There’s a traditional route via Vietnam many vacationers take (together with me the primary time), however why not head to those distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam as an alternative? Your journey tales will likely be all of the extra fascinating for it!
Vietnam is an incredible nation with phenomenal vistas, temples, palaces, islands, seashores, caves, markets and nationwide parks. Nevertheless, you’ve most likely heard of, and even visited, probably the most well-known locations to go to in Vietnam.
Right this moment, I need to suggest a number of the extra distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam which might be rather less apparent, however effectively price seeing.
Getting away from famend vacationer spots in Vietnam provides you with a greater flavour of the nation. These locations are nonetheless spectacular and get visits from travellers, however they make up a special form of Vietnam bucket listing. You would possibly must spend extra time planning easy methods to attain them although.
Whether or not or not it’s untouched Vietnamese seashores, rice terraces or historical villages, there’s extra to Vietnam than simply the apparent. Hopefully you’ll uncover some new wonders of Vietnam to discover inside the subsequent few pointers.
11 Distinctive Locations to Go to in Vietnam
From epic valleys to craft markets or ruins, these are a number of the coolest locations to go to in Vietnam which might be not like anyplace else.
1. Bac Son Valley
Situated within the northern province of Lang Son 160km northeast of Hanoi, Bac Son Valley is understood for its gorgeous rice fields surrounded by greenery and towering mountains, that are about 500-1200 metres excessive.
The valley gives a peaceable and off-the-beaten-path expertise, and you may comply with the valley’s path to the paddy fields the place you’ll get an opportunity to see the river that runs crossing the rice fields.
If in case you have the power, then it’s effectively price climbing as much as the phone station on prime of the mountains the place you’ll have the ability to get a 360-degree view of mountains, villages, rivers and farms.
The best approach to attain this valley is by taking a street journey from Hanoi utilizing Freeway 3 to Thai Nguyen and turning to Nationwide Freeway 1B to find one of the crucial distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam.
Try my put up for extra Vietnam journey suggestions!
2. Bai Tu Lengthy Bay
Typically overshadowed by the extra fashionable Halong Bay, Bai Tu Lengthy Bay gives an identical, equally breathtaking seascape with limestone karsts and emerald waters. However the plus facet is there’s typically fewer vacationers.
Bai Tu Lengthy Bay is solely gorgeous. It’s identified for crystal-clear waters that cowl over 1,500 sq. kilometres, which makes it one of many largest bays in Vietnam. Positively a contender for a hidden gem in Vietnam, in comparison with a number of the different prime Vietnam places.
3. Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Dubbed ‘Halong Bay on Land’, this space close to Ninh Binh is understood for its limestone karst formations and scenic riverboat rides via caves and rice paddies. Strictly talking there are two sights right here.
Firstly, Tam Coc, a flooded cave system which is fairly cool to see.
Secondly, Bich Dong, a sequence of pagodas within the mountains. Should you do one factor in Vietnam then make sure that it’s taking a ship journey on the Tam Coc river for an incredible view of those distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam.
In addition to view of the rice fields and mountains, why not take the chance to go to three Tam Coc caves: Cling Ca (the primary grotto), Cling Hai (the second grotto) and Cling Ba (the third grotto)?
4. Bac Ha Market
In contrast to the extra touristy markets, Bac Ha Market within the northern highlands is a extra genuine market expertise, the place you possibly can expertise the native lifestyle and purchase conventional crafts.
It takes place Sundays and begins at 5am and runs till the early afternoon, however the earlier you arrive the higher. Ladies and men from the Hmong, La Chi Nhung and Tay communities collect right here to commerce as they’ve carried out for hundreds of years. Textiles are one principal function of the market with each color, patterns and cloth you possibly can consider on show. It truly is a deal with for the senses. Quite a lot of the stall holders are dressed up of their best garments too so it actually makes the market vivacious and vigorous too.
Contemporary fruit and veggies are in abundance too however please additionally bear in mind there’s a dwell animal part to this market. It’s potential to keep away from it if you have to be inclined to take action.
Whereas this market is much less touristy than others, it’s rapidly gathering recognition so chances are you’ll need to head there as quickly as potential. Make sure to take a jacket or scarf with you because the local weather can typically be misty or wet – and the market doesn’t cease come rain or shine!
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5. Con Dao Islands
While not inaccessible by any means, the Con Dao islands do require a little bit extra effort to get to. That is truly a blessing if you’re searching for distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam as a result of it means fewer vacationers make the journey.
You would possibly even discover you have got views free of individuals totally.
Off the southeastern coast of Vietnam, the Con Dao Islands are a gaggle 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 to your efforts for travelling there you’ll have the ability to expertise a number of the greatest diving and snorkelling there may be. Dense jungle and sparsely populated seashores await too. Whether or not or not it’s the breeding floor for turtles, the previous jail on the island or the nationwide park, it actually offers you a lot of distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam to select from.
6. Phan Rang Thap Cham
Phan Rang–Thap Cham is residence to the Cham Tower Ruins. 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 understood for its beautiful landscapes, together with the purple and white sand dunes.
If you wish to go to historical monuments and soak up historical past and tradition, but additionally need a spot which is much less fashionable 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 Thanh Hoa province of Vietnam, Pu Luong gives epic landscapes, terraced rice fields, and conventional villages. It’s a perfect spot for trekking and ecotourism.
There’s jungle, valleys and waterfalls, specifically the Thác Hiêu Waterfall which you will want an area information to seek out however it will actually be one of the crucial distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam to have visited.
All through the reserve there are some small communities who dwell there on raised still-style properties. You possibly can additionally even catch a glimpse of grazing water buffalo while taking within the wildlife and delightful rice terraces of Pu Luong.
Try my two week itinerary for Vietnam, and see the place you possibly can match this gorgeous Vietnam landmark in. I’ve additionally written a one week itinerary for Vietnam too.
8. Quy Hoa Valley
Situated in Binh Dinh province, Quy Hoa Valley is residence to the historic An Hai Village and the Quy Hoa Leprosy Hospital. Quy Hoa spans round 60 hectares and sits in a valley surrounded by mountains on three sides. The village faces the ocean, which is lined by coconut groves, and rows of casuarina bushes.
On one hand it’s a delight that there are few vacationers right here, but it surely additionally means you need to bear in mind to pack every little thing chances are you’ll want for the journey as there aren’t distributors all over the place!
It’s mainly a fishing village by the ocean, largely untouched by the tourism different locations in Vietnam see, thus making this one of the crucial distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam.
9. Phu Yen Province
This coastal province is understood for its unspoiled seashores, stunning fishing villages, and the enduring Đá Đĩa (Disc-shaped Rock) formations, that are a singular geological phenomenon. Phu Yen, situated in central Vietnam, is surrounded by a putting mountain vary and boasts 200 kilometres of shoreline alongside its japanese border.
Whereas historically an agricultural province, it is just simply starting to achieve recognition as a vacationer vacation spot, so I’d recommend you go to Phu Yen as quickly as potential in an effort to expertise the comparatively undiscovered seashores and surrounding areas.
10. Da Dia Reef
Whereas Bai Xep is well-known within the province of Phu Yen, Da Dia stands out as a very spectacular vacation spot.
Fashioned after a volcanic eruption, this geological marvel resembles a honeycomb cascading into the ocean, cooled by the magma. The rock formations create a putting geometric sample.
If in case you have two weeks in Vietnam, or longer, you would undoubtedly slot in a few of these Vietnam hidden gems.
11. Nhan Tower and Mang Lang Church
Nhan Tower, an historical Cham construction from the late eleventh century, stands at 64 metres on Nhan mountain peak, overlooking Da Rang River. It symbolises Phu Yen and gives panoramic views of Tuy Hoa Metropolis, Da Rang River, and 4 bridges.
En path to Nhan Tower, discover the great Mang Lang Church close to the Ky Lo River. With its Gothic architectural model, two steeples, and a wide ranging pyramid-shaped foyer, the church covers 5,000m2. The church additionally homes well-preserved sculptures depicting the story of blessed Andrew of Phu Yen in its basement.
Coolest locations to go to in Vietnam
Exploring these less-travelled locations will offer you a extra genuine and distinctive expertise in Vietnam. The nation gives a lot to see and do, it may be tough to decide on. Most guests typically flock to probably the most well-known websites, that are nonetheless fairly wonderful and value seeing you probably have time. However these distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam can provide one thing totally different and probably be extra rewarding.
From the beautiful landscapes of Bac Son Valley and the lesser-known great thing about Bai Tu Lengthy Bay to the hustle and bustle of Bac Ha Market and the wonders of Con Dao Islands, every vacation spot has its personal appeal. Whereas Phu Yen Province, with Da Dia Reef, Nhan Tower, and Mang Lang Church, showcases a pure magnificence and wonderful centuries outdated structure.
Buon Ma Thuot gives a glimpse into indigenous cultures and gorgeous waterfalls, whereas Phan Rang Thap Cham supplies a much less touristy but fascinating coastal expertise. The Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Quy Hoa Valley wow you with their historical past and grandeur of the panorama, and the comparatively undiscovered seashores of Phu Yen Province make you’re feeling further particular! You would possibly want to choose and select, however any one in all these distinctive locations to go to in Vietnam promise an incredible and unforgettable journey.
READ MORE: Most Well-known Vietnam Landmarks
Quicklist 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 prettiest place in Vietnam?
Vietnam is famend for its gorgeous pure magnificence, which incorporates white sand seashores, limestone mountains, and terraced rice fields. Figuring out the one prettiest place is manner too tough, however these landscapes are among the many most breathtaking within the nation. In fact, the cities are fairly particular too!
The place to spend most time in Vietnam?
The choice on the place to spend probably the most time in Vietnam relies on your pursuits and what you need to see. Should you’re eager on exploring various landscapes and cultural experiences, contemplate dividing your time between the northern, central, and southern areas of Vietnam, every providing distinctive sights, experiences and locations to go to.
Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh higher?
Each Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis provide distinctive experiences. Hanoi is the capital metropolis, and has a lot of historical past and tradition, whereas Ho Chi Minh Metropolis (previously Saigon) is tremendous fashionable and concrete. Your alternative ought to depend upon what sort of expertise you’re searching for, but when potential, see each!
What can’t you miss visiting in Vietnam?
There are such a lot of must-see locations to go to in Vietnam because it’s such a singular and delightful nation. Nevertheless, you actually need to find time for exploring cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in addition to the Vietnam seashores and mountains.