The 15 most beautiful destinations in Vietnam

From markets to temples, from plains to mountains, from rivers to rice terraces, you will understand why Vietnam has become one of the ideal destinations for photography. CNN explored and voted on 15 favourite places to discover Vietnam.

1. Thu Bon River (Quang Nam)

Extremely beautiful, especially the tributary that crosses Hoi An is often referred to as the Hoai River. Whether it is early morning, late afternoon or late evening, small boats always bring a special experience of Hoi An charming town life to visitors.

>> Read more: Thu Bon River, a trip in time

2. Son Dong Cave (Quang Binh)

Discovered by a Vietnamese peasant in 1991, Son Dong Cave with more than 3 million years of sediment is one of the largest caves in the world. It could contain the entire city of New York.

Located inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, at the heart of the cave are beautiful rivers with magical lights, creating giant natural images. At the moment, the number of visitors to the cave is limited and exploration usually takes place from February to August each year.

>> Read more: Top 10 things to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

3. Sapa from above (Lao Cai)

The mountainous area of Lao Cai province attracts visitors with its clean air, magical waterfalls, rice terraces, ethnic houses, forests and trekking in the high mountains. At 3,143m high, the best time to climb Fansipan Mountain is around April and May, just before the rainy season.

>> Read more: Conquering the rooftop of Indochina - Fansipan Vietnam 

4. Can Tho

As one of the most beautiful river towns in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is like a maze of tributaries, arroyos and canals with beautiful landscapes, mangroves and colourful floating markets. People exchange and trade fresh vegetables and fish directly on their boats.

>> Read more: What to do in Can Tho, charming city of the Mekong Delta?

5. Vinpearl Nha Trang Cable Car (Khanh Hoa)

Nha Trang cable car is dubbed as the longest marine cable car in the world, you can see the whole beautiful sea of Nha Trang with the mountains in the distance.

>> Read more: Nha Trang Vietnam - what to do in 2 or 3 days?

6. Phu Quoc Island (Kien Giang)

Surrounded by white sand beaches and unspoiled oases, Phu Quoc Island recently added the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa which is designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. There are forests, white sand beaches, scuba diving, kayaking...

>> Read more: 12 Unmissable experiences in Phu Quoc Island

7. Son Tra Nature Reserve (Danang)

Located on the northeast coast of Danang in central Vietnam, Son Tra Nature Reserve (Monkey Island) is one of the most beautiful corners of Vietnam. It has a tropical rainforest where ancient Bodhi trees, rare flora and rare red-nosed langurs are preserved.

>> Read more: What to do and see in 1 or 2 days in Da Nang?

8. Hoi An (Quang Nam)

Located on the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is one of the top destinations in the country. Despite the influx of tourists, this place has not lost its charm as a 15th-century trading port. The city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. In the Hoi An ancient town, you will see handmade lanterns, old houses, cafes, traditional restaurants and a clean and beautiful sea.

>> Read more: Hoi An of Vietnam - Top 10 things to do in Hoi An

9. Dong Van Plateau (Ha Giang)

It is a UNESCO Global Geopark with limestone peaks and valleys. Visitors will experience the life of mountain people, where there are plants and animals from ancient times, even mountains 550 million years old.

>> Read more: The old Dong Van district, a jewel in the middle of the karst plateaus

10. Cao Dai Temple (Tay Ninh)

Built in 1955, this place venerates Thien Nhan, a sacred symbol of Caodaism. The religion promotes world peace and maintains that all beliefs are the same. Inside the colourful temple, you will see from Jesus to Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu... The columns are engraved with very special patterns and carvings of four spirits.

>> Read more: Cao Dai Temple, Holy See of Caodaism in Tay Ninh

11. Da Dia Reef (Phu Yen)

The most famous spot in Phu Yen, Da Dia Reef is a national heritage area with mysterious basalt columns stacked on top of each other without human intervention. Thousands of years ago, volcanic explosions formed hard lava rocks, resembling fish scales.

12. Hanoi Opera House

Built by the French between 1901 and 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is inspired by the Opera Garnier in Paris, but smaller in size using materials adapted to the local climate. It is the work of two architects Harlay and Broyer with the colours, features and architecture of theatres in the south of France.

Today, the Opera House hosts a variety of events, from classical concerts to contemporary theatre plays and folk music performances. It is the largest theatre in Vietnam, the audience auditorium has a capacity of 600 seats.

>> Read more: Top 10 centenary works of French architecture in Hanoi

13. 4D National Road (Lao Cai, Lai Chau)

The 4D road, with fog and clouds surrounding steep cliffs, connects the Noi Bai-Lao Cai highway to the Sapa tourist area and Lai Chau province. In the winter, the road is sometimes frozen, which makes travelling difficult.

>> Read more: Ma Pi Leng Pass, the biggest challenge on the Dong Van plateau

14. Than Uyen Rice Fields (Lai Chau)

Located in Lai Chau province, northwest of Vietnam, Than Uyen rice fields and beautiful tea hills feature charming landscapes, suitable for those who like to explore. You should come to Than Uyen during the rice and tea harvest season from September to October.

>> Read more: Rice terraces in Vietnam, the most beautiful mountain scenery

15. An Bang, City of Tombs (Hue)

An Bang is known as the "city of tombs", where the tombs are higher than the houses. Inside the cemetery gate is bustling wealth like an urban area. The tombs are designed according to the architecture of luxury villas, even in the courtyard there are models of scooters and new cars.

>> Read more: Hue Imperial city - A to Z Travel guide

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