Mu Cang Chai

According to The Independent, apart from the Ha Giang Loop where backpackers and motorheads often make a beeline for the hairpin roads, visitors should instead swap it for the pastoral perfection of the serene Mu Cang Chai.

It revealed that the area is located a seven-hour drive northwest of Hanoi, with the rural district hvings sky-high rice terraces that top anything found in Bali.

“Various hill tribes live here, planting and harvesting year-round, but visit during September or October when the swaying rice terraces are drenched in yellow,” it suggested.

Da Lat

The Central Highlands city of Da Lat, a favourite for Vietnamese honeymooners, is like the lovechild of Switzerland and southeast Asia.

Beloved for its cool, temperate climate, rolling hills and ripe avocados, the newspapers noted how ‘the City in the Forest’ has a deep French colonial past. “These roots are most evident in its trendy cafe culture and its architecture. When you’re not sipping an avocado coffee (trust me on this one), tour the Crazy House, a wacky and whimsical Tim Burton-style hotel and attraction, and try Dalat-style pizza (with a base made from fried rice paper) at the local night market,” it stressed.

Phong Nha

The Independent recommended that adventurous travelers pack their hiking boots and head for Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home of what many consider to be the world’s largest cave, Son Doong.

It revealed that visitors can’t just wander into a cave that boasts stalagmites taller than Big Ben as only 1,000 lucky people are allowed in per year via a pricey, multi-day caving tour.

“But don’t fret, as there are plenty of other small caves to explore, along with Asia’s oldest karst mountains. Word to the wise: avoid the rainy season from October to December, when most caves are inaccessible,” it shared.

Mui Ne

According to The Independent, visitors should not miss out on this weekend getaway for Saigonese and should instead spend a few days lounging by the water and feasting on fresh seafood.

“Surprisingly, the beach isn’t the biggest draw here. Roughly 30 kilometres outside of town are the Red and White Sand Dunes, where you can ride ATVs or sandboards down these unique waterside-like dunes,” it added.

Bai Tu Long Bay

The British online newspaper recommended an overnight cruise on Bai Tu Long Bay-a stunning, lesser-known gem located in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

Visitors will have the chance to float by towering karst mountains, kayak its emerald waters, and wave to sleepy floating fishing villages – just with far less congestion.

Quy Nhon

Located between Hoi An and Nha Trang, Quy Nhon is a quiet coastal escape. Famous for its super-fresh seafood and huge stretch of beach – which is typically empty – it makes for a peaceful beach break.

The outlet suggested that visitors take a trip to see some of the country’s best-preserved Cham ruins.

“These ancient Champa temples date back to the 11th century, with the Thap Doi Towers and Banh It Towers being the easiest to reach,” it concluded.

Vietnam ranks among world’s safest retirement destinations

VOV.VN - Vietnam ranks seventh among the world’s 10 safest countries for retired expats, according to International Living, a publication focused on overseas retirement