(TITC) - The Travel Magazine recently listed Vietnam's 10 Off-The-Beaten-Track Tourist Attractions and hidden gems.
Vietnam is one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia, yet it's a beautiful country with rich culture and incredible history, stated The Travel. There are numerous amazing places to visit in Vietnam, from Ha Noi Capital to the city of bridges Da Nang. However, Vietnam has more than that since various off-the-beaten-track tourist attractions and hidden gems in Vietnam are waiting to be explored. And surely these spots and their adventures are proof that Vietnam is among the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia to visit.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park
Son Doong Cave - The World’s Largest Cave nestles in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Photo: Collected)
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (in Quang Binh Province, Central Viet Nam) is located in the middle of the Annamite Mountain Range. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2003, it covered 85,754 hectares. With this extension, the site covers a total surface area of 123,326 hectares (a 46 % increase) and shares a boundary with the Hin Namno Nature Reserve in the People's Democratic Republic of Laos.
The property contains and protects over 300 caves and underground rivers making it one of the most outstanding limestone karst ecosystems in the world. A variety of cave types including: dry caves, terraced caves, suspended caves, dendritic caves and intersecting caves. Noticeably the Son Doong Cave, first explored in 2009, is believed to the world’s largest cave.
The park also has diverse flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. Visitors can explore the natural wonders scattered around the park and indulge in various recreational activities such as trekking, kayaking, and cycling.
Best time to visit Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is from March to August, during the dry season.
Con Dao Islands
Con Dao (in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province) – an archipelago of 16 islands off the southern coast of Vietnam, in the East Sea – comprises protected, biodiversity areas. Con Son, the archipelago’s biggest island. Its charming town features a lovely beachfront promenade, and gorgeous seaside scenery.
Beach front view in Con Dao (Photo: TITC)
From Con Son, Con Dao’s other islands are just a boat ride away. To explore some of the best coral reefs in Vietnam, book a snorkelling trip to Dam Trau Beach, Dat Doc Beach, and An Hai Beach. During turtle-breeding season, most visitors head to Bay Canh Islet, to see Vietnam’s turtle-conservation efforts in action. Another island’s main attraction is the Con Dao National Park, featuring a diverse range of animal and plant species.
October to February (dry season) or March to June (the calmest ocean condition) are the best time to visit Con Dao.
Recently, a new passenger port in Con Dao island district has been put into operation. It is believed to be favourable for visitors on the journey from the mainland to Con Dao.
Lan Ha Bay
Travel lovers around the world are too familiar with Ha Long Bay but not yet with Lan Ha Bay. Located in the Cat Ba Archipelago, covering an area of 7000 hectares. With crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches, this stunningly beautiful bay is among the best hidden gems in Vietnam.
Lan Ha Bay (Photo: Collected)
Activities to experience on the bay such as kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and exploring the many caves and grottoes scattered throughout the bay. Visitors can also take a boat trip around the bay to explore the incredible marine life and beautiful coral reefs.
Best time to visit Lan Ha Bay is from March and June or October and November.
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
Photo: TITC
Nestled in the northernmost province of Vietnam, Ha Giang, covering an area of about 2,350 square kilometres, Dong Van Karst Plateau was recognized as the first Global UNESCO Geopark of Vietnam and the second in Southeast Asia after the Langkawi of Malaysia. Its landscape is spectacular and unique with high mountains and deep canyons. The highest peak is Mac Vac Mount (1,971m) while Tu San is the deepest canyon (700-800 m deep). There are two natural conservation areas rich in fauna and flora species such as conifers, Asian black bear, Southern serow (a solitary mountain goat) and many species of bird in this geopark.
Visit Dong Van during its dry season from September to November or October to November to admire the buckwheat flowers.
Turtle Tower
(Photo: Collected)
Turtle Tower is a small historical structure and one the most iconic landmarks in Ha Noi. Located on a small island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, this 15th century structure consists of a three-story building made of brick and stone, with a curved roof and decorative details on the walls.
Visitors cannot access the tower, only admire from the shore.
Visit Ha Noi from October to November to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and admire the Turtle Tower and the surrounding landscape.
Pongour Waterfall
Photo: Vinpearl
Located in Lam Dong Province (in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam), about 50 kilometres south of Da Lat City. It is also known as the 7-level waterfall. With stunning cascades and lush surroundings, it offers a serene and picturesque setting that captivates visitors from all around the world.
Visitors to the waterfall can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking and swimming. Picnic areas and campsites are also available for visitors to soak in the beauty of the incredible natural landscape.
Visit the waterfall from December to early March (for the dry season) or the 15th of the Lunar first month (typically February in the Gregorian calendar) for the waterfall's K'Ho festival.
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda (Photo: Hue News)
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda is famous for its majestic landscape, serene atmosphere, and peaceful vibe, is where to soothe your soul in peace. The Zen is about 15 kilometres away from the city centre of Hue, located in Cham village, Huong Ho ward, Huong Ha town, Thua Thien Hue province. The pristine beauty of nature here will surely sweep away all the stress of visitors and help them reconnect with their inner peace.
The pagoda is open for 24 hours and is free to access.
Cai Be Floating Market
Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang Province (Southern of Vietnam) is one of the most renowned and captivating markets in the Mekong Delta. With its bustling activities and picturesque scenery, this unique destination is a must-visit during your trip to Tien Giang.
Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang is renowned for its bustling trade of different products, such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, rice, handicrafts, and local specialties.
If you visit the floating market in the early morning, you can indulge in some mouthwatering local noodle delicacies, such as Bun goi gia, Banh canh, Hu tieu, etc.
Additionally, this floating market in the Mekong Delta is renowned for Ca phe noi (floating coffee), a unique cultural tradition where visitors can enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee on a boat while immersing themselves in the scenic beauty.
Come to Cai Be Floating Market from 5.30 to 6.30 am to see the floating vendors on the river and November to April in the driest weather.
Muong Hoa Valley
Muong Hoa Valley (Photo: Collected)
Visitors to Sa Pa (Lao Cai Province), the most renowned town in Northwestern Vietnam, should not ignore Muong Hoa Valley. This is where some ethnic minorities reside, offering magnificent natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage.
The best time to visit this hidden “Heaven on Earth” is from March to May. Surrounded by lush forests, rice terraces, and small villages inhabited by ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay. The valley also has several beautiful waterfalls, including Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall.
Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake (Photo: Ba Be National Park)
Situated in Ba Be National Park, in the northeastern province of Bac Kan, approximately 230 kilometres from Ha Noi to the north, Ba Be Lake is among the largest natural freshwater lakes in Vietnam.
Ba Be Lake covers an area of about 500 hectares, surrounded by karst mountains, lush forests, and small villages. Boat tours to enjoy the stunning scenery, diverse wildlife ecosystem of the lake and to visit highlights such as Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, and Widow Island.
Visit from August to October for the best swimming and kayaking experience at Ba Be Lake.
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