・Hidden Vietnam・
Unique places to discover in Vietnam
Want to uncover Vietnam’s hidden and unique sides?
Most of our travelers come to Vietnam in search of authenticity. But some of you may also be interested in discovering unusual places along the way. That’s why we created this article for you!
Here you’ll find our top 10 unusual places to visit in Vietnam. You might not cross paths with all of them, but some will definitely be on your route.
Long Bien Night Market
The chaotic Long Bien Market offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of many Hanoi residents. Located right next to the Long Bien Bridge, this wholesale market is where fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and seafood are sold in bulk.
Because it takes place in the heart of the capital, the market is held at night to avoid blocking traffic during the day. It also allows street vendors to buy their products before heading out into the city to sell them. We recommend getting up very early and visiting the market around 4–5 am, when it is at its liveliest!
You’ll be impressed by its energy. It’s a true hive of activity where everyone is busy with their own trade.
Huu Tiep Lake and the remains of a B-52 in Hanoi
This unusual war relic can be found at Huu Tiep Lake, west of the Old Quarter (about a 20-minute walk from Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum).
It is the wreckage of a B-52 bomber shot down by Vietnamese missiles on December 27, 1972. The authorities decided to leave it in place as a symbol of Vietnamese resistance against the American invaders.
The surrounding houses reflect on the small lake, creating a striking contrast between today’s peaceful life and the horrors of yesterday’s war.
The “Bun Cha Obama” restaurant in Hanoi
In 2016, during his presidential visit to Vietnam, Barack Obama joined journalist Anthony Bourdain for a meal at a typical Hanoi restaurant: Bun Cha Huong Lien.
After that famous episode, the restaurant instantly became a tourist hotspot, attracting visitors eager to try the “Obama combo” (a bowl of bun cha, spring rolls, and a beer).
Fun fact: the table where Obama and Bourdain ate has been preserved under glass!
Le Mat snake village
Located 7 km from Hanoi, Le Mat is known as the “snake village.”
The specialty here? Breeding snakes! You can see live snakes (with venom removed) and jars of rice wine filled with pythons and cobras — quite an impressive sight! Afterwards, you can sit down at one of the local restaurants to taste snake dishes and, of course… snake wine!
A truly original evening outing, though not for the faint-hearted.
The abandoned water park near Hue
Ho Thuy Tien Water Park opened in 2004 but closed just two years later, in 2006. It was left abandoned and rediscovered a few years later by backpackers in search of unusual places to explore.
The park is no longer in operation, of course, but it attracts plenty of curious visitors — both international travelers and Vietnamese — who come to take selfies among the ruins.
Over the years, it has become one of the country’s most famous “unofficial” attractions. The giant dragon structure at the center gives the park an eerie atmosphere, more like a haunted house than a water park. Today, it is almost impossible to imagine this site as anything other than abandoned.
An Bang, the city of the dead
After the abandoned water park, you can keep the eerie mood going with a visit to An Bang village, located in Phu Vang district near Hue.
What makes this village unique is the monumental tombs built with money sent by Vietnamese living abroad.
Wanting to continue the tradition of the Nguyen emperors’ mausoleums in Hue, these families commissioned grand tombs — there are around 3,000 of them in the village, each costing an average of 30,000 USD!
Ready to explore tombs the same way you would wander through an ancient village?
The “Crazy House” in Dalat
In downtown Dalat, you can visit the house of Vietnamese architect Đặng Việt Nga, known as Biệt thự Hằng Nga — or the “Crazy House.”
The building looks like something straight out of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. In reality, the architect, daughter of a former Secretary General of the Vietnamese Communist Party, was inspired by the works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí.
The site is both a hotel and a tourist attraction, with new rooms added every year. Definitely worth a visit!
The Cao Dai temples of Vietnam
Cao Dai, a religion born and practiced only in Vietnam, is characterized by its attempt to synthesize Western and Eastern religions.
The Cao Dai Holy See, located in Tay Ninh about 80 km from Ho Chi Minh City, welcomes believers of all faiths, with the main goal of finding peace through spiritual practice.
Several other temples exist across Vietnam, including one in Danang. The photo shows the interior of a Cao Dai temple — a truly unique experience.
Suoi Tien, the Buddhist theme park of Ho Chi Minh City
Here’s a fun and original outing for families visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Suoi Tien is a theme park inspired by Buddhism! Throughout the park, you’ll find references to the life of the Buddha and Buddhist beliefs. Do you need a guide to fully experience it? Not at all — just go and have fun!
The park is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, with entry at 5 USD for adults and 2.5 USD for children.
The Christ of Vung Tau
We all know the Christ of Rio de Janeiro.
But have you heard of the one in Vung Tau? Measuring 36 meters high (including its base), this statue overlooks Vung Tau Bay. Construction began in 1974 and was only completed in 1993.
You can reach it by climbing a 133-meter staircase. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the area.
