The prestigious luxury and lifestyle travel magazine recently named Vietnam as one of the 40 most beautiful countries in the world.
| A corner of Khem Beach in Phu Quoc Island, the southern province of Kien Giang. Photo: CTV/kinhtedothi.vn |
According to Caitlin Morton and Kat Chen, staff-writers from cntraveler.com, their picks for the most beautiful countries in the world make up a bliss montage through the best sights to see in every continent across the globe.
Whether travelers want to pay tribute to mankind's earliest engineering feats at a UNESCO World Heritage Site or gaze into gin-clear cerulean seas while standing on toe-deep sand, they're sure to fall in love with Condé Nast Traveler's 40 greatest hits around the world.
The wild beauty of Ha Giang in Vietnam’s northwestern mountains, the awe-inspiring Ha Long Bay- one of UNESCO’s World Natural Wonders, the crystal-clear jade waters of Ninh Van Bay, and the sun-kissed allure of Phu Quoc Island have all captivated these travel writers.
“Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City draw tons of tourists every year, but Vietnam is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts,” they wrote.
| Halong Bay is a is a must-visit tourist attraction in Vietnam for those who enjoy exploring nature. Photo: Grand Pioneers Cruise |
As noted by Condé Nast Traveler, Ha Long Bay is prized for its crystal clear waters and vast expanse of limestone islands, all teeming with tropical trees and wildlife.
Located in the northern province of Quang Ninh, the beautiful bay has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now welcomes visitors from all over the world to enjoy its magnificent scenery with thousands of gigantic limestone pillars rising from the clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin in the East Sea of Vietnam.
The world's natural wonder covers an area of 1,553 square kilometers, with around 2,000 islets, most of which are limestone forged over 500 million years in different conditions and environments. international visitors come to Ha Long Bay in abundance, with many opting for cruise tours, including the day-cruising tour around the bay; the two-day-one-night or event three-day-two-night tours to relax on board or explore the juggling and fishing life surrounding the stunning 'wonder of the world'.
During their trips to Ha Long Bay, outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy activities such as kayaking and snorkeling, offering an authentic experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the bay’s landscapes.
| The spring in Ha Giang province. Photo: Sinh Anh |
Meanwhile, in the mountainous northeastern region of Vietnam, Ha Giang offers stunning mountain scenery crisscrossed with steep rice terraces and hiking trails, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
In fact, unlike the famous Sapa City in Lao Cai Province, which everyone has heard of, Ha Giang is a lesser known and much less explored region, often described as the most beautiful place in the north of the country.
What makes Ha Giang so fascinating is its rugged landscape of towering mountains and dense forests, and the thrilling zigzag roads that cling precariously from one peak to the next.
In 2022, the Ha Giang Loop in the northeastern province of Ha Giang, Vietnam was ranked third in the "Top 10 the most thrilling scenic drives in all of Asia" by The Travel.
The 350-kilometer loop, which runs along the mountains, with landscapes on top and a valley below, is on many people's bucket lists. The road winds through these magnificent views and vegetation that you just can't look at. The road is worth using, but requires one to be careful due to its meandering nature in the mountains.
The long loop passes through communities of at least 10 different ethnic minorities in the area. Aside from the loop, the Ma Pi Leng Pass is undoubtedly the most scenic part of the drive, with rugged mountains surrounding the emerald Nho Que River.
“On the southern coast, Ninh Van Bay has great snorkeling and diving,” Condé Nast Traveler suggested.
| Sunrise over Ninh Van Bay as seen from Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort. |
About 60 kilometers from Nha Trang city, in Ninh Van Commune, Ninh Hoa Town, in the southern province of Khanh Hoa, Ninh Van Bay is often called the "Vietnamese miniature of the Maldives" due to its stunning natural beauty and rich ecosystem. It's the perfect getaway for those seeking a relaxing retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The bay is also home to luxurious resorts, exciting water sports and a host of other leisure activities.
The last Vietnamese destination highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler is Phu Quoc Island, in Kien Giang Province, in the southern part of the country.
Considered one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island is known as the "Pearl Island" and is recognized as a top ecotourism destination for nature lovers who want to explore its pristine landscapes.
| Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam's top island getaways. Photo: Phu Quoc Review |
Part of the larger UNESCO-designated Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, the island has no shortage of flora and fauna. While over half of the teardrop-shaped island is Phu Quoc National Park, a dense tropical jungle wrapped around picturesque mountains, its many beaches remain the main attraction.
In 2019, CNN also recommended nine "things to do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam's top island getaway," including go driving, eat at the Ham Ninh fishing village, go kayaking, take a trek, visit a farm, catch an unforgettable sunset, go squid fishing, head to the night market, and ride the cable car.
The US news network praised that the sunset on Phu Quoc Island is famous throughout Vietnam, not only for its warm sorbet hues, but also for its variety.
Other countries on the Condé Nast Traveler list include Australia, Mexico and Brazil.
