Vietnam best destinations

As Vietnam’s second UNESCO World Geopark since 2018, Cao Bang highlights stunning landscapes and a strong sense of local identity. Aside from the scenery, you'll be drawn to its unique cuisine, daily life in ethnic minority villages (Tay, Dzao, Nung, Lo Lo, H'mong, San Chi, etc.), and the fact that it's still “less touristy”, which makes it both a peaceful getaway and a rewarding stop for adventure travelers.

Phong Nam Valley may not appear on every Vietnam travel list, but it holds everything that makes Cao Bang special. It has the gentle, authentic beauty that many travelers miss when they only focus on bigger names like Sapa or Ha Giang.

Sapa, a town in Vietnam's northwestern highlands, captivates travelers with its lush terraced rice fields and rich ethnic cultures. Among its attractions, Cat Cat Village stands out as the most accessible destination, where majestic waterfalls and H'Mông artisan workshops draw thousands of visitors. Yet, this popular spot is also highly controversial. While many are captivated by its scenic beauty, others argue it has become overly commercialized and is little more than a "tourist trap". So, does Cat Cat offer an authentic cultural experience, or is it just a staged attraction? This guide will break down the beauty versus the reality, helping you decide whether the village is a must-see for your itinerary or if you should skip it in favor of Sapa's more remote frontiers.

I realized after I got home that there are two ways to travel the Ha Giang Loop. The first is the way of a tourist, armed with a checklist of must-see spots, whose highest goal is to "conquer" the quintessentials of the loop and get the perfect photos. The second is the way of a traveler, one who doesn't come to conquer, but to be conquered by the land itself. I’m ashamed to admit I started my journey the first way. In my naive plan, Meo Vac was just a name, a place to sleep for the night. But this land wouldn't allow for such shallowness. It forced me to turn off my engine, put away my camera, and learn to travel the second way. This isn't just a review; it's the story of that transformation.

Nestled about 12 kilometers from Sapa town, Ta Van village was named by Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post as one of the six most beautiful villages in Asia (July 2025). Described as a hidden gem tucked within a lush green valley, Ta Van is home to the Giay and H’mong ethnic groups, with traditional stilt houses scattered across terraced rice fields, streams, waterfalls, and bamboo forests. Sapa has long been a dream destination for travelers seeking authenticity, and Ta Van stands out as one of its most captivating corners: a serene village where the landscape and local life blend harmoniously, preserving a deep sense of cultural identity. So, what makes Ta Van so alluring? Let’s find out together.

Cao Bang Loop is a little-known treasure; it rivals the Sapa and Ha Giang loops in the adventure it offers and serves as a peaceful getaway from city life. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience amidst nature in Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall is the place to visit. This is the largest natural waterfall in Vietnam and an experience that will leave a mark of nature on you. Ban Gioc Falls was named one of the 21 most stunning waterfalls in the world by Travel + Leisure in 2024, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.