I was shocked to visit Da Nang, one of the most touristy cities, for the second time in 2022 after 10 years. There are thousands of hotels, restaurants, spas, etc. along the coast which blocked my view from the top of the nearby hills.
Guess you might want to escape touristy places for a while?
Vietnam is getting popular among tourists. If you want to explore alternative ways of traveling in Vietnam, beside mainstream tourist destination, then this article is for you. I have spent one month traveling extensively across my home country during summer of 2022 and winter of 2023. I have discovered many hidden germs from mountains in Yen Bai to the coastal cities in South Central region.
And I loved every moment of it.
Vietnam off-the-beaten-path list in 2024
During my month-long journey back in 2022, I started along the beautiful south coast until I reached the crazily busy but lively metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and ended my adventure in the stunning Mekong River Delta.
What made this journey special was the mode of transportation – I completed almost the entire trip by motor scooter. Driving a motor scooter is the best way to discover Vietnam. Along this two-wheeled adventure, I seized the opportunity to explore provinces that are perhaps less visited by foreign tourists, such as Phu Yen and Ninh Thuan.
During my visit in Christmas 2023, I trekked in Tram Tau, Yen Bai, another off the beaten path gem. The wild and untouched beauty of this mountainous province held a distinct charm precisely because of fewer tourists.
There are many more hidden gems that Vietnam offers that I have yet to explore, such as Central Highland, the furthest south cape of Vietnam, Ca Mau, and other parts of the northern mountains. Therefore, the list I provided above needs to be updated, and I will add more destinations after my next Vietnam adventures.
For now, let me guide you through what these destinations have to offer to enhance your experience in Vietnam.
Yen Bai – a challenge for hikers
Ha Giang and Sa Pa are famous destinations in the northern mountains of Vietnam. However, Yen Bai, an uncharted province in the heart of Vietnam, emerges recently as a challenging trekking track for hikers and attracts more tourists despite its lesser-known status. The stunning terraced fields especially during the harvest time, the life of ethnic minority, and the jaw-dropping cloud cap from the top of mountain are cannot-be-missed experiences.
One of the fantastic activities to do in Yen Bai is hiking to the three mountain peaks. It is also an untouched trekking/hiking trail. It is not concrete roads like the many mountain trails in Europe, which guarantees that you will have a very interesting journey ahead.
You will also have a chance to discover the life of the Hmong and other ethnic minorities in North Vietnam. Vietnam hosts 54 different ethnic groups with different languages, cultures, food, and beliefs. Visiting Yen Bai in the remote area will enable you to discover the life of many other ethnic minorities, with the Hmong being the biggest group in that area.
The stunning rice field landscape, especially in October when the harvest starts. It is also a place where activities such as paragliding take place. Mu Cang Chai and Tu Le in October are the perfect places to see terraced rice fields and how the locals harvest the rice. Yen Bai is, in my opinion, an untouched version of Sa Pa, which you might prefer more.
What else Yen Bai offers:
- Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields
- Thac Ba Lake
- Khau Pha Pass
- Muong Lo Valley
- Ba Khe Communal House
- Tu Le Commune
Rice fields in Yen Bai, Vietnam
Quy Nhon – Off the Beaten Path Haven
Quy Nhon is not an off-the-beaten-path destination for Vietnamese people. Domestic tourists love this place. However, it still needs to be widely recognized among foreign tourists, and the crowds cannot be compared to other mainstream cities such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc, etc. Nestled along the central coast, Quy Nhon stands as an off-the-beaten-path haven, inviting travelers to explore its unspoiled charm. Far from the crowds, Quy Nhon unfolds a tapestry of beaches with white sands and phenomenally blue water, ancient temples, and a local ambiance that remains undisturbed by mainstream tourism.
The city has everything to offer as a beautiful, nice coastal town. I personally love this town and the local people here and consider it my favorite coastal town in Vietnam. For me, it is another version of Da Nang before being commercialized.
What Quy Nhon can offer you:
- Ky Co Beach
- Trung Luong Beach
- Thi Nai Bridge
- Hon Kho Island
- Twin Towers (Thap Doi Cham Towers)
- Eo Gio (Wind Strait)
- Ham Ho Tourist Site
Phu Yen – A cinematic beauty captured on screen
During my visit to Phu Yen, I stayed in Tuy Hoa, the capital town of Phu Yen, for 1.5 days. I then drove a motor scooter to see the sunrise in Mui Dien lighthouse, which is 30 km from Tuy Hoa in the north, and in the same day, I traveled another 60 km to the south to see Ganh Da Dia. It was a tiring day, and I was too ambitious not to miss anything.
Ganh Da Dia is a unique geological feature located 30 km south of Tuy Hoa, the capital of Phu Yen, and is one of the few of its kind in the world. Together with the beach next to it, even though the place is small, it is worth visiting.
Watching the sunrise in Mui Dien lighthouse, Rang Dong cape, is one of the most beautiful experiences I have had so far. You can travel to this lighthouse or go camping at the foot of the lighthouse or the nearby beach.
Phu Yen also has some special foods that are worth trying, including fisheyes, which might be controversial but are very popular.
Phu Yen offers several places to explore more, including:
- Bai Xep Beach
- Vung Ro Bay
- Nhan Tower (Thap Nhan)
- Bai Mon Beach
- Tu Nham Pagoda
- Da Trang Bridge
- Dien Cape (Mui Dien)
- Hon Yen
Ninh Thuan – Land bathed in sunlight
Ninh Thuan! I love Ninh Thuan so much.
You may have never heard of Ninh Thuan before, but it is truly the most beautiful off-the-beaten-path in Vietnam, and I cannot recommend it enough. It is the driest and hottest province in Vietnam, which limits its potential to attract travelers and tourists, even the domestic ones. Locals were surprised by me driving the bike under the 40-degree sun in the middle of summer. If the heat is not a problem for you, and you are into remote untouched areas, Ninh Thuan cannot be missed.
What you can find in Ninh Thuan:
- Vinh Hy Bay:Vinh Hy Bay lies between Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan Province. Different from the beauty of Ha Long Bay in the North, Vinh Hy Bay has been still very untouched. With its pristine waters and picturesque landscapes, this offbeat destination promises a peaceful retreat, showcasing the unspoiled beauty of Vietnam’s coastal regions.If you have only heard about Ha Long Bay, you might want to change your mind when you see the photos of Vinh Hy Bay. Renting a scooter and driving along the coast is the best way to explore the area; otherwise, you can rent private vehicles.I unfortunately did not have time in Vinh Hy Bay. I drove along, stopped to enjoy the view of the bay from above and took photos. However, you could do a lot more things such as visiting the fishing villages, enjoying the local cuisine, having a boat tour, etc.
- Ca Na salt field: Producing salt is one of the main agricultural drives of Ninh Thuan, and Ca Na is the biggest salt field here. The sunrise in those salt fields is simply gorgeous. Ca Na is in the most beautiful shape when the salt harvesting takes place. The blue sky is reflected in the salt, acting as a mirror, and the scenes of farmers wearing iconic hats harvesting salts are simply jaw-dropping moments.
- Champa Temple: The south of Vietnam was part of the Champa kingdom influenced by Hinduism. Therefore, you will see many temples worshipping Shiva. It is definitely worth visiting to see how complex and interesting Vietnamese history is.
- Dai Lanh lighthouse: It is the highlight of my visit to Ninh Thuan. After visiting Rang Dong cape in Mui Dien lighthouse in Phu Yen to see the beautiful sunrise, I love all lighthouses. That was the reason when I knew there is a lighthouse in Ninh Thuan, which is 30 km from the capital of the province Phan Rang- Thap Cham, I took the bike to go there. I was roasted on the road under the sun, but the coast along the ride was simply picturesque, and the hike to the lighthouse was challenging with the heat, but the sea view from the top just made my heartbeat faster with joy and excitement.
- Food in Phan Rang- Thap Cham:Vietnamese food is not just Pho or other noodle dishes. Each region is represented by unique cuisine with an unforgettable taste. The beauty of Vietnamese cuisine is the balance between different spices, vegetables, and meat, which brings comfortable joy. In Phan Rang- Thap Cham, there are foods that combine things in a strange way.
Ninh Thuan also offers:
- Nui Chua National Park
- Po Klong Garai Cham Temple
- Hang Rai (Otter Cave)
- Bau Truc Pottery Village
- Nam Cuong Sand Dunes
- Vinh Son Fishing Port
- Po Ro Me Cham Tower,
- Other salt Fields
Ninh Thuan emerges as a highly recommended offbeat paradise, attracting travelers to venture beyond the familiar. With its untouched beauty, Ninh Thuan offers an authentic experience away from the crowds, making it my favorite destination along Vietnam’s less-traveled routes.
Can Tho – Discovering the Mekong River Delta
Can Tho, located in the heart of the Mekong River Delta, offers a unique experience of how life is in this region. As a less crowded destination, Can Tho invites visitors to explore its vibrant floating markets, traditional villages, and beauty that define life along the Mekong. Although it is not exactly an off-the-beaten-path destination, it is definitely less crowded and surrounded by fewer tourists. Can Tho is also known for being a place where three groups of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer coexist peacefully, giving visitors a chance to experience the unique harmony of their cultures.
Here is a list of places to visit and things to do in Can Tho:
- Cai Rang Floating Market
- Ong Pagoda
- Cruises on the Mekong River
- Phong Dien Floating Market
- Binh Thuy Ancient House
- Ninh Kieu Wharf
- Local Markets (e.g., An Binh Market)
An Giang – A Riverside Getaway
An Giang is for adventurers who seek a riverside escape. It is characterized by its idyllic landscapes and cultural richness. This off-the-beaten-path destination, together with Can Tho, provides an authentic experience of life along the Mekong River. You will get to know the life in the floating houses, and observe the influence of religion in the architecture of the temples here.
What An Giang has to offer:
- Sam Mountain
- Chau Doc Floating Market
- Tra Su Cajuput Forest
- Tan Chau – Traditional Craft Villages
Conclusion
Vietnam has been experiencing an increase in the number of tourists and travelers over the years. However, the rapid development of tourism infrastructure has led to the commercialization of many places, including Da Nang. As a result, some tourists may prefer to explore lesser-known destinations to escape the crowd and experience the best of Vietnam.
I am sure you will!