Explore the Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations of 2016

As 2016 draws to a close, let's explore the trending travel spots that captured the hearts of many adventurers this past year!

Unveiling the 10 Hottest Travel Destinations of 2016

Pù Luông, Thanh Hóa Province

Situated in the northwest of Thanh Hóa Province, spanning across Quan Hóa and Bá Thước districts, the Pù Luông Nature Reserve boasts rich natural landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, making it an enticing destination for nature enthusiasts.

For the thrill-seekers, conquering the peak of Pù Luông, the highest mountain in the area standing at 1,700 meters, promises an unforgettable adventure. The challenges and hardships of a 5-hour hike seem to fade away as you behold the majestic beauty of the Pù Luông valley from above. The specialties of Pù Luông include its bountiful harvest of rice and charming local villages. The best time to visit Pù Luông is during the rice season, typically mid-June to October each year.

Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda, Bao Loc

Located approximately 21km south of Bao Loc city, Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda sits atop Hill 45, in Loc Thanh Hamlet, Loc Thanh Commune, Bao Lam District, Lam Dong Province – known as a mythical paradise with its 'gateways to heaven', where you can cast your eyes over a vast expanse of space and immerse yourself in the earth, mountains, and rivers.

To reach Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda from Bao Loc city, travel along Tran Phu Street, then turn right at the Dai Binh intersection. From there, you will encounter Loc Thanh commune road (National Highway 55). Pass through Loc Thanh market, cross the Da Trang bridge, continue straight for a while until you reach a three-way intersection, then turn right past Niet Ban Pagoda. Keep going straight, then turn left towards the cultural village (Hamlet 4 – Loc Thanh Commune). After passing the cultural village for about 2km (look for a small alley on the left), turn left uphill, then follow the directional sign (Quan Chieu Duong) to reach Linh Quy Phap An Pagoda.

Windmill Field, Bac Lieu

From Bac Lieu city, take Cao Van Lau Street towards the sea. In the area of Dong A Sea Hamlet, Vinh Trach Dong Commune, lies a newly completed wind power plant since early 2016. Although nearly 20km from the city center, even from a distance of several kilometers, you can see the turbine pillars with their rotating blades resembling giant pinwheels against the sky. This has become a favorite photography spot for many young people visiting Bac Lieu.

Ky Co Beach, Quy Nhon

Ky Co, located in Nhon Ly island commune, is approximately 25 km from Quy Nhon city. With its pristine beauty, Ky Co impresses visitors with its crystal-clear sea, natural ponds, and long sandy beaches ideal for outdoor activities by the sea.

At Ky Co, the sea water displays two distinct colors: shallow water near the shore appears blue, while the water further out is darker. During low tide, as the sea recedes, visitors can enjoy playing soccer, volleyball, or indulging in sandcastle building.

Particularly, Ky Co boasts natural saltwater ponds formed by surrounding rocky outcrops. Visitors can immerse themselves in these ponds or dive down to admire the shrimp and fish that have been trapped but unable to escape.

Ta Nang, Phan Dung

The trekking route through the forests spanning three provinces: Lam Dong – Ninh Thuan – Binh Thuan, always attracts adventure seekers. Starting from Ta Nang commune or Da Quyn commune, Duc Trong district (Lam Dong), it takes about 3 days and 2 nights to cover nearly 60 km through forests, mountain passes, streams, descending from an altitude of 1,100 m to 500 m above sea level.

The most impressive scenery includes vast grassy hills, interspersed with lush green pine forests, with distant clouds hanging in the sky, creating a majestic yet tranquil landscape reminiscent of a painting. The final destination of the journey is Phan Dung commune, followed by taking a motorbike taxi to Lien Huong intersection (Tuy Phong, Binh Thuan) to catch a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City or other provinces.

Diep Son Island, Khanh Hoa

As one of the most remote island communes in Khanh Hoa province, the Diep Son island village with 83 households still faces challenges with electricity and clean water supply. Diep Son comprises 3 small islands, nestled in the waters of Van Phong Bay. The journey to explore the islands begins from Van Gia town, after about an hour of sailing on the sea, the beautiful Diep Son archipelago gradually emerges, clearly defined against the horizon.

What makes Diep Son island special is the unique and fascinating underwater pathway nearly 700m long, connecting the small island with the larger Diep Son island. The winding pathway, about 1m wide, lies deep under the crystal-clear seawater, less than half a meter deep.

Walking on this pathway brings a thrilling sensation, mixed with excitement and a bit of fear as you step into the vast ocean. You can freely admire shoals of small fish swimming on both sides, occasionally seeing them jump out of the water as if waving hello to the passing boats.

Mong Tay Island, Phu Quoc

Mong Tay Island is an ideal destination for camping, exploring deserted islands, and enjoying the stunning natural scenery. Upon arriving at Mong Tay Island, you'll be greeted by the pristine emerald sea, shaded by rows of green coconut trees, natural rock formations arranged by nature's hand, and smooth white sandy beaches with unique beauty. Venturing further into the island, you'll find vast grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see.

You may also encounter a few 'nail trees' (Son Hai Tung), which is the reason behind this unique name of the island. With only the sound of waves and wind in your ears, all the hustle and bustle of the city fades away. The feeling of complete harmony with the vastness of the land and sky will evoke overwhelming emotions for those who come here.

Tu Binh: Hung – Tien – Lap – Ba

Visiting the Tu Binh coastal area, you can freely explore the most pristine beaches, deserted fishing villages, and indulge in enjoying specialties like lobster and various seafood dishes at extremely affordable prices. As this is a military-controlled area, tourism is quite restricted, with foreigners not allowed to visit the islands. Therefore, Tu Binh retains its unique beauty unlike anywhere else.

Departing from Saigon, you can drive to Phan Rang or Cam Ranh and then rent a car to continue to the Tu Binh coastal area. The spectacular scenery will astonish first-time visitors. If you prefer camping by the beach, you can choose Binh Hung or Binh Tien, or if you prefer a clean and comfortable place to stay, Binh Ba and Binh Lap are worth considering. But no matter where you are in Tu Binh, you will feel the simplicity and tranquility of this beautiful coastal region.

Binh Lieu, Quang Ninh

Binh Lieu is over 100km northeast of the city center of Halong, a mountainous district near the border. Binh Lieu is often compared to a miniature Sapa because visiting this small district allows you to experience the culture of ethnic minorities such as Dao, Tay, San Chi,..., admire the endless mountainous landscapes, breathe in the scent of cinnamon trees, and listen to the murmuring sounds of a thousand streams.

With its diverse terrain structure in the high mountains of the Dong Trieu – Mong Cai arc, Binh Lieu is blessed with many beautiful landscapes. Binh Lieu is beautiful almost every season, so just arrange your work and you can hit the road and go.

Mang Den, Kon Tum

Mang Den is a town in Kon Plong district, Kon Tum province, known for its primeval forests, numerous lakes, and waterfalls. The climate here is cool and fresh, ideal for tourists seeking relief from the summer heat. Situated at an altitude of 1,100 – 1,400m above sea level, over 50km from Kon Tum town, amidst dense pine forests and wildflowers, the weather in Mang Den is always pleasantly cool.

Visiting Mang Den, you will travel along winding roads lined with lush green pine trees, with the scent of pine resin lingering in the air. The echoing song of birds fills the air, and the cool climate exudes the pristine and majestic beauty of the mountains and forests. That's why Mang Den is affectionately known as the 'Dalat of Kon Tum' by tourists.

Theo Tieu Lam

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour