Ecotourism, which aims to protect the natural environment and minimize the negative impacts of tourists on the ecosystem, has become more popular in Vietnam. Thanks to the rich flora and fauna and diverse landscapes, Vietnam is indeed an ideal destination for eco-travel seekers. Let’s explore the top 09 ecotourism sites in Vietnam with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this blog post, you will find detailed information on these sites below. 

Huu Lien Village

• Address: Huu Lung District, Lang Son Province

Huu Lien

Huu Lien Village is one of the ecotourism sites in Vietnam that you should not miss. Thanks to the diverse landscapes, Huu Lien is becoming a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists. Here are some attractive spots to visit in the Huu Lien Village. 

Dong Lam Meadow

Dong Lam Meadow is one of the most appealing places in Huu Lien.  It is a large land surrounded by mountains, with winding rivers and green lawns. The steppe area has an area of nearly 100 hectares. You can find pristine limestone mountains, lush green grasslands, rich vegetation, clear emerald green lakes, waterfalls, and romantic winding streams. Coming here, you can escape from the worries and immerse yourself in the stunning majestic natural scenery. In the dry season, the river in Dong Lam dries up while in the rainy season, the plateau becomes more beautiful with winding jade-green rivers. The dry season is from November to April the next year, and the rainy season is from May to October. Watching horses on the steppe, camping, and kayaking are some things to do here. 

Dong Lam Meadow

Dong Lam Meadow

Nong Dung Lake

Nong Dung Lake is another spot in Huu Lien Village. The cool and green lake is located in the middle of a large valley, surrounded by green grasslands and majestic limestone mountains. No matter what season you come here, you can relax and enjoy the fresh and peaceful atmosphere. 

Nong Dung Lake

Bac Mo Dam

Bac Mo Dam is about two kilometers from the Dong Lam Plateau. The dam possesses a pristine landscape with clear blue streams and lakes. This is definitely a place for those who want to mingle with nature. 

Bac Mo Dam

Khe Dau Waterfall

Khe Dau Waterfall is an ideal place for trekking lovers. You can go on a fun adventure on the paths up to the fall with different lengths and difficulties, which take you about 1-1.5 hours. 

Khe Dau Waterfall

Besides visiting the above spots, don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn about the daily life of local people, chat with them, and discover their traditional customs. Walking around the village, you can find spacious and airy stilt houses located halfway up the mountains. The commune has a total area of more than 6,000 hectares, with a population of more than 3,000 people including mainly Kinh, Tay, Nung, Dao, and Mong ethnic groups. 

Huu Lien Village

Overall, Huu Lien Village is among the perfect ecotourism sites where you can experience natural beauty and discover the unique culture of local people. Let’s visit the village and have your own experience!

Trang An Eco-tourism site

Among the ecotourism sites in Vietnam, Trang An Eco-tourism site, located in Ninh Binh Province, is also worth visiting. This site is a part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which was recognized as a mixed heritage by UNESCO in 2014. With a total area of more than 2000 hectares, Trang An possesses a diverse limestone mountain range system formed several hundred million years ago, and hundreds of valleys, caves, lakes, and lagoons.

Vu Lam Palace, Trang An ecotourism site

This scenic spot is a place to preserve and contain many ecosystems of flooded forests, limestone mountain forests, archaeological sites, and historical and cultural relics. Visiting Trang An Eco-tourism site, you can choose one of the three routes below.

The first route

Choosing the first route, you will have a chance to explore 9 caves and three religious spots in 3.5 - 4.5 hours, depending on the time visitors stay at the stop points. The itinerary for this route is as follows: the boat wharf - Trinh Temple - Dark and Light Cave - Nau Ruou Cave - Tran Temple - Ba Giot Cave - Seo Cave - Son Duong Cave - Khong Temple - Bao Hieu Pagoda - Khong Cave - Tran Cave - Quy Hau Cave - boat wharf. 

Boat wharf in Trang An

Trinh Temple in Trang An

Trinh Temple in Trang An

Nau Ruou Cave in Trang An

The second route

The second route takes you 2.5 - 3 hours, including four caves and three spiritual spots. Selecting this route, you will have a chance to visit the Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, Suoi Tien Temple, Dai Cave, and Vu Lam Palace before returning to the boat wharf. 

Suoi Tien Temple in Trang An

The third route

The third route takes you to explore three caves and three religious spots with a more than 1000-meter-long stalactite system. This route passes through Trinh Temple,  May Cave, Suoi Tien, Dia Linh Cave, Dai Cave, and Vu Lam Palace.

You can choose a route that suits your personal preferences and needs. If you are interested in historical architecture, the second route will be your ideal choice. Whereas, if you want to explore caves and immerse yourself in quiet nature, you can choose the first route. The last route will be the perfect pick for those who want to enjoy the natural landscape and explore historical sites. 

Visiting Trang An eco-tourism site, you can embark on scenic boat tours that wind through a network of caves, grottoes, and emerald-green rice paddies, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Overall, with its impressive landscape, Trang An is undoubtedly one of the outstanding ecotourism sites in Vietnam. Now, it’s time to prepare your luggage and visit Trang An eco-tourism site.

Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park, located in Bac Kan Province, is also among the alluring ecotourism sites in Vietnam. Visiting the park, you can immerse in the pristine nature, explore the rich biodiversity, and join exciting outdoor activities. Located at an altitude of more than 300 meters above sea level, the park includes rivers, lakes, limestone mountains, and forests. It is home to over 1,200 species of plants, including several rare and endemic ones. Its forests harbor diverse wildlife, such as langurs, gibbons, deer, and various bird species. 

Ba Be National Park

The park has a total area of more than 7,600 hectares, divided into four functional areas. They are: the rocky mountain forest in the center of the park (3,226 hectares); habitats of precious animals and ecological restoration area (3,623 hectares); and special use area (450 hectares).

Ba Be National Park is inhabited by several ethnic minority communities, including the Tay, Dao, and Hmong. These communities have a rich cultural heritage and maintain traditional practices, offering visitors a chance to experience their unique way of life, customs, and handicrafts. 

The park offers a range of beautiful spots to visit, each showcasing the park's unique natural wonders and cultural heritage. Below are some amazing spots in Ba Be National Park you may not want to miss.

Ba Be Lake

Located at the heart of the park, Ba Be Lake is famous for its emerald water. It is the only natural lake in the mountains of Vietnam, surrounded by karst limestone mountains and lush forests. Spanning an area of about 500 hectares, the lake is fed by several rivers. 

Ba Be Lake

Dau Dang Waterfall

Situated at the Nang River, Dau Dang Waterfall is a magnificent cascade flowing through the dense forests. The waterfall is divided into three parts. Coming here, you can listen to the sound of nature, and admire the majestic beauty of the waterfall and mountainous scenery. 

Dau Dang Waterfall

Puong Cave

Puong Cave is a natural masterpiece located in the North of Ba Be National Park, belonging to the Lung Nham - Puong Cave limestone mountain range. To explore this 300-meter-length cave, you will have to boat along the Nang River. Although the cave’s gate is small, you will feel amazed when you enter the cave. The ceiling of the cave is more than 20 meters high, and the average width is 30 meters. Visiting the cave, you can marvel at diverse stalactites and stalagmites with various strange shapes hanging down from the ceiling. 

Overall, Ba Be National Park is one of the ideal ecotourism sites in Vietnam. For further information about Ba Be, please refer to our blog post here: Exploring Ba Be National Park. 

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong Nature Reserve, located in Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province, is also one of the ecotourism sites in Vietnam that you should not miss. If you want to immerse yourself in pristine nature and enjoy fresh air, Pu Luong is undoubtedly an ideal choice. With a total area of more than 17,600 ha and a diverse flora and fauna system, Pu Luong Nature Reserve fascinates tourists with the pristine beauty of primeval forests, waterfalls, caves, and terraced fields, along with the peaceful life of mountainous ethnic people. This destination is the residence living of the Thai and Muong people. 

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Due to flavor climate conditions all year round, you can visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve at any time. However, it will be a more wonderful experience if you come here during the rice season. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is covered with green rice in March and April. After that, the rice begins to turn yellow in May and June, with the scent of ripe rice overwhelming. Besides May and June, September, October, and early November are also perfect for traveling to Pu Luong. At this time, Pu Luong enters the second harvesting season with bright yellow terraced rice fields. 

Coming to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, you may want to visit these featured spots below.

Don Village (Ban Don)

Don Village is in Thanh Lam Commune, Ba Thuoc District, Thanh Hoa Province. This village is where a large number of Thai people live. Coming here, you will be amazed by the traditional stilt houses lying along the foothills, with a roof made of palm leaves. 

Don Village

Kho Muong Village

Located deep inside the core area of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Kho Muong Village appeals to tourists with the tranquillity and unspoiled beauty of nature. Visiting the village, you will find the Thai people's traditional stilt houses interspersed with rice and corn fields, surrounded by undulating mountains. Walking through the extensive rice fields to the trail's end, you will reach the Kho Muong Cave, also known as the Doi Cave. The cave belongs to the karst form in the limestone mountain, with many large stalactites formed 250 million years ago. 

Kho Muong Village

Hieu Village

Hieu Village is also one of the Thai people's villages in the core area of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, located in the Co Lung Commune, Ba Thuoc District. The 25-kilometer road from Canh Nang Town to Hieu Village is stunning, with terraced rice fields on both sides. Coming to the village, you can admire the magnificent landscape of the fields, palm hills, and primeval forests.

Kho Muong Village

Overall, with stunning natural landscapes and cultural diversity, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is indeed among the worth-visiting ecotourism sites in Vietnam. For further information, please refer to our blog post here: Pu Luong travel guide. 

Bach Ma National Park

• Address: Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province

Also on the list of the amazing ecotourism sites in Vietnam, Bach Ma National Park attracts tourists by its stunning landscape which is characterized by steep mountains, lush forests, pristine waterfalls, exceptional biodiversity, and various activities offered. The park is a part of the North Truong Son range, which includes many mountain ranges running horizontally from West to East.

Bach Ma National Park

Spanning over a total area of nearly 37,500 hectares, Bach Ma National Park is a large primeval forest hosting a wide array of plant and animal species. It is home to over 2,400 plant species, including rare and endemic ones. The park also harbors more than 1,700 animal species, including several endangered species such as the red-shanked douc langur, Annamite striped rabbit, and Owston's civet. Bach Ma National Park also has historical significance. During the French colonial period, it served as a hill station retreat for French officials. There are remnants of villas and other structures that stand as a reminder of that era.

There are several activities and things to do in Bach Ma National Park that allow you to explore its natural beauty. Below are some fantastic experiences here.

Trekking and hiking

Like other national parks in Vietnam, Bach Ma also offers a network of trekking trails allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. While you can explore most of the route by yourself, you will feel more excited under the introduction of the tour guide. Hai Vong Dai Trail, and Ngu Ho - Do Quyen Waterfall are some trekking routes here.

Vong Hai Dai

Do Quyen Waterfall

Bird and wildlife watching

Bach Ma National Park is a paradise for bird watching. It is home to more than 360 bird species, among which 16 species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book, 13 species are in the IUCN Red Book, and 13 are endemic species. Rare and endemic species, such as the crested argus and Edwards's pheasant, can be found here. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife in Bach Ma National Park. Besides various bird species, you may also encounter macaques, langurs, reptiles, and butterflies. 

Bach Ma Langur

Camping and Picnicking

The park provides designated areas for camping and picnicking. Camping in Bach Ma National Park can be a memorable experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural wonders of the area while enjoying a peaceful outdoor adventure. Just remember to leave your camping area clean and respect the park's regulations. 

In general, Bach Ma National Park is one of the ideal ecotourism sites in Vietnam where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Seeking for more detailed information? Here’s your reference: Bach Ma National Park travel guide.

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

• Address: 1541 Rung Sac Street, An Nghia Hamlet, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, recognized as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2000, is also one of the wonderful ecotourism sites in Vietnam, with unique and diverse flora and fauna of mangrove areas. About 60 kilometers from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio Biosphere Reserve borders Dong Nai Province to the North, East Sea to the South, Tien Giang and Long An Provinces to the West, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province to the East. The total area of the biosphere reserve is 75,740 hectares, of which the core area is 4,721 hectares, the buffer zone is 41,139 hectares, and the transition area is 29,880 hectares. 

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

As a world biosphere, Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve possesses an extremely rich flora and fauna. There are 318 species of plants, including 37 species of mangrove trees, 56 species of other trees in the mangrove forest, and 225 species of introduced plants. Among them, Lumnitzera littorea and Azima sarmentosa are two species in the Vietnam Red Book. Regarding the fauna system, Can Gio has 89 species of insects, 282 species of fish, 36 species of amphibians, 36 species of reptiles, 164 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, and 66 species of floating creatures. There are nine animal species in the Vietnam Red Book, which are: Lutra lutra, Aonyx cinereus, Prionailurus viverrinus, Maccaca fascicularis, Pelecanus philippensis, Anhinga melanogaster, Tringa guttifer, Ophiophagus hannah, and Toxotes chatareus.

In Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, there are three animal conservation areas, including the Vam Sat bird sanctuary, Dam Doi bat sanctuary, and Monkey Island area (Monkey sanctuary). Visiting Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, don’t miss out on the opportunity to admire and explore the diversity of flora and fauna system here. 

Monkey sanctuary in the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

Binh Chau ecotourism area

• Address: Bung Gieng Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province

Compared to other ecotourism sites in Vietnam, the Binh Chau ecotourism area is somewhat more distinctive thanks to its hot mineral springs. Mud bath, hot bath, and mineral bath are all available to have a full relaxed day to gain back your energy.

Binh Chau Hot Springs

Binh Chau hot mineral springs include many small streams and lakes, located in the middle of indigo primary forests with a total area of 7 hectares. There are 70 open-air spray points with the temperature from 37 to 82 Celsius degree. The water here contains many healthy substances such as nitrogen, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, silicon, etc. Each lake has unique uses and functions providing a variety of amenities depending on each person's preferences. Specifically, the large hot mineral pool helps relieve stress and fatigue, and the hydraulic pool is used for full-body massage. For a private space, the cluster of private hot mineral-soaking pools can be an ideal choice. 

Besides enjoying hot mineral springs, you will also have a chance to take a dip in the abundant mineral mud. The mud is formed by leaves and the trunk of Melaleuca sediments under open hot mineral streams, which have existed for hundreds of years. Soaking in hot water and natural mineral mud in Binh Chau hot mineral springs allows you to relax, improve your health and your skin, dispel fatigue, and refresh your spirits after busy working days. 

Minera Hot Springs Binh Chau

Binh Chau ecotourism area is not only famous for its hot mineral springs but also for its primeval forests. This forest is very diverse with 6 component ecosystems, attracting many tourists to visit and explore. It has about 43 km of large and small rivers and streams with abundant and clean water all year round, such as the Cat stream, Nho Stream, Hoa River, etc.

Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park is one of the worth-visiting ecotourism sites in Vietnam. It is located in three provinces, including Lam Dong, Dong Nai, and Binh Phuoc, about 150 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. This national park will bring you a journey full of memorable experiences with the new airy space and exciting sights. 

Cat Tien National Park

Entering the national park, you can choose to visit by jeep car, bicycle, or trekking yourself. Trekking is the most favorite activity among tourists with long trekking roads. By trekking, you will have a chance to visit more places in the national park. When visiting the park, you should not want to miss these spots below.

Dao Tien Island

Dao Tien Island is located upstream, about 5 minutes by boat from the Garden headquarters. It's a big primate rescue center to rescue endangered primates. They are silver languor and douc languor, black, small Loris, and yellow-cheeked gibbons. Visiting the center gives you an excellent opportunity to see and discover these cute primates. 

Red-shanked douc langur in Cat Tien National Park

Bear Rescue Station

Cat Tien's Bear Rescue station is a favorite place for children in Nam Cat Tien National Park. Coming here, you can see bears in distress or injured taken care of and well-treated. Thereby, they can grow and develop best. 

Bau Sau – Crocodile Lake

Bau Sau or Crocodile Lake is one of the most popular tourist sites in Cat Tien National Park. It is a large wetland area, inhabited by many birds and other animals. The most featured characteristic of Crocodile Lake is the Siamese crocodile.

Crocodile Lake 

Freshwater crocodile lake in the Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien Sanctuary

Cat Tien Sanctuary is an archaeological site with a large scale stretching 15 kilometers. The place was discovered in 1985. This site was a holy showing effect from architectural components of Hindu temples such as temples, tombs, and metal artifacts by gold, and copper sophisticatedly carved with images of Goddess, cow, elephant, etc. The ceramic and stone objects, especially the Linga-Yoni symbols, are meticulously carved and indicated. 

Overall, with stunning natural landscapes and a diverse ecosystem, Cat Tien National Park is undoubtedly among the ecotourism sites in Vietnam you should not miss. For more things to know before you visit Cat Tien National Park, please refer to our blog post here: Cat Tien National Park travel guide.

Con Phung ecotourism area

• Address: Tan Thach commune, Chau Thanh district, Ben Tre Province

Con Phung ecotourism area is also among the outstanding ecotourism sites in Vietnam. It has a total area of 28 hectares, floating in the middle of the Tien River. Visiting Con Phung, you can enjoy the typical tranquil atmosphere of the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. You can visit Con Phung at any time of the year due to the flavor weather. Especially in June, July, and August, the green leaves are lush and the fruits are plump on the trees. Coming here this time, you can try different types of fruits, such as jackfruit, guava, mango, etc. 

Con Phung ecotourism area

Visiting the Con Phung ecotourism area, you can enjoy many exciting activities here. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience these amazing things below.

Exploring the Dao Dua Relic site

The Dao Dua Relic site is a famous place in Con Phung, due to its unique cultural beauty and beliefs. Undergoing 50 years, the relic still retains its original beauty. With a total area of 1,500 square meters, this relic site offers tourists a spacious space to relax and enjoy an airy atmosphere. 

Visiting bee farms

Beekeeping for honey is a traditional profession in Con Phung; therefore, visiting bee farms has also become popular with tourists. You can watch and learn how to collect honey from the bee farm owners. If you like, you can experience this yourself. Just remember to follow the farm owners’ instructions

Crocodile fishing

Crocodile fishing is an exciting activity that Con Phung offers. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to fish for crocodiles by yourself.

Horse riding

Sitting on a horse-drawn carriage to explore Con Phung is also among the appealing experiences here. Passing through rows of cool shady roadside shrubs, you can immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the region. 

Overall, like other ecotourism sites in Vietnam, Con Phung is an ideal spot to visit while ensuring sustainable tourism. 

In conclusion, you have just known about the most amazing ecotourism sites in Vietnam. Each destination provides a unique opportunity to experience the country's natural beauty and biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism practices. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, let’s consider putting these ecotourism sites in Vietnam into your itinerary. Hope that these pieces of information will be helpful to you. If you want to book an available tour package or tailor your itinerary in Vietnam, don’t hesitate to contact us through the Email address: info@handspan.com.