10 Offbeat Places in Vietnam: Places off the Tourist Trail

But, while planning the trip to Vietnam, many people forget to explore the offbeat places in Vietnam that have got less value but more beauty! So, let’s know more about these unexplored places while booking the Vietnam tour packages with suitable itineraries.

Which are the Best Offbeat Places in Vietnam? 

1. Mai Chau 

The journey of Mai Chau begins with a long bus ride along a steep cliff and then eventually comes to the valley of rice paddies which is too beautiful to witness. People who come to this place experience the great culture and different adventure activities happening in the place. Also, one cannot forget how beautiful the place is for someone who is coming to explore such offbeat gems in Vietnam. You can try some different offbeat and less known restaurants in Vietnam, which definitely have a great taste! 

So, make sure you are adding one of the best offbeat places in Vietnam to your itinerary while planning your trip. Instead of a checklist of different tourist activities, Mai Chau is more of a place to relax. You can enjoy your “me-time” while having the best local food and great hospitality. So, don’t miss out on one of the best places to visit in Vietnam! 

Top attractions in Mai Chau: Lac Village, Thung Khe Pass, Chieu Cave, Go Lao Waterfall, White Rock Pass, Pa Co night market.

Places to stay: Mai Chau Hideaway Lake resort, Mai Chau Lodge, Avana retreat, Mai Chau Ecolodge, Mai Chau villas, Sol Bungalows resort

Things to do: Lac Village, white rock pass, Hoa Ban Plus

Suggested read: Vietnam in September 

2. Pu Luong 

Located fout hours southwest of Hanoi or three hours west of Ninh Binh by road. Also, you will see two mountain ridges which features incredible rice terraces and small villages. 

Because of the Pu Luong’s remote and challenging location, it is very difficult to reach here. But, you must try this because it’s worth it and definitely one of the outstanding places in Vietnam. 

How to experience Pu Luong: Mai Chau to Pu Luong 3 day tour, Pu Luong Nature reserve, and the beautiful landscapes all around.

3. Cat Ba National Park 

Also, this National park on the Cat Ba Island has the country’s most extensive mangrove system, with lush jungles, and the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. Visitors can explore the park by hiking on trails, discovering caves, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. It is a great place for nature lovers who want to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Things to do: Cat Ba Trekking, Half day trekking, Cat Ba Butterfly Valley

Top sights: Cat Ba Island, Trung Trung Cave, Dinh Ngu Lam, Lan Ha Bay, Hang Quan Y

4. Tam Coc – Ninh Binh 

Also, the very cute space to stay in Ninh Binh is in the little town of Tam Coc, which you should not miss out on! You will experience a laid-back atmosphere, friendly people, and a great lifestyle. People come with simple lives that involve harvesting rice or running quaint, inexpensive guesthouses. 

If we talk about the best things to do in Vietnam, especially in Ninh Binh is to take a rowboat ride on the river in Tam Coc. Going through the towering limestone cliffs and following the river underground through caves to secret lagoons, it is a wholesome experience to have! Definitely, worth it when you are looking for amazing places to visit in Vietnam. 

Things to do: Boat rides, Bich Dong Pagoda, Hang Mua, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Cuc Phuong National Park, Van Long Nature Reserve.

Duration: More than 3 hours

Suggested read: Rock climbing in Vietnam 

5. Ha Giang 

You can easily come here via buses which take around 6 hours. Alternatively, the guided three-day Ha Giang Motorbike loop is a popular tourist activity. So, make sure you having the best time here, coming to Vietnam.  

Top attractions: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Thon Tha Village, Lung Cu Flag Tower, Ha Giang Journey, Pao’s House, Khau Vai Love Market etc.

6. Phong Nha – Ke Bang 

The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it offers visitors a chance to explore breathtaking underground rivers, impressive rock formations, and rare wildlife. Adventure seekers can go trekking, explore the caves, or simply enjoy the beautiful landscapes and the peaceful, natural surroundings. It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Coming here could be really challenging, as exploring the botanical garden and the Thac Gio waterfall is a task that even a non-experienced hiker can manage. Starting from the Phong Nha village, which comes with several affordable hotels. But, the trail is really easy to navigate! So, definitely include this amazing place in your itinerary, as it is one of the best offbeat places in Vietnam that you can explore! 

Must-do experiences: Phong Nha & Paradise, abandoned valley, paradise cave, Phong Nha motorbike, elephant cave and valley jungle trek, botanic garden

Top attractions: Phong Nha Caves, paradise cave, Son Doong Cave, U Bo Mountain, Suoi Nuoc Mooc, Water buffalo springs, survival valley

Suggested read: Ha Long Bay 

7. Bai Tu Long Bay 

But, only a few cruise companies have permits to sail the waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, therefore mass tourism has yet to infiltrate its idyllic position. You can visit the floating fishing villages which are one the top attractions of the place. 

Talking about the hidden gems in Vietnam, Bai Tu Long Bay remains one of the highlights of a trip to Vietnam, but slowly gaining a lot of popularity among the people visiting the place. Now, becoming one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. 

Duration: More than 3 hours

8. Quy Nhon 

It is roughly situated midway between the heritage town of Hoi An and the brash commercial seaside resort of Nha Trang. Connected to Vietnam’s north-south railway line at the nearby town of Dieu Tri, so it is straightforward to stop there along the way. 

Also, enjoying the beachlife here is a whole different experience. Stay on the beach near a local fishing village, with no much of people, and enjoying the beauty of one of the most amazing offbeat places in Vietnam. 

Nhon Hai Beach Hostel is the best spot to stay, offering private rooms and a friendly traveller atmosphere. A short taxi ride from Quy Nhon is also Bai Xep Beach, which is entirely uncrowded compared to the rest of beaches. 

Must-do experiences: Trekking and snorkelling, Private tour, Squid fishing tour

Top attractions: Ky Co Beach, Bai Xep beach, Eo Gio, Thap Doi, Ong Nui temple, Hon Kho island, Quy Hoa beach

9. Da Lat 

Take a long distance bus from the Ho Chi Minh City to get there! It will take about 7 hours, so it is recommended that you book a sleeper bus to get a bed. You can also easily have access to the airport for those who prefer to fly, with an airport shuttle transporting you to the city centre. 

Here, one famous local group is known as K’Ho. Their Gong show must not be missed! If you really want to have a great fun experience with traditional dances, it is one place for you to enjoy! 

Must-do experience: Da Lat countryside Minivan shared tour, Exploring tour with Langbiang

Top attractions: Dalat market, crazy house, Datanla waterfall, Dalat day tours, 6th floor bar, brothers bar Dalat.

Suggested read: Vietnam Travel tips 

10. Dong Hoi 

The city itself has a relaxed vibe, with friendly locals, fresh seafood, and lovely views of the ocean. Whether you’re exploring historic sites or simply enjoying a quiet day by the sea, Dong Hoi offers a refreshing and welcoming escape.

Must-do experiences: Phong Nha & Paradise, Dong Hoi sightseeing, Paradise cave, Cha Loi cave, Hoi an to Dong Hoi by car

Top attractions: Tu Lan Caving center, Tien Son Cave, Bai Da Nhay, Le Khang travel, Quang Phu Sand dunes, Tam Toa church, Mocnam adventure, Asena spa.

Conclusion 

So, make sure you are adding such remote places to your itinerary and having a fun-filled adventure trip like never before! Get ready to have a journey to such beautiful places where every thing has a backstory!