Beating out many other famous contenders from every continent around the world, two destinations in Vietnam ha...
Beating out many other famous contenders from every continent around the world, two destinations in Vietnam have excellently made it into the top 7 "Best Destinations in the World".
Vietnam's tourism destinations are increasingly asserting their position on the world tourism map by attracting a large number of foreign visitors. Alongside being frequently mentioned, listed, or winning important categories at tourism awards, are significant and memorable milestones.
Most recently, at the Traveler's Choice Awards Best of the Best by Tripadvisor, the category of destinations featured the appearance of 2 Vietnamese names among the 7 honored destinations. These two destinations have long been famous, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists not only during special holidays but also at almost any time of the year.
A commonality of these two destinations is that they are both in the Northern region of Vietnam. However, one is "up in the mountains," while the other is "under the sea." These two names are Ha Long Bay, located in Quang Ninh province; and the town of Sa Pa, located in Lao Cai province.
Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa town, Vietnam are among the top 7 best destinations in the world at Tripadvios' Traveler's Choice Awards Best of the Best (Photo by Traveloka, Thanh Tra Newspaper)
Ranked third on the list of 7 honored destinations, Vietnam's natural wonder is prominently described with its limestone islands, rock formations, and stunning caves. "Over many centuries of erosion by wind and rain, these natural wonders have become truly spectacular," TripAdvisor wrote.
For a long time, Ha Long Bay has been one of the famous tourist destinations in the Northern region of our country in particular and nationwide in general. This is clearly demonstrated by the number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, who come here. From 2022, after the Covid-19 period, the number of tourists to Ha Long Bay has been increasing every year. According to information from the Bay Management Board, in 2023, Ha Long Bay welcomed nearly 2.7 million tourists, an increase of 35% compared to 2022.
Ha Long Bay is a favorite destination for both domestic and foreign tourists (Photo by Quang Ninh Newspaper)
Some experiences suggested by TripAdvisor for tourists when visiting Ha Long Bay include kayaking, kayaking, swimming, or cruising on a yacht, exploring caves or beautiful islands in the bay. Currently, there are many travel companies operating tours that combine many of these experiences into one trip, ensuring that tourists can participate in many interesting activities, imbued with the essence of Vietnam's world natural wonder.
In addition, visiting the indigenous fishing villages is also a novel activity that has attracted attention in the past 1-2 years in Ha Long Bay tours. Mentioned are famous fishing villages such as 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 work processes of the people but also can enjoy delicious, fresh seafood at very reasonable prices.
The fishing villages in Ha Long are emerging and gradually attracting many tourists.
Just over 2 hours from the capital Hanoi, Ha Long Bay becomes an ideal destination at all times. From short weekend trips, holiday trips, or summer vacations to come.
"Nestled in the Northwestern mountains of Vietnam, Sa Pa town is vibrant and charming, offering tourists a perfect journey with trekking, mountainous regions, or terraced fields," TripAdvisor described Sa Pa's representative.
Going back more than 10 years ago, before 2012, the period before 2012, according to information from Xay Dung Newspaper, the number of tourists to Sa Pa was less than 500,000 visitors/year, and the length of stay of tourists was less than 2 days. However, now, after more than a decade, the Northwestern land has undergone significant changes in tourism products, thereby creating a good impression, attracting a large number of tourists both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam's two tourism gems make it to the top of the list
In addition to the familiar and long-standing landmarks in the town such as Sa Pa stone church, Love waterfall, Ham Rong mountain, experiences immersing in nature or learning about indigenous culture are also favored and loved. Tourists can delve into the villages of the Mong ethnic minority, accompany them in their daily activities under traditional stilt houses, cook specialty dishes together, and wear colorful traditional costumes. This is also a factor that makes foreign tourists especially excited when coming to Sa Pa.
Furthermore, one cannot overlook the allure of conquering the "Roof of Indochina" by cable car. Formerly, to conquer the Roof of Indochina, Fansipan peak, tourists had to hike. The journey was difficult and only for those who truly had enough health and courage, passion for adventure, and challenge. However, now, with the investment in a separate cable car line, reaching the top of Fansipan has become much more convenient and easier. The cable car also passes through Hoa valley, giving tourists the opportunity to admire the scenery like a fairyland, especially in spring.
Vietnam's two tourism gems make it to the top of the list Fansipan peak or indigenous cultural experiences are factors attracting tourists to Sa Pa
Tourists coming to Sa Pa at any time of the year will have their own interesting experiences. For example, in spring, they will immerse themselves in the atmosphere of traditional cultural festivals; in summer, they can breathe in the fresh, cool air; in autumn, they can admire the golden terraced fields stretching to the horizon, and in winter, they can experience the characteristic cold, even "hunt" for snow and ice.
Via CafeF