Pu Luong is a very tranquil rice growing region with beautiful mountain landscapes just south of Hanoi. It’s the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Best photo locations in Pu Luong include Ban Hang and Kho Muong villages: Picturesque ethnic villages offering authentic cultural scenes and traditional stilt houses, perfect for portrait and cultural photography. Hieu Waterfall: A serene waterfall cascading…
Coming from Da Nang when you complete the Hai Van Pass you are in Lang Co. A lovely, if not gritty, beach town. Well worth exploring. If you travel to the west of the beach there is a large bay where they raise oysters. You will also find a waterfall/rapids are (Sui Moi) with lunch and lounging facilities on teh river.
North of Hue City you will find this spectacular coastal cemetery where one family seems to try to outdo the other with extravagant tombs for their lost relatives. The area is quite large with many ornate tombs. It’s a good stop if heading up the coast for Dong Hoi and Phong Nha.
Song Cau beach in Phu Yen is a quiet coastal area with a lovely crescent shaped beach. A quiet area with lots of local color. If you are heading to Que Nhon, and got a late start or just want a nice beachside break, it’s a great stop. I like to stay at Timothe Beach Bungalow, a modern small boutique inn right on the beach. …
The Cam Lap peninsula juts into Cam Ranh bay on the southern side. Not well travelled there are some beautiful vistas and local fishing villages.The morning light is often very striking in the Bin Lap area. There is just a single road circling the area with a short branch to Bin Lap.
Cam Ranh Bay is an often overlooked part of the South Central coast. It is a bit overshadowed by Nha Trang which is just to the north. In fact if you fly to Nha Trang you will be coming to Cam Ranh airport so try to spend a night.
Marble Mountain is about halfway between Hoi An and Da Nang. You can take an elevator for a fee or climb the 150 steps to the top. It’s not a difficult climb though the steps are uneven. If you approach the area by motorcycle ladies on their scooters will try to heard you into their gift shops parking area. Though aggressive I never found an…
Vinh Hy is just south of Camh Ranh and is characterised by it’s semi-circular harbor. A good place to stay and explore the Camh Lap peninsula or Hang Rai.
Phong Nha is the spelunking capital of Vietnam — perhaps the world. It has the largest cave system known in Son Doong. But for those who can not afford the $3000+ fee and years long wait list, there are many other caves to explore. There are caves for all abilities including boat accessed ones. The countryside is also quite lovely.
To catch the ferry to Ly Son island you go to the Sa Ky port. If you arrive late and need an overnight stay there is a lovely beach area with hotels and restaurants across the river. It is a good alternative to the somewhat gritty port town.