To break out of the daily routine and take a breath of fresh air, nothing is better than going on vacation. If you have trouble choosing your travel destination, Vietnam has everything to amaze you.
Just like Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand or Japan, this Asian country continues to attract many people every year. In 2023, it welcomed up to 12.6 million foreign tourists, far surpassing the target set by the Ministry of Tourism.
It stands out not only for its delicious cuisine or cultural richness, but especially for the beauty and variety of its landscapes. This Southeast Asian country is especially a delight for nature lovers. If you are one of them, discover below the various places of interest to visit in Vietnam.
Halong Bay: The Most Beautiful Jewel of Vietnam
With an area of 331,211 km2, Vietnam is located right in the middle of Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. As soon as you arrive on Vietnamese territory, visiting Halong Bay is one of the must-do activities.
Thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. It comprises up to 1,969 islets. Most of them have rugged nature and are uninhabitable by humans. The bay is located 170 km northeast of the capital of Vietnam, or Hanoi. This natural site covers an area of 1,500 km2.
According to legend, an enemy nation attacked Vietnam. Then the Jade Emperor, who is considered a god in the country’s mythology, decided to send a mother dragon to defend the territory against the invaders. She spat jewels and gems into Halong Bay, which then turned into magnificent islands. These blocked the enemy ships. Moreover, the term Ha Long means a dragon descending from the sky into the sea.
This remarkable bay is ranked among the 7 new natural wonders of the world. To visit it, you need to go to Cat Ba Island or the coast of Bai Chay. Then, you embark on a dream cruise lasting a few hours or even several days.
The latter option is an excellent idea if you have the time, of course, and the necessary budget. Take advantage of it to participate in other attractive activities such as fishing or kayaking.
Phu Quoc Island: A Corner of Paradise to Relax
If you are tired of the hectic pace of your daily life, Vietnam can help you recharge. Among its natural wonders, Phu Quoc Island offers you an idyllic paradise setting ideal for relaxing and de-stressing. It is particularly popular for its wild nature, calm turquoise sea, magnificent coral reefs, and especially its pristine sandy beaches lined with palm trees and coconut trees.
A stay in Phu Quoc offers a host of exciting activities. If you enjoy swimming, the shallow water will surely please you. For those who practice diving or snorkeling, the island offers the best spots to explore the richness of the underwater world. There are also several courses available for beginners on site.
More and more families and groups of friends also participate in a boat excursion. This allows them to discover the hidden natural treasures near the island. It is also possible to rent a bike or motorcycle to explore every corner of the site.
Besides that, other activities remain available, such as trekking, fishing, initiation to pearl farming, visiting the nuoc mam production or pepper plantations. There is something for all ages and tastes.
The city on Phu Quoc island is called Duong Dong and is located on the west coast. It is abundant in numerous restaurants, hotels, and various accommodations for all budgets. This locality is especially known for its night market. You can discover handcrafted items for travel souvenirs, fish, and fresh products there.
Phong Nha Cave: An Unmissable Attraction in Vietnam
Like the Halong Bay and Phu Quoc island, the Phong Nha Cave is one of the very popular tourist sites in Vietnam. It is located 500 km south of the capital Hanoi in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The latter is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This incredible cave is among the most beautiful and largest in the world. Over 7 km long, it is distinguished by various stalagmite and stalactite formations. To visit it, it is only accessible by boat.
If you want to experience an extraordinary adventure, take part in a Vietnamese dragon boat excursion. Enjoy the good time and let yourself be rocked by the water while admiring the beautiful Son River, with its emerald color. Take pleasure in contemplating the tropical forest, isolated hamlets, fishing boats, as well as karst formations covered with wild plants.
Once your boat finally enters the Phong Nha Cave, it must be said that the spectacle is absolutely impressive with the light plays on the walls of the cavernous tunnels, the huge stalactites and stalagmites, as well as other rock formations of all shapes. At the end of your exploration, you have the opportunity to head into the cave bringing you closer to the magnificent karst formations.
The Incredible Đray Sap and Đray Nur Waterfalls
Compared to other Asian countries, Vietnam attracts many vacationers thanks to its numerous natural treasures of great beauty. This country is teeming with countless impressive waterfalls. Among the most spectacular, the Đray Sap and Đray Nur waterfalls are among the most visited sites by tourists once in Vietnam.
They are located in the area between the provinces of Dak Nong and Dak Lak. The Đray Sap is considered the male waterfall and the Đray Nur the female. One is not far from the other. They are connected by the river. The Dray Nur cataract is found in the small village of Kuop, commune of Dray Sap and province of Dak Lak. As for Dray Sap, it is located in the city of Nam Ha, province of Dak Nong.
After visiting the majestic Dray Nur waterfall, you must cross a cable-stayed bridge to reach the Dray Sap waterfall. Likewise, you have to cross a short forest path. During the rainy season, the Dray Nur measures at least 250 meters long with 30 meters high. However, it has little water during the dry season. You can then wade in the stream and even walk barefoot to feel the fresh water caressing your skin.
The Terraced Rice Fields of Sa Pa: A Postcard Landscape
If Zambia is known for its Victoria Falls, Hawaii wins the hearts of travelers thanks to its paradisiacal beaches. As for Vietnam, the rice terraces of Sa Pa are among the true jewels of the country. Vacationers do not miss visiting them during their stays.
It is magnificent to behold the terraced rice fields that beautifully succeed from the foot to the summit of the mountains. Also called stairs to the sky, they are maintained by the Dao Red, Hmông, Xa Pho, and Giay ethnic groups who have lived in the Sa Pa region for centuries.
Many rank them among the most beautiful sites in Asia. This plantation delights photographers thanks to the appeal of rice plots sublimely following the contours of the mountains. It is worth the detour, offering you a magical landscape, a feast for your eyes.
To appreciate the splendor of these rice fields, it is recommended to visit the villages of Ta Phin, Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Hau Thao, and Ta Van. The rice terraces of the latter are listed as a national heritage, dazzling visitors with their natural charm.
In general, they can be observed in two ways: either by hiking right through the rice fields or by taking the cable car towards Fansipan. At an altitude of 3,000 m, Fansipan Mountain is the highest mountain in the country. At the summit, it offers you an unobstructed view of the superb terraced rice fields bordering the foot of the mountains.
A Diversity of the Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
If you are a sea lover, Vietnam has much more to offer you. This country has over 3,000 kilometers of coastline. If you are looking for the best beach for a refreshing swim or water sports, it has everything to please you.
For those in the north of Vietnam, nothing is more delightful than the beaches of Halong Bay. After long hours of cruising through this famous bay, the beaches of Tuan Chau and Bai Chay know how to relax you.
If you want to swim away from the crowd, head to the beaches of Soi Sim, Son Hao, Minh Chau, or Titov. Although they seem little exploited, they are perfect for swimming in complete tranquility, in an environment still pristine.
The southern region of the country also abounds with countless pleasant seaside resorts to explore. The Ninh Chu beach is one of them. It offers you more than 10 km of white sand immersed in clear and calm water. The place is ideal for swimming as well as sunbathing.
Alternatively, you can stroll to Ho Coc beach. It is a true haven of peace in a paradisiacal setting between abundant forest and turquoise sea. It is not difficult to find a small spot there for a pleasant and quiet swim.
In central Vietnam, many sunny beaches are worth visiting during your stays in the country. The Nhat Le beach continues to charm more visitors. Since it is located only one kilometer from the city of Dong Hoi, it is easily accessible to participate in countless outdoor events and activities.
Similarly, the Lang Co beach impresses sea enthusiasts. Its crystal-clear waters and endless strip of pristine white sand invite people to swim. Just like Halong, Lang Co is among the most beautiful bays in Vietnam. Its vast ocean, lagoons, lush forest, magnificent fishing village, and preserved nature offer an idyllic setting that leaves no one indifferent.
National Parks of Vietnam: A true paradise for nature lovers
One can discover countless national parks and nature reserves in Vietnam. The Cat Ba National Park is the closest to the country’s capital. Two hours by car from Hanoi can be enough to reach this natural site. Geologically, it is connected to Halong Bay. That is why there are several boat excursions and cruises organized to visit these diverse natural wonders.
That said, the Vu Quang National Park also attracts many travelers. Mountain ranges, beautiful wooded valleys, streams, and rivers make it an ideal place for walking. It offers an increasing number of hiking trails suitable for all levels.
Do not hesitate to spend a day in the park to enjoy the magical landscape of the Truong Son mountains. It also offers a varied flora and fauna such as the black deer, giant muntjac, and Saola or the Asian unicorn.
If you are staying in the city of Da Nang, don’t forget to stroll through the Bach Ma National Park. It is composed of three zones, with the central part being highly protected. Several outdoor activities can be practiced there, but walking and hiking to the magnificent waterfalls are the most chosen by tourists. As for climbers, they enjoy ascending to the summit of Vong Hai Dai mountain which is 1,430 meters high. Besides that, it is possible to practice extreme sports for those seeking strong sensations.
Other essential information to know about traveling to Vietnam
If you have reached this last paragraph, there is a strong chance that you are tempted by these various natural sites of the country. To discover for example Halong Bay, the Sa Pa terraced rice fields, the Phong Nha cave, or the Đray Nur and Đray Sap waterfalls, it is recommended to travel between November and March. The climate is ideal for hiking, swimming, or boat cruises.
It should be noted that Vietnam overflows with countless accommodation options. There is something for every budget. Whether you are looking for a 5-star hotel, an authentic bungalow, a youth hostel, or a holiday village, this country has so much to offer. It is even possible to stay temporarily with local residents. It is worth emphasizing that the Vietnamese are not only helpful but also very welcoming. They can host you during your stay in the country.
Finally, you can reach it by taking a direct flight from Paris to Hanoi. Otherwise, there is another flight from Paris to Ho Chi Minh, which is a very developed city in the south of the country. Generally, the journey can last about 12 hours. The airlines Air France and Vietnam Airlines handle these connections.
Don’t forget to comply with all administrative formalities to enter Vietnamese territory without problems. If you plan to stay for more than 45 days, you must present a visa. Regarding the e-visa, this procedure allows you to stay in Vietnam for a duration of 90 days, with the possibility of multiple entries.
