5 unusual and cool attractions to visit in Vietnam

This is for those who enjoy apocalyptic scenes, and who doesn’t these days? In 2004, Ho Thuy Tien Water Park was opened prior to its full completion. While the attractions, including a 3-story dragon aquarium, did bring in some business, the park didn’t make enough money to keep it running. Ironically it is more of a tourist attraction now that it is crumbling into ruins. On arrival, visitors to the park will find a “guard” sitting there waiting for a tip before he lets you in to explore.

Visiting Am Phu Cave outside Da Nana is a fascinating experience of the Buddhist heaven and hell. The hell cave is deep down inside the mountain and there is a demon-like sculpture waiting for you around every corner, while the smell of incense is in the air. It is no easy walk down to “hell” but it is a rewarding experience. It is also not too easy climbing back out!

Deep in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a narrow street which has been given the title “Train Street.” Every day between 3 PM and 7 PM, residents rush out to bring in their washing, bicycles and children before a train comes hurtling through their street. In some parts of the street there are only inches between the train tracks and the houses. As soon as the train has gone by, locals go back to their normal, outdoor activities.

The Cu Chi district sits on a huge network of hidden tunnels. Thousands of Viet Cong soldiers spent most of their time down here, as besides tunnels there were also communication centres, hospitals and living quarters. The tunnels are not for those with claustrophobia as the entrances are often too small for the average shoulder width. Many of the tunnels were bombed by US air strikes, but those that remain can be explored with a guide.

The ancient art of water puppetry was unknown outside Vietnam until the 1960s. The idea was first conceived by rice farmers, to entertain each other around 1,000 years ago. The practice is performed all over Vietnam but the best experience is at the Thang Long Municipal Theatre in the centre of Hanoi. Puppeteers stand behind a screen, waist deep in the water, and use long rods to make the puppets move across the water.