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Halong Bay |
Mytho and Vinh Long |
Chau Doc and Sam Mountain |
Tam Coc
Phong Nha Caves |
Dalat |
Lak Lake |
Ba Na Hill Station |
Ba Vi Hill Station
National Parks: Cuc Phuong |
Ba Be Lakes |
Cat Ba |
Bach Ma |
Cat Tien
  Nearly 2,000 rocky islands rising out of the Gulf of Tonkin - by far the most fascinating nature destination of the country and a must for many travellers.
Four hours from Hanoi. Overnight no longer required, but preferred by some.
 World Heritage Site |
  On the upper arm of the Mekong River, Mytho is a great place to enjoy the daily life, make boat tours, wander around in orchards, and enjoy tropical fruits. Vinh Long offers similar facilities but is less touristy.
 One-day excursion from Ho Chi Minh City (Mytho) or visited en route to other destinations in the delta (Vinh Long). |
Chau Doc and Sam Mountain |
  Pleasant border town near Cambodia. Interesting temples and Sam Mountain offering spectacular views of the delta are nearby.
Three or four-day excursion from Ho Chi Minh City. |
  Lovely area resembling Halong Bay (dubbed "dry Halong Bay"). Boat tours to the three caves are the main (and only) attraction here.
One-day excursion from Hanoi. |
  Remote but interesting caves with reportedly the world's largest underground river. Huge stalactites and stalagmites. Phong Nha and Ke Bang National Park were recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003.
Four hours from Hue. Best visited on the way to/from Hanoi.
World Heritage Site |
  French-looking town with a pleasant cool climate. Favoured as a holiday spot by Vietnamese and foreign tourists. Others, however, find this place a bit dull.
Best visited on the way to/from Nha Trang. |
  Friendly hill tribe settlement at a quiet, remote lake 20 km south of Buon Ma Thuot. Hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains.
One day from Ho Chi Minh City, half a day from Nha Trang or Pleiku |
  Cool hideaway close to Danang with stunning panorama views.
One-day excursion from Danang or Hoi An. |
  Pleasant forest at short distance of Hanoi, also offering beautiful views of the Red River.
One-day excursion from Hanoi. |
  Tropical forest with wide variety of wildlife, supposedly Vietnam's best National Park. Trekking possibilities to hill tribe villages exist.
Two or three-day excursion from Hanoi. Combination with Mai Chau or Hoa Lu and Tam Coc are well possible. |
Ba Be Lakes National Park |
  Gorgeous mountainous area with forests around a tall lake.
Three-day excursion from Hanoi. |
  The National Park is the main, but not the only, attraction on beautiful Cat Ba Island, which borders Halong Bay. Excellent hiking opportunity.
Accessible by boat from Halong Bay or Hai Phong. At least one overnight required. |
  Rarely visited, yet very accessible National Park close to the famous Hai Van Pass.
One-day excursion from Hue or visited on the way from Hue to Danang. |
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Superb forest between