Travel

35 Amazing Places To See in Vietnam (PHOTOS)

From cascading rice terraces to gigantic caves to limestone islands, Vietnam is a destination brimming with natural beauty. The country offers something for everyone: adventure, culture, wildlife, delicious cuisine, and a rich history.

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Perhaps the most famous destination in the country is Halong Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes over 1,600 limestone islands islets, most of which are uninhabited. The bay gets its name (which means “where the dragon descends into the sea”) because legend held that the bay’s islands were created by a dragon from the mountains, according to Lonely Planet. Visitors to Halong Bay can also explore the many wind- and wave-eroded grottoes peppered throughout these islands.

Another place not to miss is the resort-town of Nha Trang, famous for its stunning crescent beach, turquoise waters and hot springs. Besides relaxing at the beach, visitors can find numerous delicious restaurants and relaxing spas around the city. According to VietnamOnline, Nha Trang is also one of the best spots to go scuba diving or snorkeling, thanks to its colorful coral reefs offshore. The city is also known for its nightlife, reports Lonely Planet.

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If you are looking to escape the crowds or throngs of tourists that can saturate some of Vietnam’s most popular cities, including Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, head to the northern part of the country, where tourist numbers still remain relatively low. With cascading rice terraces and towering mountains, Sapa is a great place to stop, but there are other, more remote hidden gems that can be found in the north.

According to Lonely Planet, the “final frontier in northern Vietnam” is the Ha Giang Province, a 5,000 square-mile province full of limestone pinnacles and granite outcrops. This area has remained untouched by globalization, frozen in the past and its proximity to China has kept tourism levels low. The province has also preserved its tribal culture, reports The New York Times, with nearly 90 percent of the population being ethnic minorities. Further north are the Dong Van Highlands, also called Vietnam’s “hidden Himalayas,” which required visitors to procure difficult-to-get permits to travel there prior to 2013. Today, however, there are many tours of the region available.

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So with bustling cities, ancient temples and remote mountainous regions, here are 35 places you need to see in Vietnam.

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