Catching the Wave: 20 Travel Hotspots Set to 'Make a Splash' in 2017

As 2017 is knocking on the door, why wait? Let's catch the wave to explore 20 travel destinations that are destined to 'make a splash' in the coming year. These places are sure to ignite your imagination, making your feet itch to grab a backpack and set off immediately!

Catching the Wave: 20 Travel Destinations Set to 'Make a Splash' in 2017

1. Măng Đen, Kon Tum

Măng Đen is a town in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province, known for its pristine forests, numerous lakes, and waterfalls. The cool and refreshing climate here is perfect for escaping the summer heat. Situated at an altitude of 1,100 – 1,400 meters above sea level, over 50 km from Kon Tum town, surrounded by dense pine forests and wildflowers, Măng Đen's weather is always pleasantly cool.

Visiting Măng Đen, you'll travel along winding roads flanked by intense green pine groves, with the scent of pine resin wafting through the air. The melodious chirping of birds echoes, and the cool climate exudes the pristine, majestic charm of the mountains and forests. That's why tourists affectionately call Măng Đen the 'Dalat of Kon Tum.'

2. Bảo Lộc, Lâm Đồng

When mentioning Lâm Đồng, people often think of the 'City of a Thousand Flowers,' Da Lat. However, they overlook the vibrant, beautiful, and youthful Bảo Lộc. Just a 4-hour sleeper bus ride from Saigon, Bảo Lộc welcomes you with cool, tranquil mountainous vibes. Don't forget to explore places like Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda, Damb’ri Waterfall, Tâm Châu Tea Hill, during your visit.

3. Windmill Field, Bạc Liêu

Heading from Bạc Liêu city towards the sea on Cao Văn Lầu street, in the area of Biển Đông A hamlet, Vĩnh Trạch Đông commune, you'll find a newly completed wind power plant earlier this year. Approximately 20 km from the city center, even from a distance of tens of kilometers, you can see the turbine towers spinning uniformly like giant pinwheels against the sky. It's a favorite photo spot for many young people visiting Bạc Liêu.

4. Tà Xùa, Sơn La

Located in Bắc Yên district, Sơn La province, the Tà Xùa mountain range stands majestically, forming the natural boundary between Yên Bái and Sơn La. The range has three peaks, characterized by the 'turtle head' and 'dinosaur spine,' with the trail starting in Công village, Trạm Tấu district, Yên Bái province. Conquering this challenging trek, requiring 3 days and 2 nights for the fit and experienced, or 2 days and 1 night for those with excellent stamina.

This place attracts many adventurous souls passionate about conquering daring peaks. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to witness the moment when clouds embrace the foothills. The ideal time to chase the clouds in Tà Xùa is during the winter months, from December to March each year, increasing the likelihood of encountering the mist-covered valleys.

5. Bình Liêu, Quảng Ninh

Emerging as a new travel destination in the past 2 years, Bình Liêu is a mountainous district in the northernmost part of Quảng Ninh province, 108 km from Halong City and 28 km from Tiên Yên town.

Blessed with numerous beautiful landscapes, you can visit Bình Liêu at any time of the year. If you come here in late March or early April, you'll witness the stunning buckwheat flower season. In summer and autumn, enjoy waterfalls and lush terraced fields. The last months of the year are equally enchanting as the terraced fields adorn themselves in the vibrant yellow of ripening rice, celebrating the season of buckwheat flowers, new harvest festivals, and many other intriguing events.

6. Tà Năng – Phan Dũng

The trekking route through the forests across three provinces – Lâm Đồng, Ninh Thuận, and Bình Thuận – always attracts those who love exploration. Starting from Tà Năng commune or Đa Quyn commune, Đức Trọng district (Lâm Đồng), it takes about 3 days and 2 nights to traverse nearly 60 km through forests, over mountains, across streams, descending from an altitude of 1,100 m to 500 m above sea level.

The most impressive scenery includes vast hills covered with lush grass, scattered tall green pine trees, and distant drifting clouds, creating a majestic and peaceful landscape like a painting. The journey concludes at Phan Dũng commune, followed by a motorbike taxi ride to Liên Hương intersection (Tuy Phong, Bình Thuận) for catching a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City or other provinces.

7. Hòn Bà, Nha Trang 

Hòn Bà is a pristine forest located at an altitude of 1,578 meters, approximately 60 km southwest of Nha Trang city. Follow National Highway 1A from Nha Trang towards Ho Chi Minh City for about 20 km, then turn at the Suối Cát intersection in Cam Lâm district to reach Hòn Bà. After about 1 km, you'll encounter the first milestone indicating the 37 km journey to the summit of Hòn Bà. The road passes through sparsely populated areas and reaches the spacious Suối Dầu lake.

Trekking in Hòn Bà offers an exciting journey through the conservation area with nearly 600 diverse plant species such as flat-leaved pine, balsam poplar, rhododendron, oak, and more. You can spend the night in small forest-edge accommodations at the mountain's summit or bring a tent and sleeping bag for camping. Note that nighttime temperatures can drop below 10°C, so bring warm clothing.

8. Đồng Cao, Bắc Giang

Đồng Cao Plateau is located in Thạch Sơn commune, Sơn Động district, Bắc Giang province, about 150 km from Hanoi. If traveling from Hanoi, take National Highway 1 to Bắc Giang, then follow National Highway 31 to An Châu town. From there, it's about 30 km to Đồng Cao. Alternatively, starting from the center of Bắc Giang city, tourists head towards Sơn Động district, then take a 10 km dirt road leading to the plateau area.

Đồng Cao is a destination with a terrain featuring vast grasslands and large rock slabs, resembling a stone battlefield. This area provides ideal conditions for a short camping trip.

9. G’Lun Waterfall, Đắk Nông

Located in Đắk R’Til commune, Tuy Đức district, 60 km from the center of Gia Nghĩa town, the magnificent Đắk G’Lun waterfall gracefully plunges from a height of over 50m, then silently divides into two water streams hanging delicately on the cliff, resembling soft ribbons fluttering in the sunlight amid the mountains of the Central Highlands.

Visiting G’Lun waterfall, you will be astonished not only by the paradise-like beauty of the cool waterfall, proudly casting white foam on the wide leaves and the rugged rocks beneath your feet but also addicted to the serene atmosphere, calmly experiencing moments of relaxation, admiring the lush green hills, and listening to echoes throughout the mountains, including the sound of flowing water and the melodies of birds in the wind.

10. Phú Quý Island, Bình Thuận

Phú Quý is a small island about 120 km from Phan Thiết city, leaving you with a first impression of a very pristine and almost untouched landscape, with minimal influence from professional tourism services. Perhaps that's why Phú Quý is becoming a hotter name than ever in the minds of travel-loving youth.

Not only attracting tourists with numerous beaches such as Trieu Duong Gulf, Doi Dua Beach, Nho - Ganh Hang Beach, Phu Quy also has many scenic spots for you to explore. Despite its small size of only 16 km², the island boasts ancient structures like Linh Quang Pagoda, Van An Thanh Pagoda in Tam Thanh commune, Thay Nai Tomb, Bang Tranh Goddess Temple in Long Hai commune, and the ancient Linh Son Pagoda on Cao Cat Mountain.

11. Cù Lao Câu, Bình Thuận

Cù Lao Câu, also known as Hon Cau, is one of the two marine reserves in Binh Thuan, approximately 100 km from Phan Thiet. Viewed from the mainland, Cù Lao Câu stands proudly like a 'stone kingdom' with peculiar shapes, attracting visitors with its crystal-clear water, allowing a view straight to the bottom. Therefore, it is considered a paradise for underwater diving.

During the day, you will have the opportunity to admire the diverse and beautiful natural coral reefs and vegetation. In the evening, you can organize a BBQ party on the beach, light a campfire, and engage in team-building activities with your group. Sometimes, just lying down, listening to the soothing waves, feeling the sea breeze on your salty face, is enough to touch the 'wandering heart' of those who love adventure.

12. Tam Hai Island, Quang Nam

Located about 40 km southeast of Tam Ky city in Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province, Tam Hai Island is separated from the outside world by the poetic Truong Giang River. To reach here, you can take a motorboat from Tam Tien commune heading north or travel along National Highway 1, then turn towards the sea about 10 km, crossing a ferry at Ky Ha estuary. Due to the inconvenient transportation, the area struggles to develop tourism despite its immense potential.

Tam Hai Island is like a precious gem hiding in its unpolished shell. Yet, perhaps it's this raw beauty that attracts those who love exploration and the thrill of new experiences. The islanders lead a peaceful life under the leaning coconut trees, with the sun casting its shimmering reflection on the vast waters.

13. Whale Island, Khanh Hoa

Hon Ong, also known as Whale Island, is a small island nestled in Van Phong Bay, Vạn Ninh District, Khanh Hoa Province, about 100km from Nha Trang.

Hon Ong stands out from other tourist islands as it is uninhabited. There is only one resort on the island, the Whale Island Resort, providing all the necessary services. Environmental conservation is a top priority on Hon Ong (no fishing or hunting allowed), making it unsuitable for those seeking a lively atmosphere, crowded gatherings, or noisy night bars.

Hon Ong is ideal for sea lovers who enjoy exploring pristine, tranquil places, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's perfect for couples seeking a peaceful honeymoon retreat, far from the noise and rush of urban living.

14. Nam Du, Kien Giang

Nam Du is an archipelago with 21 islands, nestled in the southwestern part of the affectionate S-shaped map. As a small archipelago belonging to An Son and Nam Du communes, Kien Hai district, Kien Giang province, it lies 65 nautical miles from the Rạch Giá coastline, often hailed as another Phu Quoc of Kien Giang. Nam Du boasts numerous beautiful spots that captivate travelers. In the early days, consider exploring places like Ma Thien Lanh Hill, Hon Nom, Hon Hai Bo Dam, and the lighthouse.

The cuisine in Nam Du is predominantly fresh seafood, allowing you to indulge in dishes like grilled banana-leaf-wrapped fish, grilled scallops with onion-infused oil, steamed cuttlefish eggs with ginger, sour soup with bass, dried fish, and more.

15. Diep Son, Khanh Hoa

Diep Son comprises 3 small islands, playfully adrift in the waters of Van Phong Bay. The journey to explore these islands begins from the town of Van Gia. After about an hour of swaying on the sea, the beautiful Diep Son archipelago gradually emerges, clearly cutting across the horizon.

What makes Diep Son unique is the extraordinary and fascinating underwater pathway, stretching nearly 700 meters, connecting the small Diep Son island with the larger one. The winding pathway, about 1 meter wide, lies just below the crystal-clear surface, not even half a meter deep. Walking on this pathway provides a delightful mix of excitement, anticipation, and a hint of fear as you step into the vast ocean. You can freely admire schools of small fish swimming merrily on either side, occasionally witnessing them leaping out of the water, or waving your hand in greeting to passing boats.

16. Ta Dung Lake, Dak Nong

Ta Dung Lake originally was a valley beside Ta Dung Mountain, located in Dak Som commune, Dak G’long district, Dak Nong province. Like a vivid emerald mirror standing out amidst the pristine mountains of the Central Highlands, this place enchants countless travelers. Many even refer to Ta Dung Lake as the 'Halong Bay of the Central Highlands.'

The journey to Ta Dung Lake is not overly challenging. After reaching Gia Nghia town, a further 48 km drive along National Highway 28 will take you to the lake. Despite the length, the road is easy to traverse, and cruising through the wild mountainous scenery leaves you with unforgettable experiences.

17. Hon Son, Kien Giang

Hon Son, located in Lai Son commune, Kien Hai district, Kien Giang province, lies between Nam Du Island and Hon Tre. This island is considered one of the most pristine and charming in the Kien Giang coastal region. Hon Son boasts clean beaches, white sandy shores, crystal-clear blue waters, coconut-lined shores, wild rock formations, a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind after busy urban days.

18. Mong Tay Island, Phu Quoc

Mong Tay Island is an ideal spot for camping, exploring deserted islands, and admiring stunning natural landscapes. As you approach Mong Tay, you'll be greeted by the pristine jade-colored sea, shimmering coconut trees, and perfectly arranged rock formations on the smooth white sandy beach. Venturing deeper into the island, you'll find expanses of burnt golden grass.

You might encounter a few 'Mong Tay' trees (sea almond trees), which is the reason behind this island's unique name. With only the sound of waves and the wind in your ears, all the hustle and bustle of urban life fades away. The feeling of complete harmony with the vast expanse of the sky and land will evoke overwhelming emotions for those who set foot here.

19. Pirate Archipelago, Kien Giang

The Pirate Archipelago in Kien Giang is considered an intriguing destination right from its name. In reality, it's the name of an archipelago consisting of 16 islands, with the largest being Hon Tre (Hon Doc) located in Tien Hai commune, Ha Tien district. It's about 28 km from Ha Tien coastline and 40 km from Phu Quoc Island. The majority of the island's area is covered by dense forests, bordered by rugged and untouched rocky shores. Here, besides learning about the origin and naming stories of the Pirate Archipelago from the locals, you'll have the chance to experience the natural landscape with pristine, refreshing, and pure beauty.

20. Dam Mon Peninsula, Khanh Hoa

The Dam Mon Peninsula is situated in Van Phong Bay, belonging to Van Thanh commune, Van Ninh district, Khanh Hoa province, approximately 80 km north of Nha Trang city along National Highway 1A. Dam Mon Sea is calm and notably clean, allowing visibility to the bottom due to the bay being sheltered by the Hon Gom and Hon Lon peninsulas in a semi-circular shape, preventing large waves throughout the year.

At Dam Mon, you can explore the fishing village, learn about the local life, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, making it an excellent spot for amateur or professional photographers. Other activities at Dam Mon that visitors can experience include exploring the ocean with snorkeling to see coral reefs or renting a boat to explore both large and small islands, discovering the beauty of each island, or simply immersing yourself in a pristine beach under the sparkling evening sunlight.

As per Mytour

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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour