Exploring nearby locales has become a favored trend, especially for travel enthusiasts. For someone passionate about travel like myself, it's truly a fantastic idea. Across the diverse landscapes of this S-shaped country, there are countless captivating travel spots that you definitely shouldn't miss. Let's uncover the intriguing aspects of nearby travel!
1. What makes nearby travel exciting?
Nearby travel, also known as Staycation, is a popular trend nowadays. It could be trips within the city you reside in or nearby tourist areas that don't require extensive travel time.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for tranquility
In the whirlwind of life, we're becoming increasingly busy and rushed. Even the time for oneself is often scarce. That's why local travel becomes an incredibly fitting choice. It allows you to meet the needs of 'refreshing' and 'stress relief' without consuming much time.
You can spend more time with family
Many people wonder what's interesting about nearby travel. In reality, it brings you new experiences. Just imagine being in a familiar place with a different mindset; you'll undoubtedly have a plethora of new emotions. You can indulge in delicious food, do things you love, and savor life the way you want. And that's where the real you emerges.
Prepare some food, a few favorite tunes, and you're ready to chill
Traveling will make you happier, more loving towards life, and optimistic. You'll broaden your horizons, learn about local cultures, savor delicious cuisine, and admire the majestic natural beauty of the country. Especially, local travel is not as expensive as you think. You'll save a significant amount on transportation costs. Moreover, you may discover affordable, beautiful, and unique places for your journey.
2. Suggestions for ideal nearby travel destinations
If you don't have much time to go far, don't worry because here's a guide for a nearby travel adventure. Across the three regions of the country, there are incredibly new and attractive destinations everywhere.
2.1 Nearby Travel Destinations in the Northern Region
Dong Do Lake in Soc Son
Dong Do Lake is a recently popular tourist spot, located approximately 50km from the center of Hanoi. Hence, those living around the capital can choose to travel on weekends. You can use various means of transportation to get here, such as motorbikes, cars, or buses. If the lake is near your home, you can easily invite friends to visit whenever you have free time. For adventure seekers, choosing a motorbike for convenient travel is a great option.
Dong Do Lake is situated in Minh Tan village, Minh Tri commune, Soc Son district, Hanoi city
Here, you can breathe in the fresh air of Soc Son mountains, explore pine forests, camp, night fishing, and engage in exciting outdoor activities with others. In some homestays, you can even rent a raft for kayaking.
Dong Do Lake has become the ideal weekend getaway for many young people
What could be better than escaping 'deadlines' on the weekend, leaving the smoky city behind for the pristine mountains, enjoying a truly 'chill' time with your favorite tunes.
“Lonely Tree” in Hanoi
A relatively new nearby travel destination for those near Hanoi is the “lonely banyan tree” in Lien Hiep commune, Phuc Tho district, Hanoi. When it comes to a lonely tree, people often think of the dreamy Dalat. But you don't need to go far, right in Hanoi, you can check in with this extremely hot lonely tree.
The lonely banyan tree is located in Lien Hiep commune, Phuc Tho district, Hanoi
Located just over an hour's drive from the center of Hanoi, you can admire the beautiful scenery in Lien Hiep commune, Phuc Tho. There stands a banyan tree proudly and magnificently in the vast field, as if expressing a powerful life over time. Whether it's summer or winter, each season here has its own unique beauty.
The simple beauty of this place
The serene, rustic, and deserted scenery of the peaceful suburban countryside is undoubtedly an interesting destination for those who want to travel near Hanoi.
2.2 Travel Destinations in the Central Region
Ru Cha Forest in Hue
Wandering around the outskirts of Hue
Green hills and azure water like a painted masterpiece
For ages, there have been many poems and folk songs praising the natural beauty of Hue. If you're a native of Hue, don't miss the enchanting secrets of the Ru Cha forest.
Ru Cha – where whispers gather on the leaves
If you're a local here, you'd know that this is a forest (or 'ru') planted entirely with cha trees. Hence, the name Ru Cha came into existence. Ru Cha is a pristine mangrove forest located in Huong Phong commune, Huong Tra district, Thua Thien Hue province.
In the past, visiting Ru Cha meant parking outside, sometimes wading through water, and navigating dirt roads. But nowadays, the road to Ru Cha has been paved with concrete, making it very convenient for tourists.
This is a favorite check-in spot for many
Here, you can stroll along the paths to admire the intertwining branches of Cha trees, or the eerie Cha roots. Moreover, you can gain practical knowledge about the pristine mangrove forest or simply gaze at the sky and nature to relax. From any angle, Ru Cha is truly beautiful.
Ca Na Salt Fields in Ninh Thuan
Traveling along the coastal regions of the Central Vietnam, we can easily come across vast stretches of salt fields. And Ca Na is one of the must-mention destinations.
Ca Na Salt Fields during the harvest season
Ca Na is a small fishing village in Ninh Thuan, part of the coastal region of South Central Vietnam, renowned for having the largest salt field in Vietnam. Here, you'll be amazed by the captivating beauty of the expansive salt fields. During the harvest season, hardworking salt farmers diligently scrape and pile up the salt into small mountains. Then, with great hustle and bustle, they carry each bucket of salt, creating a magnificent painting depicting the labor of the local people.
The beauty of labor from the local residents here
K50 Waterfall in Gia Lai
K50 Waterfall, also known as Waterfall 50 or Hang En Waterfall, is a breathtaking cascade located on the border between Gia Lai and Binh Dinh provinces. K50 Waterfall is situated within the Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, spanning the Sơn Lang and Đăk Roong communes in Kbang district, Gia Lai province.
You will be amazed by the majestic beauty of nature here
To reach the waterfall, there are two routes: one from Gia Lai and the other from Binh Dinh. Those living in the border area between these two provinces can easily travel to K50 Waterfall. It is one of the serene nearby travel destinations, offering a peaceful landscape for those looking to explore on days when going far is not an option.
Looking out from inside Hang En Cave to the waterfall
This place is blessed by nature with the majestic and pristine beauty of the highland region. To witness this beauty firsthand, there is no other way but to set foot in this land at least once.
2.3 Tourist Spots in the South
Coc Lake in Vung Tau
Coc Lake is located in Bung Rieng Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria Vung Tau Province. It is approximately 125km from Ho Chi Minh City. If you are in Vung Tau, you can visit Coc Lake in a day. However, if you are from Saigon or other provinces, it is advisable to spend 2-3 days exploring this area.
Once you've been to Coc Lake, you won't want to go home
This is an ideal destination for those who want to avoid crowded and bustling places. Coc Lake retains the pristine beauty bestowed by nature, offering tranquility and mystery.
In addition to Coc Lake, you should also visit nearby tourist attractions such as Ho Tram Lake, Binh Chau Hot Springs, etc., to fully enjoy the beauty of this place.
An afternoon at Ho Tram
Tan Lap Floating Village in Long An
Located in Tan Lap Commune, Moc Hoa District, Long An Province, Tan Lap Floating Village is an ideal tourist destination for those living in Ho Chi Minh City or nearby provinces. The area is covered in the green of submerged cajuput forests. Especially during the flooding season from around August to November in the lunar calendar, you can fully appreciate the beauty of this place.
Tan Lap Floating Village in Long An
As a nearby travel destination, you can choose to go back on the same day, or if you wish, you can also stay overnight. If you decide to stay, you can find guesthouses or hotels nearby, or even rent a camping tent, which is very convenient. Tan Lap Floating Village tourist area is open every day from Monday to Sunday. Therefore, you can arrange a suitable time to visit this place.
Indeed, Vietnam's nature is incredibly beautiful. You don't need to go far when on your beloved land, there are already fantastic places. Hopefully, with the mentioned destinations, you can easily plan some nearby trips for yourself. And don't forget to share with me some unique travel destinations near your home!