Vietnam’s tourist destinations are increasingly asserting themselves on the world tourism map by attracting a large number of foreign visitors. In addition, being mentioned many times, being on the list or winning important categories at tourism awards are also important and memorable milestones.
Most recently, at the Traveler’s Choice Awards Best of the Best by Tripadvisor, there are 2 Vietnamese names among the 7 names honored. These two destinations are already very famous and attract a large number of domestic and foreign tourists not only during special holidays but also throughout the year.
Another common feature of these two destinations is that they are both located in the northern region. However, one is “on the mountain” and the other is “under the sea”. Those two names are Ha Long Bay, located in Quang Ninh province; and Sapa town, located in Lao Cai province.
Ha Long Bay and Sapa town, Vietnam ranked in the top 7 Best Destinations in the World at the Traveler’s Choice Awards Best of the Best by Tripadvisor (Photo: Traveloka, Bao Thanh Tra)
Ranked 3rd in the list of 7 honored names, Vietnam’s world natural wonder is described prominently with its limestone islands, rock formations, and beautiful caves. “After centuries of erosion by rain and wind, these natural wonders have become truly spectacular,” TripAdvisor wrote.
For a long time, Ha Long Bay has become one of the famous tourist destinations in the northern region of Vietnam, as well as in the whole country. This is evidenced by the number of both domestic and foreign tourists coming here. Starting from 2022, after the Covid-19 period, the number of tourists visiting Ha Long Bay has been increasing every year. According to information from the Management Board of the Bay, in 2023, Ha Long Bay welcomed nearly 2.7 million visitors, an increase of 35% compared to 2022.
Ha Long Bay is a favorite destination for both domestic and foreign tourists (Photo: Bao Quang Ninh)
Some experiences that TripAdvisor suggests for tourists when coming to Ha Long Bay include kayaking, boat rowing, swimming, or sitting on a cruise, exploring caves or beautiful islands in the Bay. Currently, there are many travel companies offering tours that combine these experiences in one trip, ensuring that tourists can participate in many interesting activities, imbued with the essence of Vietnam’s world natural wonder.
In addition, visiting local fishing villages is also a new and interesting activity that has attracted attention in the past 1-2 years in Ha Long Bay tours. Some famous fishing villages include Cua Van ancient fishing village, Ba Hang fishing village, Cong Dam fishing village, or Ba Hang fishing village. Here, tourists not only witness the daily life and working process of the local people but also enjoy delicious and fresh seafood at very reasonable prices.
Fishing villages in Ha Long Bay are emerging and attracting many tourists (Photo: Bao Quang Ninh)
Just over 2 hours away from the capital Hanoi, Ha Long Bay has become an ideal destination for any time. From short weekend trips, holiday trips, to summer vacations.
“Located in the Northwest mountainous region of Vietnam, Sapa town is vibrant, charming, providing tourists with a perfect trip with trekking, mountains, or terraced fields,” TripAdvisor described Sapa.
Going back to more than 10 years ago, the period before 2012, according to information from Bao Xay Dung, the number of tourists visiting Sapa was less than 500,000 visitors/year, and the length of stay was less than 2 days. Then, after more than a decade, the Northwest land has had impressive changes in tourism products, thereby creating a good impression and attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.
Diverse tourism products make Sapa an attractive tourist destination in the northern mountainous region (Photo: Du Lich Pro)
In addition to familiar and long-standing landmarks in the town such as Sapa Stone Church, Love Waterfall, Ham Rong Mountain, experiences immersing in nature or learning about the local culture are also more popular and favored. Tourists can delve into the villages of the Mong ethnic people, engage in their daily activities under traditional stilt houses, cook special dishes, and wear colorful costumes. This is also a factor that international tourists are particularly excited about when coming to Sapa.
In addition, the attraction of conquering the “Roof of Indochina” by cable car cannot be ignored. In the past, to conquer the Roof of Indochina, Fansipan Peak, tourists had to climb on foot. It was a difficult journey and only for those who were truly healthy, brave, adventurous, and passionate. However, now, with the investment in a separate cable car route, climbing to Fansipan Peak has become much more convenient and easy. The cable car also passes through Muong Hoa valley, giving tourists a chance to admire the scenery like a fairyland, especially in the spring.
Fansipan Peak and the rich cultural experiences are factors that attract tourists to Sapa (Photo: SinhTour)
Tourists coming to Sapa at any time of the year will have their own interesting experiences. For example, in the spring, they will immerse themselves in the atmosphere of traditional cultural festivals; in the summer, they breathe fresh, cool air; in the autumn, they admire the golden terraced fields extending to the horizon; and in the winter, they experience the typical cold, even “hunt” for snow and ice.
