VI
EN
ListThe greenest travel destinations on EarthThis destination was recently selected and featured by experts in the American magazine Travel & Leisure on December 14th, based on the main criteria of being the greenest getaway, possessing both simple yet impressive natural beauty, and offering visitors the opportunity to experience exciting adventures.
According to Color Psychology (the psychology of color, which refers to how colors influence human behavior), the Earth's cool, shaded colors help reduce stress and improve concentration. This allows visitors to relax and enjoy the valuable benefits of the lush, green landscapes during their trips, especially when visiting the Earth's greenest tourist destinations listed below.
"PARADISE ON EARTH" - SAPA, VIETNAM
Sapa, a famous tourist destination in Vietnam, has taken the number one spot on Travel & Leisure's list of the Greenest Travel Destinations on Earth.
"Nestled in the northern mountains of Lao Cai province, Vietnam's Sapa shines with its emerald-colored rice paddies on rolling green hills. It's a place where many Vietnamese and international tourists come to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can trek overnight from village to village, or take a 15-minute cable car ride to the 'roof of Indochina' - Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina (encompassing Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia)" - Travel & Leisure writes about the famous tourist destination of Sapa - dubbed one of the "paradises on Earth".
Cat Cat Village in Sapa is one of the destinations that attracts many Vietnamese and international tourists. (Photo: Vu Pham Van/Culture Trip)
Currently, Sapa has 13 official tourist destinations including: Silver Waterfall, 2 community tourism destinations in Ta Phin commune and Sin Chai village (San Sa Ho commune), Ma Tra village (Sa Pa commune), Ham Rong mountain, Cat Cat village, Sapa ancient rose garden, Sapa Dream Rose garden, Muong Hoa valley, old forest valley, Golden Stream - Love Waterfall and Ta Phin stone garden.
Due to the impact of Covid-19, the number of tourists visiting Lao Cai province in the first 11 months of 2021 was estimated at approximately 1.3 million (equivalent to 26% of the annual plan). Currently, tourism in Lao Cai in general and Sapa in particular is recovering, aiming to welcome 4 million tourists and achieve total revenue of over 15,000 billion VND from tourism in 2022.
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA
Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica takes second place on the list.
Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica (a Central American country) takes second place on the list, with Travel & Leisure noting: "It's difficult to compile a list of..."The greenest tourist destination on Earth.But that doesn't take into account Costa Rica, which has a lot of tropical rainforest. Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is also an exception.
This area is home to some of the rare remaining old-growth forests in Central America, along with exciting wildlife viewing spots and diverse ecosystems – from lowland rainforests to mangrove swamps… Visitors can stay overnight at the Sirena ranger station, waking up the next morning to watch the sunrise over one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.”
TEGALLALANG STADE FIELD, BALI, INDONESIA
Indonesia's Tegallalang Rice Terraces are ranked 3rd on the list.
Located near Ubud – one of the most densely forested towns on Bali – the Tegallalang rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This scenic area is notable for its undulating color palette, resembling a "camouflage" pattern, moving from green-blue to yellow-black and then back again, creating one of Indonesia's most serene and captivating landscapes.
The traditional terraced structure of the Tegallalang rice terraces is a result of a centuries-old irrigation strategy, with lush greenery creating a unique contrast between the rice paddies and interspersed forests. To fully appreciate its vibrant beauty in a peaceful atmosphere, visitors are advised to watch the sunrise early in the morning, and also to avoid the crowds watching the magical golden sunset over the Tegallalang rice terraces in the evening.
VAL D'ORCIA, Italy
Val d'Orcia, often described as "the postcard of Tuscany," ranks fourth on Travel & Leisure's list of the 10 greenest travel destinations on Earth.
As one of Italy's main agricultural centers, the lush natural landscape of Val d'Orcia is often described as "a postcard of Tuscany." Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, Val d'Orcia boasts stunning vineyards, olive groves, and tree-lined avenues...
MAYA MOUNTAINS, BELIZE
Belize's Mayan Mountains are ranked 5th on the list.
Stretching approximately 112 km from southern Belize (a Central American country formerly known as British Honduras) to Guatemala, the Maya mountain range attracts visitors seeking to explore its wild rainforest landscape through unique adventure tours including: wildlife viewing, swimming in waterfalls, and conquering Mount Victoria, Belize's second-highest peak…
The following five destinations occupy the top 10 spots:
Ireland's Killarney National Park ranks 6th on the list.
Teahupo'o from Tahiti ranked 7th.
Croatia's Plitvice National Park ranks 8th on Travel & Leisure's list of the 10 greenest travel destinations on Earth.
The Congo Basin in Central Africa ranks 9th on Travel & Leisure's list of the Earth's Greenest Travel Destinations.
The enchanting Hoh rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, USA, was formed thousands of years ago by glaciers; it ranks 10th on the list.
