The Southeast Asian country impresses with its stunningly diverse landscapes, bustling cities and rich cultural history. Diplomatic SOCIETY handpicked eight places absolutely worth discovering.
1 Mu Cang Chai in the Yên Bái Province is famous for its terraced fields. Especially the Water Pouring Season (planting time) offers truly remarkable and even surreal scenes when the farmers direct water from the top of the mountain to the furrowed fields, creating ponds in which you see the sky’s reflection.
2 Ha Giang Loop is a spectacular, almost 330 km long (motor-)bike route through the impressive mountains of the region, passing through four districts and crossing high passes and deep abysses. The endless loop-like curves require a certain level of bike skills and endurance, but it is totally worth the effort. The Ha Giang province is also one of the most ethnically diverse areas, offering a rich cultural tapestry.
3 In Buon Ma Thuot, coffee lovers get their money’s worth. It is famous for its lush coffee plantations and stunning natural beauty as well as its rich cultural heritage. You can visit the Lak Lake, nestled in the midst of nature, walk on the Suspension Bridge or explore the Trung Nguyen Coffee Village with its tasting areas, museum and culinary zone.
4 Mui Ne is perfect for beach lovers. Only four hours from Ho Chi Minh City, it is an eclectic mix of culture, fishing villages, nature and adventure (kite boarders will love it). We recommend an early morning at the sea, watching the many fisher men unload their catch or a stroll through the Fairy Stream, an ankle-deep waterway that lines the edge of a dramatic red clay and limestone rock.
5 In Phu Quoc, you definitely have to use the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car – built by the Austrian company Doppelmayr – to go from Phu Quoc to Hon Thom Island, also known as Pineapple Island. During the nearly 8 kilometres long journey, you can admire the breathtaking view of the island and its stunning surroundings. Once in Hon Thom, you can explore the beach or the Island Park with a wooden roller coaster.
6 Pu Luong Nature Reserve impresses with endless mountains, fertile valleys and a pristine jungle. After a short hike through rice fields (starting from the top of Hieu village), you will arrive at a series of dreamy waterfalls and throughout the park, you will also come across a number of ethnic Thai Villages consisting of homes built in a raised stilt style.
7 The Dong Van Karst Plateau is an over 400 million years old geopark in northern Viet Nam, bordering China. You might also refer to it as a geological wonderland, with its awe-inspiring landscapes consisting of towering limestone formations, jagged cliffs and captivating karst peaks. The geopark is also home to diverse ethnic communities, showcasing their vibrant culture and tradition.
8 In Ninh Binh – a UNESCO-protected site – you can take a paddleboat tour along shimmering rivers discovering wildlife, get a bird’s-eye view of Ninh Binh at the top of Hang Mua, explore the ancient capital Hoa Lu (968 to 1009) or pay a visit to the Bai Dinh Temple, one of Viet Nam’s largest complexes of Buddhist temples consisting of an original old temple and a newly created larger one.
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