South-East Asia has one of the oldest and (most popular) backpacking trails in the world and many adventurous types begin their journey in Thailand and include Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in their travels. There is also an increasing amount of people taking holidays to Vietnam – drawn by a killer coastline and a curiosity about this fiercely independent country. Vietnam is filled with beautiful and exotic sights ranging from rural countryside to ancient Temples and tombs. I personally think you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam in this January, but here is a short list to get you started:
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| Photo by Sapa Tours From Hanoi team |
1. Sapa in Northern Vietnam
This is the best time of the year to visit for a chance to enjoy the frozen landscapes while throwing snowballs and taking photos, as if transported to a European winter. Visitors can look down on a sea of clouds from the peak of Fansipan Mountain, visit quaint hamlets, and enjoy hot street food in the cold weather.
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| Photo by yeqotz |
2. Halong Bay – Bay of Descending Dragons
Within the still waters rise up out of the water 3000 island limestone formations in all manner of shapes and sizes. The water is often covered in mist giving it an eerie atmosphere. The Karst limestone formations can be seen by taking a cruise in a traditional wooden junk, you can also canoe or swim here. There are some beautiful caves in the small islands which are lit making the area even more mysterious.
3. Moc Chau
The plateau is famous for the rich variety of flowers blossoming all year round. However, visitors to Moc Chau in January can see vast fields of white mustard flowers.
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| Photo by Quangpraha |
4. Da Lat
Nestled in Vietnam’s central highlands, Da Lat is a quintessential hill station centred on pretty Lake Xuan Huong, whose shore is lined with pine trees. Dotted with French Colonial-era villas and blessed with a cool and temperate climate, this is the Vietnamese honeymoon destination – an air of kitsch only adds to the genteel atmosphere.
5. Phu Quoc
Way down in southern Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is a classic deserted island getaway. It’s still relatively undeveloped, and travellers rave about the west coast with its picture-perfect white-sand beaches and spectacular ocean sunsets. It’s also well worth exploring the red dirt roads of the lush interior, which is dotted with pepper plantations and dominated by a national park.
