As it is with many countries, some of the most interesting sights in Vietnam can be found inside religious buildings. Vietnam has long been a predominantly buddhist country. In fact, it was one of the first places outside India to become a center for Buddhism.

French colonial rule meant that Catholicism also became a major religion in the country. Many people show elements of both faiths in their spiritual practices. There are even some religion which combine multiple systems of belief into one theology. The Cao Dai religion, recognized by the symbol of an eye similar to that which is on the back of a U.S. ONe dollar bill, recognize Jesus and Buddha, and consider Francophone writer Victor Hugo and Chinese nationalist Sun Yat Sen to be saints. ONly a small fraction of Vietnamese adhere to Cao Dai and other similar religions.

Ha Noi is home to some of the country’s older and more interesting buddhist temples. One Pillar Pagoda is a great example. It was built above a pond, with one pillar so the it resembles a lotus blossom. This temple is on Ong Ich Kiem street in Hanoi and is well worth a visit.

The Perfume Pagoda can be reached only after a boat trip on the Yen Vi River. The river and its surroundings are idyllically scenic, almost worth the two hour trip from Hanoi by itself. The temple and Huong Tich grotto are surrounded by hills and are some of the oldest temples still used in Vietnam. Many travel companies provide bus service to and from the Yen Vi.

At Vietnam’s southern end, Ho Chi Minh City is the home of the country’s catholic cathedral. The red brick exterior and stained glass windows are signatures of French architecture. The building is still used for mass, but is open to visit any time. It is located near the reunification palace and central post office in Downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

The beautiful temples and tombs of Hue are another religious site worth visiting. Tu Duc’s tomb is a spectacular remnant of imperial Vietnam. A short trip on the Perfume River is needed to reach this temple and tomb complex. It is grand in scale, if not well preserved. Tour companies run boats up and down the river, or you can hire a boat yourself for a reasonable price. Many boats will provide a meal if it is requested.

Cao Dai temples in Tay Ninh, about two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, are also worth a visit. Many tour busses run day long tours to Tay Ninh. It’s also easy to take a local bus. The Cao Dai Cathedral is still in use. White robed Cao Dai adherents are everywhere, their worship a series of hymns and homilies. Photographs are allowed if the photographer is not too aggressive. However, it’s considered polite to ask before snapping away.

There are numerous temples throughout every city and town in Vietnam. They can be found by simply asking around or hiring a cyclo or moto driver to take you around for the day. At most temples, you can simply wander in and look around.