Son Doong Cave
© Ryan Deboodt
Son Doong cave in Vietnam is one of the most beautiful natural caves and the largest ever found in the world. Hang Son Doong cave complex of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, located in Son Trach, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province of Vietnam. Son Doong 9km long, 200m wide and 150m deep. Besides the beauty that anyone should see that breathlessly overwhelmed by nature’s masterpiece in Vietnam. Cave has formed about 2 to 5 million years ago, ever since the cave has developed a cave ecosystem along the underground river and trees. Tours into the cave aren’t cheap. The descent is tricky as well, so only experienced guides are allowed to take tourists inside. You also have to climb over the Great Wall of Vietnam. This isn’t an excursion for a casual hiker, but it’s an experience to remember.
Ninh Binh Province
This area is famous for its karst scenery—limestone formations jutting out like dragon humps. There’s a hiking tour of grottoes and boat rides along the rivers. For some of the most picturesque views, head to the town of Tam Coc. A visit to Trang An is a must. This tourist attraction has over 310 species of higher plants, many algae and fungi. In particular, there have some rare woods and various valuable trees using for food, medicine. In addition, there were about 30 species of mammals, 50 species of birds, dozens of species of reptiles and some rare animals such as chamois, leopard, phoenix… Sitting on a small sampan to visit cave complex: Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou in mystery and wildness, see the scenery of mountains and rivers Ha Long on the land of Ninh Binh is definitely great experience.
Hai Van Pass
While this is technically man-made, it’s the surrounding jungles and vistas that make this stretch of road so special. Hai Van Pass or Sea Clouds Pass offers an impressive landscape of verdant mountains and clear blue skies, overlooking Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and the South China Sea. Crossing over a spur of Truong Son mountain range between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Da Nang City, it stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam. The 25 kilometer-long mountain pass is popular amongst thrill-seeking motorcyclists due to its winding roads, sudden curves and blind corners, while its lookout point offers gorgeous views of Da Nang Bay.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of Vietnam’s most impressive natural sights. Located in the northeastern province of Cao Bang, the falls are 30 meters high and 300 meters across, making Ban Gioc the widest (but not the highest) waterfall in the country. The falls occur on the Quay Son River, a beautiful jade-blue body of water flowing from China through a pastoral landscape of rice fields and bamboo groves surrounded by limestone pinnacles. Despite improved road access and public transportation connections, and the popularity of several recent viral drone videos showcasing the majesty of the falls, Ban Gioc is still a relatively off-the-beaten-path sight. Those on the more adventurous side of traveling can rent a motorbike and make a spectacular journey on their own, but there are plenty of tours and shuttles as well.
Fansipan and the Muong Hoa Valley
These two could each have their own spot on this list, but we’ll put them together since they can see each other. Fansipan is the tallest mountain in Indochina, looming over the town of Sapa in the far north. Below Sapa lies the Muong Hoa Valley. What makes Muong Hoa special is that the terraced fields in the valley result from the combination of the water rice planting technique in the narrow valley terrain of the Giay people and ground-breaking techniques on the high mountains of the H’mong and Dao peoples. The natural beauty combining with the creativity of the human working on the paddy fields has created an enchanting venue full of attractive romantic scenery.
Mui Ne Sand Dunes
The sand dunes Mui Ne are strange places. If it weren’t for the deep blue waters and jungle forests surrounding these little quirks, you might think you were in Namibia or Saudi Arabia. Mui Ne is a beautiful fishing village down the south coast of Vietnam and has two sets of giant sand dunes. Actually, there are sand dunes scattered throughout the whole region, making Mui Ne a rather colorful stop in your Vietnam itinerary. The two most impressive are the White and Red Sand Dunes.
Bac Son District
Bac Son is a rural district of Lang Son Province in the Northeast region of Vietnam and it is situated 160 km northeast of Hanoi. One of the interesting aspects of this valley is its incredibly high mountains which are about 500-1200 meters high. These mountains, together with the valley’s paddy fields, create a great scenic landscape that you can only see its best after climbing to the peak of a mountain which is located just a few minutes from the town. The valley’s pathways lead you to the paddy fields where you’ll get a chance to see the beautiful river that runs crossing the rice fields. Besides the valley itself, Bac Son district’s villages possess a beauty of their own.
Da Lat
Dalat is an alternative Vietnam: the weather is spring-like instead of tropical hot, the town is dotted with elegant French-colonial villas rather than stark socialist architecture, and the surrounding farms cultivate strawberries, coffee and flowers in place of rice. Whether it’s the Eiffel Tower–shaped radio tower, the horse-drawn carriages or the colorful heart-shaped cut-outs at the Valley of Love, this is a town that takes romance seriously. Dalat is Vietnam's honeymoon capital and extremely popular with domestic tourists. For foreign visitors, the moderate climate has made Dalat the adventure-sports capital of southern Vietnam, with canyoning, mountain biking, white-water rafting and treks into the surrounding hills all available.
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island boasts idyllic beaches, romantic sunsets, evergreen forests, and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal holiday destination for travelers looking to escape bustling city life. Located 45 kilometers west of Ha Tien in the far south of Vietnam, the northern part of the island is relatively untouched due to its status as a UNESCO-listed national park but there are plenty of luxurious resorts, funky bars, and quaint cafes along the southern coastline. Aside from beachside activities, visitors can also explore traditional villages, expansive nature parks and Buddhist pagodas.
Con Dao
These lesser-known islands lie off the southern coast of Vietnam. In days long gone, political prisoners and other undesirables were sent here to be tortured for information. Nowadays, however, there are prime scuba diving spots and amazing hikes, plus you can check out some local wildlife such as the Crab-eating Macaque and the Black Giant Squirrel. Sea turtles breed on these islands as well, and you can arrange with local park rangers to watch newly hatched babies as they start their harrowing adventures.