The northern province of Ninh Binh, the location of 2016 Hollywood movie "Kong: Skull Island", has been listed among the top 5 most underrated travel destinations throughout Southeast Asia by British magazine Time Out.
Ninh Binh has been named among top 5 underrated travel destinations in SEA
According to the magazine, popular destinations in Vietnam include the capital Hanoi, the Ancient Town of Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Sa Pa - a northern mountainous resort in Lao Cai.
However, it says visitors should not overlook Ninh Binh, the country's first capital and a modern day UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"Defined by towering limestone karsts, tranquil rivers and mystical historical and religious sites, Ninh Binh is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure travelers keen to see another side of Vietnam, off the beaten path," says Time Out.
The magazine also suggests that visitors enjoy panoramic views of Ninh Binh, known as Ha Long Bay on Land, at Mua Caves, whilst getting a good workout climbing up 500 steps before heading to two viewpoints, the dragon and the pagoda, to take some fantastic shots. Other sites worth visiting include famous Bich Dong Pagoda which features a gorgeous moss-covered gate and a bridge over a glassy pond of lotuses.
"Other than that, explore the wetlands at Van Long Nature Reserve or experience the karsts from the water on a Trang An paddleboat tour," it concluded.
The other four destinations to make the list are Lombok of Indonesia, Luang Prabang of Laos, Rayong of Thailand, and Seberang Perai of Malaysia.