Pinpointing Mother Nature’s most incredible hits in Vietnam could take a lifetime. Picture its staggering green landscapes, massive and otherworldly cave systems, spectacular rice terraces, and nature-filled national parks like Ba Be, just to mention a few. Put simply, Vietnam's diversity is more than enough to impress the most experienced tourists.
While Vietnam has world-renowned attractions like Hạ Long Bay, famous for many incredible things, its hidden gems are worth visiting. Well, at least before they become touristy traps! Besides filling adventurers with a sense of awe, these off-the-beaten-path spots are best to learn more about the authentic side of Vietnam.
The only way to get to these secluded attractions is by bus, train, plane, cruise, or private van. Some are so isolated that they require connecting several modes of transport using local tour operators.
10 Tay Ninh
In a land full of spirituality, Tay Ninh is a province in the Southeast region of Vietnam that never fails to captivate the hearts of many tourists. It’s a fairytale-like destination with gorgeous mountains (better explored via a cable car), ancient towers, mystical forests, and local fruit gardens. Unmissable sightseeing spots include Cao Dai Tay Ninh Temple, Ba Den Mountain, Dau Tieng Lake, and Ma Thien Lanh Valley.
Foodies shouldn’t sleep on the local foods because, holy smokes, they are delicious!
9 Xín Mần
Considered one of the most stunning alternatives to Sapa, which is more of a touristy spot, Xín Mần is a colorful town that offers travelers gratifying experiences. Still relatively unknown among globetrotters, making it a fine off-the-beaten-path attraction, this unspoiled mountainous region has a lot to admire, like terraced rice fields and green karst mountains.
The town itself has colorful buildings, home to ethnic minority communities, guesthouses, and small hotels where travelers can savor Vietnamese food to their fill.
Thrill seekers can rent a bike. It's the boldest option that adds thrill to the adventure.
8 Cát Bà Island
Cát Bà Island is an island along Halong Bay that exudes a distinct appeal, perfect for those looking for a more intimate connection with nature. Stepping into this island makes travelers feel like they are in a magical land, not to mention the jaw-dropping views that make every photo internet worthy.
There are enough gripping activities to keep adventurers busy for days. They can hike in the national park, explore the Hospital Cave, which holds historical importance, sample fresh seafood, tour the local food market, and rock climb before cooling off on a deserted beach.
Getting to Cát Bà Island requires connecting several modes of transport.
7 Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s off-the-beaten-path attractions, is an exemplary example of the untouched beauty of nature. While it shares a border with the touristy Hạ Long Bay, Southeast Asia's most beautiful place, it’s an often overlooked gem worth touring. It has similar sceneries to the famed Halong Bay, and the best way to soak in and appreciate its otherworldly features is by cruising.
Snorkeling, discovering the hidden caves, and kayaking through the floating village are other thrilling excursions tourists can do.
6 Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and cultural interest. It’s about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Hanoi, Vietnam’s cultural capital, and impresses travelers with its wonderful rice terraces, evergreen forests, and limestone panoramas. Summiting Mt. Pu Luong’s peak, which takes about 8 hours in good weather, visiting Pho Doan Market, and witnessing the beauty of Hieu Waterfall, are some activities that keep the outdoorsy people occupied.
This reserve is also home to ethnic Muong and Thai people, some of the friendliest locals in Vietnam, making it easy for adventurers to visit their beautiful villages. Joining their cultural dances in the evening makes the experience more memorable.
5 Quang Binh
Often mistaken for Quang Ninh, home to the visually stunning Ha Long Bay, Quang Binh is a secret spot with several magnificent caves. The Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO heritage, Nhat Le Beaches, and the Beaches of Bao Ninh are some of the province’s notable attractions. But what marvels adventurers more is the mind-blowing cave system.
One of the most outstanding caves is the Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave that offers an underworld expedition like no other. Other caves include the Tien Son Cave, Paradise Cave, and Phong Nha cave, each with other-worldly formations.
4 Phu Yen
Dubbed ‘land of the rising sun’ for its striking sunrise rays, Phu Yen is a hidden gem that deserves an extensive article appreciating its beauty. Its breathtaking landscapes, with vast green fields sprinkled with blooming wildflowers, mountain lagoons, and rivers, are some of the wonders that define Phu Yen.
The local film Toi thay hoa vang tren co xanh (Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass) showcases the province's stunning landscapes. As such, it has played a vital role in drawing tourists’ attention to discover its beauty.
3 Yen Bai
Yen Bai may be known among the locals, but it's an off-the-beaten-path attraction perfect for nature enthusiasts. The Mu Cang Chai terraced fields astonish with their alluring beauty. No wonder Yen Bai make a suitable destination for the Paragliding Festival, where paragliders have a once-in-a-lifetime experience admiring the captivating mountains and golden rice fields from a bird's-eye view.
Tourists can also discover the hot springs and one of Vietnam’s scenic spots, Thac Ba Lake, before touring the gemstone market. Shoppers can choose from a vast selection of stunning gemstones derived from the mountains.
2 Lao Cai
Nicknamed ‘chameleon’ by the locals for how it changes colors in various seasons, Lao Cai is a province with immense beauty. Outdoorsy people enjoy trekking opportunities in the mountains and near the waterfalls, while religious enthusiasts find solace in any of the numerous temples.
The friendly locals in Lao Cai make the long trip to the destination worthwhile. They are always eager to educate tourists about their lifestyle, so everyone leaves here with a glimpse of how the locals live. And there’s no better way to thank them than buy souvenirs from the local shops!
1 Ha Giang
Boasting some of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, Ha Giang is an off-the-beaten-path destination promising gratifying experiences. Travelers fall for its awe-inspiring scenery of steep rice terraces, soaring mountains, limestone walls, and deep valleys at first sight. While all these are a treat to the eyes, there are some must-see attractions tourists can’t leave without witnessing. They include the Fairy Bosom, a landscape that stands out with its symmetrical hills, Ma Pi Leng, Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, and Lũng Cú Flag Tower.
Different ethnic tribes call Ha Giang home, making it an excellent spot for anyone who wants an authentic peek into the Vietnamese rural way of living.