The most beautiful landscapes of Vietnam

To fully experience the most beautiful landscapes of Vietnam, traveling with an open mind and a sense of adventure will unlock scenes of extraordinary diversity. Explore the highlights and hidden corners with Shanti Travel’s deep expertise in curating immersive journeys—our on-the-ground experience helps you access both Vietnam’s legendary sites and its lesser-known natural wonders. Discover more about a trip to Vietnam to see these breathtaking landscapes in person.

Halong Bay, the natural gem of Vietnam

A holiday to Vietnam is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful landscapes of Vietnam, and the world-famous symbol of the country. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay consists of nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets, jutting out of emerald waters and shrouded in mist during the cooler months. This remarkable seascape, awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994, isn’t just spectacular to the eye—it is an ecological treasure trove, home to coral reefs, mangroves, and a vast diversity of marine life. Whether you glide silently on a traditional junk, kayak through hidden grottoes, or soar overhead by seaplane, the ever-shifting light and ethereal atmosphere deliver a mythical experience. For a quieter yet equally magical setting, venture into adjacent Lan Ha Bay, with its hidden lagoons, unspoiled beaches, and floating fishing villages—an intimate way to connect with both nature and local life.

Expert Tip: For photographers, Halong Bay is especially enchanting at sunrise when karst peaks shift between mist and golden light; spring (Mar-Apr) and autumn (Sep-Nov) offer clearest skies.

Karst rocks of Ninh Binh (“Halong Bay on land”)

Ninh Binh, also known as Tam Coc or Trang An, is a wonderland of sheer limestone cliffs, winding rivers, mystical caves, and shimmering rice paddies. A boat trip along the Ngo Dong River—propelled by the unique foot-rowing technique of local boatwomen—reveals a tranquil, almost ancient landscape. This is also a birder’s paradise and an ecological haven for migratory birds and aquatic species, set amidst dramatic rock spires. For an unforgettable perspective, climb the 500 steps to the Mua Cave Viewpoint, where panoramic views stretch over the patchwork fields and karst outcrops. Ninh Binh’s patchwork of rice terraces is particularly vibrant in late May and early June at harvest time, with emerald and golden hues painting the landscape. Exploring by bicycle lets you reach traditional villages, hidden temples, and experience the gentle pace of rural life.

Expert Tip: Visit between February and May for cool weather, blossoming wildflowers, and lush green paddies. Early morning river trips offer fewer crowds and magical mist.

The Mekong Delta, the rice granary of Vietnam

This immense fertile plain, delved by nine feeder arms of the Mekong River, is a labyrinth of green rice fields, placid canals, and bustling floating markets. Life here flows at river speed; winding through peaceful villages by boat or cycling on raised levees offers an immersive snapshot of rural Vietnamese life. For the most authentic experience, set out before dawn to witness the floating markets at Cai Rang or Phong Dien, where a rainbow of fruits and flowers change hands from sampan to sampan. Off-the-beaten-path villages give glimpses of centuries-old craft traditions and untouched wetlands, which support a unique biodiversity—watch for lotus ponds and rare water birds. The Mekong Delta is at its lushest between January and March, after the rainy season, when orchards and rice paddies explode with color.

Expert Tip: Go deeper by exploring small tributaries and island homestays, or visit in the dry season (Dec-Apr) for easier travel and vibrant cultural festivals.

Cat Ba Island, an off-the-beaten-track adventure

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Cat Ba is the largest of more than 300 islands, much of which forms part of the protected Cat Ba National Park. Hikers and wildlife lovers can trek dense forests home to the rare golden-headed langur, spot endemic orchids, and ascend limestone peaks for sweeping sea views. Cat Ba’s craggy coastlines offer a haven for rock climbers, while the tranquil bays beckon for kayaking and swimming. Don’t miss the bustling fish market—an explosion of color and activity with the promise of ultra-fresh seafood. From Cat Ba, you can set out into the tranquil lanes of Lan Ha Bay, where hidden coves and pristine sandy beaches remain blissfully free from mass tourism.

Expert Tip: Visit from October through April for comfortable weather and fewer crowds. For those seeking adventure with comfort, Cat Ba offers eco-friendly lodges and tailored excursions with Shanti Travel’s network.

The mountains and rice fields of North Vietnam

North Vietnam offers some of the most spectacular landscapes of Vietnam: towering peaks, ancient forests, winding mountain passes, and the iconic terraced rice fields of Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Ha Giang. These terraces, hand-carved by generations of ethnic minority farmers, form sinuous green and gold ribbons along steep slopes. Hike through remote Hmong, Red Dao, and Tay villages, where traditional stilt houses nestle under misty peaks and local markets become lively mosaics of color and craft. The best trekking—whether through the Hoang Lien Son mountains or the wild meanders of Ba Be National Park—coincides with spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the mountain air is crisp and the vistas clear. This region is also a sanctuary for many plant and animal species, with local ethnic communities taking on a vital stewardship role over their environment.

Expert Tip: For a less-traveled trekking route, try Ba Be Lake National Park: karst lakes, underground rivers, and rare mammals await, with eco-lodges connecting you to both nature and northern culture.

The Con Dao Archipelago

Off the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, the remote Con Dao Archipelago encompasses 16 mountainous islands veiled in pristine jungle and fringed by white sand beaches. These islands have transcended their history as a colonial-era prison and today are cherished as a national marine park protecting over 1,300 marine species, including thriving coral reefs and rare Green and Hawksbill turtles. From March to September, turtle nesting season brings unique eco-tourism opportunities—observe conservation programs or join guided snorkeling to swim alongside vibrant fish and, with luck, a majestic dugong. Con Dao remains sheltered from mass development, offering secluded eco-resorts and peaceful fishing villages reminiscent of Vietnam a generation ago—a true Robinson Crusoe escape.

Expert Tip: Dry season (March-Sept) is best for sunny adventures and sea turtle visits. Advance reservations are essential for eco-lodges and guided wildlife encounters.

With its bewildering array of wild coastlines, poetic rice terraces, myth-laden peaks, and secret islands, Vietnam rewards the curious traveler with landscape experiences found nowhere else in Asia. Trust Shanti Travel to guide you beyond the obvious—unveiling the hidden viewpoints, the best seasons, and the natural rhythms of each breath-taking Vietnamese region.