It’s summertime with many facing the dilemma of overcrowded destinations across the country.
Tourism hotspots such as Hội An, Vũng u and Ninh Bình will soon become inundated with visitors hoping to enjoy their holidays.
Fortunately, Việt Nam’s unique topography offers untold amounts of picturesque landscapes to enjoy with relative ease.
Here are five stunning locations to enjoy without concerns of endless traffic jams and large tour groups spoiling the peace.
Pa Sỹ waterfall in Măng en
Măng Đen – Kon Plong
Nestled in the sparsely populated Măng Đen plateau in the northern region of the Central Highlands is an area rich with nature, ranging from coniferous forests to refreshing waterfalls.
Hidden among the greenery you can discover one of the leading attractions in the area, Pa Sỹ waterfall, a relaxing spot of tranquility among thousands of trees.
Other natural landmarks in the region include Đắk Ke waterfall, Đắk Ke Lake and numerous plantations and forest walks to enjoy.
Visitors should also seize the opportunity to explore by motorbike during their trip in order to enjoy Măng Đen Pass with incredible views of the mountains and ethnic villages as you enter and leave the town.
Many consider the area as a wonderful alternative to Đà Lạt, particularly due to the endless coffee shops with a view to enjoy as well.
Although, it is perhaps more difficult to reach compared to the popular tourism spot, with the nearest airport in Pleiku 100 km away.
However, the more arduous journey is certainly worth the effort.
Clouds hang around houses in Y Tý, Lào Cai
Y Tý – Lào Cai
Traveling considerably further north now, you can find one of the best cloud-hunting spots in the country in the villages of Y Tý tucked away approximately 2,000 m above sea level.
Hidden under the blanket of clouds are over 200 hectares of terraced fields exemplifying the incredible artistry of Mông and Hà Nhì people who have been living in Bát Xát, Là Cai for many generations.
A visit towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn will be rewarded with the ripe rice season before the harvest and the majesty of the mountains is plentiful with fields of gold traversing the rocky mountains.
Other highlights in the area include Green Waterfall and for adventure-seekers, you can also summit Lảo Thẩn mountain from the region.
It is among the 10 highest peaks in Việt Nam and has an altitude of 2,800m offering stunning views on clearer days.
Y Tý is just 70 km north of Sa Pa and can also be easily reached by private transfer from Lào Cai City after a train ride from Hà Nội.
Homestays in Đá Bạc District, Hòa Bình Province
Đá Bạc – Hòa Bình
Many individuals in northern Việt Nam have been fortunate enough to escape poverty in the last few decades due to increased tourism in some of the poorest regions of the country.
Đá Bạc District in Hòa Bình Province is one of the best examples of how a community based tourism initiative supported by the NGO Action on Poverty has helped locals begin to operate homestays and welcome thousands of guests to an area of pristine beauty.
The region is a hidden gem in Hòa Bình with adventurous jungle treks and natural landscapes waiting to be explored.
Visitors can also enjoy more sedate activities such as cycling around local villages or relaxing boat rides on the lake that many of the homestays are situated around.
Đá Bạc is perhaps the easiest destination to visit on our list so far, located approximately 85 km west of the capital it can be conveniently reached via a motorbike or bus journey.
You should consider this district instead of the more popular Mai Châu or Pù Luông nearby next time you’re planning a trip out of Hà Nội.
Dawn on Na Hang Lake in Tuyên Quang Province
Tuyên Quang
Northern Việt Nam is littered with provinces synonymous with green mountains, scenic roads and ethnic communities.
Popular places such as Hà Giang and Lào Cai welcome a continuous influx of tourists from across the globe every weekend, however, Tuyên Quang nestled in the center of Việt Nam’s northern region is often passed through or skipped altogether.
Na Hang District, located in the northern part of the province closer to Hà Giang, is home to awe-inspiring limestone mountains and ancient forests with spectacular lakes to enjoy the calm atmosphere of the area.
Within the primary forests visitors may also be fortunate enough to see langurs in their natural habitat within the Na Hang, Lam Binh nature reserve.
Additionally, there’s also Mo Waterfall and My Lam natural spring to enjoy.
Similar to Da Bac, travelers to Tuyên Quang can take the public bus from Mỹ Đình or Giáp Bát station in Hà Nội with a travel time of nearly three hours.
Many should pay the bus fare of up to VND150,000 and enjoy similar serenity to Ba Lake without the crowds.
Tourists trek inside Bạch Mã National Park in Huế
Bạch Mã National Park – Thừa Thiên Huế
Central Việt Nam is famous for its sandy beaches and soothing natural beauty.
Established just 18 km from the coast is a former French hill station at a peak of 1,450 m that offers visitors in this region of Việt Nam a change of scenery compared to the sound of waves.
The cool climate originally attracted the French to the area when they started building establishments here in 1930, and I suggest you also make the short trip from Huế or Đà Nẵng to enjoy a more favorable climate, as well as scenic trails and some of the best birdwatching locations in Việt Nam.
Visitors have the option of joining a tour to truly immerse themselves in the jungle and enjoy activities such as swimming in the clear water at the foot of cascading waterfalls, eating lunch surrounded by lush jungles and summiting Bạch Mã peak.
You may also get to enjoy sights such as Five Lakes or Đỗ Quyên Waterfall as you explore one of Việt Nam’s quieter parks compared to more popular reserves such as Cúc Phương National Park in the north.
The park is located just a few hours from either Đà Nẵng or Huế via National Highway 1A, and you can look for signs directing on your journey there.
Once you’ve paid the VND60,000 entry fee you’ll be able to explore the wonderfully diverse ecosystem that is home to over 1,700 animal species and 2,400 plant species.
The area is often overlooked when people travel to central Việt , don’t make the same mistake as many others.
By DARREN BARNARD
Source: VN Express
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