(This article was first published with edits on www.havehalalwilltravel.com)
As a destination, Vietnam has no lack of beautiful natural landscapes to visit, many of which are near to cities like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, or Da Nang. Its biggest shortcoming though, is the lack of tourism infrastructure and information on these places. This is great news for us though, because we get to share these best kept secrets with all of you. So before we start to see an influx of tourists, which will naturally drive up prices and commercialize everything in its path, here are some suggestions which are worth checking out if you plan to spend an extra couple of days.
CHAU DOC
Why you should check it out: Chau Doc is one of the least touristy sections of Mekong Delta, and is home to the Cham people, the early adopters of Islam in Vietnam. Muslims from all over the world will find interacting with their counterparts in Vietnam quite a touching experience. Ask Us Anything about Chau Doc
Key highlights: Floating market | Fishing cluster near Con Tien islands | Cham community settlement | Breath taking scenery from atop Sam mountains | Tra Su Bird Sanctuary
How to get there: By car - about 6 hours from Ho Chi Minh city | By bus – about 7 hours from Ho Chi Minh city
How long should you spend there: 3 days 2 nights
CON DAO ISLANDS
Why you should check it out: Con Dao is a group of 16 islands and islets of immense natural beauty; with forested hills, long white beaches, and amazing marine life, making it an ideal spot for some excellent diving. Its national park also offers nature lovers hiking trails of varying intensities; the perfect opportunity for you to spot some endangered wildlife. Ask Us Anything about Con Dao
Key highlights: Beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters | Best natural diving spots | Boat trips and tours | Explore the nature reserve | Hiking trails for different difficulty levels
How to get there: By air – about 1 hour from Ho Chi Minh city
How long should you spend there: 3 days 2 nights
PHU QUOC
Why you should check it out: A UNESCO-listed National Park, and voted “one of Asia’s best kept secrets” by the Telegraph, this quaint, unassuming island is certainly worthy of its new found fame. Besides being home to the best remote islands and beaches in Vietnam, Phu Quoc offers you tropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful natural landscapes. Ask Us Anything about Phu Quoc
Key highlights: Check out red starfish and Dugongs | Explore the national park | Shop for local produce at the night market | Vinpearl Land amusement park
How to get there: By air – about 1 hour from Ho Chi Minh city | By bus – about 9 hours from Ho Chi Minh city
How long should you spend there: 3 days 2 nights
DA LAT
Why you should check it out: Da Lat is fast becoming a popular getaway, especially if you enjoy walking through flower gardens (in full bloom between Dec-Mar), fruit orchards, and vegetables farms. And because of its hilltop location, Da Lat enjoys cool temperature for most of the year, falling to as low as 10 degrees at night during the rainy seasons. Ask Us Anything about Da Lat
Key highlights: Spend a day at the waterfalls | Check out the Crazy house | Visit the French replica village | Explore the Valley of Love
How to get there: By air – about 1 hour from Ho Chi Minh city | By bus – about 7 hours from Ho Chi Minh city
How long should you spend there: 3 days 2 nights
MUI NE
Why you should check it out: If the idea of standing in the middle of a sand dune excites you, there are 2 for you to check out in Mui Ne. The red and white dunes promise visitors an afternoon of thrill and excitement; riding the sand sleigh, or on an ATV. But if you don’t have a need for speed, a view of the beautiful sunrise will also leave you with some beautiful memories. Ask Us Anything about Mui Ne
Key highlights: Mui Ne fishing village | Red and white sand dunes | Ride a sand sleigh or ATV | Visit the fairy spring | water sports and kite surfing
How to get there: By bus – about 5 hours from Ho Chi Minh city
How long should you spend there: 2 days 1 night
GIANG DIEN WATERFALLS
Why you should check it out: A haven for the locals, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Giang Dien waterfall is not exactly nature, but has been engineered in a way that allows you to still enjoy a myriad of activities amidst a natural landscape. And for the more adventurous few, fancy spending the night camping outdoors under the stars. Ask Us Anything about Giang Dien waterfall
Key highlights: Cycling | Camping | Visit the waterfall | Row boating | Have a picnic | Zorbing
How to get there: By car – about 1.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh city
How long should you spend there: 1 day
CAN THO
Why you should check it out: A charming city probably best known for having the largest floating market in South Vietnam. By day, Can Tho is a buzzing town filled with sights and sounds, especially along the waterfront. But when night falls, its laid back nature takes over, allowing you to bask in the peace and tranquillity only found in the more rural parts of Vietnam. Ask Us Anything about Can Tho
Key highlights: Biggest floating market | rice paper making factory | boat tours | local night market | cheap and fresh seafood
How to get there: By bus – about 4 hours from Ho Chi Minh city
How long should you spend there: 2 days 1 night
So often do we hear that there’s nothing much to do in Vietnam, compared to say Thailand. Hence, we would like to extend to you, the invitation to visit these places afterwhich, is sure to change your impression of Vietnam.
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