Mu Cang Chai terraced rice fields and the famous UNESCO-listed world heritage site Ha Long Bay, both in northern Vietnam, have been placed in the 2023 list of the most splendid destinations in the world by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.

This list includes 40 famous landmarks from around the world, selected by the U.S.-based travel magazine, based on their vibrant scenery, including those of the aforementioned attractions of Vietnam. 

As a small mountainous town of Yen Bai Province, Mu Cang Chai is located at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain, about 300km from Hanoi.

The town has long been well known for its charming rice terraces that are beautiful year-round. 

This destination is widely famous for its impressive and spectacular pictures posted on the social network Instagram.

The green shade of the terraced fields in spring, when the seedlings sprout from the water, will turn to brilliant yellow at the end of fall, when the harvest season comes.

Visitors should visit this place in early October when the rice is about to be harvested to be able to admire the wonderful scenery. 

The best time to see the ripe rice is at sunrise and sunset.

At Mu Cang Chai, visitors can pass the yellow hue rice terraces to meet and talk with local people belonging to different ethnic minority groups, such as Thai, H’Mong, and Dao Do.

They can enjoy delicious, authentic meals that are prepared directly from farm to plate imbued with local characteristics.

Meanwhile, Ha Long Bay, in Ha Long City of Quang Ninh Province, has been also honored by the magazine as an attractive destination, which has been voted by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-recognized World Natural Heritage Site, in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam is seen from above. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Ha Long Bay is endowed with clear blue water and more than 1,900 large and small islands, creating magnificent and fascinating scenery.

The bay, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1994, is also a destination not to be missed for those who love exploring nature.

Tourists can take sightseeing tours by boat to indulge themselves in enjoying the quiet, romantic atmosphere of the elegant place.

Victors can experience impressive moments when taking special tours using helicopters and hydroplanes to contemplate the bay from above.

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