Things to do in Mong Cai
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Top 10 attractions in Mong Cai
Tra Co beach
Mong Cai · 8.1 km from downtown
Ha Long Bay
• A well-known scenic spot in Vietnam that has been included in the World Natural Heritage List; • More than 2,000 diverse rock formations rise from the calm sea; • Take a boat tour and enjoy the picturesque sea and mountain views between the small islands. ▴ Cruise through the area with numerous small islands, marvel at the peculiar rocks on both sides, and catch sight of caves, floating houses, fish farms, and more. The specific sightseeing activities may vary depending on the itinerary. ▴ Many of the peculiar rocks have been given names, reflecting their imaginative and poetic qualities, allowing you to appreciate their lively postures.Vietnam · Ha Tu
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake was originally called Green Water Lake, and was later renamed after the legend that the Vietnamese monarch Le Loi received and returned a sword here. The lake is long and narrow from north to south, and the loop around the lake is less than 2 km, which can be walked in about half an hour. The lakeside path is shaded by trees and is a daily spot for Hanoi locals to cool off and exercise. The two small islands on the lake each have their own highlights: Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island in the north has the vermilion wooden arched bridge, Cau The Huc, in front of it, connecting to the east bank across the water. The reflection of the bridge on the lake is particularly photogenic. Thap Rua Tower stands on a small island in the center of the lake, surrounded by water on all sides. The area around the lake is also a great place to experience the pace of life in Hanoi: in the early morning, citizens gather to practice Tai Chi and exercise, during the day, elderly people fish and chat in the shade of the trees, and after dark, the benches are filled with people cooling off,Vietnam · Hanoi
Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi Old Quarter is a charming part of Hanoi and the soul of its history and culture. Located north of Hoan Kiem Lake, its origins as a street district can be traced back to the Thang Long Citadel period. In the past, handicraft guilds gathered along the streets and organized markets by trade, which is why it earned the nickname "36 Streets." Today, many street names still begin with "Hang" (trade), and old names like Silk Street, Silver Street, and Festival Goods Street are still in use. Walking through them, one can still read the city's commercial memories of markets organized by trade from the street names. The charm of the old town lies in those tube houses with narrow frontages and great depth: the frontage is only a few meters wide, but the interior extends layer by layer, with shops in the front and residences in the back. Vietnamese and French styles intertwine in the narrow alleys; walking through them feels like traveling through time, making it a great place to experience the local cultural atmosphere.Vietnam · Hanoi
St. Joseph Cathedral
St. Joseph Cathedral, also known as St. Joseph Cathedral, was completed in 1886 and is one of the oldest existing churches in Hanoi. It was built under the direction of French missionaries and is a Gothic Revival building. Its granite exterior walls, paired with pointed arch doors and windows, make it a highly recognizable French-style building in the Old Quarter. The interior main altar is crafted from gilded wood carvings, with decorative details incorporating traditional Vietnamese styles; the tall, pointed arch windows are inlaid with stained glass originally shipped from France; the nave ceiling features medieval European-style ribbed vaults, and on one side, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary placed in a palanquin niche according to local customs. Nha Tho Street, opposite the church, and the surrounding streets are home to many boutique shops and cafes where you can sit down for a cup of coffee, while the surrounding large trees and French-style architecture add a touch of romance to the area.Vietnam · Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is located on the west side of Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi. It is a mausoleum housing the remains of President Ho Chi Minh and was completed in the 1970s. The entire structure is modeled after Lenin's Mausoleum at Red Square in Moscow, while incorporating local Vietnamese elements such as a sloping roof. Built entirely of gray granite, it is square, imposing, and over 20 meters high. The lintel is engraved with the name President Ho Chi Minh in deep red jade, and the viewing stands on both sides extend forward, integrating with the square. Inside, the mausoleum is paved with polished gray, black, and red stone, with soft lighting and a solemn, respectful atmosphere. The honor guards at the entrance change shifts every hour, and their synchronized marching and rifle-handling movements are a common sight that makes visitors stop and watch. The flower gardens surrounding the mausoleum contain over 200 varieties of plants from all over Vietnam.Vietnam · Hanoi
36 Pho Phuong
36 Pho Phuong is the old town area north of Hoan Kiem Lake, a maze of narrow streets and alleys, and serves as Hanoi's main commercial district. It continues the long-standing tradition of "trade streets": in the past, artisans and merchants of various trades gathered together, with each street dedicated to a single type of business. Most street names begin with "Hang" (trade), so you can guess what is sold just by looking at the street name. The entire district is bustling yet primitive, fashionable yet old-fashioned, featuring many unique handicraft shops as well as studios for local artists. Half the fun of exploring here is shopping for goods; handicrafts such as silk scarves, ao dai, and lacquerware are packed into old houses with narrow frontages and great depth. In many shops, you can see artisans working on-site, hammering silver or painting lacquer. The other half of the fun is eating: street-side rice noodle stalls are everywhere, and night market stalls often appear nearby after dark. The aroma of snacks, mixed with the endless stream of motorcycles, sets the scene for the old town's nightlife.Vietnam · Hanoi
Ba Dinh Square
Ba Dinh Square is located in the center of Hanoi, northwest of Hoan Kiem Lake. After the victory of Vietnam's "August Revolution" in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh announced the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam here, and the square has since become a political area of Vietnam. The square is 320 meters long and nearly 100 meters wide. Today, it is the place where rallies, celebrations and military parades are held on major national festivals in Vietnam. Every morning around 6:30, there is a solemn flag-raising ceremony here. If you get up early enough, you can watch the whole process of the honor guard entering the square to raise the flag. However, most tourists come to Ba Dinh Square, mainly to visit the various Ho Chi Minh-related buildings around the square. There is the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Hall on the west side of the square, the former residence of Ho Chi Minh and the Presidential Palace on the northwest side, the Ho Chi Minh Museum on the southwest side, and the One Pillar Pagoda in front of the museum.Vietnam · Hanoi
West Lake
West Lake, also known as Jinniu Lake, is a famous scenic spot in Hanoi and the largest lake in Hanoi. The West Lake covers an area of 500 hectares, and the road around the lake is 17 kilometers long. When the weather is fine, visitors can see the pale blue Umbrella Garden Mountain in the distance while walking on the embankment. Historically, as early as when the Li Dynasty settled Hanoi (Thang Long) as the capital, West Lake has become a famous tourist attraction in Hanoi, and has the reputation of "Jianhu Smoke Water West Lake Moon". Later, many temples and palaces were built around the West Lake, and there are still historical sites such as Zhenwu Temple, Zhenguo Temple, and Jinlian Temple. Since ancient times, there has been the reputation of "Jianhu Yanshui West Lake Moon". Today, the rippling yachts on the lake, the green willows fluttering by the lake, the flowers blooming on the Youth Road, the bustling tourists and pedestrians, and the cafes lining the lake all add gorgeous colors and lively vitality to the city.Vietnam · Hanoi
Tam Coc - Bich Dong
Tam Coc - Bich Dong and Ha Long Bay share similar eroded limestone landscapes, with a winding river snaking through to present a serene countryside scene. The surrounding rural area is stunning, featuring golden rice paddies with hints of green. Visitors can take a small boat ride along the river, flanked by rice paddies.Vietnam · Nam Hoa Lu
Experiences you can't miss in Mong Cai
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Free things to do in Mong Cai
Tra Co beach
Mong Cai · 8.1 km from downtownHa Long Bay
Vietnam · Ha TuHoan Kiem Lake
Vietnam · HanoiHanoi Old Quarter
Vietnam · HanoiSt. Joseph Cathedral
Vietnam · HanoiHo Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Vietnam · Hanoi36 Pho Phuong
Vietnam · HanoiBa Dinh Square
Vietnam · HanoiWest Lake
Vietnam · HanoiTam Coc - Bich Dong
Vietnam · Nam Hoa Lu
What travelers say about Mong Cai
_TI***7nOctober 7, 2026
5.0
Great day out, awesome place to see and baby long the tour guide was even better
Ha Long Bay
HAB46October 4, 2026
5.0
The Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi is one of the most visited central attractions of the city. The atmosphere is leisurely and relaxing, which makes it an easy-going place to enjoy a nighttime or a daytime stroll, while taking pictures and taking in the views of the streets around, where there are many shops, cafes and restaurants as well as street eateries.
Hoan Kiem Lake
SoghepardoSeptember 10, 2026
5.0
Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter 🇻🇳, a vibrant maze of historic streets filled with local life, street food, shops, cafés, and the unmistakable energy of Vietnam.
Hanoi Old Quarter
cientravelJuly 15, 2026
5.0
St. Joseph Cathedral is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Hanoi. Its stunning Gothic architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and vibrant surroundings make it a must-visit. Whether you come to admire the exterior, attend Mass, or simply enjoy the nearby cafés, it’s a wonderful place to experience the city’s charm and history.
St. Joseph Cathedral
Bryan_22July 26, 2026
5.0
Visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was a memorable experience. The site is peaceful, well-organized, and full of historical significance. Watching the respectful atmosphere and learning about President Ho Chi Minh's legacy made the visit meaningful. It's a must-see destination for anyone exploring Hanoi and Vietnamese history.
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Nemo666999August 1, 2026
5.0
One of the places that best reflects the spirit of Hanoi is undoubtedly "36 Phố Phường," the 36 streets of the Old City. This area has been the center of trade and daily life for centuries; each street was once dedicated to a different craft or product. For example, Hang Bac (Silver Street) is known for its jewelers, Hang Ma for its paper decorations, and Hang Dao for its textiles.
According to visitor reviews:
- Positive: The historical texture of the streets, the colonial-era buildings, and the vibrant atmosphere are very impressive. Street food, coffee culture, and the night market are best experienced here. You can encounter a different surprise around every corner.
- Negative: The crowds and motorcycle traffic can sometimes be tiring. Prices in tourist areas are a bit higher than in other parts of Hanoi.
In short: 36 Phố Phường is the heart of Hanoi. Wandering here is not just about shopping, but also about feeling the history and culture of the city. Getting lost in the streets, trying different flavors, and observing daily life are the most authentic parts of the Hanoi experience.
36 Pho Phuong
李想王国February 4, 2026
5.0
President Hu's tomb is solemn and dignified, built with Vietnamese materials but constructed in the Soviet Union.
In the northwest corner, there is a temple with the legend of Guanyin granting a child; the lintel and couplets are all in Chinese. Everyone undergoes security checks before entering the square.
Ba Dinh Square
DavisnangAugust 27, 2026
5.0
Business Hours:Address:Tips:Reasons to Recommend:Reasons to Recommend:Reasons to Recommend:west lake
West Lake
余杭剑客July 31, 2024
4.0
The scenery is pretty good. The main thing is to take a boat trip. Vietnamese boatmen row manually, and one boat can seat about 4 people. Passing through various caves, the main thing is to enjoy the scenery formed by various karst mountains and caves on the boat. The whole journey takes about 2 hours. If the weather is good, the scenery is still very good, but it is a bit sunny on the boat, so be sure to do a good job of sun protection. There are also umbrellas on the boat to block the sun.
Tam Coc - Bich Dong
