Top 14 Scariest Places in Vietnam

My Lai Massacre Memorial or Son My - Quang Ngai is a site dedicated to remembering the horrific My Lai massacre (also known as the Son My massacre) through shocking imagery, terrifying stories, and the names etched on plaques of over 500 victims killed by the U.S. military on March 16, 1968, during the Vietnam War. Visitors can witness firsthand the haunting photos and materials documenting the brutalities of war in Vietnam, with artifacts and memorials that continue to leave a chilling impression even decades later.

The Son My Memorial site, covering 2.4 hectares, is located in the Khê Thuận village (Tư Cung commune, Tịnh Khê district), along provincial road 24B from Quang Ngai town to Son My - My Khe - Sa Ky, and other historic sites like the Nhiều field, the watchtower, and a 400-meter-long village road. The site is isolated from local homes and includes preserved original relics and more recent additions such as the exhibition hall, visitor area, monuments, and garden sculptures.

In addition to its historical significance, the Son My Memorial serves as a testament to the atrocities committed by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, honoring the 504 Vietnamese civilians who lost their lives. Son My is also a tourist destination, located on the Thiên Ấn tourist route (Huỳnh Thúc Kháng tomb, Châu Sa, Son My, My Khe, Dung Quat). Annually, more than 50,000 visitors come to Son My. Currently, nearly 3,300 people visit each month.

Today, visitors to Son My can stop at the monument to reflect on the unimaginable pain suffered by the victims of the massacre. Inside the Memorial House, numerous artifacts are on display, such as an old silver tray with bullet holes, a child's clothes and sandals belonging to a child shot dead, broken plates, pots, and a monk's prayer bell belonging to Thích Tâm Trí, who survived. Among the artifacts, there is also a hairpin that belonged to Nguyễn Thị Huỳnh, which was kept by her fiancé for 8 years after her tragic death before being handed over to the Memorial House.

Dong Tam Snake Farm is a prominent center for snake breeding and research in the Mekong Delta region, aimed at studying and treating snake bites for the local population. This place is considered a living museum of snakes, where visitors can observe thousands of snakes from various species, including cobras, king cobras, and other wildlife. However, for those who are afraid of snakes, this may not be the ideal destination.

Established on October 27, 1979, Dong Tam Snake Farm (also known as the Military Zone 9 Medicinal Plant Research and Development Center) is located about 9 kilometers west of My Tho city, in Binh Duc commune, Chau Thanh district, Tien Giang province. It was founded on land that was previously riddled with mines and barbed wire left by American forces. Its mission includes scientific research, breeding and preserving rare snakes, growing medicinal plants, producing traditional medicines, and treating snake bites for locals.

The farm now spans 12 hectares, featuring sections dedicated to rare snake species such as king cobras, land cobras, pit vipers, and others. It also includes areas for medicinal plant cultivation, a snake bite treatment hospital, research laboratories, animal conservation zones, and a snake museum. Surrounded by 30 hectares of lush green trees, it offers an exciting and unique eco-tourism experience, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into a thrilling maze of snakes.

Hoa Lo Prison, located in the heart of Hanoi, takes its name from the street it is situated on, and has been a significant historical site since the French colonial era. It was once a notorious detention center for numerous Vietnamese revolutionary leaders. The prison, now a historical site, is located at No. 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hanoi, and was originally part of the Nam Phu village, Tiền Nghiêm district. By the mid-19th century, it merged with Nguyên Khánh village to form Phu Khanh, part of Vĩnh Xương district, Thọ Xương county, and later Hoài Đức, under the Sơn Nam region.

Built by the French colonists, Hoa Lo Prison was a site of torture for those involved in the independence movement during Vietnam's struggle against colonial rule. Dark, grim cells and execution devices used to execute many revolutionaries are preserved within this historical complex, offering a haunting reminder of a painful chapter in Vietnam's history for visitors.

The prison is surrounded by a sturdy 4-meter-high stone wall, 0.5 meters thick, topped with broken glass and high-voltage wires to prevent escapes. Inside, a 3-meter-wide path was designed for guards to patrol the perimeter of the facility. Four watchtowers at the corners allowed full surveillance of both the interior and surrounding areas. Hoa Lo Prison stands as a testament to the courage and endurance of Vietnamese revolutionaries, as well as a grim reminder of the brutal colonial prison system.

In 1997, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism recognized Hoa Lo Prison as a historical site under Decision No. 1543-QĐ/VH. Today, it serves as an educational “Red Address” where visitors, especially the younger generation of Hanoi, can learn about the country's patriotic traditions and revolutionary history, drawing both domestic and international visitors for research, study, and reflection.

Located on Phu Quoc Island (Kien Giang province), Phu Quoc Prison was a POW camp under the control of the South Vietnamese government before 1975. Over 32,000 prisoners of war were held here during the Vietnam War. The prisoners endured brutal and horrifying punishments, such as nails being driven into their hands, feet, and heads, being buried alive, or being subjected to burning red-hot wires that were then pierced into their flesh, as well as tooth extractions. Although these scenes are now only recreated for display, they still provide visitors with a chilling and unforgettable experience.

Located in An Thoi town (Phu Quoc district, Kien Giang province), the Vietnam Communist POW Camp in Phu Quoc covers an area of 400 hectares, consisting of nearly 500 houses, divided into 12 main areas (each with 2 sub-areas) and 10 areas (each with 4 sub-areas labeled A, B, C, D). Each area could accommodate around 3,000 prisoners. Surrounding each sub-area were 4 watchtowers operating 24/7, along with 10 mobile watchtowers. The camp was surrounded by nearly 10 layers of barbed wire, and the area around the camp was completely deserted, creating a “white zone” that isolated it from the outside world.

Today, in the midst of Phu Quoc Island's rapid development, tourism plays a crucial role. Alongside the island's beautiful beaches, historical sites like the Phu Quoc Prison Memorial are key to diversifying the tourism offerings in the province. These sites serve as vital educational spots for the younger generation, instilling the spirit of patriotism and national pride, ensuring that the heroic struggle for independence remains alive in the hearts of all Vietnamese people.

Da Lake is a crystal-clear freshwater lake located at Thu Duc University, drawing many students despite its inherent dangers. The water is freezing cold, and the surrounding cliffs are steep and jagged. If someone falls in, the likelihood of hitting their head on the rocks is almost inevitable. Furthermore, the lake's bottom is not only muddy but also filled with sharp rocks, as well as numerous deep pits of varying depths.

Although the lake appears calm on the surface, it can become hazardous when swimming further out. The water's temperature suddenly drops, becoming as cold as ice. Within a 3-meter radius, there are areas where the water is only knee-deep or waist-deep, while other spots have depths exceeding 20 meters. This misleads swimmers who think the shallows are safe, only to jump in and fall into hidden pits, leading to tragic fatalities.

Tran Quý, a diver, shared his experience: “I’ve been diving for years, but I’ve never encountered a freshwater lake as dangerous as this one. It may look calm, but once you swim a little deeper, the water temperature changes suddenly, turning as cold as ice. Within just 3 meters from the shore, some areas are knee-deep or waist-deep, while others drop to more than 20 meters. Students think the shore is safe, but once they jump in, they fall into a pit and drown.”

The deepest part of the lake is estimated to be over 50 meters. In addition, the surrounding cliffs are full of jagged rocks, sharp stone tips, and dangerous slopes. A careless step could easily lead to a fall into the lake. Given the treacherous nature of the terrain, calling Da Lake the “lake of death” is no exaggeration. Although barriers and warning signs have been erected, people continue to jump into the lake to swim, race, or climb the steep cliffs for fun. This disregard for the danger continues to lead to tragic accidents every year at Da Lake.

While it doesn’t showcase the tragic imagery of war, torture, or death like many other historical sites, the Military Engineering Museum in Hanoi presents a chilling display of weapons and explosives. Among its exhibits are Vietnam's largest bomb and hundreds of various bombs, mines, and explosives.

In the museum's central area, massive bombs weighing over 100 kg, including one weighing nearly 7 tons, are arranged in the shape of a “super B-52 bomber fortress.” The museum also houses the largest sea mine, which has a diameter of more than 2.5 meters and contains 180 kg of C4 explosives. This mine was a “top-secret weapon,” with only 10 units produced, specifically designed to destroy the Ham Rong Bridge in Thanh Hoa. The research and production cost of this weapon was estimated at around 1 billion USD (based on 1965 values).

The Military Engineering Museum is under the Department of Political Affairs, the Military Engineering Corps of the Vietnam People's Army. The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, and display historical, cultural, and scientific artifacts that reflect the development and heroism of the Engineering Corps throughout Vietnam's national liberation, defense, and construction efforts. The museum is located at 290 Lac Long Quan Street, Buoi Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, near West Lake.

Although the Water Park at Ho Thuy Tien boasts a prime location near the famous Thiên An Hill in Hue—known for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene temples—it remains an eerie, abandoned site shrouded in mystery, with no clear explanation for its neglect.

Today, the once-popular "Ho Thuy Tien" has nearly vanished and is now open to anyone seeking an adventurous, spine-chilling experience, reminiscent of scenes from a horror film. Most visitors are drawn to the park for its thrill and unsettling atmosphere rather than to appreciate a long-forgotten architectural structure. Additionally, the park has become a spot for some locals to set up shops selling drinks, capitalizing on the trend of “exploring” the most chilling locales in Hue.

Tourists visiting Vietnam will likely never hear of the Water Park at Ho Thuy Tien. It is not marked on any maps or listed in travel guides. If you ask locals about this mysterious site, they likely won’t be able to give you an answer. It seems as if "Ho Thuy Tien" has been forgotten by most, lost in the annals of history with no one remembering its past glory.

When asked about the most mysterious place in Vietnam, Da Lat is often the first name to come up. With its abandoned villas atop hills, chilly weather, and fog that descends as soon as the sun sets, Da Lat has long had a reputation for evoking a sense of unease. Many are hesitant to enter these old houses once dusk falls.

The atmosphere is eerie, with moss-covered rooftops and pathways, creating an unsettling ambiance. And that's not even considering the many eerie stories passed down by locals. If you have a weak heart, it's best not to venture here. However, the chapel, perched on a small hill and surrounded by pine trees, offers a unique beauty typical of Da Lat. It's a perfect spot to capture some great photos.

The enchanting allure of Da Lat isn't just in its endless pine forests and European-style roads, but also in the mysterious mist that weaves through old buildings, steeped in history. Among the many historic sites, one cannot miss the abandoned chapel of the Franciscaines monastery, hidden in the winding pine forest. Just hearing about it gives you chills, so consider this a warning for the faint of heart.

Everyone dreams of wandering through a fairy-tale forest, with towering pine trees and a winding grassy path, only to stumble upon a grand castle. Da Lat has a place like that—though it’s not a fairy-tale castle, but rather an old, abandoned monastery, weathered by time. A visit on a foggy afternoon, wandering alone through the imposing structures of a bygone era, is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Unlike the usual locations atop hills or within cities, the Nam Dinh Ruins Church sits on the coastline of Xương Điền (Hai Lý Commune, Hai Hậu District, Nam Dinh). Abandoned for over two decades, only its outer walls remain standing. At night, standing here, you face the vast, pitch-black sea, and behind you stands the crumbling church, enveloping you in a feeling of solitude and eeriness. Camping here with friends and telling ghost stories adds an exciting thrill to the experience.

However, as dawn breaks, sunlight fills the ruined church, revealing a surprising, beautiful sight. It's an ideal spot for stunning photographs. Just a kilometer from the church, there is a salt field, perfect for those who want to explore coastal life.

The untouched beauty of the area, coupled with the hard-working local fishermen, provides visitors with a peaceful, refreshing experience. You can try a variety of seafood, like crabs, shrimp, and small fish, which are freshly caught near the shore, as well as “ca com” (fish used to make fish sauce).

Visitors can purchase seafood directly on the beach, have it cooked by the locals, and savor it right there on the sand. In the evenings, the locals gather to enjoy the cool, fresh sea breeze. In addition to the church ruins and the fishing village, you can also visit the nearby salt fields, or head to the beaches of Thịnh Long and Quất Lâm, located about 10 km away.

This is an abandoned site that many may not be familiar with. The brick kilns along the Sa Đéc River in Châu Thành - Dong Thap were abandoned due to their environmental impact and outdated methods, which also failed to provide good economic returns. It is perhaps the most uniquely scenic abandoned location among all the must-visit mysterious spots. From afar, the sight of thousands of weathered, moss-covered kilns will pique your curiosity. Upon entering, the wild plants and flowers growing in every corner only add to the mystical atmosphere of the place.

The abandoned kilns, surrounded by overgrown weeds and vines, are gradually being overtaken by nature. Some kilns are completely enveloped by vines, hanging down like ropes, evoking the legendary story of Thạch Sanh saving the princess. Inside, the resemblance to the ancient Cham towers is striking. The similarity is especially notable with the towers of Sambor Prei Kuk (Kampong Thom, Cambodia), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former capital of the Khmer Empire from the 6th to the 8th centuries. The only difference is that the Cham towers are square or rectangular, while these kilns are typically round in shape.

The good news is that despite being abandoned, the kilns still attract visitors, including curious foreign tourists who marvel at these unique brick towers. You won't find anything quite like them in ASEAN or anywhere else in the world. Snap a selfie and share it online, and your friends will be amazed. If you have a drone, even better. Fortunately, the authorities in Dong Thap have stepped in to preserve these old kilns. Dozens of abandoned kilns in An Hiệp, Châu Thành, will now be preserved for tourism purposes.

For those in Hanoi, there's no need to travel far to explore famous mysterious sites, as right within Ba Vi National Park you can find several abandoned villas and houses that have been deserted for many years.

Within the national park, you’ll discover several remnants of French colonial architecture, including villas, a colonel’s residence, a church, and an orphanage. These structures are now reduced to their skeletons, with walls overgrown with moss and vines creeping all over. When twilight falls and darkness sets in, the place takes on a chilling atmosphere, with stories of old that will send a shiver down your spine. The traces of a once-bustling community here leave you wondering about the eerie tales that may have unfolded.

While it may seem spooky at night, the site transforms by day. Sunlight streaming through the broken windows and casting patterns on the old walls creates a strikingly beautiful scene. This is one of the favored locations for wedding photo shoots and music video filming due to its unique ambiance and haunting beauty.

Con Dao Prison was built by the French and Americans to brutally torture Vietnamese prisoners, and it holds the ninth spot in the top 10 scariest places in Asia.

Regarded as the “hell on earth” for revolutionaries during the French and American wars, this place subjected prisoners to horrific torture methods, more brutal than the medieval era. Many prisoners met tragic and agonizing deaths here. Visitors often feel a chill run down their spine as they witness models of the torture techniques that took place within these walls.

Con Dao Prison is a complex of prisons located on Con Dao Island. The French established it to hold especially dangerous prisoners, such as political dissidents and death row inmates. During the French colonial era, it housed individuals involved in revolutionary movements and nationalists opposing the colonial government. Later, during the Vietnam War, the U.S. used it to imprison prisoners of war.

Today, the site has been recognized as a national historic landmark by the Vietnamese government. The most infamous location within the prison complex is the “tiger cage,” where the extreme mistreatment of prisoners by the French, American military, and the Vietnamese Nationalist government is vividly documented.

Every year, the villagers of Nem Thuong in Khac Niem commune (Tien Du, Bac Ninh) celebrate the pig slaughter festival on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year. The highlight of the event is when two pigs are offered in a brutal ritual, their bodies hacked apart in a savage display, with blood splattering across the yard as the crowd cheers with excitement. At the end of the ceremony, participants dip coins into the blood of the pigs and take them home, placing them on altars to pray for a year of prosperity and good fortune. Because of the gruesome nature of the event, many consider it a horrifying festival that should be banned in Vietnam.

The festival has a history of over 800 years. According to local legend, it was established to honor a general from the civil war era. When the general was pursued by enemies, he sought refuge in Nem Thuong village. Facing a shortage of supplies but an abundance of wild pigs, he ordered the slaughter of pigs to feed his army. This general is believed to be either warlord Nguyen Thu Tiep during the era of the 12 warlords or General Doan Thuong of the Ly dynasty.

In the book "Bac Ninh Province's Oddities," the practice of sacrificing pigs to honor the local god is described as the first ritual performed by one of the 12 warlords. This god had a fondness for raw pork, and each year, four villagers took turns raising pigs for the sacrifice. In Khac Niem, there is also the Ném Đoài temple, which honors warlord Nguyen Thu Tiep, as he once occupied this area.

Before the pig procession, local singers perform traditional Bac Ninh folk songs (Quan Ho). At 10 AM, the pig is paraded around the village before the sacrifice. As early as August of the previous year, the villagers select pigs and assign caretakers based on astrological compatibility and family standing. The pigs, affectionately known as 'Mr. In,' are kept in ornate cages, each weighing around 150 kilograms. As the procession moves through the village, people rush to throw money into the offering box for good luck in the new year, and share food and drinks with the procession participants. The scene becomes chaotic as everyone eagerly gathers around the temple to witness the dramatic ritual of slaughtering the pig.

Visitors to this place can deeply feel the pain and harsh reality of the two wars in Vietnam through artifacts and images that powerfully expose the destruction wrought by American forces, the suppression of the independence and reunification movements, as well as the devastating effects of Agent Orange and birth defects. In addition, the museum also displays exhibits on the Southwest border war, the defense of the Northern border, and the issue of the Spratly Islands. Therefore, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City deserves to be one of the most striking and sobering places in Vietnam.

Currently, the War Remnants Museum is a unit under the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City. It is part of the Vietnamese Museum system, global peace museums, and a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The museum specializes in researching, collecting, storing, preserving, and exhibiting documents, images, and artifacts about the atrocities and aftermath of wars caused by invading powers in Vietnam. The museum also aims to educate the public, particularly younger generations, about the struggle for independence and freedom, the importance of opposing foreign aggression, protecting peace, and fostering international solidarity among peoples worldwide.

The museum houses over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films, with more than 1,500 items showcased in 8 permanent exhibition themes. Over its 35 years of operation, the museum has welcomed more than 15 million visitors from both domestic and international backgrounds. With around 500,000 visitors annually, the War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular cultural and tourist destinations, gaining high regard and trust from visitors worldwide.