Home to an extensive collection of historical and cultural attractions, Vietnam is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia. Nature enthusiasts can also find plenty of sightseeing opportunities throughout their holiday, ranging from pristine beaches and untouched islets to towering mountains and tropical forests housing thousands of rare wildlife species. There’s even a Sahara-like desert landscape where you can enjoy thrilling activities such as sandboarding and quad biking. For those looking to experience the local lifestyle, Vietnam has hill-tribes and rice farmers along the north mountain ranges, while fisherman villages are scattered throughout the middle and southern regions of the country. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most amazing landscapes in Vietnam, each of which offer truly unique photo opportunities and experiences for the adventurous at heart.
1. Ha Long Bay
Halong Bay is a beautiful natural wonder in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border. The Bay is dotted with 1,600 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500 sqkm. This extraordinary area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. For many tourists, this place is like something right out of a movie. The fact is that Halong Bay features a wide range of biodiversity, while the surrealistic scenery has indeed featured in endless movies. The best way to get to Halong City is by car, minibus or bus from Hanoi which is only 170km away. If budget is not a problem, an hour-long helicopter transfer is also available.
2. Son Doong Cave
Son Doong Cave is known as the world’s largest natural cave, housing many limestone grottoes, stalactites and stalagmites. Set within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (about 500km south of Hanoi), the cave is a must visit for adventurous travellers looking to explore one of Vietnam’s natural gems during their holiday. Son Doong cave was first discovered in 1991 by a local named Ho Khanh, followed by a team of British cavers lead by Howard Limbert in 2009. With sections reaching up to 200 metres high, Son Doong Cave also spans 9 km in length, making it about two times bigger than Malaysia’s Deer Cave. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, bats and flying foxes.
3. Con Dao Islands
Con Dao Islands comprises 16 uninhabited islets just off the southern coast of Vietnam, each of which offering expansive beaches shaded with evergreen trees. The main island was once the site of a French-run prison for Vietnamese involved in the independence movement, but today it’s a popular spot for snorkelling, swimming, and diving. The more remote Con Dao Islands are also renowned turtle breeding sites, so if you’re visiting between June and September, you may even get a chance to watch turtles laying their eggs
4. Sand dunes of Mui Ne
The Sand Dunes of Mui Ne are popular not only for their picturesque landscapes, but also for offering fun-filled activities such as sandboarding, kite flying and quad-biking. You can find plenty of tour operators in Mui Ne that organise daytrips to these Saharan-like red and white sand dunes, while plastic sheds are available for rental at affordable prices. Just be sure to check on the price and agree on it beforehand. The best time to visit the Mui Ne Sand dunes is either early in the morning or late afternoon as it can get very hot during the day. Be sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water during your visit as well
5. Fansipan Moutain (Sapa)
Hiking Sapa’s Fansipan Mountain may require a good level of fitness, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of mountain ranges and countryside within north-western Vietnam as well as glimpses of Yulong Mountain in China. Located 9 kilometres southwest of Sapa Village, three-day to five-day hiking excursions are available between October and March, where you’ll pass through hill tribe hamlets and dense forest trails, followed by a 2000 metre-tall climb to the top of the mountain
6. Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh Province)
Home to thousands of endangered flora and fauna species, Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s largest nature reserve. Set within the Ninh Binh Province, there are dozens of hiking trails within the forest, with guided tours available at USD 25 upwards. The park also houses the ethnic Muong hill tribe, where you can visit traditional stilt houses, waterwheels, bamboo rafts, and expansive rice terraces. It takes between three and four hours to reach Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi if you’re travelling by bus, car or motorbike
7. Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap Province)
Located within Dong Thap Province, Tram Chim National Park is a must-visit for avid bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Between late December and early May, over 60,000 birds (particularly the sarus cranes) fly to Tram Chim every year and the best way to see them is by taking a boat through the park. There are three boat routes available, with the shortest route (45 minutes) priced at VND500,000 per boat and the longest (2½ hours) costing VND800,000 per boat. Visitors can enjoy various activities during off-peak seasons, including cycling, trekking, rice harvesting, and fishing.
8. Thac Bac Waterfalls (Silver Falls)
Surrounded by lush greenery, natural caves, and rock pools, Thac Bac Waterfall is a 200-metre-tall waterfall located about 11 kilometres west of Sapa Village. Also known as Silver Falls, the cascading waters originate from the summit of Lo Sui Tong Mountain, resembling a white dragon from a distance. Entrance to Thac Bac Waterfall is priced at VND 20,000, where visitors can hike through the forest, swim in its rock pools, or simply relax and enjoy the quiet surroundings. Location: 11 kilometres of Sapa Price Range: VND 20,000
9. Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta consists of several river canals flowing through the southern region of Vietnam. Locally known as The River of the Nine Dragons, the 15,000 square-metre delta is lined with riverside villages, Buddhist shrines floating markets, fish farms, and rice plantations. Great for travellers looking to explore a more traditional part of Ho Chi Minh City, daytrips to this natural attraction are available at various price points, often including stops at prominent villages such as Ben Tre, My Tho, and Cai Be.
10. Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park, located 58 kilometres west of downtown Hanoi, is famed for its three-peaked mountain that juts steeply up into the sky. Featuring numerous forest trails, natural hot springs, and slopes between three mountain summits, the park offers a great escape from the city with fresh air and an atmospheric backdrop of clouds, rainforest, and an array of wildlife. There’s also 11th century Bach Ho Temple at the top of the highest summit, overlooking the surrounding countryside.
10 Most Amazing Landscapes in Vietnam
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