1. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is arguably Vietnam’s most recognised landscape, boasting over 1,600 limestone islands and islets. Located in northern Vietnam, the UNESCO-listed bay features a wide range of biodiversity, while the surrealistic scenery has been featured in plenty of films throughout the years. Needless to say, it’s a must-visit for any first-time visitor to Vietnam. The best way to get to Ha Long Bay is by car, minibus or joining a day tour from Hanoi, located only 170km away. While overnight stays on a traditional junk are popular options, you can also opt for an exhilarating seaplane trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
2. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh Province)
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a popular option for adventurous travellers looking to explore its many limestone caves and grottoes. Set within the Quang Binh Province, it’s home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, with sections reaching up to 200m in height, as well as Paradise Cave, which boasts spectacular shapes of limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Entrance to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park costs VND 40,000, plus additional fees (between VND 80,000 and (VND 150,000) to enter the caves. Hiking, mountain-biking, and cave expeditions are regularly organised by tour operators in Vietnam.
Location: Quang Binh Province (about 500km south of Hanoi and 260km north of Da Nang)
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.
Location: Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province (230 kilometres of Ho Chi Minh City)
4. Sand Dunes of Mui Ne (Binh Thuan Province)
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 Mountain (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:Â 11 kilometres of Sapa
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.
Location:Â Southern Vietnam
10. Ba Vi National Park (Hanoi)
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.
Location:Â 58 kilometres west of Hanoi
