Da Lat and Lan Ha Bay named among top 18 mysterious gems in Asia

CNN Travel has named Da Lat city in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong and Lan Ha Bay on Cat Ba Island among its top 18 mysterious gems of Asia which are less-crowded, but just as rewarding.

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Da Lat and Lan Ha Bay named among top 18 mysterious gems in Asia -0

Situated in the central highlands province of Lam Dong, Da Lat city goes by different names due to its romantic beauty such as “Little Paris”, “City of Pine Forests”, and “Land of Mist”. Indeed, Da Lat’s flowers, lakes, and waterfalls attract tourists both near and far.

According to CNN, at 1,500 meters above sea level, the city’s cooler weather is a welcome reprieve from the tropical humidity that is typically found elsewhere in the country.

It noted that based around the romantic Xuan Huong lake, Da Lat boasts everything from French colonial architecture, which is a part of its legacy from its days as a hill station, to the "Crazy House", the Seussian creation of architect Dang Viet.

“Plentiful waterfalls and a vibrant flower industry mean that delights abound in the city for honeymooners and nature lovers,” says the website.

Lan Ha Bay can be found to the east of Cat Ba island in the northern port city of Hai Phong and is just to the south of Ha Long Bay. The area is a wonderful destination for visitors to explore, enjoy great experiences, and spend their weekend vacations.

Recently recognised as a member of the Beautiful Bay Club Association, Lan Ha Bay is a very quiet bay with around 400 large and small islands. Nearly 400 limestone islands in the bay are covered with natural green vegetation.

CNN shared that Lan Ha Bay is a stretch of shimmering water broken up by limestone (karst) islands that can be enjoyed by day trip such as kayak or canoe, or alternatively overnight, such as on a cruise ship.

Rounding off the list of the top 18 destinations were Isaan of Thailand, Leshan of China, Skardu of Pakistan, Nikko of Japan, Davao of the Philippines, Meghalaya of India, Pulau Ubin of Singapore, and Samosir Island of Indonesia. This is along with Pakse of Laos, Tengchong of China, the Gogunsan Islands of the Republic of Korea, Kenting of Taiwan (China), Banteay Chhmar of Cambodia, and Jaffna of Sri Lanka.

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