According to Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2024, approximately 57% of Vietnamese travelers are eager to embark on nature trips this year, with 60% emphasizing the allure of captivating natural scenery when choosing their destination.
| Each autumn, Mu Cang Chai Commune in Yen Bai Province transforms into a photographer’s paradise. The region’s magnificent landscapes and watercolor-like snapshots lure both shutterbugs and tourists alike. Photo: Garrya Mu Cang Chai Resort and Spa |
In light of this emerging travel trend, the website suggests four destinations for those eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant hues and picturesque landscapes of autumn in Vietnam. These suggestions are carefully curated based on search data, traveler feedback, and the insights of the site’s experts.
The recommended destinations offer a tranquil escape from the bustling cities, boasting cool climates and breathtaking natural scenery that accentuates the vibrant autumn palette. As such, urban centers like Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City are notably absent from this list.
Here is a glimpse into the extraordinary travel spots that the website suggests for both domestic and international travelers seeking an autumnal escape amidst Vietnam’s stunning landscapes.
Visitors can explore quaint villages or embark on hikes through the countryside, all while soaking in the stunning autumnal display. Autumn is an ideal time to visit as the rice terraces are at their most vibrant, painting the hills with a golden glow.
According to photographer Tuan Viet, the rice harvest in Mu Cang Chai’s terraced fields occurs in late September to early October, transforming the entire region into a sea of golden yellow.
“The romantic beauty of this mountainous district, nestled at the foot of the renowned Hoang Lien Son mountain range, captivates both photographers and travelers,” he enthuses.
The enchanting golden terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai were recognized as a National Landscape of Vietnam in 2007, further cementing their allure.
Ha Giang
While the famous Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province has garnered widespread fame, Ha Giang Province remains a relatively untouched gem in northern Vietnam. This lesser-known region is often hailed as one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.
| Ha Giang’s magnificent beauty. Photo: Le Nguyen |
Ha Giang envelops visitors in a breathtaking atmosphere, where rugged mountain ranges stretch as far as the eye can see, and terraced rice fields glow like golden paintings during harvest time.
Traditional stilt houses of local ethnic communities dot the landscape, exuding a sense of tranquility as cooking smoke gently rises above the dark green mountains in the late afternoon.
Adventurous travelers can explore Ha Giang’s rugged mountains and winding roads, ancient villages, and stunning karst formations. They can also immerse themselves in the unique culture of the Hmong people.
From September onwards, the region buzzes with festivals deeply rooted in cultural identity, such as the Mong Khen Festival and the Buckwheat Flower Festival. These celebrations offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture while reveling in the picturesque autumn scenery.
Kon Tum
| The Nha Rong, or long house, in Kon Tum City, Vietnam’s central highlands. Photo: Tran Giap |
Kon Tum, a highland province in central Vietnam, boasts a diverse landscape of forests, mountains, and waterfalls. Visitors can explore the charming town, including its cathedral, and indulge in the local cuisine.
For nature enthusiasts, Kon Chu Rong National Park and Dak Doa Lake offer scenic hiking opportunities and a chance to revel in the peaceful atmosphere and vibrant autumn foliage.
A notable highlight of Kon Tum is the Nha dai, or long house, also known as Nha rong. This communal living space, used by the Bahnar, Rhade, and M’Nong ethnic minorities, is a magnificent symbol of ethnic culture. Its towering thatched roof and intricate carvings reflect the region’s rich traditions.
Beyond their architectural grandeur, Rong houses are integral to the cultural and social fabric of the ethnic community. They serve as gathering places for festivals, rituals, and community discussions, often accompanied by traditional music, dance, and storytelling, thus preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge across generations.
Ninh Binh
| The lush green rice fields of Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Ninh Binh Province. Photo: Luan Ha |
Ninh Binh, often likened to “Inland Halong Bay” or the “Little Great Wall of Vietnam,” has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination in Vietnam.
In 2023, this northern Vietnamese tourist attraction, located not far from Hanoi, was recognized by a U.S. magazine as one of the top 23 places to visit globally.
Ninh Binh is a natural wonder, boasting picturesque limestone karsts and tranquil rivers. Visitors can explore hidden trails, marvel at the vibrant landscape, and hike to the top of Mua Cave for a panoramic view of the Trang An region. The reward for their efforts is a breathtaking vista of rice fields and limestone formations.
Catarina Mello, an American luxury travel content creator and photographer, has hailed Ninh Binh as one of Asia’s most underrated destinations.
“It’s often referred to as one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Asia, and with its growing popularity on social media, it won’t stay hidden for long,” she writes. “Visit now to experience an authentic northern Vietnam.”
Ninh Binh’s allure was further enhanced in 2016 when it served as the filming location for “Kong: Skull Island,” adding a touch of Hollywood magic to this poetic land.
Festival kicks off at Vietnam’s largest pagoda
The opening ceremony of the 2019 Bai Dinh Pagoda festival was held in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, the northern province of Ninh Binh on February 10 or the 6th day of the lunar new year.
Kon Tum’s culture, tourism week features various activities
Kon Tum province will organise a culture and tourism week from December 14 to 17 with the participation of over 700 artists from Central Highlands localities, along with central Quang Nam and Quang Ngai and southern An Giang provinces.
Buckwheat flower festival in Ha Giang promises diverse activities
An annual festival centring around buckwheat flowers, the iconic flower of the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang, and the unique cultural values of local ethnic groups will begin on November 23.
Ninh Binh opens national culture, sports, tourism festival
A national culture, sports and tourism festival opened in Ninh Binh city, the northern province of Ninh Binh, on October 28.
An Ancient Pagoda in the World Heritage Site of Trang An
Though the Tam Coc grotto is more popular than Bich Dong in NinhBinh province, about 120km to the south of Hanoi, the latter is still visit-worthy and in fact, still a favourite destination among tourists.
