Five destinations in Vietnam to discover this fall: Booking.com

By Lan Do
Sat, October 7, 2023 | 10:22 pm GMT+7

Destinations worth visiting this fall include Hanoi, Da Lat, Ha Giang, Phu Quoc and Hai Phong, according to Booking.com.

Hanoi

A bike with flowers on sale in a Hanoi street in autumn. Photo courtesy of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper.

A bike with flowers on sale in a Hanoi street in autumn. Photo courtesy of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper.

Travelers in Hanoi are in for a treat during autumn. The city transforms into a magical wonderland with the most enchanting and delightful atmosphere imaginable. From the crisp and fresh air to the aromatic milk blossoms, you’ll be surrounded by scents you won’t forget.

Take a stroll along the streets surrounding West Lake, like Phan Dinh Phung, Quan Thanh, and Quang Trung, or if you’re feeling adventurous, navigate through the maze of alleyways in the Old Quarter to discover local autumn delicacies like green rice flakes and ragworm fritters. For a more relaxing experience, find an open-air café and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee while enjoying the cool autumn breeze.

Where to stay: Located just a 2-minute stroll from Hoan Kiem Lake, May De Ville Luxury Hotel & Spa offers contemporary yet cozy rooms in the heart of the capital. Overlooking the charming Old Quarter, the hotel features a restaurant and bar. Guests can relax in the hot tub or sauna, or enjoy a massage. Ngoc Son Temple is a five-minute walk from the hotel, while St. Joseph's Cathedral can be reached in 10 minutes. Le Réveil Restaurant serves a delicious spread of authentic Vietnamese specialties, Asian delights as well as European favorites.

Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong city. Photo courtesy of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper.

Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong city. Photo courtesy of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper.

Nestled in the south of East Bay and Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong city, the hidden gem of Lan Ha Bay awaits to be explored by adventurous travelers. Spanning over 7,000 hectares, this breathtaking area boasts around 400 small islands with unique and enchanting shapes. What sets Lan Ha Bay apart from Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province is that all its islands are lush with verdant forests, except for one tiny islet.

Despite being an off location, Lan Ha Bay is considered one of Vietnam’s most stunning bays, offering a refreshing boat ride to soak in the magnificent scenery when the weather is just right, with a pleasant temperature and a cool ocean breeze. For those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of typical tourist spots or who have already explored Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is an excellent option to discover and immerse yourself in the beauty of Vietnam’s natural wonders.

Where to stay: Lan Ha Floating Homestay offers visitors spectacular sea views, a garden, a terrace, a bar and a private beach. The property is close to popular attractions such as Monkey Island Beach and Ben Beo Harbor. This property is highly rated for couples on Booking.com.

Ha Giang

A terraced rice field in Xa Phin village, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province. Photo courtesy of VietNamNet newspaper.

A terraced rice field in Xa Phin village, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province. Photo courtesy of VietNamNet newspaper.

During the months of October and November, the Dong Van Karst plateau is adorned with beautiful fields of tam giac mach (buckwheat) flowers in shades of white and pastel pink. Many visitors come on motorbikes through mountain passes to witness this breathtaking sight.

Buckwheat is a crucial grain for the locals, and it’s usually planted after the summer-fall rice crop each year. The buckwheat flowers are in full bloom all over the mountain slopes of Dong Van district. During your autumn journey, you can enjoy the beautiful and vibrant colors and relish the taste of spicy buckwheat wine or soft buckwheat cake.

Where to stay: Panhou Retreat, located in Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang, offers bungalows surrounded by ponds and gardens. The property is nestled within the mountain jungles and running rivers of Ha Giang, surrounded by several ethnic minority groups. Visitors can register for a trekking tour with a local guide, join a cooking workshop, or enjoy traditional massages and baths at the retreat for a complete relaxing experience.

Da Lat

A corner of Dat Lat town in Lam Dong province, Central Highlands. Photo courtesy of VietNamNet newspaper.

A corner of Dat Lat town in Lam Dong province, Central Highlands. Photo courtesy of VietNamNet newspaper.

Autumn weather in Da Lat, southern Vietnam, is ideal for travelers to visit and fall in love with this mountain town. Da Lat is adorned with wild sunflowers that bloom in various areas as it enters September.

As travelers make their way from the Bao Loc mountain pass to Da Lat, they can witness the vast mountains covered in wild sunflowers that mix with the greenery of pine trees. These beautiful flowers can also be seen in other parts of the countryside, such as Lien Khuong, Trai Mat-Cau Dat, D’ran – Da Lat, and Chu Dang Ya commune in Gia Lai Province, where evidence of a century-old extinct volcano can still be found.

Da Lat, often referred to as ‘Little Paris’, ‘city of eternal spring’, ‘city of flowers’, and ‘city of love’, is a popular romantic destination for honeymoon couples. Additionally, it provides a cool and comfortable escape from the heat in a typically warm country.

Where to stay: Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa is 10 km from downtown Dalat and 30 km from Dalat airport. The resort is nestled in “Vietnam's Black Forest”, surrounded by Tuyen Lam lake that offers magnificent views stretching across forests and lakes with a tranquil and peaceful vibe. Travelers can also enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, tennis and golf.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc island in Kien Giang province. Photo courtesy of izitour.com.

Phu Quoc island in Kien Giang province. Photo courtesy of izitour.com.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, boasts pristine white beaches and charming fishing villages. October/November is a perfect time to explore Phu Quoc and enjoy its natural beauty.

The island offers a range of activities, from swimming in the crystal clear blue waters and taking long walks on the sandy beaches, to cycling, kayaking, and scuba diving among the stunning coral reefs. Visitors can stay in traditional huts with the locals or luxurious five-star hotels with breathtaking views of the islands.

Where to stay: Facing the crystal clear beachfront, Ocean Bay Phu Quoc Resort and Spa offers 5-star accommodation in Phu Quoc and features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and garden. This travel sustainable property on Booking.com provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service and other facilities to accommodate visitors’ needs.

Famous attractions near Ocean Bay Phu Quoc Resort and Spa include Ong Lang Beach and Sung Hung Pagoda. Phu Quoc International Airport is also only 8.7 miles from the resort.

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