Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
you have to explore these places if you are an Exchange Student in Vietnam
You’ve packed your bags and you’re ready to jet off to Vietnam, a country full of rich history and eye-catching beauty. While you plan to study hard, have you considered taking some time to see the area’s landmarks, attractions, and can’t-miss destinations?
Discover some of the best places to visit as an exchange student in Vietnam, plus what you might learn once you get there.
Cao Dai Temple
This temple, built in the 1930s, is a sacred place in Vietnam. It’s the holiest site of Caodaism, a religion that was influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism, Roman Catholicism, and Taoism. When you go there, you can watch or take part in one of the four prayers that happen every day. This will give you a better idea of what the natives believe.
Hue
Hue, a city in central Vietnam, was once the capital of the royal Nguyen dynasty, the country’s last monarchy. When you visit, you’ll still see some of the original structures of the ancient town, including imperial constructions and traditional monuments.
Temple of Literature
If you’re looking for Vietnam student attractions, you can’t go wrong with the Temple of Literature. Located in Hanoi, built in the 11th century and dedicated to Confucius, this building honors scholars, and academics. This spot was also the site of the first University in Vietnam.
Imperial Citadel
Located in Hue, the Imperial Citadel offered secure walls that protected the Purple Forbidden City, an area that was exclusively home to the royal family. This Citadel also played an essential role in the Vietnam War, acting as a strategic hold due to its proximity to the demilitarized zone that separated North and South Vietnam.
Bac Ha Market
When considering where to go in Vietnam, don’t forget about the Bac Ha Market. One day per week, this town becomes the epicenter of trade. Residents from the surrounding valleys flock to the area, and you’ll find stalls selling everything from cuisine to fabric to local spices. You’ll get a taste of culture and learn a thing or two, an experience that can lead to potential career opportunities in the future.
You might also be interested in: 5 things you did not know about Vietnam
Cu Chi Tunnels
Located north of Ho Chi Minh City, these thousands of miles of tunnels were used during the Vietnam War by Viet Cong guerrillas. Here, soldiers would house troops, transport supplies, mount surprise attacks, and even lay booby traps for unwelcome guests. The tunnels were also the base of operations in 1968 for the Tết Offensive. Today, the spot is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can crawl around in the safer sections.
Con Dao Islands
The Con Dao Islands, once called the Devil’s Island of Indochina, is where thousands of prisoners were kept under French rule. Today, the historic area is popular amongst scuba divers and snorkelers. While you can enjoy some sun and sand, take the time to remember the area’s history by visiting some of the prison buildings that still stand.
My Son
If you want to step back in time to see the ancient side of Vietnam, then you can’t miss a visit to My Son. My Son is a collection of dozens of Hindu temples, which were built under the shadow of Cat’s Tooth Mountain more than 1,600 years ago. While most of the temples are now in ruins, you can get a glimpse of what the nation’s civilization once looked like.
Take Your Study Abroad to the Next Level
As an exchange student in Vietnam, you’re sure to learn a new language, meet exciting people, and discover a colorful culture. To get the most out of your trip, you should also plan a few smaller journeys. Which attractions will round out your experience and help you learn more about the country?
Are you interested in studying in Vietnam? Then you should click here.
Asia Exchange is a Finnish company providing study abroad opportunities in the Asia Pacific for students from all around the world. Want to get travel tips and new blog posts straight to your inbox? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! If you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to contact us! We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
About the Author
Alyssa Abel is a college and career writer with a love for studying abroad and language learning. Read more of her work on her blog, Syllabus.
