Having landed in Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh possibly, and settled into your hotel, the excitement begins to build up. If you have ever traveled in the north or south of Vietnam, there are different experiences awaiting you in the center of the country. Our favorite beauty spot is the ancient town of Hoi An. The reflections imposed on the river waters are memorizing, a work of art. Romantic as well, we must add.
Other than Hoi An, the big experience for you could only be when you climb down through into another world, deep inside the Earth. We are talking about Son Doong, of course. Stand on top of the one pillar you can and be completely blown away. What light there is, is just enough to be amazed. Alternatively, you could visit Hang En Cave elsewhere in the Quang Binh Province: there are 3 very different entrances.
You can find Hang En Cave in the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. Read on to discover what other amazing wonders await you.
The provincial city of Dong Hoi is surrounded by a diverse range of mountains and forest jungles, incredibly beautiful cave systems and low flatlands. The world's largest cave is found in this province, in among other caves that host the world's longest underground river, the Son River. There is beauty all around you look, for everyone:
There is even a beach, would you believe it or not? Your holiday excitement begins when you step inside the Ke Bang National Park. If you are passionate about nature and geology, then you'll find a way to get here, no matter what. Because this place was created especially for you.
By the way if you ever find yourself in Da Nang City, then this national park is within easy reach: you could easily spend a few days here. It's no more than 6 hours by bus, to Dong Hoi City.
Undisputable, the largest natural cave in the world. A grand entrance that is only matched by its recorded length of 9km. The natural beauty can only be described as other worldly. As your guide takes you deeper into this cave your eyes stare in disbelieve:
In the dimly lit cave system, you look over the side of your boat into the river water. Dark green, turquoise color can be seen deep down where your torch light shines. It's spooky, and creepy, what immediately comes to mind. You may even imagine a prehistoric creature beneath your boat, and who would know? Parts of this cave remain unexplored.
The beach is located close to the capital Dong Hoi, and it is the most perfect place to disconnect from the drama found in the national park. It's a relatively quiet beach and mostly frequented by domestic tourists, giving you some solitude to reflect on your recent experiences. The white sands and clear blue waters are perfect for swimming and sunbathing ― relaxation, before your trip comes to an end.
A two-hour journey south of Dong Hoi City brings you to the internationally recognized mineral hot springs. Besides the composition of the minerals found in the water for health benefits there are natural beauty spots in the area. One that immediately springs to mind in this province is the picturesque Tri An Lake.
What we truly love about Vietnam and what amazes us is the diverse natural beauty. You obviously realize that too because you are looking for a nice place for a holiday. Wild forests, a myriad of flora and fauna, Lam Dong has many beautiful sights: lakes and waterfalls, rolling hills and wildlife. Of course, the icing on the cake is Da Lat.
The province is mostly forests, covering mountainous peaks, some over 2000 meters:
Those mountains with the highest peaks are found on the Lang Bian plateau, and to the west of the province are those with lower peaks. The terrain is perfect for mountaineering enthusiasts. If you do spend a lot of your time outdoors back home, then you will fall in love with Da Lat and its surrounding countryside. So many features of the landscape revolve around water:
You cannot imagine the adventures waiting for you, as you throw on your waterproofs and rucksack and head off once more in search of another stunning sight. And the waterfalls. Because there are so many of them, we've listed the most prominent and popular of them:
It's an extraordinary experience, and one you will carry with you for life, is meeting the ethnic villagers in parts of the remote jungle you will trek through. Unforgettable memories: their customs and cuisine, their arts and festivals. Even if you are not a big fan of trekking, you will still find the outdoor experience very enjoyable.
A valley named appropriately by the colonial French for the extremely beautiful landscape found throughout the valley. The location is also known as the Niagara Falls of Vietnam and for obvious reasons, a hot spot for newlywed couples on their honeymoon. The beauty is utterly stunning and you will be held captive by it.
It does stop you in your tracks. It is the most picturesque and romantic site in Da Lat City. It is possible to see everything in the valley in thanks to the manmade paths and steps, greatly easing access to the nature and lake.
What is buzzing about this province is the beach town of Mui Ne. It is less than 30km from the province's capital Phan Thiet and because the city has an airport you can enjoy a smashing weekend getaway, arriving from anywhere in Vietnam. And why wouldn't you? The province pulls in, and growing, over 750,000 tourists ― foreign and domestic ― per month.
The attraction of Binh Thuan is as much the picturesque beauty and diverse landscapes, and the unique lifelong experiences created here:
There is so much to do and enjoy, a little of everything really and never far away are beautiful sights. The entire 120km coastline of this province is littered with beaches. But beach life wouldn't be without a good Island to escape to and there are two within your grasp: Cu Lao Cau Island and Phu Quy Island.
A little over 100km from Phan Thiet to the north, the Island has been a mystery for long and weary, unheard of. But as the province is beckoning more tourists there is a growing interest in this piece of rock. What will be truly amazing to you are the different sizes, shapes of the boulders and rocks, and colors, which incidentally change as the day grows older.
The best time to head to the Islands, the pair of them, is in the first half of the year. There are strong winds blowing off the ocean, onto the Islands though. Perfect for those seeking a more rugged Island adventure ― camping for example because there's no accommodation. We departed for a day from the town of Lien Huong by speedboat, but you can leave from Ca Na town, if that's closer.
Difficult to believe but Vietnam does have a desert of white sand. From the provincial city of Phan Thiet, take a 60km journey to the northeast to the freshwater lakes the dunes are named after. Start by climbing over the tops of the endless dunes and eventually you'll come across the lakes, there are two of them.
One small and one large. The sun beats down on you and the water sparkles like diamonds in the sunlight. You have found the oasis.
From the distance you can make out what is a lotus pond, and in a sea of sand, you are thankful for this color. It is the unexpected beauty of pink you'll often recall, afterwards. We recommend you hire a jeep or an off-road quad ― the quad is better actually, but more difficult to get the hang of ― and enjoy yourself, because on foot isn't as much fun. You'll pay anything from US$35 upwards, for 30 minutes.
When you tire of "horsing" around on the dunes, there are boat rides on the lake ― it's really marvelous to be out on the lake for the sunset. Just the two of you, alone.
On the lip of Bach Ma National Park is Hai Van Pass and this is one of the most scenic roads in Vietnam. It's also the highest pass, and the road winds like spaghetti, tangled up. You can expect therefore very tight corners to negotiate on your motorbike tour. In the same breath there is amazement and fear and you slow down on each hairpin bend and then speed up, only to slow down again. You can't help yourself but stop frequently to grab a picture of the incredible landscapes.
If you ever find yourself in Da Nang and you've a love for touring, either the motorbike or cycling, then hop on one and give your best. The Hai Van Pass is going to challenge you. Readily rent your mode of transport in Da Nang or Hue and enjoy your journey going up ― it's about an hour by motorbike, at most. Cycling obviously will be longer.
From the very top you can clearly see Da Nang, and leveraged between Da Nang and Hue is Long Co Bay. It's one of the more beautiful bays in Vietnam, if not southeast Asia. It's a top tourist destination, put it that way. And one of the exceptional rewards of touring is this 20km pass and its stunning viewpoints.
If getting around is too extreme for you on two wheels then there are jeep tours you can book. That will make you feel a lot safer and you still get to enjoy the landscape and views. Your tour itinerary should also include time on Long Co Beach. Don your swimming costume and enjoy the water or try out the canoeing. But if that feels unexciting to you, rent a boat to take you to Son Cha Island instead.
The great thing about this province and being wedge between Da Nang and Hue is you have the beauty of the coastline on one hand and the other, you have the Bach Ma National Park. The best of both worlds really:
There are rumors of a floral fragrance wafting from this river and there is one in early October. But it's a pungent, musty aroma that is not necessarily pleasant. We say that because the river flows through so many forests of flowering plants, their petals fall off into the water to eventually float downstream past the Imperial City of Hue.
If your holiday dates miss the perfume of the river, don't fret because there are other attractions. There are the slow scenic boat trips during the day, they are peaceful and relaxing. Perhaps the tour operator will take you to two of the most desirable sites, namely the Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Royal Tomb? But it's the sunset cruises that are special. Being on the open waters seeing the horizon painted in orange is stunning.
Then the night falls and the river banks are bathed in all spectrums of light. It's beautiful to see light twinkle in the distance as you stand and stare astern in the warm night breeze. Your cruise will be complemented with a delicious meal of local Vietnam seafood cuisine.
The centerpiece of this Quang Nam Province has to be the ancient town of Hoi An. We would be embarrassed not to have brought it to your fullest attention. And better yet, all this is a stone's throw from the international city of Da Nang, a little to the north.
What makes Hoi An so perfect is it's a grand weekend escape from Da Nang. And whilst we have scribbled elsewhere about the historic importance of the town there is enough beauty to please everyone.
You find a real appreciation for French colonial architecture when you are strolling through the streets of this town, doing your best not to bump into other tourists. Yes, it can be crowded at times, understandably. In town, at the banks of the Thu Bon River, hop onto a boat for a most pleasurable experience. There are many traditional villages to be discovered:
Each contributes so much to the local economy and much of the produce made is exported worldwide for there is a huge demand on authentic Vietnamese goods. It's an amazing experience to watch local people work magic in their chosen craft.
Or, better yet, take a boat ride late in the evening. The light reflected off the surface from the lanterns dazzles you. The pitch blackness of night is awash with color from the lanterns that hang over the streets on both sides of the riverbank. It's spellbinding to say the least. And why not finish off your day with a meal at one of the riverside restaurants? Enjoy your meal, al fresco, in the warm evening air it is extremely calming.
If you are ready to travel a few hours, well, maybe three, out of Hoi An then you are in for a cultural treat. The beautiful village and its ethnic Hoong people are super friendly and eager to share their ancestral traditions with you. As with many, or most ethnic villagers, they will greet you in their customary attire, which is usually stunning to look at, and they don't mind you taking a few photos either. So, click away.
A small population of less than 500, the village lies at the bottom of the magnificent Truong Son Mountains. Crossing their bridge into the village your eyes fall on narrow streets, lined with banana and jackfruit trees. The houses are simple, and you would be forgiven for thinking primitive, but for the Moong people, they're happy, and importantly, comfortable.
What we love about village life in general, in Vietnam's small ethnic communities are the closeness the people enjoy, and the modern world is as far removed as you could ask for. After a spell of walking around, you feel how remote these people are and you think to yourself how lucky they are too. Chickens and other domesticated animals rummage around on the verges for food, they are pets, really.
The beauty you seek happens when you immerse yourself in the lives of these people. Let them take you on a guide and see for yourself:
If you decide to stay, then you can experience their instrumental music and dance in the evening. It's one more holiday experience that you'll remember for life. As you wave and bid farewell, you are extremely glad you made the journey.
As a bonus, we've included an extra province for you, because Vietnam has so much to offer. Nha Trang is the provincial capital, and the vast bulk of the province's beauty is in its beaches, bays and Islands. There are natural coral reefs and marine life. It comes as no surprise that diving happens to be a favorite pastime for many holidaying tourists to Nha Trang.
Nha Trang Bay sits in the top 30 of the most idyllic, beautiful bays in the world. When you do arrive in the city, you will want to Island hop between:
They equally have some of the most beautiful scenery in the province, if not the full length of the east coast. All three are exotic tourist destinations in their own right and what's incredible about Diep Son? There is a sandy path, once submerged it's possible to walk to the Island, actually, three smaller Islands joined close together. How incredible are the warm waters lapping around your feet, because it feels a little strange. Put some distance from the shore, the depth of the sea is yards away.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.