Off the beaten track in Vietnam

Sometimes, when you are sharing the must-see sights of a brilliant and exciting destination with crowds of other people, it can seem as if the raw edges of the real life you came to experience have been rubbed away, erased by the footfall of thousands of appreciative visitors. Many of the busiest attractions in the world still make it onto our favorites list – they are busy for a reason – but there are times when you want to leave the hordes behind and go in search of new discoveries. A trip to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without including the popular honeypots of Hoi An, Hanoi and Phu Quoc, but should you want to find some quieter corners where tourism has yet to make more than a fleeting impression and go off the beaten path in Vietnam, this blog post is for you. 

The Mu Cang Chai district

Vietnam’s north west corner hides a region of steep valleys and picturesque villages perched among the crinkle cut rice paddies which butt up against the borders with China and Laos. The region’s inaccessibility is also its saving grace, and to reach the area you need to traverse the high pass of Khau Pha, bringing you into the stunning landscape of Mu Cang Chai where the land is worked by the local farmers in the same way it has been for many centuries.

Over 2,000 hectares of the dramatic hillsides in Mu Cang Chai district are terraced for rice production, utilizing a complex system of irrigation to ensure the paddies are continually topped up with fresh water. Enjoy stunning hikes between culturally intriguing ethnic minority villages.

Visit mountain markets

In Vietnam’s northern mountains you will find peaceful villages where – for much of the week- there’s no noise to interrupt the quiet, other than the gentle gurgle of a stream or the bark of a dog. But when market day comes around, suddenly the calm makes way for the bustle and noise of lively commerce.

From before dawn the traders converge on the marketplace and locals in bright traditional dress arrive to peruse the goods on sale. One of the largest and most colorful markets takes place each Sunday at Bac Ha, while there are smaller and lesser known market days at Coc Ly on Tuesdays, Cao Son on Wednesdays and Can Cau on Saturdays. All of the markets are great places to see local culture in action, with each of them attracting minority hill-tribe people including Flower Hmong, Phu La, Tay and Nung who congregate to chat, browse, buy and sell their produce.

Read more: The top 10 things to do in Vietnam

Bai Tu Long Bay

Every Vietnam enthusiast has heard of Ha Long Bay, a dreamy tropical gulf liberally sprinkled with striking karst islets which elevate the location to one of world class beauty. Its allure is legendary, and it is often busy with boatfuls of visitors keen to see the magical limestone pinnacles for themselves, which can inevitably dampen the romance of the experience.

The neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay is lesser-known, but holds its own in terms of beauty and geographical marvels. Visitors seeking something quieter should head to Bai Tu Long Bay for equally extravagant, island speckled vistas, where local boats puttering through the waves and misty sunrises are all present and correct, but without so many junks cluttering up the bay. It’s here that you can explore crystalline waters teeming with marine life during a lengthy swimming or snorkeling session.

Towering cliffs loom over pristine beaches and turquoise seas, creating a dramatic landscape worthy of exploring. Activities include kayaking, boating, paddleboarding and cruises. An absolute must is a visit to the Thien Canh Son Cave, a limestone cave with stalagmites and stalactites which are best seen during a short hike to the area. It’s one of the classic destinations in Vietnam, but by visiting a slightly different part of the Gulf of Tonkin, you can recreate the feeling of the Asia of yesteryear. 

Con Dao islands

You’ll have to go out of your way to reach them, but the Con Dao Islands are one of the most rewarding places to explore off the beaten path in Vietnam. A 12-hour ferry ride from the mainland (or a quick one-hour flight) brings you to this breathtaking archipelago of 16 islands, where natural beauty and deep history converge.

The main island, Con Son, greets you with lush landscapes and a laid-back colonial-era town that’s ideal for wandering. Its coastal charm is undeniable, and the Con Son Museum offers fascinating insights into both the area’s unique ecosystems and its complex past. The islands once held prison camps, and a visit to the preserved cells offers a powerful reminder of that dark chapter. Afterwards, lift your spirits with a visit to one of the island’s pristine beaches, where crystal-clear waters deliver some of the best diving and snorkeling in all of Vietnam.

Ba Be Lake

Located about 155 miles north of Hanoi, Ba Be Lake lies within the stunning Ba Be National Park, a true hidden gem for those looking to venture off the beaten path in Vietnam. This serene freshwater lake (the largest and highest in the country) is nestled among lush, forested limestone hills and fed by three rivers. Its tranquil waters, along with the surrounding caves, waterfalls, cliffs, and islands, provide a rich habitat for wildlife.

Over 65 species of mammals call the park home, including lorises, pangolins, macaques, flying squirrels, and 27 varieties of bat. Bird enthusiasts can spot more than 225 species, while butterfly lovers may encounter dozens from a list of over 350 species fluttering through the forest. Ba Be is a peaceful and scenic retreat ideal for nature lovers seeking a more authentic Vietnamese adventure.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Tucked away in northwestern Thanh Hoa Province lies the wildlife-rich Pu Luong Nature Reserve, an eco-tourism destination that rewards visitors with breathtaking beauty. Popular with locals, but lesser known among visitors, Pu Luong is a must-visit if you’d like to stray far away from crowded tourist hotspots. It’s an estimated 180 km from Hanoi, and is very remote – you’ll need your own transport or a driver. 

To make the most of your time, trekking is recommended as you’ll get to see the depth of the beauty while on foot. While trekking, you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls, dense forests, terraced rice fields, and quaint villages. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there are easy walks and numerous scenic vistas accessible by car or bike.

Geographically, the reserve is framed by two parallel mountain ridges that overlook a deep valley dotted with settlements and agricultural land. As these areas are primarily used for farming, the valley is not considered part of the protected reserve. Each ridge offers completely contrasting vegetation, but on both ridges its predominantly tropical evergreen forest, limestone cliffs and thick jungle. Because it’s uncrowded, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is the ultimate place to unwind and disconnect.

Read more: How to plan the ultimate trip to Vietnam

Make it happen

Ready to explore off the beaten path in Vietnam? Our friendly local experts are here to bring your travel dreams to life with a custom-made itinerary tailored to your interests. Just send them a few details about what you’re looking for, and they’ll get to work planning your perfect, personalized adventure, whether you’re seeking hidden gems, cultural immersion, or unique landscapes far from the tourist crowds.