Vietnam Nature Travel

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There is no shortage of natural beauty in Vietnam, and the landscape is as diverse as the people. Whether you are visiting the mountainous North, the Central coastal region, or the rural waterways of the South, you'll find inspiring nature destinations in Vietnam.

From Hanoi, you can set sail through thousands of limestone islands in Halong Bay and wander through the rice paddies on the mountainsides of Sapa. Close to Hoi An and Da Nang, you can spend time lounging on palm-fringed beaches or clambering through the largest caves on the planet. Take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City and find yourself in the midst of the mighty Mekong Delta and the charming rural villages that call it home.

Vietnam is also one of 25 countries in the world with a uniquely high level of biodiversity, which includes the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey and exceedingly rare rhinoceroses. More frequent animal encounters in Vietnam will be with grazing water buffalo and curious geckos!

Destinations

Vietnam highlights: Vietnam Nature Travel

Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay

The name Ha Long means “descending dragon” – a fitting title for a bay steeped in mystical legends and boasting scenery to match. There are countless tales of how and why the name came about. One of the most well-known tells of a dragon that came down from the sky, spitting thousands of pearls from its fiery mouth, which became the islets and karsts that now dot the bay.

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Phu Quoc Island

Located in the glittering expanse of the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s very own island paradise. Neighbouring the similarly paradisiacal islands of Cambodia, Phu Quoc features long stretches of idyllic sand; dense untouched jungle, and a growing collection of mega resorts. But with over 221.6 square miles (574 sq km) of land, there is still a slice of island for everyone.

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Ninh Binh

Referred to as the “Halong Bay of the Land,” Ninh Binh is known for its striking karst formations. Go on a boat ride here to see a surreal and very lush landscape.

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Phan Thiet

Phan Thiet is one of the most accessible port cities in southern Vietnam and is the gateway to the beach town of Mui Ne. The two destinations are fairly interchangeable and most visitors will pass between the two to visit popular attractions. Whether you stay in Mui Ne bay north of Mui Ne Cape or south on the public Phan Thiet beaches, the joy in this area is getting out beyond the beach.

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Mai Chau

A few hours southwest of Hanoi, through picturesque farming towns and over epic mountain passes, is the verdant valley of Mai Chau. Home to the ethnic White and Black Thai people, who arrived in Vietnam from southern China as early as the 13th century, the area is rich in culture and one of the best places to experience Vietnamese hospitality. Book yourself into a homestay in a traditional stilt house, enjoy home-cooked feasts of fresh, local produce and be utterly charmed by this beautiful rural area.

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Con Dao Islands

Located nearly 62 miles (100 km) off the coast of southern Vietnam, the Con Dao islands are some of the most remote places you can travel in Vietnam. Boasting picture-perfect beaches and some of the most luxurious resorts in the country, Con Dao is a very special island getaway. Con Dao is an archipelago of 15 islands and the biggest, Con Son, was once a brutal penal colony. Today, it is a seldom visited but staggeringly beautiful collection of islands that likely won’t stay quiet for too long.

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Ha Giang

Ha Giang province is in the northernmost part of Vietnam and shares a border with China. This is a destination for adventurous travelers who want to see authentic Vietnamese culture, virtually untouched by tourism. It’s a protected area, and guests need to get a special pass to enter its borders. Visitors who make it this far will be rewarded with some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Vietnam.

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Cat Ba Island

White sand beaches, rugged mountains, and rural villages make up the 110 square miles (259 sq km) of Cat Ba Island. The largest among thousands of limestone islands in magnificent Halong Bay, Cat Ba is a popular overnight stop on traditional cruise itineraries. Visitors stay here to experience untouched jungles, star-lit skies, and a laid back atmosphere.

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Dalat

Because of its remote location, the “honeymoon capital” of Vietnam is often overlooked by international travelers. Although it has changed greatly from the days when it was a French settlement, Dalat’s countryside charm and romantic atmosphere endure — Dalat is known for its abundant and colorful flowers, and December to February is the best time to see the city in bloom. Nature lovers will find themselves spoilt for choice with excellent hiking, picturesque lakes, and splendid waterfalls all within easy reach.

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Dong Nai

To the east of Ho Chi Minh City, the Dong Nai Province encompasses the Cat Tien National Park. Travelers come here to take incredible, scenic hikes and see some of Vietnam’s endangered wildlife. Although just a short distance outside of Ho Chi Minh City, it feels a universe away from its steamy streets filled with city scooters.

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Bac Ha

Bac Ha is nestled deep in the mountains, 62 miles (100 km) from tourist-filled Sapa and over 99 miles (160 km) from bustling Ha Giang. The town is a quiet backwater Monday to Friday, but by Saturday crowds of locals from thousands of surrounding villages descend on the town for the colourful Sunday market. For people watching and a chance to meet some of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups, there is no better place to be.

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Halong Bay

Phu Quoc Island

Ninh Binh

Phan Thiet

Mai Chau

Con Dao Islands

Ha Giang

Cat Ba Island

Dalat

Dong Nai

Bac Ha

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Avoid the crowds in private day tours.

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