Vietnam, while still considered an off-the-beaten-path destination, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years in terms of being a desirable destination.
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, the country offers a vast assortment of culture and hospitality while also being deeply rooted in history.
While it is more than likely going to become an increasingly common location for visitors to travel, we urge you to visit before it becomes too overpopulated and loses some of its genuine charm and allure.
Rich in natural beauty, the landscape in Vietnam is as diverse as it is beautiful. There are many places to journey to capture unforgettable and unique images to last a lifetime.
Hạ Long Bay
A stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hạ Long Bay attracts visitors from all over the world with its inviting waters and stunning limestone rock formations that tower over them.
Most visitors opt to view the beautiful bay on boat tours, cruises, or kayak expeditions.
Visitors can participate in an abundance of nature-packed activities including hiking and rock climbing — most popularly in the picturesque Cát Bà National Park — as well as scuba diving.
No trip to Vietnam is complete without a visit to Hạ Long Bay. It’s unique topography and stunning views are unlike anything else in the world.
Sa Pa
A small, mountain town in the Lao Cai Province, Sa Pa, is located 350 kilometres northwest of Hanoi.
It is home to the breathtaking Hoang Lien Son mountain range, which includes Fan Si Pan — the highest peak in the country.
It’s a quiet and peaceful town where many different ethnic tribal groups coexist.
One of the largest pulls to Sa Pa is the assortment of visually-stunning hikes through iconic rice paddies as well as forest treks.
Many visitors choose to get an entirely authentic experience by staying with a local family in one of the many homestays available.
Da Nang
Known as the “tourist capital of South Central Vietnam,” the city of Da Nang operates as the halfway point between the northern city of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
While it is a popular destination for historical sites and shopping, it is most known for its beautiful sandy beaches as well as its history as a French colonial port.
One of its most popular attractions is Lan Co Beach, situated right near crystal-clear water and lined with beautiful, shady palm trees.
Da Nang’s stunning coastline spans 30 kilometres and is renowned for its water-skiing, fishing, diving, and yachting.
Hoi An
Hoi An is an incredibly well-preserved piece of Vietnamese history. It is a Southeast Asian trading port that dates back from the 15th to the 19th century.
Exploring the layout and architecture of the town reflects its diverse influences, both foreign and indigenous, that have corroborated in creating this one of a kind heritage site.
A quirky note regarding Hoi An is that it does not have an airport. There is no train station, either. The only way to reach the town is by road.
You can either hire a taxi from nearby Da Nang or take a bus.
Perhaps one of the biggest draws of Hoi An in regards to tourism is the incredibly talented tailors and seamstresses that live in the area who make a living creating custom items.
Phú Quốc Island
If you are in search of captivatingly gorgeous beaches, romantic sunsets, and endless forests, look no further than Phú Quốc.
An island located off the coast Ha Tien in southern Vietnam, the northern portion of the island remains relatively untouched due to its UNESCO-listed national park status.
However, visitors can have the best of both worlds through admiring the vast natural beauty of the island with its traditional villages, nature parks, and Buddhist pagodas while indulging in the many eccentric and funky bars and cafes along the southern coastlines.
Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park
Phong Nha is the ultimate destination for travellers seeking adventure.
Millions of years of flooding and erosion have created the world’s largest and most awe-inspiring caves, mountains adorned with extensive jungle, as well as enchanting karsts, providing visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience.
Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park hosts an abundance of activities, including hiking trails and rivers, perfect for kayaking.
Although it is a popular destination for adventurers, it is still in its early stages of development, which only adds to its natural appeal.
Source: Mapped
