Top 10 Most Beautiful Natural Landmarks in the World

Despite the intense heat, the Sahara Desert possesses a unique beauty that no other place can match. For passionate travelers visiting this vast desert in North Africa, they will surely be captivated by the breathtaking and unparalleled beauty of its vast sand dunes. With a large enough camera, you could capture a 9 million square meter postcard of the Sahara's stunning scenery. The Sahara is globally famous and frequently appears in classic literature and ancient tales. Covering over 9 million square kilometers, Sahara is the largest desert and the third largest barren land on Earth. The desert mainly consists of rocky plateaus and enormous sand dunes. One gust of wind can sweep you away at any moment. The temperature is scorching, and the wind and sand here are far from pleasant. The Sahara's natural wonders include sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and dry valleys. Many travelers visit Sahara for camel rides, overnight camping, and to marvel at the romantic starry skies.

Ha Long Bay is a small bay located in Ha Long City, Cam Pha Town, and part of Van Don District in Quang Ninh Province. It is composed of 1,969 islands, 980 of which remain unnamed, and 989 have names. The area spans 1,553 km², which includes both core and buffer zones. The World Heritage site in Ha Long Bay, recognized globally, covers 434 km² and is shaped like a triangle with three peaks: to the west is Dau Go Island, to the south is Ba Ham Lake, and to the east is Cong Tay Island. This region includes 775 islands, with many caves and beaches. Thousands of islands and numerous beautiful caves contribute to the Bay’s aesthetic value. Ha Long’s beauty is shaped by three elements: rock, water, and sky. The rocky islands of Ha Long form unique shapes that blend with the sky and sea, creating a picturesque landscape. Inside these large islands lie captivating caves. Dau Go Cave leaves visitors in awe with its impressive rock formations. Thien Cung Cave resembles a grand, stunning temple. Bo Nau Cave’s arched entrance features soft, drooping stalactites resembling willow branches. Sung Sot Cave surprises with stalactites that take the form of wild chickens, frogs, dragons, waterfalls, and many other fantastical shapes, opening the door to a world of fairy tales. Caves like Tam Cung, Trinh Nu, Ba Hang, and Tien Long each possess their own distinctive and enchanting beauty. The geological history of Ha Long Bay has undergone various ancient geographical phases, including the creation of mountains, sea regression, subsidence, and sea advancement. Ha Long Bay once was a deep sea during the Ordovician-Silurian period (around 500–410 million years ago), a shallow sea during the Carboniferous-Permian period (around 340–250 million years ago), and a coastal sea in the late Paleogene to early Neogene periods (around 26–20 million years ago), undergoing several marine advances during the Anthropocene (about 2 million years ago). During the Triassic period (240–195 million years ago), when the Earth had a hot and dry climate, Ha Long Bay was a humid swamp with vast fern forests, accumulating generations of plants.

Perito Moreno Glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia, and is one of Argentina's most magnificent tourist destinations. Spanning an area of about 600,000 hectares, Perito Moreno Glacier forms a small lake called Argentino. This lake is known as the oldest and most beautiful in Argentina, estimated to be around 15,000 years old. The scenery on the lake changes with the weather; on cloudy days, the glacier appears like a ribbon of gray satin, while the exposed ice has a bright white hue and the submerged ice gives off an enchanting turquoise color.

Perito Moreno Glacier, located in Los Glaciares National Park in Santa Cruz, Patagonia, was named after Francisco Moreno, the explorer who studied the area in the 19th century and played a key role in protecting Argentina’s territory during its border dispute with Chile. The glacier’s ice primarily comes from the nearby Patagonia Ice Field, which lies along the Argentina-Chile border. The glacier spans an area of 600,000 hectares and feeds more than 356 large and small glacier lakes. The glacier feeds into the small Argentino Lake. Perito Moreno rises about 60 meters above the water and stretches across 5 kilometers, making it one of the oldest and most beautiful glaciers in Argentina, estimated to be around 15,000 years old. Like other glaciers around the world, Perito Moreno is born from snow.

Massive ice blocks are constantly being created, keeping the scenery of Perito Moreno ever-changing. Its continual expansion is truly remarkable, as compared to other glaciers in the Andean region (including Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) and around the world, the growth and spreading of its ice sheets are exceptional. Scientists have noted that the rate of glacial melt in southern South America is ten times faster than anywhere else in the world.

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, located in Arizona, USA, is the Grand Canyon. To reach this awe-inspiring site, visitors must traverse through the haze and dust of the desert. The vast, ancient rock formations stretch endlessly, appearing as though a giant hand once carved through them with a tool. The Grand Canyon surprises visitors at every turn. From a lookout, you may see the mountains bathed in a deep red hue, but as you explore, the entire landscape shifts to a vibrant purple. This is because the canyon walls change colors depending on the angle of sunlight and weather conditions. True to its name, the Grand Canyon extends over 446 kilometers, with a width ranging from 0.4 to 24 kilometers, and a depth of 1,600 meters. The canyon is home to extensive trails, eco-friendly hotels nestled in pine forests, restaurants, campsites, airports, and a free shuttle bus system. Anyone visiting the canyon is sure to be completely captivated by its grandeur.

The legendary Grand Canyon – a masterpiece of nature, often referred to as the “heroic anthem” of Mother Nature, has become an iconic symbol of Arizona, so much so that the state is often called the “Grand Canyon State.” The canyon's red sandstone cliffs and golden sunlight, paired with meandering rivers that vanish and reappear, create a stunning natural painting. Grand Canyon National Park, located in Arizona, spans nearly 5,000 square kilometers and is one of the most visited destinations in the world. The Vietnamese refer to it as the “Great Gorge” due to its hundreds of deep, 2-kilometer-deep ravines, making it one of the largest gorges on Earth.

Visitors can approach the Grand Canyon from four different directions, with the southern route being the most convenient, offering lush forests, streams, and scenic views with easy access. The northern and eastern routes are more rugged, with some highways closed due to snowfall in winter. The vast, striking beauty and unique colors of the Grand Canyon create an otherworldly feeling, as towering cliffs stretch on endlessly, drawing the eye into the deep abyss. Most first-time visitors are left speechless in awe of the canyon’s monumental beauty and surreal grandeur.

Uluru, also known as "Ayers Rock" or "The Rock", is a massive monolithic rock formation located in the heart of Australia, approximately 350 kilometers east of the town of Ailissibulins. From a distance, the rock appears smooth and rounded, standing in solitude with no vegetation on its surface. At a height of 348 meters and a length of 3 kilometers, the base of Uluru spans about 8.5 kilometers in circumference. Its vertical cliffs on all four sides rise dramatically, with a flat top resembling a newly-formed island or a giant resting creature, giving the rock a majestic and awe-inspiring presence. Uluru is not only an iconic symbol of Australia but also a renowned tourist attraction worldwide. This colossal rock, with its orange-brown hue and oval shape, formed over 680 million years ago, continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.

Uluru’s smooth surface is devoid of any plant life, and from a distance, it appears as an island emerging from the vast desert, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. Standing at its summit, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding desert, dry grasslands, and scattered puddles. What makes Uluru particularly mesmerizing is the transformation of its colors throughout the day. From morning to dusk, the rock’s hue shifts dramatically, from pale reds to deep oranges and reds, then to golden browns. After a heavy rainfall, Uluru takes on a silvery-gray tone, with hints of black. Scientists attribute this color-changing phenomenon to the rock’s composition, which is made up of quartzite, a hard stone with tightly-packed structures. The rock’s reddish exterior contains iron oxide, which reflects light differently at various angles, giving it a continuously changing appearance.

Uluru holds significant spiritual meaning for the indigenous peoples of the region. A large sign at the base requests visitors not to climb the sacred rock, in respect for its cultural significance and the safety of tourists. Recognized by UNESCO as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Uluru has been designated a national park and attracts thousands of visitors annually.

Antarctica is a uniquely distinct continent, remote and perhaps the most precious on Earth, with little human presence. Because of this, it maintains its natural wilderness in an unaltered state. The vast, unspoiled scenery here can be overwhelming, making you feel like a mere drop in an endless ocean. For each person, Antarctica presents a different kind of beauty, from floating icebergs and vast seas to penguins, seals, and a range of wildlife living peacefully in an untouched environment. However, stepping foot in Antarctica reveals a land even more vast and awe-inspiring than you could ever imagine.

The stunning beauty of Antarctica never fails to inspire, with the sunlight reflecting off the icebergs, causing them to sparkle in various shades of blue and white. In this world of ice and snow, adorable penguins waddle clumsily, yet still manage to blend harmoniously with their environment. Antarctica is one of the harshest places on Earth, yet it holds a magnificence that is unmatched anywhere else, offering rare glimpses of nature’s wonders.

In the summer, the sun remains shining brightly, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C on warmer days. During winter, Antarctica is plunged into darkness, with no daylight for months and temperatures dipping as low as -80°C. Despite these extreme conditions, Antarctica continues to draw explorers and adventurers. The best time to visit is during the summer months, from November to March. A fascinating aspect of this continent is its misalignment with the sun’s cycle, where “daytime” lasts for six months in summer, followed by an extended dark winter.

Bora Bora Island is located 230 km northwest of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, surrounded by a vast lagoon and a long coral reef. The island's center features the remnants of an extinct volcano. Famous for its crystal-clear waters and smooth white sandy beaches, Bora Bora is often referred to as the 'paradise island' of the Pacific. Aptly named the 'Island of Paradise,' Bora Bora is also known as 'the lover’s paradise.' Part of the French Polynesian archipelago, it spans approximately 39 km² and is encircled by a saltwater lagoon and a coral barrier reef.

This idyllic island lies in the northwest part of Tahiti and is less than an hour's ride from Papeete airport. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by warm sunshine, cool breezes, the fragrance of wildflowers, and boats ready to take you to luxurious resorts. The beauty of Bora Bora lies in its ability to offer both relaxation and adventure. If you decide to venture beyond your resort, you can explore the largest village on the island, Vaitape, where you can shop at local stores or dine at renowned restaurants like Mai Kai Bora Bora or the legendary Mary Bloody. Adventurers can also hike Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu with a guide or embark on a thrilling Jeep Safari tour.

Bora Bora is one of the few places on Earth that exudes such a unique charm that everyone dreams of visiting. If the Eiffel Tower symbolizes the creativity and romance of France, Bora Bora, true to its name – 'the first born' – represents timeless beauty and longing. You can even rent a sailboat to explore the island, enjoy the scenic views, bask in the sun, or participate in exciting activities like windsurfing, snorkeling with marine life, or swimming. For those seeking adventure, skydiving from a helicopter is an unmissable thrill.

The Great Barrier Reef (also known as 'The Big Reef') is the largest coral reef system in the world, comprising over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands that stretch over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles), covering an area of 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 square miles). Located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, northeastern Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth and is visible from space. This coral formation is built by billions of tiny organisms called coral polyps. It is home to a vast array of marine life and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN has named it one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and it serves as a symbol of Queensland.

Much of the reef is protected within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to minimize human impact, such as fishing and tourism. However, it faces several environmental challenges, including ocean currents, climate change, widespread coral bleaching, sediment dredging, and periodic outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish. According to a 2012 study by the US National Academy of Sciences, the reef has lost over half of its coral cover since 1985.

The reef has long been known to the Indigenous peoples of Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, playing a significant role in their cultural and spiritual practices. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, especially around the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns region. Tourism is a major economic driver, generating around AU$3 billion annually. In November 2014, Google launched the 3D Google Underwater Street View, allowing users to explore the Great Barrier Reef from the comfort of their homes.

Known as the country with the highest number of lakes, it's no wonder that Emerald Lake in Canada is regarded as one of the clearest and most pristine lakes on the planet. Located within Yoho National Park, it is surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests. In the summer, the water of Emerald Lake shimmers in a captivating emerald hue, sparkling under the golden rays of the sun. Locals explain that the blue-green color comes from the fine limestone powder carried from the mountains, combined with the green algae beneath the Victoria Glacier. As the sunlight reflects on the lake’s surface, the landscape becomes a magical, glittering spectacle. The warm air here adds to the surreal atmosphere, making the surroundings even more enchanting.

As one of more than 60 lakes in Canada, Emerald Lake is the largest and most beautiful, and is also known as one of the cleanest lakes in the world. Its vast expanse of tranquil waters is often compared to a giant mirror. The water is so clear that you can see everything beneath the surface with remarkable clarity. The surrounding trees, lush foliage, and the reflection of the landscape on the water further enhance its charm, making the lake an irresistible attraction. Situated within Yoho National Park, it offers a unique landscape, surrounded by towering trees and shimmering green waters.

Not only is Emerald Lake the largest in Canada, but it is also home to one of the most breathtaking shorelines, which remains beautiful throughout the year. With each season, the lake takes on a new look, decorated by the changing foliage and mountains. No matter the time of year, Emerald Lake remains peaceful, pristine, and incredibly picturesque. Thanks to the mild Canadian climate, it is a perfect year-round destination, with a welcoming atmosphere that draws visitors from around the globe, making it one of the most visited natural sites in the country.

Iguazu Falls is located on the Iguazu River, straddling the border between Brazil and Argentina. Known for its stunning height and dramatic natural beauty, the falls are preserved within both Iguazu National Park in Argentina and Iguaçu National Park in Brazil. The falls stretch over 2,700 meters and drop about 64 meters on average. The Iguazu Falls system features 275 individual falls, with some reaching up to 82 meters, while the majority stand around 64 meters. Wider and taller than Niagara Falls, Iguazu consists of two levels of cascading water, forming a horseshoe shape.

The formation of Iguazu Falls traces back to a volcanic eruption, which left a deep crack in the earth. During the rainy season, from November to March, the water flow can reach up to 450,000 cubic meters per second. The name 'Iguazu' comes from the Guarani word for 'big water.' According to one legend, a god planned to marry a beautiful mortal woman named Naipi. She rejected him and fled with her lover, dying tragically on a boat. In his fury, the god sliced the river into waterfalls as a punishment for the lovers. This is the myth explaining the creation of Iguazu Falls, which was first discovered by the Spanish in 1541.

Another indigenous tale claims that the falls were created by the jealousy of a water god. The story tells of a god who wished to marry Naipi, the daughter of a local chief. She refused and escaped with her lover, a warrior named Taroba, in a canoe. Enraged, the god summoned a massive waterfall to drown the lovers. Since then, Iguazu Falls has existed as a natural wonder. Known as one of the world's most magnificent natural wonders, it is said to be “unlike any other waterfall.” The falls are surrounded by lush, evergreen rainforest. Depending on the season, the water flow can vary, but the sight is always breathtaking. From above, the falls resemble torrents of white water tumbling through rocks and dense foliage. From a distance, the waterfall appears like soft ribbons of silk cascading over the cliffs, bathed in the warm glow of sunlight.