Top 10 Tourist Spots That Will "Make Waves" in Vietnam

Windmill Field in Bac Lieu is a wind-powered electricity project, but over time, it has transformed into a popular photo spot that attracts numerous visitors. The field offers photos that look as though they were taken in Europe. The route to the wind turbines isn't the easiest to navigate as the road is still under construction. However, large vehicles can still access the site. Located about 15 kilometers from Bac Lieu's city center, this wind farm lies close to the sea, so it is quite windy and the sun can be harsh. It’s recommended to visit between 6:00 – 9:00 AM or around 4:00 PM. There are many wind turbines here perfect for photos, but during strong winds, the security staff may restrict access to certain areas. The wind here can be quite strong, and if you're faint-hearted, it's better to stay away from the turbines. Also, be sure to secure items that might fly away, such as hats.

The scenery here is striking, with towering white wind turbines standing tall against the landscape. However, the nearby sea has a muddy, brown color due to the silt. Therefore, it's best to choose your outfit and post-processing software for photos carefully. The Bac Lieu Windmill Field is Vietnam's first wind farm project and was built in 2010. The site features 62 giant turbines, each positioned near the sea. Each turbine weighs about 200 tons, stands 80 meters tall, and has a 4-meter diameter. The blades are 42 meters long and made of composite materials. Notably, during severe weather, the blades can fold to prevent damage. Since its opening, the windmill field has become a major tourist attraction in Bac Lieu, especially popular among young people for sunset photography and sightseeing. The field stretches over a vast area with many open spaces for visitors to explore, though some areas are restricted and require permission to enter.

Tam Hai Island captivates visitors with its long, crescent-shaped beach, towering coconut palms leaning towards the sea, and countless uniquely-shaped stones stacked upon one another. The simplicity of the fishing village, with its nets, boats, and baskets, adds to the charm of this place. Tam Hai is often referred to as the "Ly Son" of Quang Nam, with its Bàn Than Stone Field bearing a striking resemblance to Tò Vò Arch on Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai. Any traveler who sets foot here is sure to be amazed by this uncanny similarity. The black stones, worn smooth by the erosion of wind and water, stretch over 1 km. Nature has carved fascinating, bizarre stone formations that look like works of art in the middle of the vast sea and sky. From the Bàn Than Stone Field, you can gaze out to nearby islands with vibrant coral reefs, such as Mang Island, Dứa Island, and Đá Chìm Island.

While visiting Tam Hai Island, don't forget to stop by the local market where you'll find fresh seafood such as squid, fish, shrimp, crab, and snails at reasonable prices. You can also taste local specialties like seaweed jelly, coconut water, or grilled fish and stingray, all with unique flavors that reflect the island's charm. A day on Tam Hai Island offers a peaceful and slow-paced life that's hard to find in the hustle and bustle of the city. In the early morning, join the fishermen in setting nets and casting lines, or enjoy the beautiful sunrise views from the gentle rocking boats. In the evening, take a stroll along the quiet beach, lose yourself in the romantic sunset, or enjoy the fun of riding in round boats or kayaks. These experiences will create unforgettable memories. Students from Da Nang University of Science and Technology have transformed the old, moss-covered walls and fences of Tam Hai into vibrant murals, making the island a must-visit destination in Quang Nam.

Once a remote island with a difficult way of life, where most people depended on fishing, seafood farming, and agriculture, Phu Quy Island has gradually become more accessible and developed as a major tourist destination. Despite the rise of guesthouses, restaurants, and services, visitors still find the island's natural charm intact, with a friendly local community, fresh air, and untouched beauty. Importantly, the island maintains affordable prices for services, which avoids the overcharging that can often be found at other tourist spots. Phu Quy, also known as Thu Island or Khoai Xứ Island, covers 16 km² in Binh Thuan Province. The island has three communes with over 25,000 residents. Phu Quy boasts a rich variety of marine life, including sea turtles, lobsters, grouper, king crabs, moon crabs, sea snails, sea cucumbers, abalones, and vibrant coral reefs, along with many pristine beaches with soft white sand. In addition to the main island, there are smaller islands like Da Cao in the northwest, Red Island in the northeast, and Tran Island and Hai Island in the southwest.

As an offshore island, travel to Phu Quy Island requires a boat ride. It is best to visit when the sea is calm, as it makes the journey smoother. The months of September to November are usually the typhoon season in the South Central Coast region, so it’s advisable to avoid visiting during this time for safety reasons. June is the beginning of the typhoon season in Vietnam, but it generally only affects the northern areas, so this period is ideal for visiting Phu Quy Island with clear skies and calm seas. With its beautiful beaches, natural lagoons, and crystal-clear waters, beach activities like swimming are a must-do. Be sure to bring your best swimwear for both a fun time in the water and some great photos. The island's vibrant coral reefs and clear waters offer an unforgettable snorkeling experience. However, please be mindful of the environment and avoid damaging the coral. For a bit more adventure, you can also try windsurfing, a popular activity among foreign tourists, thanks to the strong winds in the area, making Phu Quy an excellent spot for this sport. With a board and a sail, you’ll glide across the sea, enjoying the wind and waves.

Ta Xua is a hidden gem, still largely unexplored, and the only way to reach it is by motorbike. There are various routes to take depending on the spots you wish to visit during your journey to this untouched, mystical destination. The road to Ta Xua is winding and rocky, yet breathtakingly beautiful. The surrounding landscape will overwhelm you with its endless green mountains blending into a pure, white sea of clouds. The entire view is like a magical, surreal painting. In Ta Xua, all four directions are enveloped in a thick blanket of clouds, creating a spine-tingling atmosphere. Standing atop Ta Xua, you’ll feel as though you've stepped into a fairytale world, surrounded by mist and mountains. The Ta Xua Cloud Valley is shielded by towering mountain ranges, ensuring calm, still winds, allowing you to take endless photos with your friends without worrying about the fog dissipating. You can feel the clouds drifting through your fingers, like waves on a tranquil lake. In the distance, the scattered villages of Son La add a unique touch to the breathtaking scene, making this place an unforgettable memory.

The road to Ta Xua is not particularly difficult, but it does involve winding mountain passes with sharp turns. One of the most popular spots recently is the “Dinosaur Spine,” located in Hang Dong Commune, which connects the three highest peaks in Ta Xua. At over 2500 meters high, the Dinosaur Spine offers a thrilling experience as you seem to walk in mid-air, akin to a trek through the world’s most majestic mountains. However, the path is only about 1 meter wide and filled with loose rocks, with steep cliffs on both sides—an exhilarating challenge for off-road enthusiasts. Along the way, you can set up camp, grill some food, and enjoy the fresh air with friends, making for an excellent adventure. Snacks like instant noodles, bread, and water can be lifesavers during early mornings or late nights. It’s crucial to carry enough fuel and essential motorcycle repair tools in case you run into any vehicle issues.

Pirate Island, also known as the Ha Tien Archipelago, consists of over 16 islands, with the largest being Hon Tre (Hon Doc). This entire archipelago is part of Tien Hai Commune, Ha Tien Town, Kien Giang Province. It is located about 28 km from the coast of Ha Tien and around 40 km from Phu Quoc Island. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Ha Tien Archipelago was on an important trade route, and its rugged terrain made it an ideal hideout for pirates to ambush merchant ships. You can visit Pirate Island throughout the year, but the best time is during the dry season from December to April. During this time, the weather is clear, and the sea is calm, making it more comfortable for those prone to seasickness. Be sure to check the weather forecast to avoid any storms.

The Pirate Island group consists of 16 islands, with Hon Tre (Hon Doc) being the largest and the center of Ha Tien Commune, where most of the local population lives. Here, you can relax on the expansive, white sandy beaches, enjoy lively beach activities, or rent diving gear to explore the coral reefs and the vibrant underwater world. Other activities include night fishing for squid and fish, diving for shells, crabs, and sea urchins, or even going on a fishing boat with local fishermen, offering you an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on the island’s delicacies such as sea urchins, rock shrimp, crabs, shellfish, and grouper. You can order meals in advance from the locals, or buy seafood at the dock in the early morning and have them prepare it for you. Either way, you’ll enjoy fresh, delicious seafood at reasonable prices.

Mang Den is a breathtaking ecological paradise nestled in a town in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province. Sitting at an elevation of over 1,200 meters above sea level, this area enjoys a temperate climate, offering year-round cool weather with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 22°C, making it a refreshing escape. Surrounded by lush, untouched forests that cover more than 80% of the natural area, Mang Den is a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The area’s natural beauty is further highlighted by its three lakes and seven mountains, earning it the nickname ‘The Ecological Heaven’ or ‘The Muse of Kon Tum.’ Visitors to Mang Den will find themselves on winding roads surrounded by vast pine forests, with the air fragrant with the scent of wildflowers. About 5 km from the town center, you’ll find yourself immersed in the colorful blooms of E Ban Farm, perfect for a photo op with your family or friends. Although tourism development in Mang Den began over a decade ago, it wasn’t until recently that the area saw significant growth, with more hotels and resorts being built as part of the region’s revived tourism initiatives.

Another intriguing stop is the Khánh Lâm Pagoda, built on a pristine hill at over 1,200 meters above sea level. From the base of the hill, visitors ascend more than 200 stone steps to reach this majestic temple, nestled among dense forest. The peaceful, sacred atmosphere of the pagoda, surrounded by towering trees, creates a serene and enchanting environment. As you wander through Mang Den, you’ll be captivated by the winding trails flanked by towering pines and the gentle scent of wild orchids. Hiking is a favorite pastime for many visitors here. In addition, you can explore the Kon Tum Dak Ke Lake tourism area, a pristine and idyllic destination for nature lovers. As an untouched ecological area, Mang Den preserves a rich diversity of plant and animal species, making it a prime spot for eco-tourism and scientific research. The region is home to seven lakes and three stunning waterfalls, including Dak Ke, Pa Sy, Lô Ba, and Toong Zơri, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

The Ta Nang - Phan Dung trekking route spans 55 km across three provinces: Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan. Each year, the changing seasons bring unique, captivating views that attract avid trekkers. The trail is lush and green during the rainy season, from April to September, and turns golden and dry from October to March. Starting from Duc Trong, Lam Dong, about 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City, the route ends in Phan Dung commune, Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan. When preparing for the trek, pack light, focusing mainly on sufficient food and water for the 3-day journey. Essentials include comfortable, breathable clothes for the day, a warm jacket for chilly nights, and a lightweight camping tent.

At the beginning of the trek, you'll pass through the Ma Kir forest, where the terrain is relatively flat and the landscape remains unchanged year-round. As you venture deeper into the hills, the path becomes more challenging, especially during the rainy season when the soil becomes slippery. In the dry season, the route is easier to navigate. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque hills, with breathtaking views of vast green valleys below and clear skies above. If you're trekking in the rainy season, choose a campsite with large, dense trees to protect yourself from wind and rain. On the other hand, if you're trekking in the dry season, waking up early to catch the sunrise from a hilltop campsite is an unforgettable experience. During the green season, after the rain, a vibrant rainbow often appears, making the landscape even more spectacular.

Hon Ba is a relatively new destination for travelers to Nha Trang, and many initially confuse it with a tourist spot in Vung Tau. However, once you visit Hon Ba, you’ll understand why it stands out for its natural beauty and grandeur. The peak of Hon Ba is often described as resembling a mystical fairy hidden within misty mountains, with a cool, refreshing atmosphere. Located about 60 km southwest of Nha Trang, Hon Ba is a mountain towering nearly 1600 meters above sea level, nestled between the Khánh Phú commune in Khánh Vĩnh district and the Suối Cát commune in Cam Lâm district, Khánh Hòa province. In 1915, French explorer and physician Alexandre Yersin settled here, and his wooden house remains at the peak, where he lived and studied medicinal plants. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach the summit from Nha Trang, and the winding, narrow roads leading up to Hon Ba offer a thrilling experience as you ascend through clouds and mist, feeling like a hero discovering the secrets of a mist-covered world.

As you climb higher, the temperature drops, but the breathtaking scenery along the way only becomes more mesmerizing. Hon Ba is particularly stunning in spring, when wildflowers bloom under the morning sun, revealing the mountain's ethereal beauty as the mist lifts in the afternoon. Once you reach the summit, you’ll have the chance to see rare and endangered species, such as the red-shanked douc, langur monkeys, and silvered langurs. Exploring Hon Ba is an immersive experience in nature, where the deeper you go into the forest, the more you feel like you’ve entered a different world, one full of vibrant greenery and soothing sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind. Along the way, you can stop to dip your feet in the cool, refreshing streams that flow through the area. For me, Hon Ba feels like a hidden gem unique to Nha Trang, a mystical fairy that awakens at different moments throughout the day. At sunrise, it’s gentle and shy, hidden in the trees, while at sunset, as the golden light falls over the grassy plains, the landscape is nothing short of poetic.

The small island of Cu Lao Cau, also known as Cu Lao Cau or Hon Cau, is located in Tuy Phong district, Binh Thuan province, approximately 110 km northeast of Phan Thiet city. According to local fishermen, the island is named after the abundance of sea cucumber found here. The island is nearly 10 km off the mainland, stretching 1.5 km in length, with the widest part being less than 800 meters. From a distance, Cu Lao Cau resembles a battleship anchored in the sea, with its bow facing east. The island remains incredibly pristine, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by countless rocks in various shapes and colors that shift with the sunlight each day. The main fresh water source on the island is from the Gia Long well, and additional water is collected from rainfall, making it ideal for nature lovers, adventurers, and explorers.

Cu Lao Cau experiences two distinct seasons: the south wind season and the north wind season. The south wind season, from January to June, brings calm seas, pleasant weather, and plenty of boats passing through the area. On the other hand, from July to December, during the north wind season, the sea becomes rough, with dry trees and strong winds. The best time to visit is from April to August, when the seas are calm, the winds are gentle, and the vast blue ocean is especially inviting. Typically, you can take a day trip to the island, returning to the mainland afterward. However, if you wish to stay overnight, you must seek permission from the border guards on the island, as it falls under their jurisdiction. A unique feature of Cu Lao Cau is that there are no accommodation services available, so if you plan to stay, you’ll need to bring your own tent and sleeping bag. Alternatively, you can request to stay at the border guard station, where the officers are known to be friendly and welcoming.

Nha Trang has long been known for its tranquil beaches, world-class Vinpearl Land resort, and pristine bays. Among these attractions, Dam Mon Peninsula stands out as a hidden gem in Nha Trang. This area boasts indescribable natural beauty, with long stretches of idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, and a charming fishing village. Located in the Van Phong Bay, Dam Mon is in Van Thanh commune, Van Ninh district, Khanh Hoa province, about 80 km north of Nha Trang city (45 km by sea). Spanning an area of 128 km², this destination offers optimal conditions for eco-tourism, including a favorable climate, scenic coastline, forests, mountains, rich biodiversity, and abundant marine resources. Notably, everything in this area remains remarkably untouched and pristine.

Dam Mon Peninsula comprises around 20 small and large islands with 30 pristine beaches. It is home to a lush rainforest and a simple fishing village with three hamlets: Dam Mon Ha, Dam Mon Thuong, and Xuan Dung. This peninsula is captivating, with its clean, unspoiled beaches and calm, transparent waters that allow you to see to the ocean floor. The area is surrounded by a series of small islands forming a natural barrier, which helps protect it from waves, making the waters exceptionally calm. Furthermore, this spot is one of the first to witness the sunrise each day. In Dam Mon Thuong, the fishing village features tall sand dunes, where visitors can climb to enjoy sweeping views of the vast blue ocean. Next, you can take a boat to Xuan Dung to explore one of the most beautiful and clean beaches in Nha Trang. A remarkable feature here is the pure, fresh water that can be found just by digging a small hole about 1 meter deep. Within 20 minutes, you can scoop up clear, refreshing drinking water from the earth, an enchanting natural phenomenon.