful job with the music ... everything put together, it was a very good show and I learnt a bit from it... there are a few photos of the show below
Manudi Aksana — Google review
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57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
The Old Quarter in Hanoi, Vietnam is a vibrant and historic area that offers a blend of cultural experiences. One of the must-try dishes here is Bun Cha, a Vietnamese specialty consisting of grilled pork served with rice noodles and herbs, accompanied by a side of dipping sauce. This dish has deep roots in Hanoi's culinary history and can be enjoyed at various restaurants in the Old Quarter.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a memorial park in Hanoi, Vietnam, which was completed in 1973. The memorial is dedicated to the late president of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and it houses his preserved body as well as many of his personal belongings. It is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most important historic sites in Hanoi.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum that I visited is one of Vietnam's symbolic tourist attractions, and I was impressed by the beauty of the building and its decorations. Inside the building, I was able to learn about Ho Chi Minh's unknown facts along with the sanctity of the place. When entering the mausoleum, I was required to check my physical condition and was warned to pray quietly. In the surrounding park, you can reflect on your experience at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum while taking a break. However, it can get very hot and crowded with tourists during summer, so I recommend visiting on weekdays in the late afternoon. To understand the history and culture of Vietnam, please be sure to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
S N — Google review
This is a good place but i literally didn't find any difficulties to find this place
Science World — Google review
Do arrive as early as you can as it gets very crowded with students and locals.
You will need to go through screening like in the airport security. You will have to surrender water bottles or any water containers. You will have to surrender your camera just before the mausoleum and bags at the entrance but allow you to bring in your cell phone. The security will remind you not to use your cell.
You will form in 2 lines and need to be quiet when going into the mausoleum. It's takes less than 3 mins inside, and you are out.
After existing, follow the signage to collect your camera just behind the mausoleum and your bags at the same entrance you enter. The mausoleum closed at 11 am. Not sure if it's open in the afternoon
peter liew — Google review
(Translated by Google) The Ho Chi Minh Memorial Hall is located in the center of Hanoi, where Ho Chi Minh, the father of Vietnamese independence, rests here. All major festivals or gatherings will be held here, and if tourists want to come here, they must dress formally to show respect. Mr. Ho Chi Minh's body is placed in the crystal coffin in the central hall, surrounded by troops guarding. In addition to the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Hall, there are also the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One Pillar Pagoda in the southwest that can be visited.
Opposite the Ho Chi Minh Memorial is the National Assembly. It is said that the arrangement was for the founding father, Ho Chi Minh, to hear that the National Assembly was in session and to continue to "lead" the Vietnamese government.
(Original)
胡志明紀念堂位於河內市中心,越南獨立之父胡志明就安息在這裡。凡是重大節日慶典或集會都會在這裡舉行,而遊客如果要來這裡拜訪,必須要穿著正式一些以示尊重。胡志明先生的遺體就放在中央大廳的水晶棺木中,四周有軍隊守護著。除了胡志明紀念堂外,西南方還有胡志明博物館、獨柱寺等可以去參觀。
胡志明紀念堂的對面就是國會。據說這樣的安排是讓國父胡志明聽到國會在開會,並繼續“領導”越南政府。
Milksloong Cheong — Google review
Very much worth going with a guide who can walk you around and explain everything and the history ( one sided as it may be ).
They put dress codes on people so watch out and if you look like a western tourist you are scrutinised heavily.
You get a feel for different architectural styles from the yellow French buildings to the grey and very communist mausoleum structure built by the Russians.
Our party chose not to see the dead body but I understand it can be very interesting.
It certainly is a very interesting and effective price of propaganda and well worth a visit !
I B — Google review
This is one of the most historic sites in Hanoi. The testing place of uncle Ho! Be careful cause they will not let women in if the knees and arms are not covered, so make sure you get a light jacket on top and long pants. This is only for woman, no idea why. Also to avoid huge crowds I recommend that you visit on a Friday morning that the museum is closed! Great experience overall!
George St — Google review
Very interesting place to visit. A must see. The general area is very rich in history.
Entry is free. Entry closes at 11.30am
The entry procedure is well organised, and you have to leave your larger bags in a storage area (safe and reliable system), while your cameras specifically aren't allowed in the Mausoleum. You have to give them to a separate storage area, and they'll give it back to you once you exit.
Remember to dress appropriately and show your respect.
Corwyn — Google review
Visiting Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is a solemn and profound experience, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of Vietnam's revolutionary leader. As you approach the grand structure, the atmosphere becomes reverent, with guards maintaining a respectful silence. Inside, Ho Chi Minh lies in state, surrounded by intricate architecture and historical artifacts, evoking a sense of awe and respect. The experience serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of one individual's dedication to their country and people.
Phuong Tran — Google review
ホーチミン様のご遺体はことができませんでした。タイミングの問題かな?
防犯のため、セキュリティ検査があるため、御留意ください。
ホーチミン博物館には日本語と中国語の説明がなく、雰囲気で感じるしかありませんでした。貧しい時代のベトナムでは、ホーチミン様が貧しい生活を送ったかどうかはわかりませんね。
胡志明先生的遗体很遗憾无法被看到。可能是时间的问题
胡志明博物馆没有日语和中文的说明,只能通过氛围感受。在越南贫穷的时代,胡志明先生是否过着贫困的生活尚不清楚。
(Translated by Google)
Ho Chi Minh's body could not be recovered. Is it a timing issue?
Please be aware that there will be a security check for crime prevention.
There were no explanations in Japanese or Chinese at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, so I had no choice but to get a feel for the atmosphere. We don't know whether Ho Chi Minh lived a poor life in Vietnam during the poverty period.
Mr. Hu Zhiming's body was ignored. Possible time problem
Hu Zhiming's museum has a Japanese-Chinese explanation, and it was just a passing experience. During the period of poverty in the southern part of Vietnam, Mr. Hu Zhiming's life was not clean.
カクレ — Google review
(Translated by Google) Seen only from the outside ...
Particular place where you live the devotion towards Ho
(Original)
Visto solamente da fuori...
Luogo particolare nel quale vivi la devozione nei confronti di Ho
ivan geom legge — Google review
Although the entire "square" may be open during the hours listed on Google Maps, the entrance to the Mausoleum itself is only open until 10:30am or something like that. I went with a small group of fellow tourists and I think I was literally the last person they let in before they closed it. It is very similar to Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow (gee, I wonder why?) in that once you enter there are guards everywhere and you better not stop walking, even as you pass the wax-looking figure in a glass case. Once you are through the mausoleum you can slow down and enjoy some of the other nearby sites like the single-pillar pagoda or Ho Chi Minh's stilt house.
Rodney Egel — Google review
現地の小中学生が勉学の為にも訪れるということで、とにかく並ぶ並ぶ😨3時間並んで1分弱ホーチミンのご遺体を見るのみ、という感じです。3時間並ぶのに水1滴飲めず、という感じなので熱中症対策はしたほうがいいかも。セキュリティのところで取られてもいいから、水は持っていくべきかも😭男女共に、膝上丈のスカートやズボン、ノースリーブを着て行ってしまうと入れなくなる可能性があります。
(Translated by Google)
Local elementary and junior high school students were coming there for study purposes, so they lined up for 3 hours just to see Ho Chi Minh's body for less than a minute. I was in line for 3 hours and couldn't even drink a drop of water, so maybe I should take precautions against heat stroke. You might want to bring some water with you in case it gets taken away at security 😭For both men and women, if you go wearing knee-length skirts, pants, or sleeveless clothes, you may not be able to enter.
kay — Google review
Only for the most dedicated. The wait is at least an hour, and that's when the line is moving quickly. You are not allowed to take photos inside of the mausoleum but once you are out you can take all the photos you want grom the parade grounds outside. You have to keep moving past the actual body of Ho Chi Minh, and there are soldiers everywhere supervising the crowds. An ok experience, but unless you have 2-3 hours to kill, I wouldn't recommend it
Robert Chomicz — Google review
ホーチミンのご遺体が安置され、無料で見学出来ます。とはいえ、実際に見れるのは歩きながらになるので20秒程度かと思います。注意点は午前中のみで曜日も決まってます。また、ベトナムの方々が非常に多く来られるので、早い時間に行かないと相当待つことになります。料金は無料です。
(Translated by Google)
Ho Chi Minh's body is laid to rest and can be visited free of charge. However, you can actually see it while walking, so I think it takes about 20 seconds. Please note that it is only available in the morning and on certain days of the week. Also, there are a lot of Vietnamese people coming, so if you don't go early, you'll have to wait a long time. It is free of charge.
sasurai albatross — Google review
At the heart of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the marble stone chamber where President Ho Chi Minh's body is enshrined.
Very nice place. We took pictures here. I had the opportunity to see the parliament of Vietnam.
Nice place to take photographs & very nice view during evening.
Rajib Patowary — Google review
Excellent visit to the mausoleum. Lots to see and well shaded walk ways. The buildings and content are extremely well preserved and you are able to enjoy the site with English translation.
Travelling Gillespie — Google review
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is one of the most famous spots. It attracts a large number of local residents and international tourists. You can learn more about Ho Chi Minh's life and its significance in Vietnamese history here. Ho Chi Minh is regarded as a visionary leader who played a significant role in Vietnam's history. In May 1975, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was inaugurated. Dress appropriately while visiting the Mausoleum. Avoid shorts, sleeveless dresses, etc. otherwise your entry might be denied. You need to pass through a security check before entering the Mausoleum. The visiting time is from 5 AM to 10 PM. There is no entry fee. In the backside of the mausoleum, there is a pagoda (One pillar pagoda)
Duong Lam is a small, ancient village located outside of Hanoi, Vietnam that has retained its historic charm and cultural significance. It is known for its well-preserved architecture and traditional way of life, with houses made from laterite blocks and wooden beams, narrow alleyways, old temples, and communal wells. The village also holds great historical value as the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings in the 10th century.
4.0
(374)
Sơn Tây, Hanoi, Vietnam
I'll never travel to Xi'an without this trip planner again
Bac Ha Market, located in the Northwest of Vietnam, is a vibrant and bustling market that takes place every Sunday. The market starts early in the morning and is filled with a riot of colors as Flower Hmong women come to accessorize their beautifully dressed attire. This market features a cattle market, vegetable and meat stalls, wine vendors, and agricultural products.
This market is fantastic! Great for people watching, admiring ethnic minorities costumes and trying tasty local produce. Be aware of the lady in the photo. She pretends to be nice and friendly to the extent of hugging you just to make you sit at her stall and overcharge you for beer, coconut water and/or sunflower seeds and passion fruit (which btw doesn't cost 260 k dong). Her stall is right on the main market square close to the stage. Enjoy the market ☺️
Em Pruss — Google review
Quite an experience visiting this weekly market. Long drive to get there but worth the visit. Large market spread over a large area selling just about everything! Lots of local produce, medicinal products, local ethnic outfits (being bought by local people, not just for tourists). Food and animal sections. Avoid the animal section if you would be upset by poor conditions for the animals.
Gary Hartnoll — Google review
it is a stop by place. just market. It took me more than 3hours from sa pa but I could not find any interest things. looks like weekend market.
??? — Google review
A beautiful, stunning traditional market with colors, smells and flavors that run through the soul. Beware of scams and wallets ...
Lafresia Media Productions — Google review
The biggest markets I ever see, they sell everything there. I mean everything from horses. Buffalos, pigs , chicken , dogs , cats , rats to all kinds of vegetables that I have never seen before, highly recommended to visit the market if you are in the area.
vanna quach — Google review
Busy market on Sunday - buffalo sales have been moved to Saturday afternoons, only pig, dog, chicken and duck sales now.
Tour guide mentioned that stuff here is cheaper than sapa, could get a big bottle of honey for 100000 VND while in Sapa it's 200,000
Tried some fried foods
Lin Min — Google review
Big local market on sunday, from morning till 2:00 pm, near the mountainous highlands and the Chinese border.
It's considered as the largest and most colorful market in the area. Throngs of villagers from the surrounding hill tribes walk to the market to purchase and exchange food, animals, clothes and household goods.
A must see in Bac Ha.
Alice Nguyen — Google review
It is a very large market that doesn’t have many tourists so it is certainly quite authentic but it doesn’t deserve a day trip from Sapa. The journey is quite long in a winding road. The items that you can find in the market are the same than in sapa.
Crapsyme — Google review
Must see place in Bắc Hà town. Various minorities of surrounding will joining every weekend right there...lovely sections such as corner for water buffaloes, dogs, chickens ducks..., vegetables, clothes, foods....with so many different colors... Love that ❤
Nguyễn Đông Trường — Google review
Located in the center of Bac Ha district, Lao Cai province, Bac Ha market stays near the borderland between Vietnam and China. Bac Ha Market is a weekly market that only takes place on Sundays. The colorful tribes market, selling everything from farming produces to livestock such buffalo, pig, chicken not missing the dogs and puppies. A row of open air barbers line the side lane of the river to the market (behind the row of shop lots. The buffaloes market is after the bridge if you don’t mine the dang smell, just follows the dropping on the road to the main trading area. Here you can watch the negotiation going on among the farmers and the buffaloes changed owner, dealing in cash.
Mekong Discovery — Google review
The best market I've been till now in Vietnam. It's not only the textile presents food it is also a social market with families and friends eating together, sharing. Love it
Huangguoshu Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder located in the breathtaking Huangguoshu National Park in Guizhou Province, China. This awe-inspiring 243 feet waterfall is the largest and most beautiful waterfall group in China, consisting of 18 falls including Yinlianzhuitan Waterfall and Doupotang Waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and backed by caves, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
This spot absolutely deserves a 5 star rating. The waterfalls especially the Silver Necklace Fall is jaw dropping in its beauty and uniqueness. The Shuilian cave behind the waterfall is also a must see. This area was very crowded when my group arrived ( mid May ), and the jostling to take the perfect shot can sometimes be annoying. The whole walk around took several hours and could be challenging for those who are not fit.
Cher Lee Kiat — Google review
This is the third largest waterfall in Asia. As the only foreigner in the entire park visiting, I got some extra attention and quickly became a local celebrity. For the entire day, I think I took an hour taking photos with the local tourists. It was truly a moment to remember. If you are ever in the Guizhou province, you have to take the high speed train and visit this place. It’s a full day activity and get prepared to get wet.
F S — Google review
Well I guess I am the second ‘foreigner’. The main attraction in Guiyang so a ‘must see’. Suggest you come very early or very late due to the crowds. Walk the path to the waterfall in a clock wise direction and take the escalator back up. There are less crowded places to set up your camera further down the path almost to the entrance of the cave. Rain coat recommended and you can buy used ones for half price to save the environment
HC Seetoh — Google review
The place is scenic and popular.However, it is not the good season to visit the waterfall due to lack of waterflow during the April, I probably will suggest to visit during the season of June to August as rainfall could increase the flow to make the waterfall stand out more.
But if you are looking just to combine with blue sky and sunny weather,a simple photobwithout any shooting angle requirements,then there is no need to worry.
Charlemagne Wong — Google review
The Huangguoshu Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder located in Guizhou Province, China. It is renowned for being one of the largest waterfalls in China and is often referred to as the "Yellow Fruit Tree Waterfall" due to its name's translation. The waterfall cascades down a series of cliffs and rocks, creating a magnificent spectacle that attracts tourists from around the world.
At its widest point, the Huangguoshu Waterfall spans about 81 meters (266 feet), making it an impressive sight to behold. The water plunges down from a height of approximately 74 meters (243 feet), generating a powerful roar and a mist that adds to the enchanting atmosphere.
Visitors can explore various vantage points and pathways around the waterfall to enjoy different perspectives of its grandeur. There are also viewpoints that allow visitors to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty, including lush greenery, cliffs, and rock formations.
The Huangguoshu Waterfall is not only a scenic marvel but also holds cultural significance in Chinese folklore and history, adding to its allure as a must-visit destination for nature lovers and travelers seeking awe-inspiring landscapes.
Boakye Vincent — Google review
The largest and most majestic Waterfall in this National Park. You will be wowed by the sight of this huge gigantic landscape.. A must visit place if you are in 黄果树瀑布. Take the world's longest escalator from the top of the park to the base in a 3 minutes. If you stay at the Huang Guo Shu hotel, there is a direct entry point into the waterfall..
Daniel Ong — Google review
Lack of
1) animals (eg butterflies, birds, insects) and its noise.
2) mosses, epiphyte are not visible
I'm comparing with Mulu Caves National Park.
yokesimw — Google review
We went on a rainy day. MAKE SURE YOU BUY THE SHOE COVER! We only bought the raincoat but didn’t buy the shoe cover. Our shoes are soaked near the waterfall. But the view is still splendid despite a rainy day.
Esther Wang — Google review
A must go if you visit Guizhou Province, the main attraction of Huangguoshu National Park. As the biggest waterfall in China, she is indeed a beautiful and magnificent waterfall. Together with Yinlianzhuitan Waterfall and Doupotang Waterfall, they form the most beautiful waterfall group in China. For more tourism information you can visit my blog at TravelAsiaLand.com
Paul Huang — Google review
China's most famous waterfall and one of its largest at 74m tall and 81m wide located near Anshun in Guizhou
China Educational Tours — Google review
Beautiful waterfall. Consistantly busy. Basic tickets include two days of entry, so make use of the time you're paying for! Almost everything is walkable if you're ambitious and don't want to pay for the bus, which is a whole separate fee from the entry ticket. There's not a whole lot of English information available.
Anna Kukelhan — Google review
4.6
(205)
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4.5
(627)
XMQ9+GV7, Zhenning Buyei and Miao Autonomous County, Anshun, Guizhou, China, 561022
Qingyan Ancient Town is a must-see tourist attraction in Guiyang, located only an hour away. This 200-year-old town offers visitors a glimpse into its rich culture, architecture, traditions, arts, crafts and food. Its old houses, streets and shrines reflect the wealth of ancient times with intricate details on doors, roofs and brick roads.
The ancient town is very beautiful and the food is delicious
Thanh Hoa Nguyễn — Google review
This is a beautiful village in Guizhou province. Probably my second favourite. Walking at night gives you that magical experience where you would need to go and explore. Lived in GuiYang as a teacher and visited this already twice. Highly recommend it.
F S — Google review
This is the perfect place you’ like in summer, with beautiful views and delicious and distinctive food. The key point is not too hot, very cool!
Super recommend!
B Shine — Google review
Must see place if you visit Guiyang! Only an hour away. Two hundred years old town with so much too see! culture, architecture, traditions, arts, crafts, food, all packed in this small places. Of course the tourists too!
Every old houses, streets, shrines reflected the wealth of this ancient town back two hundred years ago. People in this town must lived a rich peaceful life back then. You can tell from the details on the doors, roofs and brick roads and little court yards. Nowadays it is a commercially transferred tourism town with so many interesting things to sale.
Jenn Z — Google review
The old town is currently doing some revamping in order to get a 5A rating for tourist attraction. Even though it is rather commercialized, it's still worth a visit and night's stay. Come out early in the morning before most shops are open to enjoy the tranquillity of your walk around the town. There is also a wall surround the north and west of the town which you can climb for aerial view of the town. The rose products like rose sweets and rose syrup are very popular.糕耙稀饭 (Gao Ba Xi Fan) is a must try too.
Wai Ling Yip — Google review
This place is more placed as a food and antiques shopping village, some attractions are available (Fees apply) ,please read the condition carefully before entry.
Charlemagne Wong — Google review
This historical village has its special characteristics. There are stores by the roadside anticipating the wants of visitors. It is hard to leave this place empty-handed!
Peter Kam Fai Cheung — Google review
Beautiful
Oanh Hoàng — Google review
Many stalls selling local produce. Must see silver from local tribes, and preserved snacks and food (mainly spicy, oily and sour).
BB Luver — Google review
Nice ancient fortress town, with almost 400 years history, since Ming dynasty.
Roney — Google review
over commercialized, full of shops, most buildings are new, few of them are rebuilt, not recommend to visit at all.
Catt W — Google review
Okay place if you arrive in an non-busy days. Not too much sightseeing spots: recommend the wall towers and the city gates architecture. Although the town was old, but most houses reformed and redecorated in a modern-vintage looks, which can be found in many Chinese commercial streets.
Most products came from Yiwu Market (the one famous for largest small commodity wholesale market in the world.) in other words, you can find everything from Tabao, eBay or AliExpress. Not worth to buy and carry.
Qianling Park is a beautiful green space located in the heart of the city, where visitors can enter by paying a nominal fee. The park boasts many towering trees that are over a century old, providing ample shade for relaxation. Additionally, there are open squares within the park where people can practice Tai Chi or dance, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and calmness.
(Translated by Google) It is one of the main attractions of Guyang District. It can also be reached via buses located in various parts of the city. The cost of the ticket is really cheap: 5 yuan. For the cable car that takes you to the top of the hill where there is a temple there is another ticket.
The park really covers a large area, it is the ideal place to be immersed in nature, walk or simply relax. It is very nice and clean. Recommended to come on a nice day. Both inside and outside you can find snack points where you can buy drinks or something to eat. It is very popular with locals.
There is a beautiful zoo inside, with many species of animals, such as lions, many species of monkeys, leopards and also a reptile house. In many areas of the park there are many free monkeys, which live in the forest of the park. Be very careful to have bags with food in your hands because it could happen that some hungry monkeys could take it. There are also numerous local restaurants outside the park. It's truly a beautiful place. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
(Original)
E' una delle attrazzioni principali del distretto di Guyang. Si puo' raggiungere anche attraverso bus dislocati in varie parti della citta. Il costo del biglietto è davvero economico: 5 yuan. Per la funivia che porta in cima alla collina dove c'è un tempio c'è un'altro ticket.
Il parco copre davvero una vasta area, è il posto ideale per stare immerso nella natura ,camminare o semplicemente rilassarsi. E' molto curato e pulito. Consigliabile venirci in una bella giornata. Sia all'esterno che all'interno è possibile trovare dei snack point dove poter comprare bibite o qualcosa da mangiare. E' molto frequentato dalla gente del posto .
E' presente all'interno un bellissimo zoo,con molte specie di animali,quali leoni,molte specie di scimmie,leopardi ed anche un rettilario. In molte aree del parco ci sono molte scimmie libere ,cio' che vivono nella foresta del parco. Fare molta attenzione ad avere sacchetti con del cibo nelle mani perchè potrebbe accadere che alcune scimmie affamate potrebbero prenderlo. Anche all'esterno del parco sono presenti numerosi ristoranti locali. E' davvero un posto bellissimo. CONSIGLIATISSIMO!!!
Giuseppe — Google review
Very nice park(黔灵公园) in the city. Only costed ¥5 to get in. Lots of trees that were hundred years old. Spacious relaxing squares inside the park for people just come and practice Taichi or dancing. Qianling (黔灵湖)is at the foot of the mountain. You can rent a boat and float around. Enjoy the nice cool Summer here. Climb to the mountain top is the Hongfushi ( 弘福寺). An old shrine that carries people’s prayers . When you heard the chanting accompanied by the low ring of bell, you could almost feel the connections between heaven and earth.
Jenn Z — Google review
The Qianling Shan Park is nice, but the location mark was completely wrong. The photo attached to this marking is for Quanling Shan Park. If using this marking, we ended up pay 40RMB extra. Plus, the taxi driver not even know that it is different tourist spot.
Sam S. — Google review
There are panda
Flagegg Red — Google review
(Translated by Google) It's a nice park right in the city. There are a lot of people there during the Dragon Boat Festival. However, the scenic spot is very big. There are not many people on the mountain, but it is a bit dangerous. Many of the fences are in disrepair. Watch out for monkeys and keep your distance. The scenery is indeed great. It would be even better if the weather is good, and the tickets are cheap, only 5 yuan.
(Original)
挺好的一公园就在市区,端午节去人超级多,不过景点很大,山上人不多,就是有些危险,围栏很多都已经年久失修了。小心猴子,保持距离。风景确实很棒。要是天气好就更完美了,门票便宜,才5元。
Zhou Wan — Google review
(Translated by Google) It is a beautiful park surrounding the lake. During the Spring Festival, the management office will prepare a lot of dead trees and branches and firewood, so that people can collect firewood to attract wealth.
(Original)
ㄧ個環湖的漂亮公園,每逢春節管理處就會準備很多枯樹支枯柴,讓人家檢柴招財進寶
peggy yuan袁佩琪 — Google review
(Translated by Google) The large comprehensive city park in Guiyang has cheap tickets, covers a large area, and is relatively boring. The monkeys inside will snatch food from people's hands.
(Original)
贵阳的大型综合性城市公园,门票便宜,占地广大,比较无趣,里面的猴子会抢人手中的食物。
Lei Zhang — Google review
(Translated by Google) Such a nice park is located near the center of the city. If you like watching monkeys, come here.
(Original)
这么好的公园竟然就中市中心附近。喜欢看猴子的,来这里吧。
The Fortifications of Xi'an, also known as Xian City Wall, are a well-preserved ancient defensive system in China. Built in 1370 during the Ming dynasty, it is one of the largest and most complete city walls still standing. The 13.7 km long wall surrounds the center of Xi'an and features imposing gates, a moat, and a cycling path atop the walls. This historical architectural marvel offers visitors an ideal opportunity to cycle around and explore its significance.
Great place for walking and getting glimpses of the ancient part of the city. Bike is highly recommended if you intend to go around.
Spyros N — Google review
Very impressive walls with an imposing facade and a beautiful moat. Possible to get on top and walk along it. Very well preserved.
Saikhnaa — Google review
Entrance fee CNY54, bought on the spot via Wechat and entered via the South entrance, which is where the metro exit D1 leads to.
At level 2 of the city wall, there's a centerpiece of the entire area and a staff comes by at designated times to give a brief of it. Lucky to catch the 4pm one and got a better understanding of how the city wall came to be and possibly the origin of the term '买东西' , stemming from the only 2 markets at that time 东市 (local market)& 西市 (international one where they traded with 西域).
The entire wall is 6km long but I've clocked enough steps for the day, so I walked for just a stretch along the city wall, entering from 永宁门 and exited thru 文昌门.
Daphne Yeo — Google review
The Xi'an City Wall stands tall and proud, a magnificent testament to ancient Chinese architectural prowess and the city's rich history. My experience walking atop this well-preserved fortification was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The sheer grandeur of the wall, spanning around the city like a protective embrace, is a sight to behold. The meticulous preservation allows visitors to step back in time and imagine the city's past glory. Walking or cycling along its broad paths offered panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape and the contrast between modernity and antiquity.
The attention to detail in the construction is remarkable. The watchtowers, battlements, and gates showcase the precision and skill of ancient artisans. The history embedded within every brick, every carved stone, creates an immersive experience, offering a glimpse into Xi'an's storied past.
Capturing the essence of this ancient marvel was a highlight of my visit. The sweeping views from the wall, the play of light on the aged bricks, and the architectural details provided endless opportunities for stunning photography. For those wishing to bring a piece of this historical wonder home, I highly recommend exploring the captivating photos available for purchase on www.Renes-Photo.Shop. These images beautifully encapsulate the majesty of the Xi'an City Wall, allowing you to relive its grandeur at any time.
The Xi'an City Wall isn't just a monument; it's a living testament to China's enduring legacy. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a profound sense of connection to the past and a chance to appreciate the architectural marvels of ancient China.
A visit to the Xi'an City Wall promises a memorable journey through time, offering both a sense of grandeur and a deep appreciation for the historical significance of this magnificent structure. It's an experience that leaves an indelible mark and a lasting admiration for the ingenuity of the past.
Rene Schildt — Google review
Visited in December. Go up anywhere in the 4 Cardinal direction gates and rent some bikes. It's pretty fun and a good workout. It took us 1.5 hours on a tandem bike, stopping along the way. There are restaurants and restrooms at the top. The south gate is the fanciest. Tandem bike was 90 rmb for 3 hours with a 100 rmb security deposit.
Mike X — Google review
Great memories, worth visiting
Awais Qutab — Google review
This was my trip plan
1. Terracotta Worries and Horses Museum
2. Datang Everbright City
3. Great Wild Goose Pagoda
4. Muslim Quarter
5. Fortification of Xian
6. Bell Tower of Xian
7. Drum Tower
8.Mount Huashan
Halil Erdogan — Google review
Great Wall of Xi'an is a well known place in the city, it's very famous and old as it's an ancient wall like the great wall of china, you need to pay 100 yuan to enter it, there is also discount for students 50% if u have your student ID card with you, during Chinese new year celebrations it's very crowded and marvelous cuz Chinese celebrations are amazing, 10 days before the spring festival you will see a lot of red lanterns around the city as it's traditional way of celebration to hang the red lanterns as a sign of welcoming the new year with prosperity and happiness.
The wall is very long and you can ride bicycle to explore all the wall, also Chinese respect bicycles a lot as it's very important in their culture.
Mo-Travelleer X — Google review
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visited Oct 2015
The fortifications of Xi'an known as Xi'an City Wall, in Xi'an, represent one of the oldest, largest and best preserved Chinese city walls. It was built under the rule of the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang as a military defense system. It exhibits the "complete features of the rampart architecture of feudal society".
It has been refurbished many times since it was built in the 14th century, thrice at intervals of about 200 years in the later half of the 1500s and 1700s, and in recent years in 1983. The wall encloses an area of about 14 square kilometres (5.4 sq mi).
ARC — Google review
X'ian Wall is a great place to visit during your trip to X'ian. Visit during sunset time to get the best views. Do try the bike ride available on the wall. Few bike rentals available on the wall, a bit expensive but worth the experience to ride a bike on the wall. Lot of food stalls also available on the wall. They do have some laser shows also few times a week, do check that before visiting.
Rajat Bansal — Google review
It was such a fun and nice day on the wall! We had a tour guide who took us through all the must places and let us explore most of it on our own. The weather was so nice and I learned so much about the evolution of bicycles and their importance to the Chinese culture.
Stephanei Fox — Google review
Worth walking the whole perimeter, recommended
Fidel — Google review
History moments not to be missed while visiting Xi'An