Vietnam's Top 10 Natural Wonders

In Vietnam, breathtaking vistas greet you at every turn. From a rolling train, you can marvel at the endless expanse of vibrant green rice fields, while Halong Bay dazzles with its skyline dotted by sharp limestone islands. Journey to Mui Ne in the south, where you can admire Sahara-like landscapes of wind-carved sand dunes from the basket of a hot-air balloon, or explore the magnificent karst mountains in the north—Vietnam truly presents a mesmerizing array of stunning terrains.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay’s breathtaking mix of towering karst limestone peaks and tranquil, glistening waters makes it one of Vietnam’s premier tourist destinations. With over 2000 islands to explore, there’s an abundance of stunning scenery. Be sure to book an overnight cruise to enjoy magical moments on this World Heritage site—wake up early to witness a misty dawn or paddle a kayak through its hidden grottoes and lagoons. For those seeking more remote beauty, consider the less crowded yet equally stunning Lan Ha Bay. While most visitors opt for a one-night cruise, if possible, choose a 2- or 3-night journey for the chance to escape the usual routes and indulge in kayaking, hiking, and swimming.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

With rugged hills cloaked in lush rainforest and mountain rivers flowing through stunning ravines, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang region stands out as one of Vietnam's most breathtaking national parks. Venture underground for further evidence that this area deserves a spot on any Vietnamese travel itinerary. A lucky few will have the chance to explore the cathedral-like chambers of Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, while more accessible adventures include the ziplining and kayaking thrills at Hang Toi (Dark Cave), along with the surreal beauty of the aptly named Paradise Cave.

Hang Son Doong

Hang Son Doong (Mountain River Cave) holds the title of the world's largest cave and is one of the most extraordinary attractions in Southeast Asia, with government-approved access granted only in 2013.

This massive cave was discovered fairly recently. Ho Khanh, a hunter from a jungle village near the Vietnam–Laos border, frequently took refuge in the caves that pockmark his mountainous home. He stumbled upon the colossal Hang Son Doong in the early 1990s, but the true extent and grandeur of its main chamber (over 5 km [3.1 mi] long, 200 m high [656 ft], and up to 150 m [492 ft] wide) were only recognized as the world’s largest cave when British explorers accompanied him back in 2009.

Exploring the World's Largest Cave: Hang Son Doong

Phu Quoc Island

Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lined with pristine white-sand beaches that make beach lovers swoon, Phu Quoc—located in southern Vietnam—is the perfect spot for a laid-back beach getaway. Sip on a seaside cocktail while watching the fiery sun sink into the horizon. Beyond its stunning beaches, over 70% of the island is covered by a lush national park. For the adventurous, rent a bike and explore the red-dirt roads; the island is compact, roughly the size of Singapore.

Tonkinese Alps

The stunning Tonkinese Alps rise majestically along the rugged, unyielding borders of the country, featuring Fansipan, the tallest peak in Vietnam. From winding, delicate ridges, rice terraces descend into river valleys inhabited by the ethnic minority communities of Hmong, Red Dzao, and Giay.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc is among Vietnam’s most famous waterfalls, often featured in the lobbies of budget guesthouses. These falls, fed by the Quay Son River that defines the border with China, present a breathtaking view in a picturesque setting. It's best to visit around midday when the upstream dam is released for maximum flow.

Boat operators here will gently paddle you on bamboo rafts (for a small fee) close enough to the waterfall so you can feel the mist on your face. The rafts on the Vietnamese side have blue canopies, while those on the Chinese side sport green ones.

Sao Beach

With its stunning white sands, the lovely curve of Sao Beach stretches alongside crystal-clear waters just a few miles from An Thoi, the main shipping port at the southern end of the island. There are a few beachfront restaurants where you can relax in a deckchair, change into swimwear, or enjoy various water sports.

Ba Be National Park

Venture off the typical tourist path in Ba Be National Park, a must-visit for adventurous travelers featuring towering limestone peaks, deep valleys, and lush evergreen forests. This landscape, rich with waterfalls, caves, and lakes, supports over 550 different plant species along with numerous bird and animal species. Discover Ba Be’s natural beauty by boat or through trekking and mountain-biking excursions, then unwind in rustic homestays and village guesthouses run by the local Tay ethnic minority.

Thuy Son

Thuy Son is the largest and most renowned of the five Marble Mountains, home to several natural caves where Hindu and later Buddhist sanctuaries have been constructed over the years. Among the two paths leading up the mountain, the one closest to the beach (at the village's edge) offers a better circuit. At the top of the staircase lies the Ong Chon gate, marked with bullet holes, which leads to Linh Ong Pagoda.

Mui Ne Sand Dunes

Mui Ne is renowned for its vast red and white sand dunes. The smaller “red dunes” (doi hong) are conveniently located just north of the main strip, while the more impressive “white dunes” (doi cat trang), situated 24 km (14.9 mi) northeast, are sculpted into stunning Sahara-like formations by the almost constant ocean winds. However, since this is Vietnam (not the heart of Mali), you won’t find much of the desert's tranquility here.

Be prepared for aggressive sales pitches as children urge you to rent a plastic sledge for dune rides. Unless you’re quite light, maneuvering more than a few feet on one can be quite challenging.