Points of interest North: Tourism & Monuments

Practical information : Sightseeing North

Timetable

Opening times vary widely. Museums are generally open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and some close at lunchtime. Many sites (pagodas, temples...) are not strictly speaking tourist attractions. They welcome visitors, but have a life of their own that must be respected.

To be booked

In Hanoi, it's best to reserve seats for certain shows and concerts. Hotel reception desks are happy to take care of this.

Budget & Tips

Entrance fees to sites and museums are generally very modest (the equivalent of less than €2). It's customary to leave a small donation when visiting pagodas.

Main events

Vietnam organizes a handful of festivals, which have acquired international renown. Traditional festivals, linked to the solar-lunar calendar, can be an opportunity to discover Vietnamese culture, but it's important to bear in mind that they are not intended for tourism, even if, as elsewhere in the world, folklorization and commercialization tend to make certain events lose their original meaning.

Guided tours

Incoming agencies offer a wide range of guided tours. On the face of it, this may seem an unattractive option for those with a taste for autonomy and independence, but in the context of a short stay, a guided tour allows you to be accompanied by a professional guide, often French-speaking, saves you time, eliminates logistical problems and saves you money (carpooling to certain remote sites). The most advanced agencies offer themed workshops (cooking classes, learning lacquerware, photography...) that allow you to discover the country from a particular angle.

Smokers

Smoking is not permitted in museums. The rules of tact and courtesy also apply.

Tourist traps

When visiting certain sites, the presence of an improvised guide is not uncommon. At the end of the tour, he (or she) will demand payment. To avoid any misunderstandings, it's best to make things clear from the outset, and to refuse clearly and unambiguously if you consider this presence to be unwelcome. It's worth bearing in mind that remuneration is often modest (the equivalent of €1 or €2) and that in some cases, the guide's advice and guidance can be very useful...

Tourist Attractions & Monuments North

OFFICE DU TOURISME DE SAPA

SAPA PATHFINDER TRAVEL

SAPA SISTERS TREKKING ADVENTURES

BAN GIOC FALLS

ETHNIC MARKETS

CAT BÀ NATIONAL PARK

VERY COASTAL BEACH

SAPA O'CHAU

DIÊN BIÊN PHU HISTORICAL VICTORY MUSEUM

BEACHES

HAIPHONG MUSEUM

MUSEUM AND PRISON OF SON LA

MUONG THANH BRIDGE (BAILEY BRIDGE)

VESTIGES OF BACH DANG GIANG

MUSEUM OF THE NAVY (BAO TÀNG HAI QUÂN)

TEMPLE (DINH) OF HÀNG

KY LUA MARKET

TAM THANH CAVES

BO PAC

FRENCH MEMORIAL

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