A famous address. But I the beach look not very beautiful. There's one thing special, there are lots of restaurant alongside the coast. I see seafood in the advertisement board. But don't know have a thing else.

No beach. Quite filthy

Ok

Good

Ro rang

Ok

Ok

Should visit before 4pm if you travel by Bus and want to enter Sam Son Beach area. The bus no.2 only goes to Sam Son center by early line accordling to ticket seller of this bus line . If you are a history lover this is a good place to explore.

Worth visiting if you are passing through. There's a reasonable amount of information in Vietnamese and English on different boards around the site, although the museum is quite small. There is a ticket booth at the south gate but all the others are just open and you can roam about the site freely on foot or by motorbike. The entrance fee was 40k VND and the security guard was very helpful trying to explain where I could go and everything I could see, despite not speaking English. Overall it was interesting and worth a visit but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit (probably not worth a round trip out of tam coc / ninh binh city just for this unless you have time to spare).

It was an enjoyable day. Quite a lot of walking so wear good footwear. Lots of exhibits to see spread over a wide area. For no good reason they don't allow you to leave through the entrance and insist on making you walk quite a distance, to get out. Which was the completely the opposite direction to where my bike was parked. Absolutely ridiculous given the heat and humidity. The attraction needs a lot of investment and general work to give it the wow factor...not sure people value it as an historic site or just a backdrop to take photos.

Designated a World Heritage site in 2011, Ho Citadel still doesn't receive many foreign visitors. Built at the end of the 14th century, the inner walls and four main gates of the citadel are still standing. Called Thành Nhà Hồ in Vietnamese, the complex is surrounded by a fertile rural landscape. The walls are overgrown with creepers and grass, but still make an impressive sight rising from the rice fields. Vietnamese farmers go about their work, both outside and inside the citadel grounds; sitting down to rest in the shade of its arched gates during the hottest part of the day. The grand royal ruins and the agricultural work going on around it, remind me of sketches by Piranesi of Rome in the 18th century, when Italy was rediscovering its past, just as Vietnam is doing today. Located near the town of Vĩnh Lộc in Thanh Hóa Province, Ho Citadel can be reached by several rural back-roads. Although the enclosure is very large (close to 1km2) it's not immediately visible, especially if you arrive at either the north, east or west gates (the south gate being the main entrance). From some positions the wall is so overgrown it's almost indistinguishable from the farmland it abuts. The main entrance (10,000vnđ) is through the south gate, where there are guides available and a small museum. The latter tries very hard – with English language labels and information boards – but doesn't amount to much more that bits and pieces of pottery, cannonballs, bricks and tiles. The other gates also have small ticket offices, but most of the ticket inspectors seem to be either asleep or drunk and drowsy. If you avoid weekends and public holidays chances are you'll have the whole citadel to yourself, making you feel as though you're the first foreigner to have stumbled upon these imperial ruins.

My mother’s hometown is here. The citadel was built in the 15th century when Thăng Long Hanoi was attacked by Ming dynasty (old name of China) at that time. UNESCO had recognized this place as one of its heritage in Vietnam

It’s a nice place to bring the kids to at sunset or to fly kites. Information in both Vietnamese and English.

It's an intruding historical place. An old Royal Palace like the citadel in Hanoi but in a more raw condition. But really there isn't much left there to see, except the massive, 3 arched, old gate.

A place worth visiting, an ancient pagoda first built in the 15th century nestled in a serene tropical hill/ mountain. As part of the journey to the 3rd level you move through a cave that has amazing structures. Surrounding the ancient structure were calm waters of water lilies which unfortunately bloom mainly in the morning. We drove to Ninh Binh from Hanoi which is roughly a 1 hour 45 drive. The pagoda is then only a few mins drive from Tam Coc. On a Sunday the crowd was decent. No entry tickets required and as always, be respectfully quiet visiting a sacred place for locals. When we arrived it started drizzling - if you do hit wet weather, so be careful as the stone steps are slippery.

Beautiful temple - the best bit is along the path through the 'Parking Area'. There is a short climb up some steps and then it opens out onto a lake, which is absolutely stunning. Very few people head this way - had it all to myself even when the pagoda was busy. Free parking at the cafes / restaurants - DO NOT park in the 'Parking Area' as you will have to pay.

Went to Bich Dong Pagoda with a tour guide and was good explaining that history of this place. There are 3 temples to visit, the walk to the temple can be steep and may be slippery during raining season. You will have to walk into a bat cave to get to the second temple. The view from the top temple is awesome well worth the walk up. Not too high just a moderate climb up.

Very pleasant visit. Don’t be put off by the reviews about parking scams - just be assertive and cycle past the ladies trying to flag you down. At the end there is a bicycle park and the lady was giving out tickets. She didn’t charge us but others seemed to pay 5000vdn per bike - keep some perspective as that is only 15p so I can’t see how anyone can really complain!! The temple and caves were very pleasant and we visited in the afternoon which was not crowded.

We love FREE!!! Make sure you have some non slip footwear... I did have flip flops on. We hiked to the top and it didn't even seem to be hard work despite me not being fit! Views and the temples are just beautiful Highly recommend

Outstanding. Pagoda, cave, and lake. Was raining when I visited, but it was still very nice. Bike/scooter parking is a pricey at 10k, other places were 3k-5k.

This is a nice filler because it's completely free to get inside. There are lots of vendors right outside that offer to sell you goods & to park your bike for $$. Get food & drink at the Gao restaurant & park there instead. The food there is amazing. The pagoda is cool because you hike up some stairs to get to cave with bats and views.

A very cool experience! It’s quite serene and unique - going with the row boat through the river, through a cave and then into an open space, surrounded by mountains. The ladies rowing the boat are farmers I am told and after their work, they do this as an additional hustle. They row with their feet which is a sight to see, they’re quite experienced. Be warned! And be ready for them to hard sell you trinkets and souvenirs when they reach the end of the river (before turning back). We didn’t bring any money but we felt almost hijacked when she wouldn’t move the boat until she was truly convinced we couldn’t buy anything. The other boats did the same thing, stopped the boat for about 10 minutes until someone bought something (or couldn’t). It detracted from the overall good experience from the row boat ride. We tipped her generously at the end when we were done and back in land where the money was available but we shouldn’t have been held “hostage” for quite a bit of time with the rower giving us a disapproving and unhappy, sour look because we couldn’t buy her trinkets.

We booked a day tour to Ninh Binh using klook. We were picked up from our hotel in the morning around 8 am. From hoi an ancient town to pagoda to lunch and then to tam coc island for a boat ride. It was quite sunny and the boat ride is roughly 1.5 hrs. It was quite hot and you need to carry googles, hat, sunscreen to avoid getting sun burnt. Carry water bottles too. The boat ride is good and quite scenic. You will pass through paddy fields and under the cave and a bridge but just take precautions with the sun. Two people on one boat and they paddle using their feet. Dinh bay and 2-3 small bays pass by. Tam Coc boat tour is a boat trip through the scenic karst landscape of Ninh Binh province, Vietnam, often called "Inland Halong Bay". Local rowers guide you in traditional sampan boats through rivers winding between rice paddies and under limestone mountains, passing through three natural caves called "Tam Coc" (Three Caves). The tour can be booked as part of a day trip from Hanoi, which may also include cycling through rural villages and visiting historical sites like Hoa Lu Ancient Capital or Mua Cave, with options for private or small-group tours

This sightseeing combo was extremely beautiful. Loved it all and felt like we were in another world. The only reason for 4 stars is that our boat rower spent so much time trying to sell us crafts out of his bucket and then started asking for a tip long before the ride was over. Once we gave him one, he complained and asked for more. It was very off putting and took away from the beautiful landscape that we were trying to take in.

The view, cave, rock and river themselves are naturally beautiful. This place is unique during the rice ripening season. Recommend to go early to beat the crowd. Sadly nature outweighs the messy service and rude, greedy, narrow-minded attitude of the vast majority of boatmen here. You can’t enjoy the boat on your own but need to fill the group of at least 4 people. The boat woman seems friendly and responded to your questions, but stopped only at Khe Gioi ravine for photos. She was impatient and wanted us to leave early. She described her poor family situation and persuaded us to buy embroidered frames. She also asked for tip by the end and sold the embroidered things double the price. Don’t believe their words, their acting and don’t buy anything. Actually the local people themselves are ruining the experience. I’ll never come back because of their attitude. Just enjoy nature if you love it.

It’s a great experience on the river passing through the 3 caves. Tam(3) and Coc (caves). You are in a small rowboat, a local lady or men row with their legs

Best experience we had, river along that glides you to three caves, amazing limestones, picturesque cliffs, beautiful scenic views. Highly recommended

I had an amazing experience exploring the area. The boat ride through the limestone mountains and expansive rice fields was incredibly peaceful, and the scenery was breathtaking at every turn. The guides were friendly, helpful, and informative, which made the visit feel personal and engaging. Even though it was a popular spot, it never felt overcrowded, making the experience truly memorable.

Our stay was nice. Location: BUT we wish we would’ve known that the lodges are on a tourist attraction park… We arrived around 4 am and when we woke up we were pretty surprised to see tourists walking on our doorstep. We wish it was more clear that the lodges are in the Hang Mua park so take this in consideration when you book the lodge. The pool was closed while we were there but we did got a discount for that. The staff and service was overall good. Except for the laundry, it was quick, but it wasn’t clean and also my pants shrunk a bit. When we checked out they forgot to charge us for the laundry and the scooters we rented. They texted and called us several times while we were already on our way to Hanoi. We paid the remaining via our next hotel which they contacted to transfer it. Both these experiences made me write the review but we enjoyed the room.

This eco lodge has several dogs caged in tight chicken cages, sleeping on bare wires l, with no bedding, with no water or food supplied all day in horrible heat and humidity. I was heartbroken. They care more about people not picking lotus flowers than live animals. Not only were the dogs in cages, they had less than 10 inch long chain on them for no reason whatsoever. I stuck my tiny hand in the cage to straighten out the bowl so I could pour some water in there, the dogs chain was barely long enough to stick his face in the bowl!!!!! Dog drank the water like it never seen water before. Even tho it was absolutely panicked when he saw my hand, like he never seen humans before. It was days ago and my heart hurts to this day. I'm thinking these are the property guard dogs that maybe possibly get let out at night, but still, for the love of God, provide them with some water during the day. Bowls were chewed up and turned over from the dogs searching for it! I was thinking of booking a stay there in the future, now I just can't. I hope more people see this, and more people protest they were in the property parking spot by the scooters.

The main advantage of staying at this lodge is the access to the viewpoint and the lotus fields. It allows you to enjoy the attractions and then take a shower and rest in your room. The trade-off is that other visitors may walk around the site and past your room, though there is a buffer separating the rooms from the paths. The grounds themselves are beautifully designed, with the traditional lanterns and bonsai adding a charming touch. The room, however, was smaller than expected compared to the photos, making it a bit cramped - especially between the beds and desk. Pest control would also be helpful, as we noticed mosquitos and lizards. The breakfast was a real disappointment. On a positive note, the outdoor shower was absolutely fantastic. Overall, despite a few drawbacks, we had a wonderful and memorable experience.

I have booked a family room for 2 nights, they contacted me and said that because of their family room needs to fixing somethings so they upgraded us to cave villa without extra fee, which is so nice from them! But there are some small things they could do better: first is the roof problem, water drips from the ceiling to the floor continuously, not lot but enough to make the floor wet and it isn’t safe for the family with 2 young kids that alway running and playing! Second is just a communication, the receptionist told me there are a Jacuzzi in the room, just ring them to send the staff to turn it on if we want to use it. But it is actually a big bath tub only, just warm water, no aeration. This isn’t a complaint because we are happy with the warm bath as well but they could tell us it is the bath tub instead of Jacuzzi.

This place is wonderful! The location is great, offering fantastic views of the cliffs. The room was very comfortable and there were two bathrooms- indoor and outdoor. The staff were friendly and helpful. The breakfast was plentiful and delicious. It was a great choice for us, as we needed peace and quiet in the evenings. All in all, I recommend this place.

A wonderful stay at Hang Mua Ecolodge. A perfect place to stay when you are in Ninh Binh. We can do the sightseeing without buying tickets while staying here. The staff are great especially Ha Vi, we would like to thank her for her knowledge of the heritage itinerary and helping us arrange where to keep our luggage after check out and return to Hanoi. Everything was great!

Mixed review on this. Parking attendant was a bit abrasive. Reception staff and restaurant staff were amazing. The complimentary breakfast was great.Room was pretty good but the shower put water everywhere? The views and atmosphere are exceptional. The spa staff were nice but the massage was below average, rough and unenjoyable and the lady was messaging on her phone and chatting with her friend during the massage and had staff children nearby making the experience not very relaxing and then after tipping almost half of the price of the 3 services my family had she complained that was not enough.

Did the Trang An boat tour. We chose route 3. We went at 11PM It was super beautiful, was getting super crowded as we were leaving. Our tour guide made us paddle for the full 3 hours as she was barely paddling. Would have took us 5 hours without us. Paid 250 000 dong. If you want something worth the money I would highly suggest the bird sanctuary in Tam COC. Only cost 150 000 dong. Give yourself alot of time as there is SO much to see, super worth the money and your time. There is 4 caves and all the boat tours are included in your ticket. Make sure your there around 4PM and you'll see all the birds returning to the bird garden. Such a beautiful sight! Happy travels!

The rower was very friendly and talkative, which made the experience more enjoyable. The landscape is stunning and peaceful — honestly, we thought it was almost better than Ha Long Bay. There’s less boat traffic, and the water is much cleaner. That said, the tour was 3 hours long, and it was extremely hot. Sitting in the sun for that long can really drain you — bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. I would recommend to take the shortest route!

We couldn’t go into the caves because it was flooded, it’s a pity because I was looking forward to that. But other than that, very nice peaceful boat ride - they take you for 2.5 hours on the lake, I don’t know how the women manually ride the boat for so long!! Quite serene and beautiful.

had the best day! incredible views so peaceful and unreal landscapes. the best was to see the sights that ninh binh has to offer. we were on boat route 3. went for 3hrs; 3 caves and 3 temples <3 we had the most lovely couple join us on our boat (4 people in every boat). make sure to tip the workers they’re so lovely and made sure we got amazing pictures!

They “slightly” changes the tour and instead of 3 hours it was 1.5. Also it was overcrowded with boats so avoid going on Sunday because you will just hear people taking around and will not enjoy the nature at all. Last but not least there was 250m long cave which was also crowded with boats and it was lacking air.

Not much to say. When we got in we did just 2 caves because the tides were high. So it kind of limited the experience for us. However it was a good experience. Very professional. Although they were way too many people and I felt that kinda led to the long 2-3 hours timeline and not really the activities. Also limited flexibility. Also it was quite difficult to communicate with the man rowing as he didn’t understand any English. Outside of that, a good activity to appreciate the natural wonder and tick off your bucket list. Best to do early in the morning or later in the evening.

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. 💖

Amazing place. Very beautifully maintained and peaceful. We took the electric caddy option but realised it's way more beautiful if you walk around instead. The old monastery short hike was great as well. Needs 4-5 hours to visit properly and soak-in the surroundings and the temple environment.

This Pagoda has the tallest tower and largest gold coated Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Place is huge, you need mimimum 3 hours if not more to see most of the things. It's not worth to go to point 27, the rest is very interesting and worth seeing. There's an elevator in the tower so it's very easy to go to the top, to 12th floor. The view of the entire complex is magnificent.

It seemed to me like Vatican but for Buddhists :) its very extensive, beautiful and impressive, its a lot to discover and for proper discovery you would need like almost whole day but you can do quicker more shallow tour in like 2-3hrs ...its very tourist friendly ...close to No.13 - herbal soak bath - is a great cafe not to be missed but many other refreshment stations and nice clean restrooms are all around the area. Definetely buy ticket option for 300k dong. It totally worths it and you ll appreciate taking a ride by buggy ...important info: when we visited THERE WAS NO RESTAURANT with warm meals at the visitors center...we expected there would be restaurant at such a big tourist spot but they only had filled dumplings:( if that happens to you and you are there hungry go to Family organic restaurant which is like 5 mins away by scooter...its very good and cheap meal...you can thank me later:)

Very beautiful template and pagoda. You can easy spend several days here. Be aware that there some steep walking areas so if you have mobility issues you should know. We went on a weekend day during off season and almost no one was there.

If you don’t do your research in advance, prepared to be surprised by this sprawling complex spanning hundreds of acres of land. There’s ancient stone temples over 1000 years old and a newer temple complex completed fairly recently. A visit will take easily 2 hours or more, but it’s the most relaxed, tranquil setting with lush gardens.

Beautiful! So many temples and pagodas. The complex was clean, well manicured and easy to navigate. Unfortunately, we were visiting as part of a tour and we were too rushed and didn’t get to explore on our own terms. If/when we come back to Vietnam, I’d love to spend more time here and get a chance to see up close, the ancient pagoda that is an icon here.

Beautiful place with lots to see, totally worth the ticket. Get the package which includes all shuttles, foot soak, and trang an. If you don't get the shuttles, prepare to walk for hours and hours. Bring sunscreen, a hat, umbrella, and sunglasses.

The place was nice, clean, and the pleasant weather added to the experience. There wasn’t much to see in terms of ruins, but we appreciated the well-maintained environment and could imagine the rich history behind the site. Maybe we didn’t have enough time, or perhaps not much of the ruins remain. But overall, it was a great visit. Would love to explore more of the surrounding area if given the chance!

Lots to see here, including a small museum and awesome pools and gardens. People were friendly and there were lots of tour groups but it wasn’t too crowded. Bike definitely sped up the trip but not as much as advertised.

Beautiful and peaceful place full of history. I visited on a rainy day, and even then the scenery was still stunning — ancient temples surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic limestone hills. A great stop to explore Vietnam’s first capital and feel its timeless atmosphere.

Pretty cool spot! Visited during a day trip to Ninh Binh, so my tour guide was able to explain the historical importance of the temples and their symbols. Tickets were managed by the tour guide, but I noticed that it was just a staff at the entrance, so entrance is quite simple

Very cool to see the old temples and architecture. The historical significance of this area is worth the visit. I'd recommend not renting a bike. Find free parking, walk through the temples, and up the 50m steps to the first emperors tomb. Great view point from the top.

A truly beautiful and peaceful ancient temple in Vietnam. The architecture reflects deep history and culture, and the surroundings are calm and serene. A perfect place to experience spiritual energy and traditional Vietnamese heritage.

PSA: if you’re riding a motorbike, you’ll get a lot of people trying to get you to park your bike in their lot for a fee. Ignore them all and ride right into city over the bridge. Keep going and at the end turn left. There’s a place you can safely park your bike. Cool place because history is cool. Wild to think these structures are over 1000 years old! Worth a walk around for about an hour or 2 to take it all in.

A temple for a Vietnamese king. Was nice to know the history of vietnam and the ancient city from the guide.

When you get an entrance ticket you gain access to both tombs and the stair temple… don’t know if you actually need tickets or if you can just walk in. We were stopped and had to pay but another couple walked in a few hours after us when we were a bit to leave and they didn’t pay. Anyways i think it was 30.000 total including the 10.000 bike parking fee. There were a bunch of kids there practicing their English and it was fun to talk to them for a bit!!

A bigger temple to the first king temple. Much nicer. The king’s altar is locked but u can view it through the door grilles.

The temple is not too big, but has interesting history behind it. The is garden with lotus pond, and you can find the King’s statue with his wife.

A serene setting. Shady compound. Not much too see. There is minimal English signage.

It is really awesome to explore in here. But it would be more better if they allow us to rent a bicycle. The temple is quite far from each others.

very nice and old temple

It is really beautiful pagoda. It is Vietnamese traditional design. A must place to visit when your are in Thai Binh city

Visiting Keo Pagoda was an enchanting experience that transported me to a place of serenity and historical richness. The intricate craftsmanship and timeless architecture of the pagoda are simply breathtaking. It's a spiritual sanctuary where history and tranquility meet, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam's cultural heritage. The peaceful surroundings and the warm-hearted community make it a welcoming place for reflection and connection. Keo Pagoda is a jewel of Thái Bình and a testament to the beauty of Vietnamese tradition and spirituality.

An an ancient pagida I n Thai Binh, Vietnam. Very typical of Mahayana worship place in Nortern Vietnam.

An ancient Pagoda for Buddhists in the Thai Binh Province of Vietnam, Kei Pagoda, happens to be a must see holy place of Vietnam. The chanting of hymns inside the Pagoda, the three water bodies in its three sides impart the place a serene ambience.

First time I’m here and i just feel it’s peaceful

This is an ancient temple with the most massive wooden architecture in the North. Especially, this is a place to keep many unique ancient statues. This is a must-go place if you want to learn about Vietnamese temples

The pagoda was built on a tranquil peaceful countryside, surrounded by crisscrossing water channels and green paddy fields and some scattered local communities. People come here to find their own peace in mind. Interesting tales of how the pagoda was built and what the pagoda’s name means were told. You are recommended to come here in ordinary days rather than in festivals when people are quite crowded.

We stayed here for five nights. The highlights were the beautiful forest setting, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere. The scenery was stunning, and we had an excellent hiking experience with rangers guiding us through the trails. However, there were some challenges. The insect bites took weeks to heal, and leeches were abundant, we counted around 35 in a single day of hiking, fall down several times as we got a bit of rain and wet.. Outch :). It was still an adventurous and memorable experience, but proper boots and leech socks are essential. Even with those, we were bitten quite badly. We didn’t encounter any large wildlife, but the night safaris were still a highlight. Thousands of fireflies lit up the forest, a beautiful sight. We also observed a few snakes chasing frogs, birds settling into the leaves for rest, and a variety of fascinating insects and bugs. Toward the end, we were lucky to come across a group of deer. The food at the restaurant was generally good, though there is room for improvement. Overall, a rewarding stay for nature lovers, but be prepared for the elements.

Just returned from Cuc Phuong National Park and I’m blown away! The jungle trails are lush and peaceful, and spotting langurs and rare birds was a highlight. The visitor center is very informative, making it perfect for both nature lovers and families. A must-visit for anyone exploring northern Vietnam.

Nice experience. We went there after the floods so the road was a bit slippery but we managed to get to get to the Preshistoric man cave and it was great. The whole route through the jungle is also very impressive.

Any national park, anywhere in the world needs to be protected. Cuc Phuong is beautiful and wild and should remain that way, however the running of the park is terrible. The government are simply not doing enough to protect or police the boundaries of the park from poachers and logging. There are NO ANIMALS here, not a bird in the sky. If you come to view wildlife you can pay separately to see rare monkeys in tiny cages which cannot be released here because they will be poached again for food, exotic pet trade or the madness of chinese medicine. The same for the pangoling and most primates and mammals here. We did not pay to go to the 'rescue center' (glorified zoo) after seeing images and reading reviews about the small cages and the conditions of the animals. We stayed for 4 nights, which is far too long here. We did 1 hike which is at the end of the park (we had a motorbike but if you dont have transport you can either walk the 20km or hire a guide for 1,000,000dong) you don't need a guide and the trail is nice through the jungle. This seems to be the only hike and the only maintained trail in the entire park. We have visited hundreds of national parks in both developed and developing countries and this is by far the most neglected. There is just no investment in the guest experience at all. The staff are rude and abrupt, as though you are an inconvenience to them if you want to buy some food in the restaurant. There's really very little to do apart from travel the long 20km road. We tried the botanical garden but there isn't much in there apart from a long road through the jungle and the mosquitos were literally unbearable in there. If you want to go in there someone has to unlock the gate and then they lock you inside and you message them when you're finished - but there's no signs or information or map or anything, just a tarmac road through the forest. We tried the observation tower but the trail is not maintained, there are small landslides and trees blocking the path, the path is slippery and dangerous along the side of a rock face (we did persist and made it to the tower which was actually cool but you have to be fit and agile otherwise it's super dangerous). The problem again is when you get to the top, theres no animals or birds to see anyway but the view is nice. Now to talk about the accommodation. We booked into the Bong Substation because it says its remote and we wanted to be in the jungle. The website says 'far from civilisation' which sounds great for an adventure in the national park! We arrived and were pointed to different people, no one spoke any english (thats okay, we dont expect that) but it was as though no one was expecting us, they hurriedly grabbed some bedsheets and rushed off on a motorbike whilst trying to make us wait in the restaurant and eat something. We left and followed on the bike and the cleaner was frantically trying to change the sheets in what is the most disgusting room we have ever seen (and smelt) we left the room and allowed her to clean for 1 hour, hoping it would get better. When we got back the room was absolutely disgusting. The bathroom floor was filthy as well as all the taps and sink, there were rat droppings all over the floor and the smell of rats urine made our eyes water. The walls were covered in streaks and mould and all the sheets and towels were full of holes and stains. The lamp didnt work, and we didnt have a curtain on the door so anyone could see in. By this time there was no one around to ask for a different room as the reception was closed and no one spoke english, and theres no internet or signal in this area. We decided to try to get some sleep and deal with it in the morning however we didnt sleep because of the foul smell and there were live rats running around the room and on our clothes. The smell triggered asthma and was really awful. In the morning we were exhausted and hoped to try to hear some birds singing or listen to the jungle before arranging a habitable room but for some strange reason a man was outside with a petrol leaf blower

Beautiful nature, but inconsistent visitor experience We stayed overnight in Cuc Phuong National Park to enjoy its landscapes and wildlife, and while the natural setting is worth visiting, our overall experience felt confusing and poorly managed. The park itself is stunning — ancient forest, unique biodiversity, and decent rescue centers (EPRC and Turtle Conservation). These are the real highlights and worth your time. However, the organization around accommodation and activities leaves a lot to be desired. Prices were unclear and seemed to vary depending on who you asked. For example, we were charged 800,000 VND for a second-class room (quoted as $37 USD, which doesn’t match the official rate), and transport plus a night safari guide were quoted by a lady at reception at $75 USD — far above the normal local rate. All while snickering and laughing with co-workers in Vietnamese. Felt like we we're being ripped off with a smile, especially seen as there was no option tot pay electronically. Staff were unpolite and communication was limited, and rather than offering clear options when weather made night tours difficult, they simply discouraged us from joining. It felt as if the visitor experience wasn’t really prioritized. Overall, Cuc Phuong’s beauty speaks for itself, but management and hospitality could be improved significantly — especially with clearer pricing, consistent information, and better guest engagement. Tip: pay in VND only, confirm prices in advance, and focus on the rescue centers and short hikes, which are genuinely rewarding. For good jungle experiences, go to Pu Luông.

the trip to the park from Ninh Binh (adviced by motorcycle) is already half of the experience for what sceneries you will see underway. the national park is accessible by moto because it is to big to do by walking. once you get to one of the trails, you walk them, you have many choices, doing all of them would really take you more then one day. the plan delivered to you when you pay the 60k entrance gives you all the details about the waling time of every trail would take.

There are a bunch of walking trails that start along the main road. In each trail we took we saw a wide diversity of animals.

Sitting in a boat in full sun exposure without any shadow cover (they should really add one), on an uncomfortable seat - a wooden plank - to see a not very varying landscape while being rowed by ladies who don’t speak any English … the pictures taken are beautiful but this felt like paying for suffering if you can’t stand direct sun burn. As concerns animals, we saw a bird, a dragonfly, some snail eggs, some cows and dead fish, nothing spectacular and none of the species in the pictures with which they attract visitors. Unless you have plenty of time, I would not recommend.

If you want a quiet and serene boat ride, make sure to come here! It’s a beautiful and serene nature area that is quite big. We came here at midday and we only saw a handful of people and the rest of the time we were alone. The nature is gorgeous and it is so peaceful!! It is 200k per boat with a maximum of 2 people per boat.

WOW. Trang An is great but not even close in comparison to this. Trang An is Disneyland while this feels foreign, rural, and not really touristy. The landscapes were absolutely incredible. I saw endangered Delacour langurs (only 300 left in the world). It was quiet, serene, and breathtaking. Go in late afternoon. Takes about 90 min. I am glad I stayed 3 nights I Ninh Binh. Did everything at a leisurely pace and got to actually chill.

It's a great trip! We where all alone for the whole trip, something that really added to the tranquility of the experience. We got to see Delacour's langur up close, several unique birds and a trip inside the cave, even if it was high water. It was very hot, but we had hats and a good sunscreen which is a must, as well as water. We had our private guide that helped us in explaining what the boat rower had of knowledge. No tipping needed, but we added a bit anyway at the end. For us, this was a must do and a highlight.

If you are looking for a truly peaceful and authentic experience in Ninh Binh, look no further than the Van Long Nature Reserve boat tour. This trip was an absolute highlight of our journey! The Van Long wetland, often called the "Ha Long Bay on Land" offers an escape from the crowds. The entire experience was incredibly nice and calm. The silence was only broken by the gentle sound of the paddle moving through the water, allowing us to fully soak in the tranquility of this vast wetland. The views are simply outstanding. The majestic limestone karst mountains rise dramatically from the clear water, creating mirror-like reflections that are breathtakingly beautiful. Drifting through the reeds and under the cliffs felt like entering a secluded paradise. We even passed through a cave, which added a sense of adventure to the serene setting. A special mention must go to the very kind woman who drove our boat. Her friendly demeanor and careful rowing made the journey feel personal and comfortable. It's clear that the local people running these tours take pride in preserving this beautiful environment. This is a must-do trip for anyone seeking stunning natural landscapes combined with complete serenity. Highly recommended for a quiet, visually spectacular morning or afternoon!

So peaceful and quoted, especially compared to other natural boat rides in the area. We saw lemurs. It was raining so we didn’t get to see many birds like we had hoped, but the 1000s of lotus floors in bloom made up for it.

Worth going to for sure! They ride you along to the beautiful mountains and caves!

Food and price are OK, but not very good. Far from pier

Ok

Ok

Ok

Good

(Translated by Google) The relic management board did not fulfill its responsibilities on the first day of Tet. Boat and canoe services are not safe and provide bad service. Improper collection of parking fees. (Original) Ban quản lý di tích không làm tròn trách nhiệm trong ngày mùng 1 Tết. Dịch vụ thuyền, cano không an toàn, làm dịch vụ tệ. Thu tiền gửi xe không phù hợp.

(Translated by Google) Attractive tourist destinations during Lunar New Year (Original) Điểm du lịch hấp dẫn vào dịp tết âm lịch

Huong Pagoda, set among the mountains and rivers about 60 kilometers from Hanoi, is one of the most famous spiritual sites in Vietnam. The journey itself is part of the experience—you take a boat ride along a peaceful river lined with limestone cliffs before reaching the pagoda complex. The main cave temple is impressive, with natural rock formations combined with sacred shrines, creating a unique atmosphere that feels both majestic and serene. During festival season, it can be very crowded, but outside of that time, the area is calm and offers beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a mix of cultural exploration, spiritual atmosphere, and natural beauty, Huong Pagoda is worth the trip.

Perfume Pagoda is a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built in the Hương Tich mountain. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Vietnam. I visted this place few years ago and have some notes below: - There is a bus from My Dinh bus station to Perfume Pagoda. The bus will stop at the main road and you can walk abt 2 km from bus stop to the tourist center of Perfume Pagoda that nearby the Ben Duc boat whaft. You buy ticket here and don't forget to get a leaflet to know abt attractions. - The only way to reach Perfume pagoda is by boat and on the way there, the boat will stop at some spots for tourists to have a look. The ticket price includes boat service, but you must share the boat with others and have to wait the boat full (5-6 people) to start the trip. If you want to rent an entire boat for yourself, ask the staff in ticket counter for the price. If you share the boat, you just can visit some main destinations on the tour, and if you don't know people who share the boat with you, it is quite inconvenient abt the time. But if you rent the entire boat, you can discuss with the boatman abt where you want to visit and you are not be rushed by others. - Thien Tru Pagoda and Huong Tich Cave (named "The Most Beautiful Cave Under the Southern Sky") are the 2 must-visit on this trip. From Perfume Pagoda to Huong Tich Cave, you can take a cable car or walk up the mountain. I recommend walking up because it is quite easy with the staircase, just abt 30-60 min and there are some spots you can visit on the way. If you take cable car, you will skip them. - If you can speak Vietnamese, you can chat with locals and hear some intertesting folktales abt the sacredness of this place. I personally, can felt it by myself, so be mindful of your words and your behavior here. Many couples struggling with infertility come here to pray for a child. - First 3 months of lunar year is pilgrimage season and Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of the Vietnam’s largest Buddhist celebration, so has many activities to enjoy. Though, if you are nt a pilgrim and don't like long crowds and long lines, you should avoid these months. The best time to visit is the fall (Aug -Oct), weather is great, not too crowded and can see a lot of blooming lotus, water lilies on the river. - If you want to visit some main attractions and explore the other surrounding temples, it will take a whole day, you should start your trip in the early morning.

First night at Hanoi and we were recommended to visit this avenue. Great singers and rock band with cool vibes. It's located in the heart of a large hipster building complex, surrounded by multiple shops and hangout spots. Perfect for an evening out! Basic drinks and cocktails are on the menu.

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

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.

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.

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 ;)

The only way to reach this temple is by boat. This is what makes this temple special. However, the boat ride is very slow and long. It is not very enjoyable. They should have a cushion or at least put a plastic chair with a backrest if they want to cut their cost. Overall, if you are a religious person, this is a person you should visit.

Beautiful pagoda. Even if you are not Buddhism, It would be memorable experience to take a trip there. Around 90 minutes driving from Ha Noi. Best time to travel is the season of lotus blooming ( from October to middle of November). In spring, it is overcrowded by people coming here to pray. The best experience is taking a small boat along the river

After the boat ride, this will be the first spot to enter before reaching the famous Perfume Pagoda. Inside the temple is an altar of Kuan Yin Bodhisattva (观音菩萨 GuanYin Pusa).

Beautiful pagoda brings peace for your busy mind.

Great boat ride experience

An ancient Buddhist temple in Vietnam. Elegant by itself. It is peaceful, calm and restful which you will feel it since walking in but preventing to come on Chinese or Lunar New Year which it will be crowded. The temple is well maintained and tidiness. Come to respect, enjoy and relax.

Beautiful gate into a main pagoda temple buildings.

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Lương Sơn, Hòa Bình, the Championship Course at Phoenix Golf Resort is a golfer’s paradise that left me in awe. Often dubbed “Hạ Long on Land,” the course is surrounded by majestic mountains and stunning scenery, with limestone cliffs and lush green fairways creating a postcard-worthy backdrop. The beautiful scenery truly elevates every swing, making it feel like you’re playing in a natural masterpiece. However, the weather can be a factor. During my visit, it was a bit hot when there’s no breeze, which made some holes feel taxing, especially in the midday sun. I’d recommend early morning tee times to enjoy cooler conditions and the serene morning light that enhances the course’s charm. While the course itself is a gem, the clubhouse is where things fall short. It needs renovations—the facilities feel dated, with visible wear and tear, and the maintenance could use a significant upgrade.

This golf course has amazing view. The hills surrounding the golf course is surely one of the best I ever seen. The fareway and greens are in good condition. We play the Phoenix course and was told the Championship course is even better. We are planning to return in December to play again!

Three 18-hole courses. Owned by Korean owners. Played at Champions Course twice: 6 Oct 2023 and 12 Nov 2024. The course is well maintained, with huge rocks and palm trees lining the side of the fairways. Some holes are stunning with elevated tees. Had lunch at the restaurant that sells Korean food when we were looking for Vietnam fare. Fried rice with egg cost VND169,000.

The course is in a beautiful location, just a short drive from the city, surrounded by nature and stunning views. The layout was fun, with a good mix of challenging holes and easier ones, making it enjoyable for golfers of all levels. The facilities were solid—modern clubhouse, clean locker rooms, and a nice pro shop. Once the renovations are complete, I’m sure it’ll be even better. After the round, I grabbed a bite at the restaurant, and the food was pretty good. The service was excellent, too. The staff were friendly, and the caddies gave helpful tips throughout the game. Overall, it’s a great spot to play if you're looking for a nice course without all the fuss. Great experience! Definitely recommend it!

This is the 9th golf course I’ve played in Vietnam and it’s easily the worst of them all. The facilities are very old and in bad shape (inside and outside). They don’t have an ATM. On the course, the grass was too high on the tee boxes and several holes had dented rims. Our caddies lost interest in taking care of my group on the back nine, despite us tipping them up front 500k. However, one positive about the course is the beautiful surrounding mountain views. If it was half the price to play golf here, maybe I’d return.

Challenge. Champion course probably is for champions. I am totally broken with my double handicap scores. Fairway grass is not fine and green is super fast.However, the landscape is brilliant and enjoyable. One of the must-play golf course of Viet Nam.

This golf club is currently better much than before because good green management, good service to player, many professional caddy can help to players for enjoy of nice play score..moreover this golf club is famous with breathtaking and stunning view of scenery 😍 . The location not so far from Hanoi just take a 1hr more or less from Hanoi.

Hands down one of the best museums I've been to. There are three floors of educational content that really take you through the expectations, roles, and experiences of women in Vietnamese culture and history, and you will feel moved by many of the displays. The second floor, which was about women's role in war, was especially informative and interesting. I also highly recommend getting the audio-guided tour if you want the full experience - it's only 40k dong and they have it in Vietnamese, English, Chinese, Korean, and French. The whole guided audio tour will take about an hour and a half and will tell you about all of the displays you see. I know they also have an option of a human guide, but I think the audio guide was very, very detailed. I'd do it again if I were back in Hanoi. Must-see to really get a feel of the history of Vietnam, learn how women contribute to the people's victory during the Vietnam war, and of course also learn about family life and childbirth in the country.

We arrived at opening time. You work your way through three floors of displays broken up into subjects and themes. Very well laid out with signs explaining everything. I did come across one section where the door was closed and the room was dark, but looking through the glass of the door it looked like something was inside. I opened the door and the lights came on. It was a whole area that I would have missed if I hadn't tried the door. Everything in the museum was interesting but my favorites were the clothing. Unique, colorful, and beautiful. If you are looking for something relaxing, or need to get out of the heat or rain, and would like to learn something at the same time, this is a good place to visit.

Outstanding museum dedicated to women's contribution to the life, society, culture, economy and war effort in Vietnam. Properly structured across 3 floors, it is a lovely display of objects interspersed with detailed captions and explainer write-ups. The audio-guide is a must because it is very well curated in alignment with he exhibits and has more context to offer than what you just see in front of you. It is difficult to point out a favorite gallery because each one is better than the other - though the war effort gallery was quite an emotional journey to go through. All objects and writings curated beautifully.

A museum located in centre of Hanoi near Hoan kiem lake . This is dedicated about history of women’s of Vietnam by displaying their evolution and contributions in the society of Vietnam. This museum is very spacious having multiple floors Divided in various sections,this place displays numerous objects related to life of women of different ethnicity aling with different timelines of Vietnamese history. The objects gives idea about the life of Vietnamese women around different geographical part and time period including clothes ,utensils ,agricultural equipments used by them. One section explains the different cultural tradition related to major events in the life of women. Another section displays their contribution during time of prolonged war. The objects are well explains by means of a detailed and easily readable description in English as well for foreign tourist This place is tickted The objects are well preserved and premises is well maintained. You can also buy souvenirs at ground floor You can also buy cold drinks water and some snacks near ticket counter 1 HR is at least needed to enjoy this place

One of the fascinating place to get an idea about the traditional dresses of Vietnam People. Though of long back styles, these fits well to modern ethnic wear. The bridal sections are colourful & awesome. One has to spend at least 2 hours for a leisure go around. A well curated - not to miss museum

Such a unique and educational experience with tons of engaging knowledge and forms of media! My major criticism about this place is I would’ve loved to have one of these posters or artwork pieces as a postcard to take home. Instead, the gift shop was full of AI art that discouraged me from buying much from there. I think changing that inventory would make it a top tier museum

Superb! Great photos and real life stories of the remarkable women in Vietnam…go, see it is truly wonderful and thought provoking! We left with a huge respect for Vietnamese women of the past, present and future. We bought tickets at the door …v reasonable at 40,000 each!

The building is four floors high, but only the first floor was open to the public. The ticket price was 40,000 VND per adult. After passing through the entrance, many tanks and fighter planes are displayed on both sides of the vast grounds. The building itself is quite spacious, with the left side of the main entrance leading to exhibition rooms covering periods from BC to after the World War II, and the right side leading to exhibition rooms covering periods from before the Vietnam War to the present day. Because it is quite large, visitors who wish to see all the exhibits thoroughly will likely need two to three hours. All exhibits feature accompanying English explanations, making them easy to understand. However, it appears there was no audio guide available. This spot is recommended for those who wish to experience Vietnamese history from a Vietnamese perspective. The only inconvenience is its location, being a little way from the city centre.

Vietnam Military History Museum I personally enjoyed this museum a lot because it really shows the full journey of how Vietnam has gone through its history to become what it is today. The museum is huge and very well organized, with a clear layout that guides you from the earliest periods all the way to modern times. There are many fascinating ancient artifacts and historical items on display, each giving you a deeper understanding of the country’s past. The exhibits are arranged in a way that makes the story easy to follow, so you can walk through the timeline step by step and see how events shaped the nation. One thing I especially liked was the use of simple and easy-to-understand cartoon illustrations that tell the stories of national heroes. It makes the museum more engaging and accessible, even for those who might not be familiar with the history beforehand. Overall, it’s a meaningful and well-presented museum that helps you appreciate how far Vietnam has come. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in history or wanting to understand the country on a deeper level.

I visited the Vietnam Military History Museum while in Hanoi, and it turned out to be one of the more memorable stops of my trip. The outdoor displays with old tanks, planes, and even parts of downed aircraft are quite striking, but what really stood out to me were the stories behind them. Inside, you get a real sense of Vietnam’s past and how much the country has endured and overcome. Some exhibits are a bit old-fashioned, but that almost adds to the atmosphere. If you’re curious about Vietnam’s history, this place is definitely worth a visit.

Huge and brand new. Not fully open yet but will definitely be awesome when it's all completed. Their still adding new areas and doing construction. Definitely worth a visit if you can take a taxi out to the new location. Very hot during the day outside. Inside is nice and air conditiones.

This has to be one of the best war history museums in the world. I've been to a great many and have rarely been as impressed. We paid 80,000vd ( that's about £2.10 in GBP for 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 16 which is an absolute steal. Outside is a really impressive collection of military hardware captured from the Americans during the Vietnam war including an amazing art installation made from parts of a plane shot down. Inside, not only is there a very detailed modern section given to the war with the US but also detailed history of the history of the country stretching back over 1,000 years. It's all pretty new and the landscaping at the rear is still not complete but that in no way detracts from what's inside. Lots of buses and taxis available on the highway but not a great deal to buy food wise which is a shame as you could easily spend 3/4 hours or more here. It's huge! A really good place to understand better the sometimes troubled history of this beautiful country.

This is a must see if you are in Hanoi and are interested in military history. One of the best museums I've ever been to. It's absolutely massive and took nearly half a day to see everything. There are literally thousands of exhibits. Outside there are so many tanks, planes and heavy artillery etc and inside so many rooms displaying so much history. Well worth a visit and it was free to get in when I went.

Well worth a detour. The place is huge, and very modern. Its view appears a bit one-sided re the '70's but I suspect they would say the same of our histories. The vindictive covered go back to about 400AD.

Stepping into Hoa Lo Prison was like walking back in time. The dark cells, heavy doors, and detailed exhibits created a somber atmosphere that really conveyed the weight of its history. The information throughout was clear and engaging, making the stories of the past feel vivid and real. It wasn’t crowded during my visit, so I could wander quietly and reflect, spending about an hour inside. The entry fee was very reasonable for such a powerful experience. With half the site outdoors and little air conditioning inside, the heat added to the intensity of the visit. A haunting yet unforgettable stop in Hanoi.

Nice place. You will get to see the history of the prison, the way they showcasing the history with the realistic statues will make you feel standing there back then. Well preserved and details written everywhere. Even without the audio guide also you will understand everything.

Definitely worth a visit if you want to learn about Vietnam’s history during the French occupation and the Vietnam War. The displays are eye opening and tell the story really well. It is sad to see how prisoners were kept shackled before execution, but it gives real perspective on what they went through. A powerful place to visit and highly recommended.

HOA LO (HANOI HILTON) prison will be of great interest for anyone who has taken the time to research Vietnam's history, and it's struggles with transient foreign powers. The setting underlines the incredible will power of the Vietnamese people to endure inhuman treatment at the hands of external aggressor's. In recent years the prison was synonymous for detaining American pilots, downed during 'missions'. The facility is well visited by the local citizens and tourists alike. There are audible guides freely available which allow you to comfortably solo guide through the setting. The venue is well maintained, very informative and th staff are helpful. What more can you ask for.

Situated in the city and easy to reach from the old quarters. Only a small portion of the original facility remained. Lots of exhibits showing the history and condition of the prisoners and we were able to walk into the cells as well. Worth a visit if you have never visited a prison.

A powerful and emotional museum that tells the story of Vietnam’s turbulent past. Hoa Lo Prison offers well-curated exhibits, strong visuals, and detailed explanations that help you understand the realities faced by prisoners. A sobering but important visit — highly recommended if you want to learn more about Hanoi’s history.

Very very interesting and informative, definitely a must see if you’re visiting Hanoi. Also the gift shop here has very cheap prices for souvenirs! I regret not buying souvenirs there because I found the same items sold for more expensive at markets.

We visited this lake as part of a city tour. The stories told by our guide were certainly more interesting than the surrounding scenery and attractions. It's definitely a must-see if you're staying in Hanoi.

Located at the heart i.e old part of Hanoi near old quarters. In English it is known as lake of returned sword It’s one of the most famous tourist spot for visitors and hangout spot for locals The circumference of lake is paved for joggers. At evening lot of crowd gather at square near lake to enjoy the serene atmosphere with local music bands /individuals playing music. There are lot of vendors selling food to tourist No ticket required to visit here. There is a famous temple located at the islet in the lake reached via wooden bridge that lighted from evening. The lake is habitat to giant turtles ,few bodies of turtles are preserved and displayed in the temple. There is also a old tower at midst of lake. A must visit place in Hanoi.

Loved our morning stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake just around the old quarters. Beautiful view, fresh air, and plenty of space to walk as the paths are wider than the streets that most are used to. Came across a few runners, countless walking, and numerous couples, families, and friends opting for photography with this beautiful lake. Can't blame them! There is a bridge that requires some sort of entry fee to receive access but today we simply soaked in the experience. Locals clearly love to gather around this place too. A temple at the centre of the lake is within view. The greenery and garden surrounding the lake is so well taken care of. Saw several locals watering and caring for it during our stroll.

Such a magic place to visit, perfect for a casual walk after a feed or even to get some exercise in. Seeing the locals exercise around the lake gives you a feeling of happiness and calm. It's truely beautiful ✨️❤️

To have this lake in the middle of Hanoi is such a respite from the hustle bustle of the old quarters. It's breezy and calm, and seems to absorb all the frenzy within it. Love sitting by the lake on cloudy morning or breezy evenings and chewing away on my banh mi. Highly recommend to stay close the lake, preferably with lake facing views from hotels when visiting as a tourist.

This is a great site to go for a walk and see some of Hanoi. There are other sites nearby this lake, as well as a plethora of places to eat and drink.

Hoan Kiem Lake is the calm heart of Hanoi — a beautiful place to walk, relax, and enjoy the city’s atmosphere. Surrounded by trees, cafés, and local life, it’s especially charming in the evening when the lights reflect on the water. Peaceful, scenic, and a must-see in the Old Quarter.

Constructed between 1884 and 1886, its design resembles Notre Dame de Paris, and it serves as a significant historical and spiritual landmark. Its an old Roman Catholic church located in the city's Old Quarter in Hanoi. The church is known for its striking architecture, intricate stained glass, featuring tall spires and a weathered exterior that adds to its timeless charm. It was very close to our hotel so we made several trips here . It is mostly crowded around this area. There are cozy cafes surrounding it n a school too.

Very beautiful church/cathedral They have mass furing Friday and Saturday. We were not allowed to enter druing the Sat 6pm mass for some reason. Not sure why, i cannot understand what the lady was saying. So we just prayed outside. Will definitely love to visit and enter next time. Many people around since these is located near the old quarters where there are lots of cafes. Traffic is crazy so i think walking while going around is the best.

The Cathedral had a really good architecture. Outside is full busy with everyone trying to take pictures. I was disappointed it was not open and not sure why it was closed. No one really had an answer to that, I went during a normal working day during day time around midday. Kind of disappointed it was closed!

Very appreciative that we had the opportunity to spend time admiring this gorgeous Cathedral. We were so moved emotionally after praying in this sacred space. A must see whilst in Hanoi.

Beautiful maintained Cathedral in a Communist ruled country says a lot for religious inclusiveness & freedom to practice one's religion. Peaceful, Serene, Beautiful.... Absolutely worth the visit.

A peaceful and beautifully preserved cathedral in the heart of Hanoi. St. Joseph’s Cathedral impresses with its neo-Gothic architecture, quiet interior, and timeless atmosphere. A perfect stop to escape the city noise, take photos, and enjoy a moment of calm. Definitely worth visiting.

One of the few Catholic Churches in the city of Hanoi.. as a catholic Christian.. it’s always a must to visit the churches on the country your visiting.. we had a prayer of thanks and safe travels for our family

The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám) is an absolute must-see in Hanoi, offering a beautiful and tranquil escape from the city's hustle. This isn't just a temple; it is the site of Vietnam's first national university, founded in 1070, and it wonderfully captures the nation's profound and enduring respect for education. ​Walking through the five courtyards, you are treated to stunning, well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, especially the iconic Khue Van Cac (Constellation of Literature Pavilion), which is so significant it's the symbol of Hanoi! The shaded green gardens and the central Well of Heavenly Clarity provide a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. Be sure to see the 82 ancient Doctoral Stelae, set upon stone turtles, which honor the successful graduates of royal exams—a moving testament to centuries of scholarship. ​It is a rich, calming, and deeply meaningful historical site that beautifully tells the story of Vietnam's cultural heritage.

It must have been graduation photo day because it was unbelievably crowded, and there was another event happening inside as well. Still, it definitely felt like I was visiting a major landmark. It’s a place that becomes much more enjoyable when you read the explanations. Since it has a long history and many stories related to Confucius and his disciples, I recommend reading the brochures or information panels. *Free admission for children under 13. *Adults: 70,000 VND.

A beautiful and historically rich landmark dedicated to Vietnam’s first national university. The Temple of Literature blends serene gardens, traditional Vietnamese architecture, and a deep cultural atmosphere. A peaceful place to walk, take photos, and learn about the country’s academic heritage. Truly a must-see in Hanoi.

The Temple of Literature is a remarkable historical site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s first national university, once dedicated entirely to literature and scholarly excellence. Walking through its courtyards and traditional architecture feels like stepping back in time—every detail reflects the artistry and cultural depth of the era. However, not everything was ideal during my visit. This is a popular spot for graduation photos, and at this time of year the place was packed with students, photographers, teachers, and families. Because of the crowds, it was difficult to fully appreciate the calm and beauty the site is known for. Even so, the Temple of Literature remains a wonderful place to explore, full of history, symbolism, and charm. With fewer visitors, it would be an even more meaningful experience.

This is a very pleasant place to visit. We pais 70k per adult and we enjoyed our time foi g around the different buildings. There are souvenir shops inside, as well as a man who will do a writing of your choosing (e.g. prosperity) for 100k per piece - which I think it is a great gift to give to someone (plus it is very interesting to see him doing it).

The Temple of Literature is truly one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I visited in Hanoi. Built in 1070, it is known as Vietnam’s first national university, dedicated to Confucius and the values of knowledge, discipline, and moral character. Despite being nearly a thousand years old, the compound is incredibly well-preserved — from its iconic red gates to its quiet courtyards, lotus ponds, and traditional Vietnamese architecture. The moment you step inside, the noise of Hanoi fades away and is replaced by a calm, almost sacred atmosphere. What stands out the most is its sense of wisdom and history. The stone steles carried by turtles — engraved with the names of ancient scholars — are powerful reminders of how deeply Vietnam values education. Every corner feels symbolic, meaningful, and surprisingly photogenic without losing its authenticity. Overall, the Temple of Literature is a must-visit in Hanoi. Whether you come for history, culture, architecture, or simply a peaceful break from the busy city, this place leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let me tell you that this museum is exactly what I needed to see in Hà Nội! It’s worth visiting if you’re a student or interested in pedagogy, too, because it shows how far civilisation has come to develop to the levels we have today. I can see why it’s such an important historical landmark, not just in Vietnam, but Asia and worldwide.

The show was really good! It was fun and playful but kept it's traditional ways. You can hire an audio guide for an extra 50,000. It tells you about what is going on and some history but it is not essential you can enjoy without. If you are shorter I recommend paying for a closer seat but otherwise you can see. You can go to the theatre to see the availability for tickets and times and but them ahead of time. Recommend booking ahead as some days are booked out. It is also cheaper there then going via any websites!

It's a must watch if you are in Hanoi... its a unique experience with live music n voice over by their renowned artists. You need not know the language just pick up the brochure before entering the hall and you can totally understand what is being performed. Short stories are narrated and its just 50 minutes show. So just relax and enjoy this magical show .

I love the show. I love the music too. It is a way to experience Vietnam culture. The tickets at the door are about USD$4.50. Online will cost you $13. The only convenience thing of buying online is that you can buy it ahead because in certain occasions they are sold out.

The atmosphere is lively, the traditional music is beautiful, and the whole vibe feels very authentically Vietnamese. The musicians especially were fantastic - their energy and skill added so much to the performance. That said, the entire show is in Vietnamese, so I couldn’t understand a word of the narration or dialogue. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did make it harder to follow the storyline in some scenes. Still, the visuals, puppetry, and cultural elements were enjoyable enough that I didn’t mind too much.

The concept of the show is truly unique and an important part of Vietnamese tradition. However, the way it is presented could be much better. There are different episodes, but they are not really connected to each other. There is no clear storyline, and overall the performance feels a bit fragmented. For tourists who don’t understand the local language, it is especially difficult to follow. The translation service, which comes at a high price, does not really solve the problem — it is very partial and often unclear. You don’t know what the songs are about, and the meaning of the performance is easily lost. Because this is such a significant cultural event, I expected more in terms of storytelling, accessibility, and translation quality. Still, it’s worth seeing once to experience a unique part of Vietnamese culture.

Traditional Vietnamese wooden puppet show that explores different episodes depicting traditional Vietnamese rural lifestyle. Story and songs are all in Vietnamese, however you do have the choice to buy an audio guide that explains the meaning of the different episodes that you are watching. It's not a full translation of the dialogues that at times take place, however it is helpful to understand the basic storyline. It is a very unique show that is worth attending. Buying tickets in advance is recommended as shows do sell out quickly.

I highly recommend this charming hotel. The cleanliness, service, and kindness of the staff—from reception and reservations to restaurant management—made our stay exceptional. A special thanks to Hannah for her kind support and patience in arranging our beautiful trip to Halong Bay. An experience truly worth repeating.

I’m not some history/architecture/religious geek but I think it’s a nice building and so is the area around it. The building seems to be a bit abandoned especially from the behind but considering it’s also free of charge, it’s not a bad option to visit this location. There are several small shops where you can buy souvenirs for affordable price and even WC. Would also be nice if other tourists had manners and not jump in everywhere, otherwise had a good experience. As for the dress-code it’s very often in similar places to be asked to cover shoulders and legs but we didn’t notice any signs and weren’t asked anything so I would recommend to have something on you, just in case :)

One Pillar Pagoda is a unique and peaceful temple in Hanoi with beautiful traditional architecture. It’s small but full of cultural and spiritual significance. A great spot for photos and to experience Vietnam’s rich history and Buddhist heritage.

This place is a must visit - you can find some fantastic pagodas/architecture with lot of similar culture and practices similar to India. Expect lot of tourist here as this place is a popular destination. The lake view surrounding this place is also very nice.

An ancient pagoda with the unique architecture, built in the Ly dynasty, abt a thousand years ago (the temple was demolished in the war 1954 and rebuilt right after that). The king Ly built this pagoda after his dream of the female Buddhist goddess. The pagoda is to worship and expresses his thanks to Quan Am Bo Tat. This is a spiritual and cultural symbol of Hanoi.

The One Pillar Pagoda, located near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, is a unique temple built on a single stone pillar, symbolizing a lotus flower. Dating back to 1049, it’s a beautiful and peaceful spot with deep spiritual meaning. Free entry and a must-visit when in Hanoi.

Incredibly beautiful grounds. One Pillar Pagoda is the Cecelia attraction with surrounding ponds and zen type gardens. Many people wth colorful stalls with gift/food items and souvenirs. Lovely day. No entrance fee, but b/c this is on the grounds of the Ho Chi Min square, you must wait in line and go through metal detectors and bag seach.

The One Pillar Pagoda is a small iconic landmark nestled in the heart of Hanoi. We missed it first time and had to go back again a few days later. It was built in 1049 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong. Supported by a single stone pillar rising from a lotus pond, its architecture is truly unique and symbolic in Vietnamese Buddhism. The site is located within the Ba Dinh District, not far from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and shaded pathways that offer a calm escape from the bustling city streets. It’s a quick but worthwhile stop—many visitors were spending around 10–20 minutes here, making it perfect to combine with nearby attractions like the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda Museum. Early morning is the best time to visit for quieter crowds and softer lighting for photos. While small in scale, the site holds great spiritual and historical value. Saturday 7 am–6 pm Sunday 7 am–6 pm Monday 7 am–6 pm (Vesak) Hours might differ Tuesday 7 am–6 pm Wednesday 7 am–6 pm Thursday 7 am–6 pm Friday 7 am–6 pm

Beautiful grounds with the palace and mausoleum. We went right when it opened at 7:30 and there were no crowds. It was easier to appreciate the grandness of it all without tons of your groups. Much of the grounds are blocked off, but guards were friendly and made it clear where to go.

A fascinating and respectful place to visit. The complex is well maintained and the atmosphere is calm and dignified. The queue was long but moved quickly, and the guards were very professional. It took around two hours in total, including security checks and walking through the site. It was quite hot and humid, so bring water and dress comfortably. A meaningful and highly recommended experience to learn about an important part of Vietnam’s history.

I'm Anthony, and these are my kneecaps. I was allowed in. My shorts were just touching the tops of my kneecaps. I asked the guard if it was a bit higher, then demonstrated to him, would I be let in? He said no. The security is strict at the metal detector. Ba Dinh Square itself is free to visit. The Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Stilt House area are an additional charge. Viewing the HCM mausoleum from the outside is free. There was a very nice volunteer tour orginazation giving free tours. Definitely recommend reaching out to them.

Visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a truly respectful and historical site in Hanoi. Entry is *free of charge*, and no tickets are required. The atmosphere is calm and well-organized, with clear security procedures. It’s a must-visit to understand Vietnam’s history and pay respects to their beloved leader. Dress modestly and arrive early as it can get crowded.

I so loved the deep culture of this place and respect the Vietnamese people give to their first president. He is often known as an Uncle too in every Vietnamese family. Good place to visit and see once when at Vietnam

Nice place to visit - well laid out wide avenues with the parliament building, ministry of defence and then main attraction - the mausoleum are very good. I believe parade happens here on special occasions like independence day and other special national events day. That must be a grand spectacle!

Awesome place to learn and appreciate the impact and contribution of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. It is a large complex so be prepared to walk. Note that security is super strict - dress modestly, keep phones in your bags during security check, follow the line, no taking of pictures inside the mausoleum.

It was a little difficult to find the entrance to the grounds when coming from the museum. Once inside the grounds it was very peaceful. Seeing the house that Ho Chi Minh lived in and strategized Viet Nam’s independence from was surreal.

It is behind the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House is the cozy little spot in Hanoi. It is secured by military officials. Dress respectfully. It’s just a simple wooden house on stilts where Uncle Ho actually lived and worked, surrounded by fruit trees and a pond. You can walk up the tiny stairs and peek into his modest bedroom and study, with the old radio and books still there. Its a look into the simple life of Uncle Ho. Absolute must-see in Hanoi!

Such a great part of history to witness! Growing up, I studied the Vietnam War and was delighted to be able to see the house where he lived and worked up close. Things were well protected in glass cabinets and behind a wooden fence.

Beautiful area in its own right which you come to after following the path from the mausoleum. Good to see how living was back then for a man of this stature and how his environment was adapted with age. Again walk around given path, no real waiting but you can take photos.

I am happy to have a chance to see Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House up close. I don't know when we will not be able to get any closer to the house anymore like most of the other historical buildings in the world. This is a wood construction, and the type of wood will last more than a thousand years, based on the tour guide.

Growing up I heard so much about Ho Chi Minh so it was rather special to visit this incredibly humble house. It says a lot about the man. The house is a simple wooden stilt house, reflecting Ho Chi Minh's modest lifestyle. It has been preserved as a museum, allowing visitors to see the living quarters and personal belongings of Ho Chi Minh. The Stilt House is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is part of the larger Presidential Palace complex, which includes other historical buildings and structures.

It is an extra option of 40,000 VND (~1.65 USD) for visiting Ho Chi Minh’s working place and his house. There is not much besides old house and his personal belonging. For Vietnamese it’s free I guess. Well if you already flew here why not spend a little more money to see historical place and take some photo for whatever.

Wow this place caught me off guard. Learned so much about ancient building techniques. It's a living history type outdoor space, where full scale village homes are displayed. You can walk into these homes and gain great insight into how different indigenous people built their homes and conducted home life. If low on time, skip the initial craft exhibit area and go straight out back to the homes. Must visit!

Love this place! Very informational on the cultural practices and rituals of different ethnic groups. Love to see all the artifacts and house models. The experience climbing into different stilt houses was also memorable. Very well organized and enjoyable ! Highly Recommended !

Very interesting. I did not know there were so many ethnic people in Vietnam. All with their own language and culture. It’s worth to visit.

Very fascinating and a gentle spacious quiet antidote to the busy city. It will be an invitation to explore more of Vietnam, especially the beautiful north.

Must see museum on the history and different ethnic groups of Vietnam. The displays, information provided, and stunning architecture in the nearby garden makes is a highlight of our Hanoi stay. Recommended!

If you have some time in Hanoi, this is a great place to learn more about Vietnamese culture. 🎟️ Ticket prices: 40k VND for adults (over 18) and 20k VND for children. ⏱️ The visit usually takes around 1–2 hours. Inside, the museum has AC which makes it very comfortable, and outside you can explore beautiful traditional houses. You can also choose to watch a water puppet show for an additional 50k VND. There’s also a nice café near the exit where you can relax after your visit. Highly recommended for families and anyone interested in local traditions!

The Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi is a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. I had a fascinating experience learning about the 54 ethnic tribes of Vietnam, and the exhibits provided a deep insight into their traditions and lifestyles. Highly recommend adding this to your Vietnam itinerary!

My first destination to Hanoi, Vietnam was to Tran Quoc Pagoda, which we can see that its surrounded by the West Lake. Vendors can be seen selling all kinds of food and souvenir across the sidewalk before reaching the Pagoda. Its a beautiful sight, but due to unbearable heat, some of the fishes were dead and the whole place feels humid. Overall, it was an ok experience.

Nice lake for a long distance run. Most of the loop can be done right next to the lake with a nice breeze. About 15-16 km in total.

This beautiful lake is located about 6 km from city center. After visiting oldest Buddhist temple Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, which is next to lake, we stopped here for some time. It's beautiful lake ideal for photo opportunity. Three were few few vendors around selling souvenirs. We had cold fresh coconut water which was very nice. Worth visiting for few minutes...

West Lake is a peaceful escape in the middle of Hanoi. The view is wide and beautiful, especially at sunset. Around the lake you can find cafés, temples, and quiet spots to relax. It’s perfect for a morning walk, cycling, or just enjoying the fresh air away from the busy streets of the Old Quarter.

My friend wanted me to see West Lake, so I went with him. It was such a cool place. It's peaceful and there are many cafes. You can also see some food shops as well. It's much better if you just want to chill out rather than go to the city centre which is bustling with tourists.

ride a bike around this lake was the most chilling thing i’ve ever done. If u go early in the morning, there would be not rl crowd and the scene, atmosphere was so great, the wind,..

Beautiful scenery and lovely walk around the lake. It was busy, the weather a little grey, and gloomy, but a had a mystical feel about it . Enjoyed a nice walk around

Ok

Ok

Beautiful 👍

Beautifully

(Translated by Google) Cung Temple - Ngoc Well Bac Ninh is one of the famous historical and cultural spiritual relics, bearing the mark of Kinh Bac land. This place is not only associated with mysterious legends but also a sacred destination, attracting tourists and Buddhists from all over to come to worship and pray for peace. (Original) Đền Cùng - giếng Ngọc Bắc Ninh là một trong những di tích lịch sử và văn hóa tâm linh nổi tiếng, mang đậm dấu ấn của xứ Kinh Bắc. Nơi đây không chỉ gắn liền với những truyền thuyết kỳ bí mà còn là điểm đến linh thiêng, thu hút du khách và phật tử thập phương đến chiêm bái, cầu an.

(Translated by Google) My family often goes to the temple ceremony at the beginning of the new year. My favorite place is Ngoc Well here :) “No matter who goes to the four directions It's not as good as burning incense at Cung temple." Cung Temple is a sacred place of a region with mountains, forests, rivers, beaches, and worships the sacred Mother Goddess Tam Phu. Worshiping the Mother Goddess is as sacred as a tree with roots and a river with a source, so the belief in worshiping the Mother Goddess is the soul and cultural identity of Vietnam. Legend has it that during the Early Le and Ly dynasties, when the soldiers and soldiers fought along the Cau River, they all came to the temple and island and all came true, repelling the invaders and protecting the territory. The sacred atmosphere here is also known through the image of the Jade Well in front of the temple, the water from the well is clear and cool in all seasons, filling up and never ending, like the milk from Mother Mountain nourishing the people for generations. . People coming to the temple can draw water from the well to wash their faces and hands, or they can ask to bring it back in plastic cans to boil water for tea 🥰 The temple is located in the Diem Village area - also the cradle of Bac Ninh Quan Ho folk songs, so right next to the temple is the very large Bac Ninh Quan Ho Folk Song Theater 😍 Especially this Diem village has delicious banh te. When you come to the temple, remember to enjoy it :) (Original) Nhà mình thường đến lễ đền đầu năm mới. Thích nhất là Giếng Ngọc nơi đây :) “Dù ai đi lễ bốn phương Không bằng linh hiển thắp hương đền Cùng” Đền Cùng là chốn địa linh của một vùng có núi rừng, sông nước, bờ bãi, thờ Mẫu Tam phủ linh thiêng. Việc thờ Mẫu linh thiêng như cây có cội, sông có nguồn, do đó tín ngưỡng thờ Mẫu là tâm hồn, bản sắc văn hoá của Việt Nam. Tương truyền rằng thời Tiền Lê, thời Lý khi quan quân đánh giặc dọc tuyến sông Cầu đều tới đền cầu đảo và đều ứng nghiệm, đánh đuổi được quân xâm lược và bảo vệ bờ cõi Khí thiêng nơi đây còn được biết tới qua hình ảnh Giếng Ngọc ở trước đền, nước giếng có màu xanh ngọc trong veo mát lành bốn mùa, vơi lại đầy không bao giờ hết, như dòng sữa từ Mẹ Núi nuôi dưỡng con dân bao đời. Người dân tới lễ đền có thể múc nước giếng để rửa mặt, rửa tay hoặc có thể xin mang về bằng can nhựa để nấu nước pha trà 🥰 Đền nằm ở khu Làng Diềm - cũng là cái nôi của làn điệu dân ca quan họ Bắc Ninh nên ngay cạnh đền là Nhà hát dân ca quan họ Bắc Ninh rất to 😍 Đặc biệt là khu làng Diềm này có bánh tẻ rất ngon. Anh chị em tới lễ đền nhớ thưởng thức nhé :)

(Translated by Google) The sacred temple has a Jade well with clear water, cool green space, relaxing (Original) Ngôi đền linh thiêng có giếng Ngọc với nước trong xanh, không gian xanh mát, thư giãn