The annual Travel Predictions research of Booking.com unveiled 10 most beloved tourist destinations in Vietnam in 2022, including Thang Tam Ward in Vung Tau City, Tay Ninh province, Cam Ranh Bay in Khanh Hoa Province, Pu Luong Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa Province, Meo Vac District in Ha Giang Province, among others.

According to the research, four out of five (80%) Vietnamese travelers say that they need to make up for vacation time lost to the pandemic, while nearly half (43%) would rather go somewhere off the beaten track, instead of a well-known destination in 2022.

“From urban cities and mountain resorts to seaside escapes and destinations rich with culture and history, there’s a destination that everyone can safely discover in the upcoming year when the time is right for us to explore our world again,” the accommodation-booking platform stated.

Thang Tam Ward-The hidden gem in the beach paradise

Thang Tam Ward, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. Photo: Booking.com

Being one of the key wards for services and tourism in Vung Tau City, Thang Tam Ward is an interesting and impressive destination for spiritual culture lovers.

The travel experts said there is a complex of three relics that travelers should not miss when visiting Vung Tau city: the Thang Tam Temple, Ba Temple, and Ong Fish Mausoleum.

The fact is that apart from having an ancient architectural design and valuable cultural and historical values, these places also attract tourists who wish to pray for fortune or good luck for the new year.

Tay Ninh Province – A Ho Chi Minh City nearby getaway

Only a two-hour drive away from Ho Chi Minh City, the province in the Southeast region of Vietnam is an ideal choice for city dwellers who wish to have a quick escape from the hustle and bustle city. The province is home to one of Vietnam’s most intriguing native religions - Cao Daism - and the highest mountain in the South of Vietnam - the Black Virgin Mountain (or Nui Ba Den).

Constructed between 1933 and 1955, the Great Temple of Cao Dai in Tay Ninh Province closely resembles a Christian cathedral in its architecture. Photo: Vietnamtravel.com

“For culture lovers, the Cao Dai Great Temple is definitely a must-visit,” according to travel advisers from Booking.com.

Constructed in 1933, Cao Dai Temple or Cao Dai Holy See is one of Asia's most unusual and astonishing religious structures that seems to blend the architectural motifs of a French church, the intricate designs of a Chinese temple, and the grandeur of an Islamic Mosque.

Cao Dai encourages obedience to the three duties (those between king and citizen, father and child, husband and wife) and five virtues (humanity, obligation, civility, knowledge, reliability) of Confucianism.

Followers are expected to participate regularly in worship services, practice vegetarianism at least ten days per month, purify their body and spirit and avoid killing living beings.

Meo Vac District- A haven for ethnic culture

Meo Vac District is located about 200km far from Ha Giang province's center. This small and charming valley is surrounded by karst mountains and is home to the H’Mong ethnic group - a great destination for 84% of Vietnamese travelers who want to have authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture of their chosen destination.

Its unique culinary specialty, Thang co, a dish made from the organs of cows, pigs, and buffaloes, and cooked over a big pan is definitely a must-eat for 70% of Vietnamese travelers who want to try new and different cuisines while traveling in 2022.

The breathtaking view of Nho Que River in Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province. Photo: Tran An Photography

For adventure lovers or photographers, a trip to Meo Vac would be incomplete without a motorbike ride to Ma Pi Leng Pass to admire spectacular views of the mountains, the deep green winding river of Nho Que, and mossy stilt houses that are sometimes hidden by moving clouds.

The highlight of this tourist attraction is the Khau Vai Love Market- which was recently recognized as the new National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam.

It is said that the history of the market dates back around 100 years ago. Different from others in mountainous areas, the Khau Vai Love Market, which is held once a year, is not a place for traders gathering nor agricultural exchange but for ex-lovers to meet again, talk about their current living situation and warm up their lost feeling.

“Khau Vai Love Market is considered the only one of its kind in Vietnam. Together with Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, the funky market is held to promote the tourism industry of the province,” according to Vice Chairman of Ha Giang Provincial People's Committee Tran Duc Quy.

Cam Ranh Bay- the best-kept beachside secret

The aerial view of Cam Ranh Bay, Khanh Hoa Province. Photo: Vietnam.com

For travelers who wish to visit less crowded beaches, then Cam Ranh Bay in Khanh Hoa Province would be an ideal place. Attracting fewer beachgoers than other popular destinations, it is perfect for 87% of travelers who joined Booking’s research and said that seeing a body of water instantly changes their mood for the better.

“As for the one who loves adventurous games just like me, then Cam Ranh is a perfect choice,” Crystal Anh, a traveler from Ho Chi Minh City told The Hanoi Times. “The bay is home to the largest floating park in Vietnam that offers travelers with thrilling experiences, such as parachute flying, jet skiing, scuba diving, among others,” she added.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve - the “green staircase” for nature lovers

Home to diverse flora and fauna ecosystems, the Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa Province boasts the natural beauty of its breathtaking forests and rice terraces, as well as the rich culture of local ethnic minority tribes that have inhabited the place for centuries.

According to travel experts, it is perfect for nature-loving tourists and those wanting to discover new lands.

“Pu Luong is home to quaint and charming villages where visitors can learn traditional skills, such as weaving, embroidery, and basket making,” they said.

Pu Luong is dotted with quaint hamlets and villages throughout the park, each with its own unique history. Photo: Booking.com

Pleiku City - The “muse” of majestic nature

The charming city is located in the Central Highlands region. As for travelers, what’s wonderful about the capital of Gia Lai province, is that it still retains its immaculate nature and authentic culture.

Dubbed as the lush gateway to the highlands of Central Vietnam, the destination boasts lush greeneries and historical sites.

“We usually advise travelers to discover the Bien Ho- the giant lake in the crater of an extinct volcano as well as the beautiful Immaculate Conception Cathedral featuring French architecture and Yok Don National Park- one of the country’s largest nature reserves,” Linh Nguyen, a tour guide who works for a travel agent specialized in three nations of Vietnam, Lao and Cambodia told The Hanoi Times. 

Bien Ho is a freshwater lake to the north of Pleiku City of Gia Lai Province, which is 900 meters above sea level. Locals also call it T’Nung or Ea Nueng, which means a “sea on the mountain”. Photo: Tran Luong Nhu Quynh

According to Linh, the place is also home to many of the country's ethnic minorities, and a visit to a local Jarai, Bahnar, or Sedang village is a fascinating and enriching experience. Meanwhile, watching the wildlife in Yok Don National Park is another excellent choice.  

The Park is home to 93 animal species including gaurs and wild elephants, many of them are now endangered and their sightings are relatively rare.

“Luckily, Yok Don is a great spot for trekking, boat trips and even cooking classes,” he added.

The Travel Predictions 2022 research is commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12 to 24 months. In total 24,055 respondents across 31 countries had joined the research.