I tried googling “Vietnam off the beaten track” the other day and the top results really disappoint me. Places described as Vietnam off the beaten track in those articles are in fact full of tourists already (think Phu Quoc Island, Ninh Binh, Mekong Delta, etc.).
That’s why I’ve decided to put together these 6 REAL Vietnam off the beaten track destinations that are guaranteed to blow you away. These places are selected by me – a local – and a bunch of other locals who are passionate about showing the hidden beauty of Vietnam to the world. Let’s check them out!
1. Ha Giang
A 3-day Ha Giang trip from Hanoi will take you to one of the most gorgeous mountainous landscapes in North Vietnam. Ha Giang is the northernmost province of Vietnam, where different communities of ethnic minorities live and try to maintain their own cultures. Unlike Sapa, the ethnic minorities in Ha Giang have not been “commercialised” yet, which makes travelling to Ha Giang a much more authentic experience. Staying in a Ha Giang homestay will also allow you to explore the local culture and enjoy the mesmerising landscape this destination has to offer.
Here are some of the most beautiful sights in Ha Giang:
Tips for travelling to Ha Giang
- You need at least 3 days to experience Ha Giang. If you have less than 3 full days to spare, it’s more convenient to go to the touristy Sapa instead.
- Interested to know more? See 5 Best experiences of my own trips to Ha Giang here
- For more information about getting to Ha Giang from Hanoi, accommodation in Ha Giang and so on, check out this Complete Ha Giang Travel Guide here.
2. Mu Cang Chai
Mu Cang Chai is famous for its golden color of rice terraced fields in autumn. Located only 280 km from Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai will wow you with its picturesque landscape, unique H’mong culture and fascinating activities such as gliding competitions, traditional food festivals and musical performances from the local ethnic minorities.
Tips for travelling to Mu Cang Chai
- End of September to beginning of October is the best time to visit Mu Cang Chai. This is the harvest season in which all the terraced rice fields will turn golden. The annual Mu Cang Chai Festival also takes place during this time with activities ranging from gliding to playing traditional games.
- A 2 day Mu Cang Chai itineraryΒ from Hanoi should be enough to enjoy all the sceneries and activities here.
- Interested in visiting Mu Cang Chai? Check out my trip to Mu Cang Chai here.
3. Ta Xua
If you visit Vietnam from December to March, cloud hunting in Ta Xua is an amazing experience that you should not miss. Ta Xua is a range of mountains in Son La Province (around 240 km from Hanoi). During winter time, you can behold mesmerising oceans of fluffy clouds from the tops of Ta Xua mountains. Trust me, this place is surreal! When I saw these breathtaking oceans of clouds for the first time, I thought I was in Heaven!
Tips for travelling to Ta Xua
- The best time for cloud hunting in Ta Xua is from December to March. There are some other weather conditions which can increase your chance of seeing clouds as well, such as high humidity but sunny weather, etc.
- To see more tips for hunting clouds in Ta Xua, plus other info about accommodation in Ta Xua, transportation to Ta Xua and so on, check out my detailed guide about visiting Ta XuaΒ here.
4. Pu Luong
This place might be the most off the beaten track destination among all those that I mention in this blog. When I first visited Pu Luong last summer, I kept wondering to myself how such a beautiful place was still so fortunately unheard of among both Vietnamese and foreign travellers. I mean, look at this breathtaking landscape!
Pu Luong means “the highest mountain” in the local language. This whole area is actually a Nature Reserve with a great diversity of landscape, flora and fauna and ethnic cultures. Things to do in Pu Luong include trekking through the mountainous paths, attending traditional markets of the ethnic minorities, swimming in the various channels or just relaxing and meditating on one of the lower mountain tops. There are lots of things to see in Pu Luong as well, from vast terraced rice fields to huge water wheels by the rivers. During our trip, we stayed at Pu Luong resort, which is a small eco-resort with a swimming pool overlooking the picturesque landscape here.
In addition, the landscape on the way from Hanoi to Pu Luong is also absolutely gorgeous! We passed by lots of green rice paddy fields, dreamy rivers and mountainous scenery. We also bumped into local kids swimming boisterously in a channel under a beautiful bridge. The journey itself is quite rewarding π
Tips for travelling to Pu Luong
- I’ve recently heard that Pu Luong Retreat is going to close down soon π The other option is to stay at local homestays in Kho Muong, Kit and Nua Villages for as little as 50,000 VND / night. Delicious home-cooked meals can also be provided by your hosts for under 100,000VND / person / meal. This is a great way to explore the local culture at the same time as well.
- Similar to Mu Cang Chai, the harvest season in Pu Luong is also around September – October. If you want to see golden terraced rice fields, come here during this period. However, visiting Pu Luong in the summer is also not a bad idea. Since the climate here is much cooler, going to Pu Luong is definitely a good way to escape the (terrible) summer heat of Hanoi.
- On the way to Pu Luong from Hanoi, you can also visit Mai Chau and Cuc Phuong National Park.
- For more info about travelling to Pu Luong from Hanoi, check out my article about Pu Luong here.
5. Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon has everything that an ideal holiday destination should have: pristine beaches on beautiful islands, breathtaking mountainous landscapes, peaceful fishing villages, fresh (and cheap) seafood, cultural landmarks, etc. And best of all, this coastal town in central Vietnam is totally non-touristy! I can’t believe such an amazing destination like Quy Nhon still remains unpopular among foreign tourists (but this, to some extent, is a good thing!). In fact, Quy Nhon is to me the most underrated destination in Vietnam.
Tips for travelling to Quy Nhon
- Quy Nhon is very accessible with daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, plus frequent busses and trains from nearby places such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, etc. Accommodations in Quy Nhon range from 5* hotels to local homestays with sea views.
- Seafood in Quy Nhon is to die for! They’re fresh. They’re cooked with delicious local recipes. And they’re priced at just half of what you will pay for in other popular tourist destinations like Mui Ne or Nha Trang!
- For a complete Quy Nhon travel guide with more info about getting to Quy Nhon, what to do and see in Quy Nhon, etc. check out my blog post about visiting Quy Nhon here.
6. Phu Yen
Lying not too far away from the popular Nha Trang, Phu Yen is a true hidden gem (I like to call it a sleeping beauty). Similar to Quy Nhon, Phu Yen also wows tourists with its spectacular coastal landscape and pristine beaches. Some of my most favorite things to do in Phu Yen include:
- Visiting Mui Dien Cape – the easternmost point of Vietnam’s territory
- Being the only tourist at the beautiful Bai Mon beach at 3pm
- Watching cattle grazing on Bai Xep
- Eating fresh seafood prepared by the locals on one of the colorful fishing boats
For those who want to experience somewhere similar to Nha Trang but much less crowded, Phu Yen is the place.
Tips for travelling to Phu Yen
- There are daily flights, trains and buses to Phu Yen from other big cities as well. Tuy Hoa, where most accommodations are located, is the capital city of Phu Yen. Once you’re here, try to EAT as much as you can! The local cuisines are excellent (not just the seafood) and super cheap compared to other big cities.
- Check out my 4 day itinerary in Phu Yen plus more tips about visiting Phu Yen here
Would you like to visit these Vietnam off the beaten track destinations? Or have you visited one of these? If so, I’d love to read about your experiences! Feel free to comment below! π
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Inge
August 19, 2017 — 10:07 am
Wow! I want to go to all of these places! Vietnam looks stunning and it’s very high on my list! Bookmarking this for reference when planning our trip! How magical to travel to places that are not touristy and authentic. Great share! Thanks π
BeeTravelista
August 19, 2017 — 10:10 am
Great post Fiona. Vietnam is on my list and this will help π
Lisa
August 19, 2017 — 10:54 am
This is a great post, and I agree that the ‘off the beaten track’ places anywhere is getting smaller and smaller. Ha Giang looks incredible and the scenery is breathtaking. I’m in love with Ta Zua; cloud hunting could just become my new favourite hobby!
Shannon | Our Taste of Travel
August 19, 2017 — 1:24 pm
Be still my beating wanderlust! Heading to Nam in October so definitely going to check out the lesser visited beach sites you mention. Thanks!
Kareemah Ashiru
August 19, 2017 — 2:49 pm
Honestly, I couldn’t choose which place I liked best. They were all stunning in their own way. Your pictures also brought out the beauty of this place.
Sarah
August 19, 2017 — 3:08 pm
I only visited Hanoi and stayed in the city the whole time. I’m dying to go back to Vietnam and see more! I’ll definitely save this for future planning. Your pictures are beautiful and all these destinations look so interesting.
Janine beynon
August 19, 2017 — 4:22 pm
Love this post! I haven’t heard of most of these places despite living in Hanoi for more than a year! Definitely want to go back to Vietnam so when I do I will be sure to read this again! π An off the beaten track place I went to was Ba Be, have you been there? There were barely any tourists and it was also very scenic.
Fiona Mai
August 19, 2017 — 4:26 pm
Yes I’ve also been to Ba Be Lake. Should have added it to my list now that you mention π
Portia Jones
August 19, 2017 — 4:56 pm
What an awesome post, your photos are stunning and it is so informative! I love the look of Mu Cang Chai! I really need to get back to Vietnam, it is such a beautiful and intriguing country. xx
Karlie
August 19, 2017 — 5:33 pm
I’ve always been interested in visiting Vietnam. Thank you so much for sharing this great tips! Cloud hunting looks absolutely incredible!
Sarah Gallo
August 19, 2017 — 9:11 pm
This definitely makes me want to visit Vietnam!
C-Ludik
August 19, 2017 — 9:31 pm
Loved reading your post. I should admit I never thought about Vietnam as a travel destination. Vietnam has never been on my radar (I donβt know why ?) but now I feel like I definitely need to go. Vietnam is such an intriguing country… I havenβt heard about any of these beautiful places and I love that with traveling I can go somewhere new and experience things that I am not used to and know very little about. Thank you for sharing your travel experience π
Nicole Anderson | Camping for Women
August 20, 2017 — 12:55 am
Like most tourists, I have only visited the more popular tourism areas in Vietnam so far. I loved what I saw and I also loved meeting the people there. However my biggest love of all is enjoying being out in nature. You have shown 6 really beautiful areas I would love to experience in Vietnam that is away from most of the tourists. I can’t wait to return and enjoy these unspoiled, lovely places.
Ami Bhat
August 20, 2017 — 4:51 am
This is indeed offbeat Vietnam. So far I have read of only the popular haunts like Hanoi but your post brings a refreshing perspective to Vietnam. Ha Giang from your list interested me the most – for its lovely landscape and the cultural experiences it seems to offer. Thanks for putting this together
Lydia Smith
August 20, 2017 — 7:21 am
Wow! You’ve got the best of Vietnam on this list. A visit to Phu Yen was the best I’ve had from Asia and like you said, the cuisine was a die for. The locals were really friendly and accomodating. I’ll consider the other five places when I start my 4 months travel to Asia
Christine
August 20, 2017 — 2:38 pm
Vietnam is very beautiful! All these off the beaten path places look worth a visit. So many people are visiting Vietnam lately and I think I am going to have to add it to my list too!
Kerry Ireland
August 20, 2017 — 6:20 pm
I ALWAYS prefer to go “off the beaten track” when traveling. I feel that there is no better way to become acquainted with the true culture and customs of a country than to get away from the mega-touristy areas. These pictures looks so beautiful. What a natural beauty Vietnam is!!!
Jade
August 20, 2017 — 9:16 pm
This is such a handy post for those looking for a more authentic experience in Vietnam. I love to have a mixture of the main locations and somewhere a bit different so this is really useful.
Kirstin (the tinberry travels)
August 20, 2017 — 10:41 pm
These places look fantastic! It’s always better to try and find new spots away from the crowds. I’d love to just disappear into the clouds at Ta Xua.
jin
August 20, 2017 — 11:36 pm
Oh this is wonderful! I’ve been to Vietnam twice and have yet to try to go off the beaten path. This country is full of too much goodness! So much to see and do! I think I need to live in Vietnam for a year to hit up all these spots!
Riely
August 21, 2017 — 2:19 am
These are the types of destinations I love to travel to, off the beaten path type. So many great suggestions to venture to less overcrowded areas and experience a true Vietnamese culture. Quy Nhon seems like an idea holiday for some relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Thanks for sharing!
Mimi & Mitch
August 21, 2017 — 4:48 am
I am from Vietnam and these places are indeed not common for tourists to stop by! If anyone has over a month, I would absolutely recommend them to go check your list out!
Jen Horsfall
August 21, 2017 — 10:34 am
Wow these photos are absolutely stunning! I’m a bit heartbroken that I don’t have chance to fit these places into my Vietnam itinerary as I’m only there for three weeks. I’ll have to return one day for sure.
Amelie
August 21, 2017 — 11:03 am
What a great article.
I always enjoy to learn about the true hidden gems of a country and here you listed some of the most beautiful once ever.
Vietnam, here we come ! (rhym on point.)
Thanks a lot
Amelie
Una-Minh
August 21, 2017 — 12:15 pm
Great selection! This year will be my 4th time going back to Vietnam. We’ve already been to Pu Luong and Quy Nhon and loved them both π So much to see in Vietnam!
Kate Storm
August 21, 2017 — 4:14 pm
Such cool ideas for exploring Vietnam! I haven’t made it there yet, but I’d love to go one day and add some of these under-the-radar destinations to my itinerary. Phu Yen looks especially beautiful–I love the photo with the boats!
Cat
August 21, 2017 — 5:04 pm
I didn’t know cloud hunting is a thing! Your picture of Ta Xua looks so cool! I would keep this place in mind when I plan a trip to Vietnam!
REBMINLU
August 22, 2017 — 1:12 am
Wow! The last time I went to Vietnam, I only chose to go to all the main tourist spots. I wish I could go back soon to check these areas out instead.
Brooke
August 22, 2017 — 11:13 am
great post and beautiful photos! I have been wanting to travel to Vietnam for a decade but by the time I had the time and money it had already gotten more touristy. This is a great list with some ideas for where to go to stay away from crowds (which is the only way I travel). I also grew up in a poor valley region in California where we have a lot agriculture and huge Hmong immigrant population so I went to school with a lot of Hmong people (little known by Americans-as there are mostly Chinese, Thai, Korean people in the bigger cities) and got to go to a few food/culture festivals and see their beautiful embroidery-
Fiona Mai
August 23, 2017 — 6:51 pm
Thank you for your comment! I’ve also heard about the Hmong people in the US but as you’ve said, there is really not much info about their life. I wonder if their culture is similar to those in Vietnam’s.
Abigail Sinsona
August 23, 2017 — 8:53 am
You are right, Ha Giang is one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve seen. The rice fields and mountains are spectacular. I am more into comfort and leisure travel, but it is good to explore them for something new to try.
kathy
August 23, 2017 — 6:28 pm
I’m really disappointed with myself. After reading your post I have realised that I stayed well and truly on the beaten track when I visited Vietnam. It has actually made me want to go back and explore it properly. I would go to all of these places especially the Ta Xua mountain range as I love hiking.
Anete
August 23, 2017 — 9:58 pm
You’ve got some great places here. I justvisisted Vietnam but didn’t visit any of these. However thay all look amazing and I so want to go to all of then the next time I’m in Vietnam. The nature over there is so amazing. Your photos proves that π
My Travelogue by Bhushavali
August 24, 2017 — 5:56 am
Thanks for this post! I’m usually the one who explore off the beaten track and I’m yet to explore the far eastern countries! Hope I’ll get a chance to do that in future! Let’s see!
Ha Giang is just too stunning! I should see atleast one rice terrace with my own eyes! The bridge at Phu Luong is just breathtaking!
Viola
August 24, 2017 — 8:26 am
This is such a great and informative post, thank you Fiona! I’ve not been to Vietnam yet but when I go, this post will definitely come in handy. I love that you’ve compiled a list – Pu Luong looks absolutely beautiful.
Viola xo | A Piece of Viola
Aditi Shukla
August 24, 2017 — 9:55 am
Oh boy!! These places are ‘off the beaten track’, indeed. I just got back from Vietnam, but hoped I would’ve known about them earlier. Never mind – this calls for another trip. Cheers!!
Deni
August 24, 2017 — 5:52 pm
I hate when I’m searching for off-the-beaten track destinations, and it keeps on coming up with tourist hot spots! I will definitely be saving this for future trips to Vietnam! I especially loved the beautiful countryside in Ha Giang and chasing the clouds in Ta Xua! How did you find interacting with the locals in these off-the-beaten-path destinations?
James
August 24, 2017 — 7:54 pm
I maybe traveling north to south through Vietnam next year all going to plan. It’s good to see these off the beaten track things to do there as I don’t want to do the typical list everyone does! You found some good places here, I especially like Ha Giang and Pu Luong. I love photographing green lush areas! Good work finding these places Fiona!
Sabrina
August 25, 2017 — 10:55 am
You are right, it is so hard to find off the beaten track places nowadays and partially is our (travel bloggers) fault, since we are always sharing our latest discoveries and those once unknown places become famous. However, I have been to Vietnam and I haven’t heard of those places you mention above, so well done you! I will make sure to include them on my itinerary next time I visit! π
Juliette Marguerite
August 26, 2017 — 12:30 am
These are fantastic! I hate the way you try to find ‘off the beaten track’ or ‘alternative’ things to do in a location, only to discover they’ve all been overrun with tourists too. SO this is an excellent guide! I love all those rice paddies, so green and lush. Can’t wait to visit Vietnam one day. The pool at Pu Luong resort looks gorgeous and very relaxing!
Miriam Ernst
August 26, 2017 — 5:46 pm
Unfortunately now tourists do want off track destination without other tourists, as a result lots of off tracks destination are over crowded and are not off tracks destinations anymore.
Those you picked look absolutely amazing! I’d like to see them all, really would. But I think I’d start with Ta Xua. It makes me think of Huang Shan’s sea clouds in China. Maybe you’ve heard about it?
π
Fiona Mai
August 26, 2017 — 9:25 pm
Thank you for your comment! Yes I’ve heard about and seen some pictures of Huang Shan in China. It’s actually one of my dream destinations π
Chiera
August 27, 2017 — 12:41 pm
How great to have real tips from actual locals! such a good idea for a post! Thanks for sharing π
Sandy N Vyjay
August 28, 2017 — 3:20 am
These are really captivating places. They are really pristine and off beat, no wonder they have been picked by locals. I was really bowled over by Ha Giang, it looks so verdant and beautiful. As and when I get to Vietnam, these are the places that I would love to head to first, forget Halong Bay!
Roger Sullivan
August 30, 2017 — 3:50 am
Leaving in February for a few months! Thanks for the list. Are you local to Vietnam?
Fiona Mai
August 30, 2017 — 6:35 pm
Yep I’m Vietnamese, born and bred in Saigon π
Tanya Korteling
October 14, 2017 — 6:39 am
This is a great post and actually was partly what inspired me to do a 3 day motorcycle tour from Tam Coc to Pu Luong and Mai Chau! Best part of my Vietnam trip! Thankyou
Sheri
October 24, 2017 — 4:27 pm
This is fantastic. I love seeing a new side of Vietnam and not the usual general posts out there. Will be sharing this.
Cori - Sweet Coralice
October 24, 2017 — 11:10 pm
Wow! What beautiful shots you posted! So much greenery seems unreal and I could just get lost in it all π
Esperanza Scotto
October 25, 2017 — 6:40 am
Wow! All of these places look so amazing! I would love to visit Vietnam someday. I loved all of your photos. Thanks for sharing!
ShoppersGossip
October 25, 2017 — 4:59 pm
Oh! This is beautiful. This blog post is what I truly call Informative and details post. Keep up the good work. I would love to visit Quy Nhon π
Brandi
October 25, 2017 — 6:10 pm
Great travel guide. I especially appreciate the travel tips!
Maxime Godin-Murphy
April 18, 2018 — 9:56 am
Great article! I really thing your bring good information here. I specially like Phu Yen as the most unspoiled beach of Vietnam year the amazing Genh Da Dia. I would like to add to your list the National Park of Phong Nha Khe Bang. Still not too touristy yet. I just arrived from there and I did a tour that was totally of the beaten track and I would like to suggest to you. The tour bring you deep in the National Park to meet the hills tribes and swim in amazing water. Here is their website: https://triballifeintheforestandmore.com
Enjoy!
Fiona Mai
April 30, 2018 — 8:04 am
Oh wow! Thank you so much for introducing to me the tour from Tribal Life. I’ve just checked out their website and it looks really interesting. Though Phong Nha Ke Bang is already pretty well-known, especially after the discovery of Son Doong cave and the launch of the latest King Kong movie, I must agree with you that many of the forest areas surrounding this place are still unheard of by tourists. It must have been a great experience for you to go deep into the forest and get to know more about the local tribes. π Thanks again for your comment!
Joseph (Detoured Asia)
April 30, 2018 — 9:02 am
Very helpful article. I’m planning to check them out this summer.
Ay
May 29, 2018 — 8:06 am
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve been to Vietnam once already–loved it–and went to all the touristy spots, which were wonderful! While planning a return trip, I just could not find any truly off-the-beaten path places in Vietnam. Most bloggers seems to consider PhΓΊ Quα»c and Can Tho offbeat enough, so truly grateful to come across your post! π
Would you also happen to know of any such gems near South and non-coastal Central Vietnam?
Fiona Mai
May 31, 2018 — 3:01 pm
Thank you for your comment! π It’s quite ironic that even though I come from the south, most of my travels around the country were taken in the north and the coastal central area. However, I can definitely recommend the lesser-known provinces in the Mekong delta as hidden gems of south vietnam. They include Dong Thap (which is famous for flower gardens, hotpots and lotus lakes) and An Giang (which has beautiful rice fields, not-too-high mountains and indigo forests) to name a few. I’ll try to do a blog post covering these places soon!
Courtney
February 23, 2020 — 1:25 pm
Ohhhhh I want to visit every single place especially to see clouds, its almost like you’re flying! You’re right, its hard to find off the beaten paths especially the not touristy ones. This is an amacing list, hopefully to venture out here within a year or 2.