Vietnam, in Southeast Asia, is one of the most extraordinary and naturally beautiful countries in the world. Containing stunning tropical forests, filled with endangered animals that you can’t find anywhere else in the world, untouched beaches and thousands of uninhabited islets. The sheer variety of its beautiful landscapes make it a very special place for anyone who loves nature. Observe the locals as they continue with their traditional way of life and visit historical sites that explain how the Vietnamese defended their country, during the Vietnam war. With such a big country and so much beauty to behold, it is impossible to visit them all when you have a limited amount of time. So, if it’s breathtaking natural beauty you’re after, there are a few of the places you should put on your itinerary.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, or the Bay of Descending Dragons, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay, in northern Vietnam, is the most naturally beautiful part of the Van Don District. There have been findings that suggest thousands of years ago, there were prehistoric settlements in this area and this landscape has hardly been affected by humans.
If you take a cruise, you will truly appreciate how stunning this area is. With an abundance of beautiful beaches on the many charming islets, you can enjoy swimming or snorkeling among the colourful fish in the clear blue water. Ha Long Bay now houses just a few fishing villages, namely Cong Dam, Cua Van, Viet Hai and Vung. Generations of fishermen have made their living here and it is fascinating to watch the fishermen still use the traditional fishing methods.
In many of the numerous magical, limestone caves and grottoes, you can see stunning stalagmites and stalactites, which are over 2 million years old. 20 metre-high stalagmites and stalactites have formed in Dau Go Cave. Illuminated with natural and artificial lighting, this is a natural sight of unusual beauty, that you don’t want to miss. Cat Ba Island offers any nature lover a fascinating chance to walk in tropical forests filled with many species of animals and birds, this is the world’s biosphere reserve zone. With an abundance of over 700 varieties of plant life including rare and beautiful trees, this place is brimming with genuinely breathtaking nature. This destination most certainly deserves its reputation for being one of the most diverse and exquisite places to visit in Vietnam.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is another stunning location in Vietnam where houses and markets that float on the water, surrounded by the rich green foliage of the countryside, a slower pace of life can be observed. Nicknamed the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, you can observe farmers wearing their Asian conical hats (or Asian rice hats) caring for their sugar-cane and fruit orchards alongside buffalo in the rice paddies and boats carrying loads of fruit as locals go about their daily lives. Bird watchers can observe over 46 remarkable species of birds that live in the mangrove forests, in the Bac Lieu and Tra Su bird sanctuaries. The Mekong River may offer a rare glimpse of the Irrawaddy dolphin. Winding through the dazzling, lush green scenery, a boat trip will provide you with further opportunities to spot rare birds such as pelicans, storks and hornbills.
Hang Mua
Found in the Ninh Binh Province of Vietnam, the Hang Múa Peak is well worth a visit if you’re seeking natural beauty. It requires a short 25 minute hike to get to its peak, up 500 beautiful stone steps build based upon the architecture of the Great Wall of China. While this trek is not too strenuous, the hot and humid weather can make it more challenging- but it is well worth it for the views you will be rewarded with once you reach the top. You’ll see stunning panoramic views over the Tam Coc Valley with its beautiful river flowing through the centre. It’s a great photo opportunity with its layered landscape of river and mountain. At its highest peak, there’s a stone carved dragon watching over the valley as a symbol of prosperity. It really is a scenery of natural beauty you will never forget.
Vietnam is a vast country that has no scarcity of natural beauty. The landscapes are diverse and you get a sense of serenity when surrounded by the beauty of this country. A country that deserves to be appreciated for its stunning natural beauty and as well as its cultural diversity, Vietnam is a place that should not be missed during your travels.
