Top 5 places to visit in Ulaanbaatar: Touch the soul of the Mongolian steppe

1. Gandan Monastery

Gandan Monastery appears as an oasis of peace (Photo source: Collected)

Amidst the bustling life of the Mongolian capital, Gandan Monastery, also known as Gandantegchinlen, appears as an oasis of peace. This is one of the Ulaanbaatar tourist destinations that cannot be missed for those who love the sacred space and rich Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Gandan Monastery was built in the 19th century and is the largest Buddhist center in the country. It stands out with a statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva that is over 26 meters high, gilded with gold and studded with countless precious stones. When entering the monastery grounds, the echoing chanting and the scent of incense spread out, taking visitors away from the noisy world to return to a peaceful realm. Monks in burgundy robes walk slowly in the middle of the monastery yard, while the shimmering flag flutters against the blue sky, evoking a feeling that is both strange and familiar.
Coming to Gandan, you can not only admire the unique architecture that blends Tibetan Buddhism and Mongolian style, but also feel the spiritual pulse of the people here - a nation that still preserves its faith amidst the storms of modernization.

2. National Museum of Mongolian History

National Museum of Mongolian History (Photo source: Collected)

If Gandan Monastery is the place to preserve the religious soul, then the National Museum of Mongolian History is the gate to open the glorious past of this nation. Located right in the city center, the museum is an ideal Ulaanbaatar tourist destination for history lovers, wishing to better understand the origins and identity of the steppe country.
Stepping inside the museum, you will feel like you are lost in a time flow with more than 15,000 artifacts spanning from the Stone Age to the modern era. Colorful nomadic costumes, weapons of war, traditional jewelry and ancient maps... all create a panoramic picture of the journey of construction and development of Mongolia.
A special feature that cannot be missed is the exhibition area about the Mongol Empire - which tells the story of Genghis Khan, the great emperor who conquered nearly half of the world with his great strategy and ambition. The artifacts that remain today carry the great mark of a glorious time, making the hearts of viewers flutter.
  3. Sukhbaatar Square

Sukhbaatar is likened to the Red Square of Mongolia (Photo source: Collected)

Dubbed the Red Square of Mongolia, Sukhbaatar Square is the political and cultural center of Ulaanbaatar and also one of the most iconic Ulaanbaatar tourist attractions. This is where you can clearly feel the modern pulse of the city, but still somewhere lingering the generous and proud spirit of the nomadic people.
The square is named after the hero D. Sukhbaatar – who led the revolution for Mongolia’s independence in the early 20th century. Right in the middle of the square is a statue of him riding a horse, proudly facing forward, symbolizing the desire for freedom and courage.
Surrounding the square are majestic architectural structures: the National Assembly building, the Opera House, the historical museum... In the summer, this place becomes the venue for festivals, parades and outdoor music events. In the winter, the white snow covers everything, the shimmering lights reflect on the bronze statue - creating a scene that is both majestic and poetic.

4. Bogd Khan National Park – Where nature embraces history

Bogd Khan National Park is one of the oldest nature reserves in the world (Photo source: Collected)

For those who are passionate about nature and want to find peaceful moments between the earth and sky, Bogd Khan National Park is the perfect choice in the list of Ulaanbaatar tourist destinations. This is one of the oldest nature reserves in the world, established in the 18th century, when the Mongolian kings banned hunting to preserve this sacred land.
The park stretches across the majestic Bogd Khan mountain range, where pine forests, steppes and pristine springs are still almost intact. You can trek through the winding trails through the forest, listen to the birds singing, the sound of streams and feel the fresh breath of nature. Standing on the top of Zaisan Mountain, the whole view of Ulaanbaatar city appears before your eyes, hazy like a watercolor painting.
Not only is the park a place of natural beauty, it is also home to the winter palace of Bogd Khan – the last king of Mongolia. The palace is a beautiful architectural work, combining traditional Mongolian style and Chinese art influences, containing many precious antiques and thrilling stories about the ancient dynasty.
  5. Genghis Khan Monument

Genghis Khan Monument - symbol of the indomitable spirit and great stature of the Mongolian people (Photo source: Collected)

About 54km east of the capital, but always on the list of the most popular Ulaanbaatar tourist destinations, is the Genghis Khan monument - a symbol of the indomitable spirit and great stature of the Mongolian people.
The monument was built grandly on a large area of ​​land, recreating the image of Genghis Khan riding a horse, holding a golden whip - a sign of supreme power. With a height of 40 meters, the statue is not only the largest metal sculpture in the world but also a place to preserve the deep pride of the Mongolian people.
Inside the statue is a small history museum where visitors can learn more about the life of the great emperor, his military campaigns and ancient nomadic life. An elevator takes you up to the horse’s head, where there is an observation deck with panoramic views of the green steppe, clear skies and endless horizons – a scene that leaves one speechless with awe.
Coming here, visitors not only admire the grandeur of the architectural work but also have the opportunity to try on traditional costumes, ride horses, and participate in folk games - activities that make the journey more lively and memorable than ever.
Ulaanbaatar is not a flashy city with skyscrapers or sparkling city lights. But it is the combination of vast nature, rich cultural heritage and strong national spirit that makes it a unique destination. If you are looking for a different journey, where every step is a dialogue with history, culture and nature, then Ulaanbaatar welcomes you with open arms.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/dia-diem-du-lich-ulaanbaatar-v17088.aspx