Lonely Planet has listed seven places to visit in Southeast Asia for different purposes, and Vietnam's Cao Bang Province that borders China was recommended for those wanting to avoid the crowds.
The Australian travel guide praised Cao Bang as the best destination for getting off the beaten track. One of the must-visit places in Cao Bang is Ban Gioc Waterfall, known as the largest in Southeast Asia and the world's fourth largest along a national border after Iguazu, Victoria, and Niagara.
The waterfall is 53 meters high and 300 meters wide and has three levels of smaller waterfalls. Between September and October is the ideal time to visit the waterfalls as it is when the rice harvest season and the paddies along the Quay Son River turn golden yellow. The best way to approach the cascade is by bamboo boat for around VND50,000 ($2) per person.
Three kilometers from Ban Gioc Waterfall lies Nguom Ngao, a stunning cave with stalactites in various shapes and sizes. It takes around one hour to walk through Nguom Ngao. Locals discovered the cave in 1921, but it was not opened to tourists until 2006 when paths were built for visitors.
The guide noted that "Cao Bang is very safe and has great infrastructure for visitors." It takes about six hours from Hanoi by car.
Other destinations on the list were Siargao in the Philippines, which was selected as best for surfing, Amed in Bali for diving and snorkeling sites, Khao Sok National Park in Thailand for animal lovers, Luang Prabang in Laos for Buddhist culture, Penang in Malaysia for history and culture, and Gili Air in Indonesia for relaxation.
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