There’s a basic route by way of Vietnam that many vacationers (myself included for the primary time) take, however why not head to those distinctive locations in Vietnam as a substitute? Your journey tales will likely be much more attention-grabbing!
Vietnam is an incredible nation with phenomenal vistas, temples, palaces, islands, seashores, caves, markets and nationwide parks. However you’ve got in all probability heard and even visited essentially the most well-known locations in Vietnam.
As we speak I wish to advocate a few of the extra distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam which are rather less apparent, however nicely value it seeing.
Getting away from the well-known vacationer spots in Vietnam gives you a greater style of the nation. These locations are nonetheless spectacular and frequented by vacationers, however they make a special type of Vietnam bucket listing. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll have to spend extra time planning the way to get to them.
Whether or not it is Vietnam’s pristine seashores, rice terraces or historic villages, there’s extra to Vietnam than meets the attention. We hope you uncover some new wonders of Vietnam to discover within the subsequent few suggestions.
11 distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam
From epic valleys to craft markets or ruins, these are a few of the coolest locations to go to in Vietnam which are not like anyplace else.
1. Bac Son Valley
Situated within the northern province of Lang Son, 160 km northeast of Hanoi, Bac Son Valley is known for its beautiful rice fields surrounded by greenery and excessive mountains, that are about 500-1200 meters excessive.
The valley presents a peaceable and weird expertise and you may comply with the valley path to the rice fields the place you’ll have an opportunity to see the river flowing over the rice fields.
When you have the vitality, then it is well worth the hike as much as the cellphone station on prime of the mountain the place you’ll get a 360 diploma view of the mountains, villages, rivers and farms.
The best strategy to attain this valley is to take the street from Hanoi alongside Freeway 3 to Thai Nguyen and switch onto Nationwide Freeway 1B to find one of the crucial distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam.
Take a look at my put up for extra Vietnam journey suggestions!
2. Bai Tu Lengthy Bay
Usually overshadowed by the extra standard Halong Bay, Bai Tu Lengthy Bay presents an identical, equally stunning seascape with limestone karst and emerald seas. However the optimistic facet is that there are much less vacationers generally.
Bai Tu Lengthy Bay is solely beautiful. It’s identified for its crystal clear waters masking greater than 1,500 sq. kilometers, making it one of many largest bays in Vietnam. Positively a contender for a hidden gem in Vietnam, in comparison with a few of the different prime places in Vietnam.
3. Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Dubbed ‘Halong Bay on Land’, this space close to Ninh Binh is thought for its limestone karst formations and scenic riverboat rides by way of caves and rice paddies. Strictly talking, there are two points of interest right here.
First, Tam Coc, a submerged cave system that’s fairly cool to see.
Second, Bich Dong, a collection of pagodas within the mountains. Should you do one factor in Vietnam, ensure it is a boat experience on the Tam Coc River for superb views of those distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam.
With a view of rice paddies and mountains, why not take the chance to go to the three Tam Coc caves: Dangle Ca (first cave), Dangle Hai (second cave) and Dangle Ba (third cave)?
4. Bac Ha market
Not like the vacationer markets, the Bac Ha Market within the Northern Highlands is a extra genuine market expertise, the place you’ll be able to expertise the native lifestyle and purchase conventional crafts.
It takes place on Sundays and begins at 5am and lasts till the early afternoon, however the earlier the higher. Men and women from the Hmong, La Chi Nhung and Tay communities collect right here to commerce as they’ve achieved for hundreds of years. Textiles are one of many most important options of the market with each color, sample and cloth you’ll be able to consider. It’s a actual deal with for the senses. Most of the stall holders are additionally dressed of their finest garments, so it makes the market full of life and energetic.
Recent vegatables and fruits are additionally plentiful, but in addition word that there’s a dwell animal part at this market. It’s potential to keep away from it in case you are inclined to take action.
Though this market is much less touristy than the others, it’s rapidly gaining reputation so you need to head there as quickly as potential. Make sure to carry a jacket or scarf with you as a result of the local weather can generally be foggy or wet – and the market does not cease both rain or shine!
CLICK FOR INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT VIETNAM
5. Con Dao Islands
Whereas not inaccessible by any means, the Con Dao Islands require a bit extra effort to get to. That is really a blessing in case you are on the lookout for distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam because it means much less vacationers making the journey.
You could even discover that you’ve views with out folks.
Off the southeast coast of Vietnam, the Con Dao Islands are a bunch of pristine and comparatively untouched islands identified for his or her stunning seashores, coral reefs and historic significance as a former jail.
As a reward in your effort to journey there, it is possible for you to to expertise a few of the finest diving and snorkeling there may be. Dense jungle and sparsely populated seashores additionally await you. Whether or not it is a turtle farm, a former island jail, or a nationwide park, it actually presents you loads of distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam.
6. Phan Rang Thap Cham
Phan Rang–Thap Cham is residence to the ruins of the Cham Tower. It’s the capital of Ninh Thuan Province within the South Central Coast area of Vietnam. Between Mui Ne and Nha Trang, however far much less touristy, this coastal city is known for its stunning surroundings, together with purple and white sand dunes.
If you wish to go to historic monuments and study historical past and tradition, but in addition need a spot that’s much less standard with vacationers, Phan rang Thap Cham might be one of many distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam for you.
7. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
A hidden gem in Vietnam’s Thanh Hoa province, Pu Luong presents epic landscapes, terraced rice fields and conventional villages. It is a perfect place for trekking and ecotourism.
There are jungles, valleys and waterfalls, particularly the Thác Hiêu waterfall which you will want an area information for, however it could absolutely be one of the crucial distinctive locations you go to in Vietnam.
All through the reserve there are some small communities who dwell there on raised homes in a peaceable type. You possibly can even catch a glimpse of water buffalo grazing whereas having fun with the wildlife and exquisite rice terraces of Pu Luong.
Take a look at my two-week Vietnam itinerary and see the place you’ll be able to match this beautiful Vietnamese landmark. I additionally wrote a one-week itinerary for Vietnam.
8. Quy Hoa Valley
Situated in Binh Dinh Province, Quy Hoa Valley is residence to the historic village of An Hai and the Quy Hoa Leprosy Hospital. Quy Hoa covers about 60 hectares and is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains on three sides. The village faces the ocean, which is bordered by coconut plantations and rows of casuarina bushes.
On the one hand, it is good that there are few vacationers right here, however it additionally implies that it’s a must to bear in mind to pack all the pieces you would possibly want for the journey as a result of there aren’t any sellers in all places!
It’s principally a fishing village by the ocean, largely untouched by tourism elsewhere in Vietnam, making it one of the crucial distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam.
9. Phu Yen Province
This coastal province is thought for its pristine seashores, stunning fishing villages and the long-lasting Đá Đĩa (Disc-shaped Rock) formations, that are a singular geological phenomenon. Phu Yen, situated in central Vietnam, is surrounded by a formidable mountain vary and has 200 kilometers of shoreline alongside its japanese border.
Though historically an agricultural province, it’s simply starting to achieve reputation as a vacationer vacation spot, so I recommend you go to Phu Yen as quickly as potential to expertise the comparatively undiscovered seashores and surrounding areas.
10. Da Dia reef
Whereas Bai Xep is well-known in Phu Yen province, Da Dia stands out as a very spectacular vacation spot.
Shaped after a volcanic eruption, this geological surprise resembles a honeycomb falling into the ocean, cooled by magma. Rock formations create a putting geometric sample.
When you have two weeks or extra in Vietnam, you possibly can undoubtedly slot in a few of these Vietnamese hidden gems.
11. Nhan Tower and Mang Lang Church
Nhan Tower, an historic Cham constructing from the late eleventh century, stands 64 meters excessive on Nhan Mountain Peak, overlooking the Da Rang River. It symbolizes Phu Yen and presents a panoramic view of Tuy Hoa city, Da Rang River and 4 bridges.
On the way in which to Nhan Tower, discover the attractive Mang Lang Church close to the Ky Lo River. With its Gothic architectural type, two bell towers and a wide ranging pyramid-shaped vestibule, the church covers an space of 5000 m2. Within the basement of the church there are additionally well-preserved sculptures depicting the story of Blessed Andrew of Phu Yen.
The most effective locations to go to in Vietnam
Exploring these much less traveled locations gives you a extra genuine and distinctive expertise in Vietnam. This nation presents a lot to see and do this it may be tough to decide on. Most guests are inclined to flock to essentially the most well-known websites, that are nonetheless fairly superb and price seeing you probably have the time. However these distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam can supply one thing completely different and could also be cheaper.
From the attractive surroundings of Bac Son Valley and the lesser-known fantastic thing about Bai Tu Lengthy Bay to the hustle and bustle of Bac Ha Market and the wonders of the Con Dao Islands, every vacation spot has its personal allure. Whereas Phu Yen Province, with Da Dia Ridge, Nhan Tower and Mang Lang Church, showcases pure magnificence and unimaginable centuries-old structure.
Buon Ma Thuot presents a glimpse of indigenous cultures and beautiful waterfalls, whereas Phan Rang Thap Cham presents a much less touristy however fascinating coastal expertise. The Pu Luong Nature Reserve and the Quy Hoa Valley will amaze you with their historical past and the magnificence of the panorama, and the comparatively undiscovered seashores of Phu Yen Province will make you are feeling particular! You could have to decide on, however every of those distinctive locations in Vietnam guarantees an incredible and unforgettable journey.
READ MORE: Probably the most well-known sights of Vietnam
A fast listing of distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam
- 1. Bac Son Valley
- 2. Bai Tu Lengthy Bay
- 3. Tam Coc – Bich Dong
- 4. Bac Ha market
- 5. Con Dao Islands
- 6. Phan Rang Thap Cham
- 7. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
- 8. Quy Hoa Valley
- 9. Phu Yen Province
- 10. Da Dia reef
- 11. Nhan Tower and Mang Lang Church
What’s the most stunning place in Vietnam?
Vietnam is thought for its beautiful pure magnificence, which incorporates white sandy seashores, limestone mountains and terraced rice fields. It’s too tough to establish one most stunning place, however these landscapes are among the many most stunning within the nation. After all, cities are fairly particular too!
The place to spend essentially the most time in Vietnam?
Deciding the place to spend essentially the most time in Vietnam is dependent upon your pursuits and what you wish to see. Should you get pleasure from exploring various landscapes and cultural experiences, contemplate splitting your time between Vietnam’s northern, central, and southern areas, every providing distinctive points of interest, experiences, and locations to go to.
Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh higher?
Each Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis supply distinctive experiences. Hanoi is the capital and has plenty of historical past and tradition, whereas Ho Chi Minh Metropolis (previously Saigon) is tremendous trendy and concrete. Your selection ought to depend upon the kind of expertise you are on the lookout for, but when potential, take a look at each!
What should not be missed to go to in Vietnam?
There are such a lot of locations it’s essential to go to in Vietnam as a result of it’s such a singular and exquisite nation. Nonetheless, you really want to search out time to discover cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, in addition to Vietnam’s seashores and mountains.