Travel across the country to visit the 10 most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam

Lonely Planet suggests 10 most beautiful tourist destinations in Vietnam that visitors should experience, from bustling cities to pristine beaches to misty towns...

The world- famous travel guide Lonely Planet suggests that if you start your journey to explore Vietnam in the north at the Chinese border, you will travel along a length of 1,650km. That is a journey through endless green landscapes, golden beaches, bustling cities before reaching the southernmost point of the country in the fertile Mekong Delta.

There are so many destinations to explore in one trip, so travelers need to plan ahead so as not to miss out on the places worth visiting. Therefore, Lonely Planet has compiled a list of the 10 best destinations along the S-shaped country.

Towering limestone mountains on Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong. Photo: Quy Coc Tu

Phu Quoc

First of all, Phu Quoc is the best destination for island lovers, but still has no shortage of options for resorts, entertainment, and exploring diverse nature. American magazines introduce the pearl island as a place to slow down, so that in the afternoon visitors can hold a cocktail while watching the sunset.

For a thrill, visit VinWonders amusement park and take in the breathtaking views from the world's longest sea-crossing cable car.

A beach in Phu Quoc seen from above. Photo: Sheraton Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort

Hanoi

As the heart of the country, Hanoi is the ideal place for tourists to start their journey to explore Vietnam for the first time. From here, tourists can depart to other stops such as Ha Long Bay, the mountains and forests of the Northwest... This capital is ideal for those who love urban life, with countless rich experiences in cuisine, learning about local history and culture...

Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay

This tranquil bay is the perfect alternative to the popular Ha Long Bay. Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay offer stunning views that will captivate photographers. The journey will include unforgettable experiences such as kayaking, hiking on Cat Ba Island, or relaxing on Co To Island.

Kayaking is a favorite experience for tourists in Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong. Photo: Quy Coc Tu

HCMC

This young city offers plenty to do for those who want to reminisce about the past. Visitors will see traces of time and history in attractions such as the War Remnants Museum, French colonial architecture...

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

This is a destination that offers unique experiences, with the highlight being Son Doong, the world’s largest cave. If you can’t afford the expensive Son Doong tour, the good news is that the national park has many other caves for visitors to explore at a more affordable cost, such as Tu Lan, Phong Nha, Thien Duong or Hang En.

Explore the Va and Nuoc Nut cave systems in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh. Photo: Ngo Tran Hai An

Hoi An

This historic destination was once the busiest trading port in Asia, with ancient architecture in the old town area such as tea rooms, shops, ancient bridges, temples... History is just the starting point - many tourists stay in Hoi An for many days to learn how to make white rose cakes, spring rolls, order tailored clothes from popular shops...

Central Coast

Vietnam's long coastline attracts tourists with names concentrated in the Central and South Central regions in Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne... with enough experiences for those who love to relax in sunny coastal areas.

Mui Ne beach, Binh Thuan is clear, blue and waveless, making tourists excited. Photo: Duy Tuan

Hue

The ancient capital of Hue is a land steeped in royal history, with outstanding architectural works such as the Imperial City and the mausoleums of Vietnam's greatest emperors.

An experience not to be missed is to enjoy Hue royal cuisine - with delicacies considered the best in the country. Try a bowl of spicy Hue beef noodle soup or a crispy banh khoai to test this recommendation for yourself.

Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park is the perfect destination for sightseeing trips to see the forests, poetic lakes, and learn about the world of wild animals.

Here, visitors can walk on trails winding between limestone peaks to reach the villages of the Mong, Tay and Dao people. A boat trip and kayaking across peaceful lakes in the middle of the mountains are also activities not to be missed.

Tourists take a boat to explore the natural beauty and majestic mountains on Ba Be Lake. Photo: TITC

Ha Giang

Lonely Planet recommends this as the best destination for majestic mountain views. The magazine says Ha Giang is an ideal destination for trekking trips to explore beautiful nature.

Ripe rice season in Ban Phung, Ha Giang. Photo: Ngoc Thang

"You can trek to ethnic minority villages, see rice terraces set among towering limestone peaks; ride a motorbike (or cycle) through some of Vietnam's most spectacular mountain passes; and you'll want to take plenty of photos on the winding mountain roads between Ha Giang, Dong Van and Meo Vac towns," Lonely Planet writes.

Laodong.vn