Vietnam is blessed by creation with many beautiful scenes and majestic nature. The S-shaped strip of land offers tourists a plethora of options, from bustling cities to peaceful countryside, stunning beaches to lush mountains, each with its own beauty.
Featured destinations are popular for a reason, but with popularity comes overtourism, crowds, noise, and exhausting waiting. Here are some suggestions for exploring beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destinations in Vietnam, giving you a break from the crowds.
Table of Contents
1. Go to Ha Giang instead of Sapa
Sa Pa is certainly a familiar name for tourists traveling to Northern Vietnam. Famous as a place to avoid heat in the North since the French colonial period, Sapa has now developed a lot, from traffic to infrastructure, many people even think that Sapa has been “touristized”, losing its pristine natural beauty.
Sapa has now developed a lot, from traffic to infrastructure, many people even think that Sapa has been “touristized”, losing its pristine natural beauty
On the contrary, many other destinations around Sa Pa still retain their wild and peaceful appearance. Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with its terraced fields, rolling hills and traditional Thai and Muong ethnic villages, is truly a paradise for nature lovers. Activities include trekking, cycling and visits to villages for authentic cultural experiences.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a sustainable tourism hotspot
Besides, Mai Chau (Hoa Binh) and Ha Giang also give tourists different perspectives on Vietnam’s local rural life. Trekking and biking activities here are also strongly promoted, blending with the majestic mountain and forest nature. These will definitely be places you cannot miss on your trip.
Biking in Mai Chau
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2. Go to Lan Ha Bay instead of Ha Long Bay
Recognized as a world natural heritage by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay is a hot spot that has all the outstanding features of a top tourist destination such as many thrilling legends, picturesque scenery, attractive local gastronomy, and cruises, etc. However, because of this popularity, Ha Long Bay has become “stuffier” than other destinations.
Ha Long Bay has always been a hot spot of Vietnamese tourism, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists
While Ha Long Bay is a must-visit, Hai Phong provides a quieter alternative. The scenery here is not inferior to Ha Long Bay, but there are fewer cruise ships. At the same time, tourism activities have also been deployed more in recent years. From the captivatingly beautiful Lan Ha Bay to the ancient fishing village of Viet Hai, everything will not disappoint you. Besides, coming to Cat Ba Island, visitors can participate in water activities such as kayaking or swimming as well as land activities such as climbing and hiking.
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
3. Go to Hue instead of Hoi An
While Hoi An is famous for its captivating beauty, Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, invites visitors to explore history and traditional culture without the bustling crowds. Proud to have 5 heritage sites recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage, Hue will make you feel captivated at first sight with the poetry of the landscape, traditional culture, diverse cuisine, and warm people.
Hoi An attracts tourists with its ancient beauty
Hue has always been a true center of Vietnamese culture. Coming here, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy Nhã nhạc aka Vietnamese court music – a heritage recognized by UNESCO; Palaces, pagodas, and temples, rich in history such as Hue Citadel, tombs of kings (Khai Dinh, Minh Mang, etc.), Thien Mu Pagoda. Besides, the unique and distinctive local cuisine will delight visitors, and you will get a rich and less touristy Vietnam experience, marked by history, culture, and cuisine.
Musicians playing the original historic music at the magnificent tomb of the emperor Tu Duc at Hue, Vietnam
4. Go to Quy Nhon instead of Da Nang
Located south of Da Nang, Quy Nhon is a quieter coastal gem. While Da Nang is known for its vibrant urban atmosphere and famous attractions, Quy Nhon offers a peaceful atmosphere on its charming coastlines. Pristine beaches like Bai Xep and Bai Dai are less crowded, allowing you to soak in the sun and sea with tranquility.
Beach in Da Nang during high season – Photo: VietNamNet News
This coastal city is also surrounded by hundreds of years old Cham towers and maze-like fishing villages. Cuisine, especially seafood in Quy Nhon, is a must-try for tourists; Combined with traditional festivals, Quy Nhon will bring you a distinctive experience imbued with local culture.
Quy Nhon will bring you a distinctive experience imbued with local culture – Photo: VietNamNet News
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5. Go to Ben Tre instead of Cai Be Floating Market
When referring to tourism in the Mekong region, tourists will not be too unfamiliar with Cai Be Floating Market, which is why sometimes this place will be overloaded. Besides, Ben Tre is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Vietnam and is famous for its simplicity and amiable people.
Cai Be Floating Market – Photo: VinPearl/Collected
With serene waterways and lush coconut groves, this city is the center of coconut production in Vietnam. Trips on an eco-friendly sampan will help you explore every corner of “Coconut Land”, from Phung Islet to famous tourist areas such as Lan Vuong, Lang Be, etc. Besides, Ben Tre also offers rich experiences of living with local families, allowing visitors to understand the culture of the river region better. Hands-on activities such as making coconut candy and cycling along picturesque village roads are also highly recommended.
Trips on an eco-friendly sampan will help you explore every corner of “Coconut Land”
Each destination has its own beauty, however, if you are a tourist who does not like to follow “trends” but is looking for peaceful places to relax, we hope that the top destinations mentioned above will help you in your future vacation to Vietnam. Follow Lux Travel DMC‘s latest blogs to not miss any travel information!
About Lux Travel DMC
Founded in 2005, Lux Travel DMC provides 100% tailor-made private tours in Southeast Asia. We are deeply committed to sustainable tourism, recognizing our responsibility to preserve the environment, protect cultural heritage, support local communities, and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the charm of our destinations.
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