10 Off the Beaten Path Places in Vietnam
Vietnam is a popular destination for travellers thanks to its stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. Hanoi and Ha Long Bay are well-known attractions, but Vietnam has more to offer. In this article, we will look at some hidden gems in Vietnam.
Con Dao Islands – Tropical Paradise
The Con Dao Islands are an unspoiled tropical paradise. This archipelago off Vietnam’s southern coast has pristine beaches, clear waters and green forests. Con Dao was once a prison during the French and American wars, but today it is a peaceful place for travellers looking for relaxation and natural beauty. You can hike, dive and explore historical sites here.
Duong Lam Ancient Village – Step Back in Time
Visit Duong Lam Ancient Village, just a short drive from Hanoi. This ancient village is a museum of Vietnamese rural life. It has old houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and ancient temples. You can see traditional village customs, taste local food and experience the charm of this historic place.
Cao Bang Province – Beauty of Nature
Cao Bang is a beautiful, unexplored region in northern Vietnam. The Ban Gioc Waterfall is the largest in Vietnam and is found in a jungle on a hillside. You can also trek to find remote villages, peaceful lakes and limestone karsts. Cao Bang lets you experience the wild side of Vietnam.
Phu Quoc’s Northern Beaches – Beach Paradise
Phu Quoc Island is a popular tourist destination, but the northern beaches are hidden gems. These beaches are far from the crowds and are very peaceful. Visit Ong Lang Beach, where you can relax on the sand, eat seafood, and explore the island’s interior, including waterfalls and fishing villages.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – Underground Wonders
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great place to explore caves. Son Doong Cave is the most famous, but there are many other caves to explore. Paradise Cave with its amazing stalactites and stalagmites and Dark Cave where you can zip line and swim through mud are must-visit attractions. The park also offers hiking, kayaking and jungle trekking.
Bac Ha – Tribe Market
Bac Ha is a small town in the northern mountains with a vibrant hill tribe market. On Sundays, local ethnic minorities come to Bac Ha to trade. The market is full of colour as the Flower Hmong, Phu La, and Tay people wear their traditional clothes. You can immerse yourself in the culture, buy unique handicrafts and taste local delicacies like “thang co,” a traditional soup.
Buon Ma Thuot – Home to Vietnam’s Coffee
Buon Ma Thuot in the Central Highlands is Vietnam’s coffee capital. Buon Ma Thuot is known for its coffee. You can visit coffee plantations, learn about coffee production, and taste freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee. Lak Lake, surrounded by coffee farms, is a must-visit spot.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Stunning Paradise
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an untouched paradise for nature enthusiasts. It’s a land of rice fields, forests, waterfalls, and villages. You can hike, swim and meet the friendly local Thai people. Pu Luong is an authentic, tranquil escape from tourists.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Cafes – Coffee Culture in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is known for its busy streets and historical sites. But there are lots of lovely hidden cafés in the city too. These coffee shops are hidden away in old colonial buildings or down narrow alleys. They show what Saigon’s coffee culture is like. The Café Apartment and The Workshop are two great places to explore the city’s coffee scene.
Tam Coc – Inland of Ha Long Bay
T Tam Coc is a hidden gem in Ninh Binh province. Instead of cruising on the water, you’ll float on a river through dramatic limestone karsts, emerald rice paddies, and lush countryside. The best way to experience Tam Coc is on a traditional boat, rowed by local women. This place is beautiful.
Vietnam’s hidden gems offer a range of experiences for travellers seeking something different. Vietnam’s lesser-known treasures have something special to offer everyone. Let us plan your Vietnam trip!
