If you’re a nature lover, you’ll definitely love Vietnam. The country has more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline, world-famous beaches, and sublime islands. Beyond these picturesque destinations, Vietnam also boasts mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, cave networks, and forests. They also have plenty of protected areas and parks, home to unique species of flora and fauna. Simply put, Vietnam is a paradise just waiting to be discovered!
For those planning to book a Vietnam tour package for a nature trip, here are some places you might want to visit.
Ninh Binh Province
Ha Long Bay is known for its limestone karsts rising out of the water. Ninh Binh Province has the same, only the karst pinnacles rise up from rice fields. This gave Ninh Binh Province the nickname “Ha Long Bay on Land.” Ninh Binh is also home to the Van Long Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park. The former is a wetlands, while the latter is a tropical forest. For cave enthusiasts, you can explore Trang An and Mua Cave. Finally, for those looking for the best place to take photos of Ninh Binh’s gorgeous views, the town of Tam Coc has some of the best vantage points.
Da Lat
Da Lat, the capital of Lam Dong Province, is also called “The City of Eternal Spring.” This is because Da Lat’s location in the Central Highlands of Vietnam gives it year-long cool weather, ideal for growing various kinds of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Strawberries, roses, and hydrangeas are some of the most common plants you’ll see here in almost every corner. Many tourists travel through Da Lat on their own, although you can also book tours to take you to the most famous farms, hills, and lakes around the town. Da Lat is also known as “Little Paris,” since the French settled in the area before it was even known as Da Lat. Indeed, one of the most famous tourist destinations here is the French Quarter, with various French colonial villas, houses, and other structures inspired by the European City of Love.
Cham Islands
Hop on a boat from Hoi An and in 2 hours, you’ll reach the Cham Islands. This cluster of eight islands is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, home to coral reefs and various marine life, rich forest ecosystems, and verdant rice paddies. The only inhabited island is also the largest one among the eight: Hon Lao. This is where most of the tourists flock and yet, despite its busy-ness, you can’t help but feel the slow-going, more relaxed lifestyle of the locals. Make sure to get some local handicrafts for souvenirs before you leave.
Ba Be National Park and Ba Be Lake
Ba Be National Park is located 180 kilometres north of Hanoi. Like Ha Long Bay, it also has majestic limestone karsts. However, Ba Be National Park is less frequented by tourists and has that hidden paradise feel to it. You’ll certainly be impressed by its valleys and mountains, with roaring waterfalls and mysterious caves. Also inside the park is Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural lake. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and centuries-old forests, the lake almost feels sleepy and magical. Despite the quiet, you can find plenty of things to do at the Ba Be National Park. Some of the most popular activities include trekking and hiking, kayaking, and cycling around the park.
Mui Ne Sand Dunes
You don’t have to travel to a far-off desert to see majestic sand dunes. You can simply head to Mui Ne, a Vietnamese beach town. Its sands are not confined to its 12-kilometre-long coast. Mui Ne also has windswept red and white sand dunes, located just outside the city centre. There are 4-wheelers you can rent on-site and use to conquer the slopes. While you’re here, you should also book a Fairy Stream trek. The orange clay bed of the stream is in perfect contrast with the blue sky and the surrounding greenery. Don’t forget to snap a photo!
Con Dao Islands
Con Dao used to be where prisoners were sent to get locked up. Today, Con Dao is one of Vietnam’s prime destinations for scuba diving and hiking. Up in the hills, you can spot some animals like the black giant squirrel and crab-eating macaques. Down on the beach, you might get lucky to see a variety of turtles nesting on the beach. Con Dao National Park is, in fact, a protected area that provides a safe place for green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles to lay their eggs. These peaceful creatures migrate all the way from the Philippines to nest. If you want to witness this natural event, go to the islands between April to October and hop on to Bay Canh, Cau, Tai, or Tre Lon islands.
These destinations barely scratch the surface of all of Vietnam’s natural wonders, ready for your exploration. So pack your bags and get ready to be amazed by nature in Vietnam!
Author:
I’m Jaylin: SEO Expert of Leelija. and full time blogger. Favourite things include my camera, traveling, caring my fitness, food and my fashion. Email id: editor@leelija.com
