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.

  • Vietnam is more popular among US travelers
  • Ho Chi Minh City to kick off new travel trends
  • Foreign traveller injured while posing for selfie on Train Street
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.

VOV

Other News

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

According to Lonely Planet, Da Nang stands out for its harmonious blend of beautiful beaches, an energetic yet relaxed lifestyle, a rich culinary scene and a diverse range of experiences spanning nature, culture, leisure and entertainment. The city is also praised as an ideal gateway to central Vietnam, offering convenient access to Hoi An, Hue and My Son Sanctuary.

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam's appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. From colourful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, all remain an integral part of everyday life.

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Experts said that with market-oriented development, improved functionality, stronger storytelling and greater involvement from designers, businesses and market-connecting organisations, souvenirs could become a bridge linking Vietnam with the world while contributing to the growth of cultural industries and the creative economy.

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

One of the exhibition's highlights is the "Our Sound" installation, where visitors become part of the artwork itself. As multiple participants interact simultaneously, sound and light merge into a shared composition, conveying messages of connection, sharing and collective responsibility for building sustainable communities in harmony with nature.

Festival for Peace 2026 opens, featuring wide rage of activities

Festival for Peace 2026 opens, featuring wide rage of activities

Standing on the historic land of Quang Tri, alongside the Ben Hai River, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and the national martyrs’ cemeteries, people are reminded of the true value of peace and the sacrifices made for national independence, freedom and reunification.

Smart tourism takes hold nationwide

Smart tourism takes hold nationwide

Under the country’s 2026–2030 digital economy and digital society development programme, the sector has been identified as one of the priority ones for accelerating digital transformation to improve governance efficiency, service quality, and visitor experiences.

UAE grants visa-on-arrival for eligible Vietnamese citizens

UAE grants visa-on-arrival for eligible Vietnamese citizens

PSNews - The UAE Embassy in Vietnam also confirmed that Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports, and their eligible accompanying family members, are able to get a visa on arrival from June 25, 2026 as long as they meet the above requirements.

Hanoi festival celebrates cultural heritage of lotus

Hanoi festival celebrates cultural heritage of lotus

The festival is part of Hanoi's strategy to boost its cultural industries by transforming cultural heritage into a driver of socio-economic development while preserving and promoting the city's traditional cultural values.

Vietnam's Hidden Spa-Water Hope wins top jury prize at Architizer A+Awards 2026

Vietnam's Hidden Spa-Water Hope wins top jury prize at Architizer A+Awards 2026

Nestled among coastal sand dunes in Cam Ranh, the project was conceived with a strong commitment to respecting the natural landscape and harnessing water as its central element. Rather than creating a visually dominant structure, the design blends into the terrain, making use of sand layers, native vegetation and open spaces to strengthen the connection between people and nature.

Heritage resources fuel Hue's new growth ambitions

Heritage resources fuel Hue's new growth ambitions

Hue is simultaneously stepping up efforts to attract investment into tourism, services and cultural industries. In the first five months of 2026, the city secured more than 19 trillion VND in newly registered investment capital, with projects planned in coastal tourism, lagoon-based ecotourism, cultural spaces along the Perfume River, convention and exhibition centres, night-time economy projects and cultural innovation hubs.

Phu Tho moves to unlock tourism potential after administrative mergence

Phu Tho moves to unlock tourism potential after administrative mergence

With coordinated efforts in planning, infrastructure development, product diversification, human resources training, digital transformation and destination branding, Phu Tho is well-positioned to transform tourism into a spearhead economic sector and a new engine of sustainable growth in the years ahead.