5 Most Amazing Landscapes in Vietnam

Nature enthusiasts can also find plenty of sightseeing opportunities throughout their holiday, ranging from pristine beaches and untouched islets to towering mountains and tropical forests housing thousands of rare wildlife species. There’s even a Sahara-like desert landscape where you can enjoy thrilling activities such as sandboarding and quad biking. For those looking to experience the local lifestyle, Vietnam has hill-tribes and rice farmers along the north mountain ranges, while fisherman villages are scattered throughout the middle and southern regions of the country. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 most amazing landscapes in Vietnam, each of which offer truly unique photo opportunities and experiences for the adventurous at heart.

1. Halong 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. Con Dao Island

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.

3. Tram Chim National Park

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.

4. Cuc Phuong National Park

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.

5. Son Doong Cave

Son Doong Cave is known as the world’s largest natural cave, housing many limestone grottoes, stalactites and stalagmites. Set within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (about 500km south of Hanoi), the cave is a must visit for adventurous travellers looking to explore one of Vietnam’s natural gems during their holiday. Son Doong cave was first discovered in 1991 by a local named Ho Khanh, followed by a team of British cavers lead by Howard Limbert in 2009. With sections reaching up to 200 metres high, Son Doong Cave also spans 9 km in length, making it about two times bigger than Malaysia’s Deer Cave. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, bats and flying foxes.