In their list of "Where to Go in November? The Best Places to Visit Next Month," Lonely Planet ranked Southern Vietnam among the top ten global destinations. This selection highlights places that promise to invigorate travelers during the penultimate month of the year.
Southern Vietnam stands out as a premier spot for relaxation, sharing the spotlight with Ghana. Other featured destinations were categorised under themes like wildlife and nature, culture, food and drink, and adventure. Notably, Southern Vietnam and Seoul (South Korea) are the only two Asian locations to make this prestigious list.
In an engaging video shared on their Instagram, Lonely Planet spotlighted the Hon Thom Cable Car in Phu Quoc, showcasing the region's tourism appeal. The post garnered over 200,000 views, along with numerous likes and enthusiastic comments from travelers worldwide, reflecting the excitement and allure of these featured destinations.
The primary reason Southern Vietnam earned a spot on the list is its transition into the dry season - the region's most enchanting time, characterized by pleasant weather and warm sunshine. While it may be less familiar to international travelers, Southern Vietnam boasts remarkable destinations such as Phu Quoc Island, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Tay Ninh. Each offers unique experiences, featuring stunning natural landscapes alongside rich cultural, historical, and spiritual significance.
Phu Quoc: An Island of Endless Unique Experiences
As Vietnam's largest island, Phu Quoc has been capturing international attention and earning accolades from prestigious global tourism awards. In the 2024 World’s Best Awards by Travel Leisure, Phu Quoc was named the second-best island in the world, following the Maldives. Additionally, in the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler, it secured the second spot among Asia's top ten islands. Lonely Planet also recognized Phu Quoc as a top beach destination of the decade.
November marks the beginning of Phu Quoc's most beautiful season, inviting tourists to engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and marine sports in the crystal-clear waters of Pearl Island. The southern beaches, including Sao Beach and Kem Beach, are particularly ideal for these adventures. The island's stunning natural landscape is also home to unique golf courses, such as Eschuri Vung Bau Golf, where players can enjoy views overlooking the sea or play among ancient forests.
In addition to its natural beauty, Phu Quoc is continually enhancing its offerings with exceptional entertainment experiences and boasts a luxurious resort infrastructure. Furthermore, it is the only destination in Vietnam with a special visa exemption policy, allowing tourists from around the world to stay for up to 30 days.
Famous brands such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, La Festa Phu Quoc - Curio Collection by Hilton, New World Phu Quoc Resort, and Premier Village Phu Quoc have transformed Pearl Island into an international luxury resort destination. Phu Quoc is also renowned for offering many unforgettable experiences for tourists, such as riding the world’s longest three-rope cable car to Hon Thom Island, visiting Hon Bridge—the most beautiful sunset viewing spot in Phu Quoc— and watching world-class shows like "Kiss of the Sea," which features a combination of eight performing arts by 60 international artists. Additionally, "Symphony of the Sea," set to launch soon, will showcase jet ski and flyboard performances combined with traditional Vietnamese instruments such as drums and flags.
Tay Ninh: The Land of the Highest Mountain in Southern Vietnam
Though often overlooked on the international tourism map, Tay Ninh is a "hidden gem" for foreign tourists who wish to explore Vietnam's indigenous culture, intangible cultural heritage, and the history of the Vietnam War. Notably, the province is home to Ba Den (Black Virgin) Mountain, the highest mountain in Southern Vietnam, standing at approximately 986 meters above sea level. It is known as a sacred mountain, steeped in many legends.
In November, Tay Ninh enters a transitional season as the rain and humidity ease, allowing tourists to witness unique cloud formations at Ba Den Mountain, such as cap-shaped and lens-shaped clouds. Lonely Planet highlighted Southern Vietnam for its destinations that are ideal for healing experiences, particularly Ba Den Mountain, known for its cool air and the paradise of year-round blooming flowers at its summit. This mountain offers visitors a sense of peace and protection when exploring the temples associated with the legend of Linh Son Thanh Mau (Linh Son Holy Mother), a sacred figure in the religious life of the Southern people.
Ba Den Mountain attracts a significant number of domestic and international tourists due to its unique and powerful spiritual landmarks. At the highest peak of Ba Den Mountain stands the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue, which, at 72 meters tall and cast in over 170 tonnes of red bronze, has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as "Asia’s highest copper structure located on a mountain’s peak." After the photograph of the Buddha statue surrounded by clouds won an international photography award, Ba Den Mountain became an even more desirable destination for international tourists.
In addition to its stunning Buddhist architecture, Ba Den Mountain is renowned for a wide range of spiritual and cultural experiences, with the lantern offering ceremony held every Saturday evening being a unique ritual. Visitors have the opportunity to receive complimentary lanterns, write their wishes on them, and participate in the traditional rituals of lighting, offering, and releasing lanterns on the waters of the large square. Thousands of lanterns illuminating the mountain resemble sparkling stars at the intersection of earth and sky, creating an unforgettable and magical experience for all who visit Ba Den Mountain.
