Luckily, Vietnam’s unique geography makes it relatively easy to enjoy countless picturesque landscapes. Here are five great places to do so without worrying about endless traffic jams or large tour groups disturbing the peace.
Munden-Complon
The sparsely populated Munden Plateau in the northern Central Plateau is home to a wealth of natural beauty, from coniferous forests to refreshing waterfalls. One of the highlights of this lush region is Passy Waterfall, a tranquil spot surrounded by thousands of trees. Other natural landmarks in the area include Dak Khe Waterfall, Dak Khe Lake, and numerous plantations and forest trails.
Pa Si Waterfall in Mangde. Photo courtesy of Luhanhvietnam.
Tourists should also seize the opportunity to explore by motorbike during their trip to enjoy the Munden Pass with its stunning views of the mountains and ethnic villages on the way in and out of town.
The area is considered by many to be a great alternative to Dalat, with plenty of coffee shops with views. However, it can be harder to get to than more popular destinations, with the nearest airport, Pleiku, 100km away. However, the more difficult journey is certainly worth the effort.
Y Ty – Lao Cai
Further north, at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres, you’ll find Vietnam’s best cloud-hunting spot in Y Ty village. Hidden beneath the clouds are over 200 hectares of terraced fields, showcasing the incredible artistry of the Hmong and Hani people who have lived in Bat Xat, Lao Cai for generations.
Clouds hang over the houses of Y Thi, Lao Cai province. Photo: Pham Ngoc Thach
If you visit in late summer or early autumn, you can enjoy the ripening rice before harvest and appreciate the majesty of the mountains, including the golden fields that wind across the rocky peaks.
Other attractions in the area include the Green Waterfall, and for the adventurous, the area also offers a hiking trail to the top of Lao Thanh Mountain. One of the top 10 highest mountains in Vietnam, it stands at 2,800 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views on a clear day.
Yi Thi is located just 70km north of Sapa and can also be easily reached by train from Hanoi or private transfer from Lao Cai city.
Da Bac – Hoa Binh
Many people in northern Vietnam have been fortunate to have been able to escape poverty over the past few decades thanks to the rise of tourism to the country’s poorest regions. Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province, is one great example where a community-based tourism initiative supported by the NGO Action on Poverty has helped locals run homestays and welcome thousands of guests to this land of untouched beauty.
Homestay in Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province. Photo courtesy of Hoa Binh Electronic Information Port.
This area is Hoa Binh’s hidden gem, offering adventurous jungle treks and natural scenery, or you can enjoy more sedate activities like cycling through local villages and boat rides on the lake where many of the homestays are located.
Da Bac is probably the easiest destination on our list so far to visit. Located about 85km west of the capital, it’s easily accessible by motorbike or bus. Next time you’re planning a trip out of Hanoi, consider this district instead of the more popular nearby Mai Chau or Pluong.
Tuyen Quang
Northern Vietnam is dotted with provinces that represent green mountains, beautiful roads and ethnic minority communities. While popular locations such as Ha Giang and Lao Cai see a steady stream of tourists from all over the world every weekend, Tuyen Quang, located in the heart of Northern Vietnam, is often passed by or not visited at all.
Dawn on Na Hang Lake, Tuyen Quang Province. Photo by Hai Le Khao
In the north of the province, Na Hang district near Ha Giang offers a tranquil atmosphere with majestic limestone mountains and ancient forests with spectacular lakes. In the virgin forest, you might see langurs in their natural habitat in the Na Hang, Lam Binh Nature Reserve. Plus, you’ll find Mo Waterfall and Mi Lam Natural Spring.
Like Da Bac Lake, visitors to Tuyen Quang Lake can take a public bus from Hanoi’s My Dinh or Giap Bat stations, which takes around three hours. Many visitors are willing to pay up to VND150,000 for the bus fare and enjoy the same tranquility as the uncrowded Ba Be Lake.
Bach Ma National Park – Thua Thien Hue
Central Vietnam is known for its sandy beaches and soothing natural beauty. Just 18km from the coast, a 1,450m peak that was once a French hill resort offers the sounds of crashing waves and contrasting scenery for visitors to this part of Vietnam. The region’s cool climate attracted the French when they began building facilities here in 1930. Venture a short distance from Hue or Da Nang to enjoy more comfortable weather, scenic trails and some of Vietnam’s best birdwatching spots.
Tourists trekking in Bach Ma National Park, Hue. Photo by VnExpress/Vo Thanh.
Visitors can take part in tours that offer an immersive jungle experience, where they can enjoy activities such as swimming in the crystal clear waters at the base of a waterfall, eating lunch surrounded by lush jungle, or climbing to the top of Mount Hakuba.
Compared to more popular protected areas such as Cuc Phuong National Park in northern Vietnam, you can explore the park’s quieter surroundings and enjoy attractions such as the Five Lakes and Do Quyen Waterfall.
The park is located just a few hours from Da Nang or Hue via National Highway 1A – look for signposts on the way there. For an entrance fee of 60,000 VND you can explore an incredible and diverse ecosystem, home to over 1,700 animal and 2,400 plant species. Travelers in Central Vietnam often overlook this region, but don’t make the same mistake as many others.
