Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa named in list of natural wonders in Southeast Asia
Vietnam has seven tourist attractions named among 25 natural wonders in Southeast Asia voted by Fodor’s Travel - a trusted resource offering expert travel advice for every stage of a traveler’s trip for nearly eight decades.
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has seven tourist attractions named among 25natural wonders in Southeast Asia voted by Fodor’s Travel - a trusted resourceoffering expert travel advice for every stage of a traveler’s trip for nearlyeight decades.
In its article titled“25 Natural Wonders in Southeast Asia You Have to Experience to Believe”,Fodor’s Travel said that Ha Long Bay in the northern coastal province of QuangNinh was named one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCONatural World Heritage Site, with around 2,000 islets sprawling across anindescribable landscape of almost 600 square miles.
The bay’s floatingmountains and emerald-green waters are said to have inspired the animatedlandscapes of Avatar, and have been used as the set for films like Kong: SkullIsland and Pan, it said.
Another wonder in thelist is Sa Pa, home to the highest mountain in Vietnam (Fansipan). The websitesaid with its adventurous trekking and natural landscapes, Sa Pa in thenorthern mountainous province of Lao Cai is the ideal vacation destination forthose looking to break a sweat while also enjoying the unique flora and animalsnative to the region.
The website alsoaffirmed Phong Nha Cave in the central province of Quang Binh is a must-see fortravelers, as it is home to an expansive underground lake, as well as one ofthe largest underground rivers in the world.
Also named in thislist, the province’s Son Doong Cave was described as the largest cave in theworld, which was carved by underwater springs over three million years ago.
Other Vietnamesetourist attractions in the list are the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne in the centralprovince of Binh Thuan, Thac Bac (Silver) Falls in Lao Cai, and Ba Vi NationalPark in Hanoi.
Attractivedestinations in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia like Thi Lo Su Waterfall, DoiInthanon National Park, Tham Khong Lor Cave, and Tonle Sap Lake are also namedin the list by Fodor’s Travel.-VNA
The Hue ancient capital city in the central province of ThuaThien-Hue served more than 67,870 tourists, including 48,180 foreigners during Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday from February 2-8, up 177 percent year on year.
Located inside the Trang An Landscape Complex, a world heritage site, Tam Coc-Bich Dong is home to one of the most scenic rice fields in Vietnam, with a romantic waterway and karst mountains.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Sa Pa in Lao Cai province (Source: VNA) 
