According to CNN, with its fresh mountain air and pine forests located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Da Lat has proved to be a popular destination for local people that isn't as well known among international travelers.

Standing at 1,500 metres above sea level, the city's cool weather is a welcome reprieve from the tropical humidity that can be found elsewhere in the country.

It noted that based around the romantic Xuan Huong lake, Da Lat boasts everything from French colonial architecture, a holdover from its days as a hill station, to the "Crazy House", the Seussian creation of architect Dang Viet Nga which boasts twisting stairwells and whimsical sculptures.

“Plentiful waterfalls and a vibrant flower industry mean that delights abound in the city for honeymooners and nature lovers,” the website notes.

CNN states that Ha Long Bay has long been a popular destination with backpackers and luxury travelers alike.

However, it suggested that for those wishing to enjoy Vietnamese waters with less visitors, they should head to Lan Ha to the south of Ha Long Bay.

“Like its more famous sibling, Lan Ha Bay is a stretch of shimmering water broken up by limestone (karst) islands that can be enjoyed by day trip (kayak, canoe) or overnight (cruise ship, junk boat),” the website revealed.

Rounding off the list of top 18 are Isaan of Thailand, Leshan of China, Skardu of Pakistan, Nikko of Japan, Davao of the Philippines, Meghalaya of India, Pulau Ubin of Singapore, and Samosir Island of Indonesia. This is along with Pakse of Laos, Tengchong of China, the Gogunsan Islands of the Republic of Korea, Kenting of Taiwan (China), Banteay Chhmar of Cambodia, and Jaffna of Sri Lanka.