Top 10 Destinations You Should Visit as a Student

Thung Nai is a lake-side commune in the Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, previously known as the rich and prosperous Muong Thang region, home to the Muong people. In the 1980s, when the Hoa Binh hydropower plant started to be built and water was stored, Thung Nai became a vast reservoir, with towering mountains turning into small islands, creating a picturesque landscape. Thung Nai Tourism has its charm in every season, but during the summer months (from May to August), the atmosphere is especially cool and refreshing, making it a perfect place to escape the heat. On weekends and full moon nights, visitors can enjoy the moonlight over the Da River reservoir, which is incredibly bright and beautiful. If you visit during the dry season, you can explore the Thac Bo Cave and Thac Bo Temple.

If you're an adventure enthusiast, you definitely shouldn't miss a trip to Thung Nai Hoa Binh on a weekend. While in Thung Nai, you must try rowing a boat to admire the Da River reservoir's beautiful scenery. The crystal-clear, cool waters offer a relaxing experience as you row your boat through this stunning natural setting. The natural pool is an ideal place to relax, with refreshing water that no one visiting Thung Nai Hoa Binh in the summer can resist. The cool mountain spring water flows through jagged rocks, creating a soothing and pleasant atmosphere. The Thac Bo Temple, known for its sacredness, always attracts many pilgrims coming to pray and perform rituals. The temple is located in the Da Bac district of Hoa Binh, and to reach it, visitors must climb over 100 steps and cross a steep hill. The people of Hoa Binh hold the Thac Bo Temple in great reverence, as it is a place where locals pray for a smooth and successful life while navigating the Da River.

Moc Chau is quite a long way from Hanoi, taking about 5 and a half hours to reach. However, you won’t regret the journey. The charm begins right from the scenic road, with gentle slopes and winding curves. You can confidently release the throttle and enjoy the ride, surrounded by stunning terraced fields and mountains. Once you arrive, you can visit the tea hills, the heart-shaped tea hill, and relax in the hot springs. Moc Chau is especially famous for its white mustard flowers. Each season, Moc Chau dresses in different colors. Sometimes it’s the endless green grasslands, fields of white mustard flowers as far as the eye can see, or the pink hues of peach blossoms, and the pure white of plum flowers brimming with vitality… Before and after the Lunar New Year (around late January to February): the peach and plum blossoms bloom, creating a magical atmosphere across Moc Chau.

March is the time when the white Bauhinia flowers of the Northwest bloom. On around March 26th, the “Het Cha” festival is held. From October to February, white mustard flowers and yellow daisy blooms cover the fields. By mid-November, the white mustard, yellow daisy, and multi-colored flowers mix with the red hues of the poinsettia on Moc Chau. From April to August, Moc Chau’s climate is much cooler than Hanoi’s, and although there are no flowers, you can harvest plums and peaches (the fruit season peaks from April to June). Early September features the major Independence Day festival, attracting Mông people from both inside and outside the country. When visiting Moc Chau, don’t forget to explore the Ngũ Động Bản Ôn, a breathtaking cave complex and a top tourist destination in Moc Chau. With its pristine beauty, the Ngũ Động Bản Ôn cave system consists of five caves deep beneath the mountains, naturally sculpted by nature’s hand. Its raw beauty has made it a favorite destination for travelers from all regions.

Fansipan, also known as Phan Xi Păng, is the highest mountain in the Indochina Peninsula (3,143 meters), located in the heart of the Hoàng Liên Sơn range, about 9 km southwest of Sapa town. In the past, conquering the peak of Fansipan would take 5 to 6 days, but now, this journey has been shortened to just 2 to 3 days. To join this adventure, you need to be in excellent physical condition, bring along essential gear, and rely on the local guides. Reaching the top of Fansipan has become a dream for those who love adventure and challenges. Along the way, visitors can explore the fascinating natural beauty of the Hoàng Liên mountains.

At an altitude of 2,400 meters, you will feel as if the wind and clouds are blending with the forest, and you could almost touch the clouds with your outstretched hand. At 2,800 meters, the mist clears, and the sky opens up, becoming clear and blue. The wind blows, causing the vegetation to cling to the rocks. As you continue your ascent, you will encounter a massive rock supported by smaller stones, resembling a large table. This is the Fansipan peak! Locals call it “Hua Si pan,” which means the big stone. Congratulations, you've completed this thrilling adventure! Leaving behind all the exhaustion and worries, you'll feel a euphoric sense of victory standing amidst the vast green forest. This will undoubtedly be a life-changing, unforgettable experience. Fansipan remains there, a challenge for those who love extreme travel.

Ha Giang is a mountainous province located in the far north of Vietnam, approximately 280 km from Hanoi. This land is blessed by nature, offering endless mountain ranges, crystal-clear rivers, lush flowers all year round, and a landscape so picturesque it seems to be a painted masterpiece. Ha Giang is home to 24 ethnic groups, creating a diverse cultural space, making it an ideal destination for travelers eager to learn about its culture. Despite the simple, rustic lives of its people and the sometimes rugged landscapes, this very charm draws visitors back, leaving them with fond memories. Lung Cu is often called the “Starting Point of Vietnam,” and the Lung Cu Flagpole, modeled after the one in Hanoi, stands as a symbol of national pride, marking the unity of 54 ethnic groups. It is the first place anyone visiting Ha Giang wishes to see, to feel the “flow of the nation” in their heart, donning the red-and-yellow flag and taking photos by the flagpole at the nation’s northernmost edge. As you ascend the steps to the flagpole’s summit, the breathtaking views of the mountains and endless rice fields will leave you in awe.

The Dong Van Karst Plateau is often called the “gray paradise” of Vietnam, with its high, rugged mountains located 1500 meters above sea level. Spanning across four districts—Yen Minh, Quan Ba, Dong Van, and Meo Vac—this area is renowned for its unique geological features, earning it the designation of a Dong Van Global Geopark. The Ma Pi Leng Pass, a 20 km-long winding road, is known as the “King of High Mountain Passes” and is one of the four most famous mountain passes in Northern Vietnam. Despite its dangerous curves, the pass plays a vital role as part of the “Happiness Road” that links Ha Giang, Dong Van, and Meo Vac. The Sùng Là village in Dong Van, famous for its appearance in the film “The Story of Pao,” is a quiet and rustic place where visitors often spend time capturing unforgettable photos next to the simple, stone houses of the local people.

Mu Cang Chai is a mountainous district located in the western part of Yen Bai province, around 180 km from the city of Yen Bai and over 300 km northwest of Hanoi. This area sits at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level. Visitors can reach Mu Cang Chai via National Route 32, which can be approached in two ways. From Hanoi, the journey goes to Yen Bai, then to Mường Lò, 70 km away, where travelers can rest overnight. The next morning, a drive from Mường Lò will take about 100 km to reach Mu Cang Chai, with over 80 km of winding mountain roads. Once you reach 1,750 meters in elevation, the mist will signal that Mu Cang Chai is near. Along the way, take a break at a flat area where you can enjoy Tú Lệ sticky rice, a local specialty. Alternatively, you can travel via the Noi Bai - Lao Cai highway, pass Sapa, cross the scenic O Quy Ho pass, and continue through Tan Uyen and Than Uyen in Lai Chau before arriving in Mu Cang Chai.

A visit to Mu Cang Chai offers a glimpse of nature’s richness, the uniqueness of local culture, and the warmth of the people. Though the journey may be long and challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. The landscape is constantly changing, with travelers passing stilt houses of the Thai people on the vast Mường Lò fields before reaching winding roads along steep mountain slopes. Geological movements have shaped towering peaks such as Púng Luông, Phu Ba, and Mồ Dề. The Khau Phạ pass, the highest of the “four great passes” in the Northwest, is enveloped in clouds and maintains a cool climate year-round. It’s also one of the top four paragliding destinations worldwide, offering thrill-seekers the chance to soar through the skies while marveling at the breathtaking beauty below. From one pass to the next, and from one mountain to another, travelers can clearly see the changes in altitude, with the sides of the roads lined by stunning terraced rice fields, leaving everyone in awe of the view.

Ha Long is a coastal region located in the northeast of Vietnam, within Quang Ninh province. Ha Long Bay is primarily made up of limestone islands that formed over 500 million years ago. These islands are rich in a diverse range of caves and grottoes, many of which feature stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Some caves even contain evidence of prehistoric human life. Ha Long Bay is now a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors both locally and internationally. The bay, often described as a “geological masterpiece,” has been poetically referred to by Nguyen Trai as the “wonder of the land set against the sky.” The natural wonder was shaped over millions of years through geological changes. Exploring Ha Long Bay will give visitors a sense of tranquility, with its unique limestone islands and mystical caves creating a world that feels like a fairy tale.

Bai Tu Long Bay is another beautiful region, consisting of hundreds of small and large islands, some of which are inhabited. This area rivals Ha Long Bay in its natural beauty, with its focus on ecological tourism, including beaches and caves. Bai Tu Long is home to Bai Tu Long National Park, which is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species. Located to the south of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long is made up of over 400 islands, each uniquely shaped and covered with lush greenery. With its cool climate throughout the year, the region is often referred to as a “sleeping paradise” because its beauty rivals Ha Long Bay, yet tourism has only begun to develop recently. Additionally, the stunning Tuan Chau Island is regarded as the most beautiful among the nearly 2,000 islands in Ha Long Bay. It is the only island in the bay with a permanent population, making it one of the top tourist destinations in the region.

Sam Son is most well-known for its stunning beach, with a long, beautiful coastline that captivates many visitors. Sam Son Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. No longer just a spot for swimming and seafood, the area has become more vibrant, with luxurious 5-star hotels offering top-tier amenities, various entertainment options, and lively street activities. Notably, the development of the FCL Sam Son resort complex has become a major highlight for Thanh Hoa’s tourism industry. This is the first 5-star resort in the province, featuring over 1,000 high-quality rooms and 70 premium services, providing a luxurious retreat for both domestic and international tourists.

Since Sam Son is famous for its beach tourism, the best time to visit is undoubtedly during sunny days, when beach activities such as swimming, seafood dining, and extreme sports can be fully enjoyed. Who doesn’t love the beach? The vast ocean offers a breathtaking view that you can never get tired of. The beach is a place where you can immerse yourself in the crystal-clear, cool waters and feel like you’re flying through the vastness of nature. No visit to Sam Son is complete without taking a dip in the sea. The coastline stretches nearly 6 kilometers from Lach Hoi to Truong Le Mountain, offering an expansive beach experience. The iconic Hon Trong Mai (Rooster and Hen Rock) on Truong Le Mountain is composed of three large stones stacked on top of each other, resembling a rooster and a hen. This place is steeped in the legend of a devoted love story, which is why it is named the Rooster and Hen Rock.

Located just 60 km from Hanoi, Ba Vi is deeply intertwined with the legends of Tan Mountain and Da River, and is home to the pristine Ba Vi National Park. This area is blessed with fresh, clean air and cool, refreshing weather, making it a perfect weekend getaway for nature lovers and explorers. You can visit Ba Vi at any time of the year, but the best time to go is between April and October, especially during the summer months. While the city is hot and suffocating, Ba Vi offers a completely different atmosphere with its cool, peaceful environment. Be cautious during rainy days, as the roads can be slippery. The best time to see the wild sunflower blooms in Ba Vi is from late October to early November, with the peak bloom lasting about 10 to 14 days. To capture stunning photos of the sunflowers, head to Hill 700, where vast fields of yellow sunflowers stretch across the hill, creating a picturesque scene.

The most famous attraction in the area is Ba Vi National Park, a vast natural reserve home to various ecological and spiritual tourism sites, as well as camping and recreational areas. The park’s cool, high-altitude climate and breathtaking landscapes make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities like hiking, team-building exercises, and camping. Ba Vi is also known for its diverse culinary offerings, including fresh products from the surrounding mountains and rivers. The region is particularly famous for its milk, sourced from cows and goats raised in large, modern farms in the area. The milk from Ba Vi has a unique, rich flavor that attracts many visitors.

The Tam Dao resort area was discovered and developed by the French in the early 19th century. Surrounded by the pristine forests of Tam Dao National Park, this charming town enjoys a cool and fresh climate, with an average temperature of around 18°C throughout the year. The combination of clean air and a cool climate makes Tam Dao an ideal destination for eco-tourism and relaxation. It is especially popular among Hanoi's university students seeking a short getaway. You can visit Tam Dao at any time of the year, as its weather is perfect for a refreshing retreat, offering a different season's atmosphere within just one day. During the summer, if you're looking to escape the heat and bustle of the city, a trip to Tam Dao will allow you to enjoy the cool breeze and natural beauty of the region.

Although the town is relatively small, it offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to villas, homestays, and high-end resorts. Most of the accommodations are located near the town center, offering convenience and accessibility. However, during public holidays, it’s advisable to book your room in advance, as rooms tend to fill up quickly and prices may rise. Apart from the town of Tam Dao, another popular destination is Tam Dao 2, which is the starting point for trekking routes through the national forest and conquering the highest peaks in the Tam Dao mountain range. Along the trekking trail, you'll have the chance to visit fascinating landmarks such as the Hell Pagoda...

Located just under 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers a blend of stunning landscapes and historical significance, making it a popular choice for travelers. The Ninh Binh tourism complex is filled with famous landmarks and is a perfect destination for a short trip, especially for students. One of the highlights is the Tràng An Ecotourism Area, one of the most famous attractions in Ninh Binh and Vietnam. This area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Tràng An Complex, and has been designated as a special national heritage by the Vietnamese government since 2013. Bái Đính Pagoda is a vast temple complex renowned for its many Asian and Vietnamese records, such as the largest golden-plated bronze Buddha statue in Asia and the longest La Hán corridor in Asia. It is the largest and most record-breaking temple in Vietnam.

Visiting the Tam Cốc - Bích Động tourist area, you'll enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, where you can immerse yourself in the serene natural surroundings. Another must-see is Cúc Phương National Park, located deep within the Tam Diep mountain range. As Vietnam's first national park, Cúc Phương spans three provinces—Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa—with an area of 22,408 hectares. Known for its diverse ecosystems and rich cultural and historical values, it’s one of the most popular ecotourism destinations. Other attractions include Phat Diem Cathedral, Non Nuoc Mountain, and Van Long Wetland, all offering unique experiences for visitors.