1. Ha Long Bay - UNESCO’s World Heritage site is way touristy. Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are a bit more laid-back. Cruising, kayaking or exploring the tropical trails on Cat Ba Island or lying on the sand on Bai Tu Long's idyllic Co To Island, quite so many in your photo album.
2. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 and contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia which were formed approximately 400 million years ago. The caves are the region's absolute highlights, although the above-ground attractions of forest trekking, the area's war history, and rural mountain biking means that the park has enough going on to warrant stays of up to three days. Son Doong Cave, the largest cavern in the world followed by Tu Lan Cave and Paradise Cave. Lonely Planet stressed that more than 100 types of mammals; 10 species of primate, tigers, elephants, and the saola; a rare Asian antelope; 81 types of reptile and amphibian; and more than 300 varieties of bird have been logged in Phong Nha - Ke Bang.
3. Da Nang, Nha Trang, where visitors can fine the calmer beaches along the coast, where a little of Vietnam's old seaside charm still endures. Mui Ne offers the best beaches with a string of sandy coves, lively kitesurfing, and seafood. For a quiteter atmosphere, hit the coast between Hue and Danang - Thuan An, to a string of serene and sandy beaches flanking a lagoon-backed barrier island.
4. Ba Be National Park, one in some 30 national parks of Vietnam to spot wildlife, for lake and forest scenery. Then trailing weave between the limestone peaks to Hmong, Tay and Dzao villages, and boat and kayak trips cross serene lakes hemmed in by forested ridges, creating scenes worthy of a medieval woodcut.
5. Ha Giang for mountain views. Trekking to the minority villages in the hills around Sapa, staying in simple village homestays, visitors can hike out to minority villages and rice terraces tucked between the soaring limestone peaks, and motor (or pedal) over some of Vietnam's most spectacular passes.
