Ninh Binh province in northern Vietnam has been ranked fourth among the world's 10 best hidden family vacation spots to visit in 2023 by Canadian travel site The Travel.
Ninh Binh, about 95 km from Hanoi, is home to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO world cultural and natural heritage site.
"Nestled in the northern side of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is one of the best-hidden family vacations in the world and guarantees a unique experience. Its scenic nature is one of the most attractive things about the place. It also boasts a fascinating history and an amazing culture," the travel site wrote.
"Both kids and adults will enjoy marveling at the stunning caves, hiking through the lush forests, going rock climbing, and enjoying a boat ride along the Tam Coc River," it added.
The other destinations on the list in order were: Namibia (Africa), Zhangjiajie (China), Krakow (Poland), Etruscan Coast, Tuscany (Italy), Cappadocia (Turkey), Taveuni (Fiji), Banff (Canada), Haida Gwaii (Canada) and Antigua & British Virgin Islands (The Caribbean).
In mid April, Ninh Binh was named among the 23 best places to visit in the world in 2023 voted by San Francisco-based Catarina Mello, an award-winning luxury travel content creator, photographer, entrepreneur and online educator, according to Forbes.
"Ninh Binh has been named one of the most underrated destinations in Asia, and it’s often referred to as one of the most beautiful hidden gems on the Asian continent," said Mello.
"It’s rising in popularity on social media, so it won’t stay a hidden gem for too long. Go while it still offers a very authentic Northern Vietnam experience."
In February, Ninh Binh was ranked seventh on a list of the 10 world's most welcoming regions this year at the 11th annual Traveller Review Awards held by travel site Booking.com.
Last July, the province was listed by Travel + Leisure among the 12 coolest Asian film locations to visit. The U.S. travel site credited the accolade to the filming location for the 2017 blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island”.
"As the largest production ever shot in Vietnam ($190 million), Kong: Skull Island demanded filming locations as expansive as the budget. Trang An, Van Long and Tam Coc (Ninh Binh province), the iconic Ha Long Bay, and the entrance of the Tu Lan Caves were all featured," it wrote.