10 Best Natural Wonders in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is arguably Vietnam’s most recognised landscape, boasting over 1,600 limestone islands and islets. Located in northern Vietnam, the UNESCO-listed bay features a wide range of biodiversity, while the surrealistic scenery has been featured in plenty of films throughout the years. Needless to say, it’s a must-visit for any first-time visitor to Vietnam. 

One of the best ways to get to Ha Long Bay is by car, minibus or joining a day tour from Hanoi, located only 170 km away. While overnight stays on a traditional junk are popular options, you can also opt for an exhilarating seaplane trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.

Son Doong Cave is known as the world’s largest natural cave, housing many limestone grottoes, stalactites and stalagmites. Set within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (about 500 km south of Hanoi), the cave is a must-visit for adventurous travellers looking to explore one of Vietnam’s natural gems during their holiday.

Son Doong Cave was first discovered in 1991 by a local named Ho Khanh, followed by a team of British cavers led by Howard Limbert in 2009. With sections reaching up to 200 metres high, Son Doong Cave spans 9 km in length, making it about 2 times bigger than Malaysia’s Deer Cave. The cave is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, bats and flying foxes.

The Con Dao Islands comprises 16 uninhabited islets just off the southern coast of Vietnam, each of which offers expansive beaches shaded with evergreen trees. The main island was once the site of a French-run prison for Vietnamese involved in the independence movement, but today, it’s a popular spot for snorkelling, swimming, and diving. 

The more remote Con Dao Islands are renowned turtle breeding sites, so if you’re visiting between June and September, you may get a chance to watch turtles laying their eggs.

The sand dunes of Mui Ne are popular not only for their picturesque landscapes, but also for offering fun-filled activities such as sandboarding, kite flying, and quad-biking. In central Mui Ne, you can find plenty of tour operators that organise day trips to these Saharan-like red and white sand dunes, while plastic sheds are available for rental at affordable prices.

Just be sure to check on the price and agree on it beforehand. The best time to visit the Mui Ne sand dunes is either early in the morning or late afternoon as it can get very hot during the day. Be sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water during your visit.

Hiking Sapa’s Fansipan Mountain may require a good level of fitness, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of mountain ranges and countryside within northwestern Vietnam, as well as glimpses of Yulong Mountain in China. 

Located 9 km southwest of Sapa Village, 3-day to 5-day hiking excursions are available between October and March. You’ll pass through hill tribe hamlets and dense forest trails, followed by a 2,000-metre-tall climb to the top of the Fansipan Mountain.

The Cuc Phuong National Park is widely known as Vietnam’s largest nature reserve. Set within the Ninh Binh Province, there are dozens of hiking trails, with guided tours available if you want to learn more about thousands of endangered flora and fauna species inhabiting the forest. 

The national park also houses the ethnic Muong hill tribe, where you can visit traditional stilt houses, waterwheels, bamboo rafts, and expansive rice terraces. It takes between 3 and 4 hours to reach Cuc Phuong National Park from Hanoi if you’re travelling by bus, car or motorbike.

The Tram Chim National Park is a must-visit for avid bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Between late December and early May, over 60,000 birds (particularly sarus cranes) fly to Tram Chim every year and the best way to see them is by taking a boat through the park. 

There are 3 boat routes available, with the shortest route taking about 45 minutes and the longest around 2.5 hours. You can enjoy various activities during off-peak seasons, including cycling, trekking, rice harvesting, and fishing.

Thac Bac Waterfall is a 200-metre-tall waterfall in Vietnam, about 11 km west of Sapa Village. The name "Thac Bac" translates to "Silver Waterfall" in English, which accurately describes the shimmering effect of the cascading water in the sunlight. It's a great place for a hike through a forest, a swim in rock pools, or simply to relax and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

The waters of Thac Bac originate from the summit of Lo Sui Tong Mountain and flow through a series of natural rock pools before finally reaching the base of the waterfall. The falls resemble a white dragon from a distance, with the water flowing down the mountain. Thac Bac Waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, natural caves, and rock pools. 

The Mekong Delta is a unique and picturesque region located in southern Vietnam. It's characterised by winding river canals and fertile rice paddies that stretch for miles. The delta is named after the Mekong River, which originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through 6 countries before emptying into the South China Sea.

The Mekong Delta is also known as "The River of the Nine Dragons" because of the 9 branches of the Mekong River that flow through the delta, creating a labyrinth of waterways. You can take a leisurely cruise along the river canals, passing by charming riverside villages, floating markets, and Buddhist shrines. Day trips to the Mekong Delta are available at various price points, often including stops at prominent villages such as Ben Tre, My Tho, and Cai Be. These villages are known for their handicrafts, traditional music, and local cuisine, offering an authentic taste of Vietnamese culture.

The Ba Vi National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers visiting Hanoi. The 7,000-ha park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park's main attraction is Ba Vi Mountain, a 3-peaked mountain that juts steeply up into the sky, providing a stunning backdrop for the park's scenic trails. Another highlight of the park is the 11th-century Bach Ho Temple, located at the summit of the highest peak in the mountain range. The temple is accessible by hiking or by taking a cable car ride from the foot of the mountain.

The Ba Vi National Park is also known for its natural hot springs, which are said to have healing properties. Visitors can soak in the warm mineral-rich waters, which are believed to be good for the skin and overall health. The park also features a number of picnic areas and camping sites. The park's hiking trails are well-marked and range from short, easy walks to full-day treks. You get a nice opportunity to explore the park's lush forests, scenic waterfalls, and natural hot springs.