A holy place for Buddhists, Sam Mountain (Nui Sam, 284m) and its surrounds are crammed with dozens of pagodas and temples. A strong Chinese influence makes it particularly popular with ethnic Chinese but Buddhists of all ethnicities visit here. The views from the top are excellent (weather permitting), stretching deep into Cambodia. There’s a military outpost on the summit, a legacy of the days when the Khmer Rouge made cross-border raids and massacred Vietnamese civilians.

Along with the shrines and tombs, the steep path to the top is lined with the unholy clamour of commerce. There are plenty of cafes and stalls in which to stop for a drink or a meal, shelter from the sun or buy incense, sunglasses or a hat. Walking down is easier than walking up, so if you want to cheat, have a motorbike take you to the summit (about 20,000d). The road to the top is a pretty ride on the east side of the mountain. Veer left at the base of the mountain and turn right after about 1km where the road begins its climb.