Discovering the 17 Most Beautiful National Parks in the World

National Parks: Preserving Nature's Breathtaking Landscapes

Many famous locations are beautiful for a specific reason, such as a beach at sunset or a mountain reflecting in a lake. However, national parks offer a more diverse and rich beauty. They protect vast ecosystems and landscapes that humanity has deemed worthy of preservation.

For travel enthusiasts, having a list of recognized wonders is an easy way to know where to witness the most extraordinary natural forces in the world. This can mean experiencing activities like kayaking beneath waterfalls in Argentina, hot air ballooning over rock formations in Turkey, or exploring ice caves in Iceland.

1. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Your first glimpse of Lençóis Maranhenses might make you think it’s a massive white desert. In reality, this park is home to a stunning system of sand dunes interspersed with turquoise and emerald lagoons, creating a scene reminiscent of endless oases. To get here, you can take a bus from São Luís, which takes about five hours.

2. Iguazú National Park, Argentina

This park protects the Argentine side of the colossal Iguazú Falls, featuring around 275 roaring waterfalls amid a tropical rainforest. The “Devil's Throat” is a must-see highlight, where you can view from walking paths or experience the thrill of a boat ride close to the cascading waters.

3. Cabo Pulmo National Park, Mexico

Cabo Pulmo isn’t mountainous; it’s located on a coastal peninsula in Mexico, renowned for its tranquil beaches and unique rock formations. It also boasts a rich coral reef system where you can snorkel with turtles and schools of dancing fish.

4. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, encompassing 2.2 million acres of mountains, canyons, geysers, hot springs, and much more. It embodies an unparalleled geological diversity.

5. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff is hailed as one of Canada’s shining stars, showcasing the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains and stunning emerald lakes. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are must-visit spots in every season, from summer to winter.

6. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Namib-Naukluft showcases Namibia's beauty with its fiery orange sand dunes, dazzling white salt pans, and the mysterious dead trees of Deadvlei. Here, you’ll feel as if you’re on another planet.

7. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

The terrain of Tsingy de Bemaraha features sharp limestone pinnacles that create a breathtaking landscape found nowhere else. Although traveling to Madagascar can be challenging, the scenery here is worth the effort.

8. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti offers a legendary setting with the great migration of millions of wildebeest. Even without the migration, the land exudes magnificent beauty with golden grasslands stretching beneath the sky.

9. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

This park is famous for its glaciers and ice caves, where you can see the contrast between fire and ice. The grandeur of the glaciers blending with the dark earth is unforgettable.

10. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes may not be hidden, but it is undoubtedly a gem with 16 interconnected lakes linked by waterfalls and natural barriers. Here, you can admire nature’s beauty through shades of turquoise and deep green.

11. Valley of Flowers National Park, India

The Valley of Flowers is a natural wonder bursting with wildflowers in the summer. To reach here, you’ll embark on a lengthy journey through the Himalayas, but the stunning scenery will reward your efforts.

12. Göreme National Park, Turkey

Göreme is a must-visit destination with the magical rock formations of Cappadocia. You can take in the dazzling beauty of this land from above in a hot air balloon at sunrise.

13. Kelimutu National Park, Indonesia

Kelimutu is famous for its three lakes of different colors. The hues of the lakes change due to the influence of minerals, providing a unique experience.

14. Zhangjiajie National Park, China

Zhangjiajie is home to thousands of stone peaks rising amidst lush greenery, inspiring scenes in the movie Avatar. Visiting here feels like stepping into a fairy tale world.

15. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Fiordland encompasses all the characteristics of New Zealand: mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and deep fjords. Milford Sound is the standout feature here, promising picturesque landscapes.

16. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Australia

Uluṟu is one of Australia’s most recognizable icons, changing colors with the sunlight—from gold to orange to pink. This is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

Flights to countries with famous national parks are typically available from Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Round-trip airfare can range from 5 million to 20 million VND depending on the destination and booking time. Upon arrival, you’ll need to obtain a visa for most countries, with costs usually ranging from 1 million to 3 million VND, depending on the visa type. Don’t forget to prepare travel insurance and additional expenses for your trip!

Article adapted from: Condé Nast Traveler