6 Off The Beaten Destinations To Go In Vietnam 2024

In the realm of travel, sometimes a slight deviation from the norm – an extra hour on the road, a booking slightly off the beaten track – can yield priceless rewards. While Vietnam boasts its share of heavily Instagrammed tourist spots, there exist equally stunning alternatives waiting to be unearthed.

With only a handful of intrepid travelers like yourself venturing to these destinations, you can anticipate deeper connections with local communities and minimized impact on the environment. Moreover, your well-spent dollar contributes to bridging the gap in tourism income between bustling hotspots and remote locales.

Excited to embark on your journey? Here's a curated list of Vietspace on six extraordinary, lesser-known places to uncover the hidden treasures of Vietnam beyond the tourist trail.

Ba Be

Joining boat tours in Ba be is a great way to immerse in the lake's peaceful nature.

Nestled within Ba Be National Park lies a pristine natural lake, a haven for enthusiasts of wildlife and nature alike. This subtropical paradise beckons eco-conscious travelers seeking an authentic connection with the environment, offering a journey of transformation amidst its rich biodiversity.

Ba Be National Park boasts a captivating landscape of rivers, lakes, and evergreen forests, preserving a cultural heritage untouched by the passage of time. As the largest and highest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, Ba Be sits majestically at an elevation of 178 meters above sea level, stretching over 8 kilometers in length and 500 meters in width. Encompassing an expansive area of 23,000 hectares, the lake is adorned with cascading waterfalls, meandering rivers, picturesque valleys, and mysterious caves, all framed by towering peaks.

• Vietspace's Tips: Ba Be is a great place to spend time in nature. Some of the best activities to do are hiking, exploring the local villages, kayaking, cycling and bird watching.

Mang Den

Mang Den attracts travellers with blossoming flowers and chilly weather.

Situated at an elevation of 1200 meters above sea level in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum, Mang Den emerges as a charming small town boasting delightful weather year-round. Unlike Da Lat, renowned for its chilly climate, Mang Den offers a milder temperature, sparing travelers the need for winter attire.

A must-visit destination is Kon Bring, one of the four cultural tourism community villages in Kon Plong, where you can immerse yourself in the local way of life. Dak Ke and Dambri Lakes are also not to be missed, each offering unique natural beauty to behold. Lastly, the captivating Pa Sy Waterfall, with its powerful currents and crystal-clear waters, promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to prolong your stay in this enchanting locale.

• Vietspace's Tips: During the winter season,from October to December, Mang Den is an ideal destination for many travellers. Kon Tum experiences cold yet sunny weather. The onset of the New Year heralds the blossoming of the charming Mai Anh Dao (prunus cesacoides) or cherry-like apricot flowers.

Dak Lak

Houses in Dak Lak have simple architectural style that reflects the cultural identity of the Central Highlands.

Located amidst the captivating landscapes of the verdant Central Highlands, Dak Lak stands as the vibrant epicenter of Vietnam's coffee heritage. Endowed with fertile soils, an optimal climate, and a deeply ingrained cultural legacy interwoven with coffee cultivation, the province exudes an unmistakable charm.

The sprawling coffee plantations of Dak Lak extend as far as the eye can see, adorning the scenery with lush green hues. Fuelled by an unwavering dedication to producing top-quality coffee beans, local farmers toil tirelessly from dawn till dusk, nurturing an industry valued in billions. Their labor ensures that every brewed cup encapsulates the essence of Vietnam's esteemed coffee culture.

A visit to Dak Lak promises a unique opportunity to delve into the art of coffee-making. From the tantalizing aroma that permeates the air during the roasting process to the invigorating flavor of freshly brewed coffee, each stage of the journey becomes a sensorial delight. With every sip, one not only savors the fruits of meticulous craftsmanship but also partakes in a sustainable alliance with nature and the surrounding communities.

• Vietspace's Tips: Interesting activities to do in Dak Lak is joining an ethical elephant  tour, enjoy coffee in Dak Lak's charming cafes and learn more about ethnic culture at Dak lak Museum of Ethonology.

Ninh Binh

Boat trips in Ninh Binh offers visitors a delightful journey through picturesque landscapes.

Located about 90 kilometers south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh boasts a rich historical heritage as the former capital of Vietnam during the Dinh Dynasty. Despite being overlooked by foreign tourists for many years, this picturesque destination gained global attention following its feature in the Hollywood movie "Kong: Skull Island" in 2016.

Affectionately known as the "Ha Long Bay on Land," Ninh Binh mesmerizes visitors with its majestic limestone karst formations, reminiscent of ancient guardians rising from the earth. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Ninh Binh's stunning landscape is through a two-hour boat tour, winding through verdant paddy fields and captivating caves. 

Despite its increasing popularity, Ninh Binh retains its authenticity and allure, offering a tranquil escape for those seeking to delve into Vietnam's rich culture and history away from the crowds.

• Vietspace's Tips: During your visit to Ninh Binh, be sure to savor the province's culinary delights, including two signature dishes: com chay and de tai chanh. Com chay, a crispy fried rice crust, serves as a delightful snack or can be enjoyed dipped into a savory stew. De tai chanh features tender goat meat, a staple protein in Ninh Binh, marinated in lemon juice and seasoned with chilies, lime leaves, and sesame seeds. 

Con Dao

Con Dao is among important sea turtle conservation areas in the world.

Nestled off the southeastern coast of Vietnam, Con Dao captivates visitors with its unspoiled landscapes, where azure seas meet powdery white sands and dense forests brim with diverse flora and fauna. The archipelago is particularly revered for its untouched coral reefs, attracting snorkeling and diving enthusiasts from around the globe.

Historically, Con Dao was renowned for its large prison complex, initially established by the French colonialists and later utilized by the Americans during the Vietnam War. However, in recent decades, Con Dao has emerged as a prominent destination on the tourism map, celebrated for its pristine beaches and crystalline blue waters. 

Con Dao remained relatively undiscovered by international tourists until 2011, when Hollywood celebrities Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, accompanied by their children, visited the island. Con Dao exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of responsible tourism and conservation endeavors. The awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles nesting on the sandy shores or witnessing the resilient hatchlings embark on their oceanic odyssey serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.

• Vietspace's Tips: Con Dao is home to green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. Watching turtles laying eggs and releasing baby turtles to the sea are two unique experiences when visiting Con Dao Island.

Pu Luong

Bamboo water wheels are a part of Pu Luong's culture and locals' lives.

Situated in Thanh Hoa province, approximately 150 kilometers from Hanoi, Pu Luong boasts abundant natural beauty, earning it a place among Vietnam's most captivating landscapes. The region is distinguished by its charming hamlets and villages inhabited by the ethnic Black and White Thai communities. Life in Pu Luong unfolds at a leisurely pace, offering a serene contrast to the bustling Vietnamese cities frequented by most tourists.

The highlight of the nature reserve is undoubtedly its breathtaking rice terraces, which cascade down the mountainside in a mesmerizing display. Observing farmers and water buffaloes tending to vast rice fields is a common sight, evoking images straight out of a Vietnam postcard. Pu Luong's scenery rivals that of Sapa, boasting an even more picturesque and enchanting allure.

Among Pu Luong's natural wonders is the renowned Thac Hieu Waterfall, where two streams converge to form a expansive pool. This idyllic spot provides the perfect respite after a leisurely hike through the verdant rice fields.

• Vietspace's Tips: Exploring Pu Luong's natural beauty through trekking offers an unparalleled experience. Given the limited availability of maps and marked trails within the park, trekking with a local guide is highly recommended. Whether you opt for a hike to the summit of Mt. Pu Luong or embark on a multi-day trek spanning the entire reserve, Vietspace can ensure a seamless and rewarding adventure.

Are you ready to explore the lesser-known destintionations in Vietnam? Explore beyond the beaten path with us. There are many hidden gems across the country and each has its own unique charm. Whether you are seeking an unspoiled natural wonder or a getaway trip to tropical islands, Vietspace have got you covered. 

Contact us at marketing@vietspacetravel.com to received customized itineraries based on your travel preferences and specific requests.