Exploring Vietnam's Natural Wonders: Must-Visit Destinations for Nature Enthusiasts

Vietnam, located on the eastern side of the Indochinese Peninsula, is renowned for its abundant biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. Whether it is trekking through verdant valleys, cruising along emerald bays, or immersing oneself in the tranquility of ancient forests, Vietnam travel invites exploration and promises unforgettable experiences amidst its natural splendor.

Here are the top 10 Must-Visit Destinations if you’re a nature lover, plus the best times to visit each destination and how to get there.

1. Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh

Ha Long Bay is renowned as a tourist paradise in the Northern region of Vietnam. With its vast expanse spanning 1,553 square kilometers, this renowned tourist paradise boasts a stunning collection of 1,969 limestone islands, each showcasing distinctive and vibrant formations.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is a must-visit location that promises unforgettable experiences. Some must-try activities here are hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking amidst the towering karst formations.

When to visit Ha Long Bay

The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is spring (March and April) and autumn (September and October), for optimal weather and pleasant temperatures.

How to visit Ha Long Bay

Located in northeastern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a four hour drive from Hanoi, and you can easily reach this destination with a private vehicle or a coach tour.

2. Sapa & The Tonkinese Alps

Nestled among the mystical Tonkinese Alps, the charming French hill station of Sapa serves as a gateway to one of the most exquisite regions in Southeast Asia. As you venture through the ethereal mist and fog, you'll be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the Hoang Lien Son Mountains cascading into the Muong Hoa Valley, adorned with glistening emerald rice terraces.

We recommend doing a 3-day trek between the villages to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery and catch a glimpse of traditional culture of the H'mong and Dao hill tribe villages. If trekking isn’t an option, you can still explore the most beautiful spots with day trips in a vehicle.

When to visit Sapa

Located in the remote northwest of Vietnam, Sapa’s climate is best from March to May and September to November, with sunny days and clear skies. September and October are also the best months to see the rice terraces, as they bloom in a vibrant green after the rainy season.

How to visit Sapa

As there are no flights to Sapa, the best way to get there is with an overnight train from Hanoi.

3. Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa

Situated approximately 160 kilometers northwest of Hanoi, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a must-see place for discovering Vietnam nature. Encompassing an expansive area of over 17,600 hectares and boasting a rich variety of flora and fauna, this place enthralls visitors with its unspoiled charm. It features primeval forests, cascading waterfalls, intriguing caves, and picturesque terraced fields. Moreover, Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers a glimpse into the serene mountainous life of ethnic communities, particularly the Thai and Muong people.

When to visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve

You should visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve from April to October during the dry season. This period offers pleasant weather for activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring the reserve's scenic beauty. May to September showcases lush greenery and vibrant rice terraces.

How to visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve

You can fly to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, travel by road to Thanh Hoa City, and then you can arrange further transportation to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, which is approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) away. It's recommended to book a private transfer or join a guided tour for convenience.

4. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is undoubtedly an unmissable place for adventure enthusiasts passionate about Vietnam nature. This remarkable destination showcases an intricate network of colossal limestone mountains, each displaying a diverse range of geological formations and topography. Nestled beneath a lush tropical forest canopy, the park provides a nurturing habitat for a wide array of plant and animal species.

When to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

The best months to visit the national park are between March and May, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is low. December to February is also dry, however the weather can be quite cool. June to August are the hottest months, while August and December should be avoided due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

How to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Located in northern Central Vietnam, you can take a domestic flight into Dong Hoi airport, then take a private vehicle for the one-hour drive to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

5. Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh

Nestled within the dense jungles of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park lies Son Doong Cave, the world's largest natural cave. The cave boasts expansive chambers that have their own self-contained ecosystems, complete with lush jungles and meandering rivers. To embark on an exploration of Son Doong Cave, one must have adequate physical fitness and a spirit of adventure, as the journey involves trekking through jungles and wading through underground rivers.

When to visit Son Doong Cave

The best time to visit Son Doong Cave is during the dry season, which typically runs from February to August. The cave is closed to visitors from September to January due to heavy rains and flooding.

How to visit Son Doong Cave

This cave has quite dangerous terrain, so you will not be able to go on your own or alone but will need to contact a travel company. Please also be aware of the prices. A tour per person costs usually around 3.000 US-dollar.

6. Da Nang

A laid back coastal city in central Vietnam, Da Nang is brimming with natural beauty and cultural attractions.

You’ll need a few days here to soak up all the sights, including Marble Mountains, a group of mountains with a maze of caves and trails, and a number of gorgeous temples to explore.

Visit My Khe Beach, a stunning white sand beach with plenty of watersports, or the wonderful Ba Na Hills Sunworld, a fairytale complex modelled after an old European city, featuring the world’s longest cable car lift.

You also can’t miss the Golden Bridge Hand, where you’ll find two giant stone hands emerging out of the mountain to cradle the golden bridge.

Suspended 1,400 metres above sea level, with panoramic views over the valley and the Truong Son mountains, Da Nang’s newest architectural attraction has drawn huge crowds from all over the world.

When to visit Da Nang

Da Nang weather is at its best from February to May, with warm temperatures and clear skies. The hottest months run from May to September, while the rainy season brings showers from September to February.

How to visit

You can fly into Da Nang International Airport from airports around Vietnam and the rest of the world.

7. Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Mui Ne is a renowned tourist destination for its endless red and white sand dunes, a must-visit during your journey through central Vietnam. The pink and white sand hills are distinct attractions that captivate many visitors, prompting them to take photos, indulge in sand sliding, engage in off-road ATV rides, and more. Nature-sculpted dunes exhibit amazing forms that evolve throughout the day.

When to visit the Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Mui Ne is one of the driest places in Vietnam, so you’ll enjoy pleasant weather all year round. For the best surfing and beach conditions, visit Mui Ne between December and April.

How to visit the Mui Ne Sand Dunes

You can reach the dunes with a four-hour drive in a private vehicle from Ho Chi Minh city. If you’d like to spend more time at the dunes, you can stay in nearby Mui Ne fishing village, lined with a stunning golden sand beach, famed for kite and windsurfing.

8. Mekong Delta

Known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Vietnam’, the Mekong Delta is one of the most scenic regions of Vietnam. A land of winding waterways, mangrove forests, floating markets and lush green rice fields, life here is governed by the ebb and flow of southeast Asia’s most iconic river.

You can travel the mighty Mekong by boat, stopping at the famous floating markets of Chau Doc, Can Tho or Cai Rang, where traders and farmers come to buy and sell fruit, vegetables and fish.

You can also head out into the Mekong Delta on bicycles, roaming through peaceful villages where you’ll see children riding on the backs of water buffaloes and farmers tending to their glimmering rice fields.

When to visit the Mekong Delta

The best time to visit the Mekong Delta is during the dry season between December and April, with blue skies and low humidity. November to January are the coolest months in this sweltering region.

How to visit the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is located close to Ho Chi Minh, and you can take a day tour from the city to explore the waterways and floating markets. For an immersive Mekong experience, we recommend spending one or two nights in one of the towns located along the river, or taking a longer trip through Cambodia by boat along the Mekong.

9. Cat Tien National Park

Covering a vast region of lowland tropical forest, Cat Tien National Park is a breathtaking biosphere reserve in southern Vietnam. Set beside a small, sleepy town, the national park is home to a trove of ancient trees, botanical gardens and endangered wildlife.

Walk or cycle along the leafy trails for the chance to spot the endemic golden-cheeked gibbon and other rare primates, bears, mongoose, civets, elephants, pangolin, deer and an impressive array of rare birds.

You can even take a canoe around the jungle-fringed waters of Crocodile Lake, to catch a glimpse of the lake's resident crocodiles.

You can also visit enchanting waterfalls around the town of Cat Tien, and an archaeological site located just outside the town, where you’ll find ancient Hindu temples built between the 4th and 9th centuries.

When to visit Cat Tien National Park

The best time to visit Cat Tien is from December to May, with low rainfall and milder temperatures, making it easier to explore the forest.

How to visit Cat Tien National Park

The easiest way to reach this secluded park is with a four-hour drive in a private vehicle from Ho Chi Minh city.

10. Da Lat

With its magical waterfalls, shady forests and brilliant flower gardens, Da Lat has become renowned as one of the most romantic places in Vietnam, perfect for adventurous couples.

Known as the Paris of Vietnam, The City of Flowers and The City of Lovers, you’ll discover a charming town strewn with French-colonial villas, horse-drawn carriages, an Eiffel Tower-shaped radio tower and the gorgeous Valley of Love, dotted with heart-shaped sculptures.

The town is surrounded by picturesque crops of coffee, strawberries and flowers. The cooler weather and misty mountain air make it the perfect place for outdoor action, and you can go hiking, mountain biking, canyoning and white-water rafting in the surrounding hills.

When to visit Da Lat

Da Lat is at its most beautiful between December and March, when the famous flower gardens erupt in full bloom. The weather is dry and sunny, and temperatures are pleasant for outdoor adventure.

How to visit Da Lat

You can take a domestic flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh to Lien Khuong Airport, located 30 kilometres south of Da Lat. You can also reach Da Lat by taking a private vehicle transfer from Ho Chi Minh.

Vietnam nature is an extraordinary tapestry of diverse landscapes. The country's natural wonders showcase the remarkable beauty and rich biodiversity that Vietnam has to offer. So, pack your luggage, ready to volunteer with us and discover the nature of the S-shaped country!