Many of you might question where to go in Vietnam after Covid-19, and if that is the case, the top safe picks should be Lan Ha Bay, Da Nang City, and Phu Quoc Island. After the dull period damaged by the disease, the country tries her best to recover tourism sectors and regain tourists’ affection.
#1: Lan Ha Bay
Located in the south of the glorious Halong Bay and the east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is a hidden gem for off-the-beaten-track cruise trips, away from any touristy or crowded corner. The romantic, serene, and private Bay belongs to Hai Phong Province and owns natural highlights of 400 limestone and green-covered islets, emerald seawater, and captivating beaches lying at the mountain bases. Cruising to Lan Ha Bay, you get opportunities to enjoy swimming, BBQ parties, and even overnight camping. Some corners of the Bay are also spotlighted with the tranquil fishing villages. And, they are homes to the fresh seafood specialties of mussel, abalone, crab, shrimp, and grouper.
Often, it takes the 30-minute boat trip from Cat Ba to Lan Ha Bay where is untouched and spectacular. In particular, Lan Ha Bay attractions for cruise tours include Dark and Light Caves (Hang Sang Toi), Ba Trai Dao Islet, Van Boi Beach, Tung Gau Cave, Cat Dua Island (Monkey Island), Bell Islet (Hon Chuong), and Viet Hai Fishing Village. The “hidden Eden” is just perfect for kayaking, swimming, diving, and exploring fishing villages.
Due to the cruise itinerary of 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights, the attractions to see will vary. Right now, cruises are sailing on this pristine route, and the notable names include Era Cruises, Mon Cheri Cruise, Ylang Cruise, Perla Dawn Sails, Azalea Cruise, Peony Cruise, Orchid Cruise, etc. So, if you want the cleanest, most pristine, yet still marvelous like Halong Bay, switch to the neighboring lovely Lan Ha.
Dora Cruise Lan Ha Bay
#2: Da Nang City
As the most worth-living city in Vietnam, Da Nang is rich in entertainment, which keeps attracting tourists all over the world. Nature lovers, passionate foodies, history buffs, or anybody will be happy and exhilarating in this dynamic spot. First of all, around 8km from the south of the city, Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) is a cluster of five small mountains that are perfect for nature sightseeing. Also, each mountain has a cave entrance enshrining a pagoda. Whenever the sea passion calls you to go, make sure to relax at the best beaches in Da Nang City, namely My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, Bac My An Beach, Lang Co Beach, Tien Sa Beach, Bai Bac Beach, and Thanh Binh Beach. These are the popular getaways for both locals and overseas tourists.
Moreover, the city is recognizable for its historical and breathtaking bridges built over the romantic Han River. Know the top six including Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, Han River Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, and Tien Son Bridge. Each bridge has a story to tell and special architecture to observe. Especially, the Dragon Bridge is the modern icon of Da Nang City today, which can breathe water and fire. Historically, Han River Bridge is the first and only swing bridge in Vietnam that is scheduled to swing on the axis at 90 degrees to let the large ships pass (between 11:00 PM and 12:00 PM).
And, recently, Ba Na Hills with the Golden Bridge is a must to see. Traveling there, you can make the Hollywood-like pictures and videos with the French-style villas, Beer Square, colorful carnivals, flower gardens, and Golden Bridge lifted by giant stone hands. This pedestrian bridge is 1,400m high, 150m long with 8 spans. Other things to check-in on Ba Na Hills include Dragon Park, “Koi” Bridge, Du Dome Square, and Le Jardin D A’mour. What’s more, begin a food tour in Con Market for a wide range of street foods such as Quang noodles, steamed rice cakes, mixed jackfruit, grilled rice paper, mini pancakes, rice vermicelli with fish sauce or with mackerel sausage. Da Nang Tours are super-duper of all seasons and are not just limited to any listings.
Da Nang, most worth-living city in Vietnam
#3: Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island or The Pearl Island is gifted with the ideal tranquil and pristine conditions or anybody that is looking for a retreat, away from city bustle and hassle. Together with the pristine beach sites, the island is somehow beautified by the luxury resorts and restaurants that aim to better serve the high-end vacationers. People appreciate a balanced blend among the modern buildings and the simple islanders’ life as well as the rich choices of seafood on this spot. All in all, the seascape looks amazing all seasons, and the seafood is very fresh.
Regarding the local top attractions, make notes of Dong Duong Market, Phu Quoc Vinpearl Safari, Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Vinpearl Land Amusement Park, and Phu Quoc National Park. More amazingly, the island owns the natural blessings of beaches that are untouched and gorgeous. The top names to be discovered should always be Long Beach, Bai Sao, Bai Thom, and Ong Lang Beach. As the largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc preserves many beaches that are even not listed on Google maps; this encourages the expeditions to discover the new sites. The destination is perfect for on-foot exploration that you take steps on the smooth soft sand, touch the palm trees, breathe the cool sea air, and admire the spectacular seascape.
What’s more, the island offers rich choices of food and items that can be bought as souvenirs or gifts for the ones at home. Let’s buy some kilograms of the dried shrimps, dried fish, and black pepper, or bottles of fish sauce and cashew nuts. Also, the fresh seafood is worth purchasing. Or, you can spend money on some coral-based handicrafts and “Phu Quoc” T-shirts. The happy shopping at the local markets can cheer everybody up.
Sunset at a resort in Phu Quoc Island
So Vietnam where to go? After the Covid-19 will be the time to reward yourself with the relaxing vacation to Lan Ha Bay, Da Nang City, or Phu Quoc Island. Each destination showers you with valuable opportunities to unwind, explore, and rejuvenate.
I love traveling and have been working in tourism industry since 1996. Vietnam is my homeland so I would like to share with you my experience to discover this destination best!