Asia has become, over the past few years, a hot spot for backpackers, tourists and people just trying to get away from the craziness of the Western world. People have frequently cited South Korea, China, and Japan as places to visit for the culture, food and, generally, a different experience.

But nowadays, people are talking about Vietnam. According to Jen Welch of the Intrepid Travel blog, 13 million international visitors came into Vietnam in 2017 alone! And we don't blame her. It's a beautiful country with a rich history, cozy little villages and beautiful nature sights to write home about.

Now, this does not mean that you are safe from the crowds. With people visiting the country (and more than once, we'll add), it can be overwhelming to explore Vietnam. But, like most places, there's something there for everyone. If you're the kind of person who wants to travel and explore in peace, we have a few suggestions for you.

Halong Bay's Foil: Lan Ha Bay

Halong Bay is an iconic touristic site in Vietnam. So much so that it's been labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, this means crowds and hordes of people rushing to take it in. But don't worry! You can go and check out its sister site, Lan Ha Bay.

Lan Ha Bay is in a quieter section of southern Vietnam. With fewer boats crowding up the area, you can truly take in the water, the white sand beaches, and the limestone towers all around you. There are also many floating fishing villages to take in!

The atmosphere is much calmer so you can take everything in peace without being jostled by a hundred other tourists. The area is also much cleaner, which is always a bonus! If you're into supporting sustainable tourism and experiencing something completely new, this is the first place you should visit!

See The Country's Peaks And Valleys: Ha Giang

No matter where you go, you will agree that mountains and valleys are breathtaking evidence of nature at its most powerful and sprawling. And Vietnam's mountainous region is no different. According to Lonely Planet, the mountain region of Ha Giang has been labeled as the final frontier of unconquered Vietnam.

You can enjoy a motorbike ride through the peaks of Dong Van Geo Park and the Mai Pi Leng Pass. Nearby, there is the National Heritage Site of Hoang Su Phi. Here, you can see a staggering amount of rice terraces stacked up the mountainside.

It's just far enough away from the province of Sapa, so you'll be avoiding a lot of tourism and crowds. You can take in nature at your own pace and truly feel everything you see.

Visit Outside Villages: Sung Village

Vietnam is known for having many smaller, remote villages that have not been affected by tourism or industrialization. In fact, just outside the major cities, the population is made up of 53 ethnic minorities. Jen Welch states that 2/3 of the country consists of 8 million non-Viet people.

Because these minorities are sometimes made up of hundreds of people, there are very rare and special opportunities to experience each of these unique cultures. If you have the chance to stop in the capital of Hanoi first, the Museum of Ethnology can give you a deeper insight into the country's cultural heritage.

We strongly encourage you to actually go into these smaller villages and experience it for yourself. However, we also encourage you to do it respectfully and cooperatively. Do your research beforehand and go into this experience with an open mind. You'll have a deeper insight into the lives of people living on the outskirts of mainstream Vietnam.

Discover New World Wonders: Phong Nha National Park

To all of the nature lovers, Phon Nha National Park is the perfect spot for exploration. The small town of Phong Nha was basically unknown to tourism until 2009. But then, the world's largest cave was discovered right in their midst, garnering national interest for the area.

This boom in tourism has lead to many jobs to local people through hotels and other constructions. But since this area is still relatively off the beaten path, you don't have to worry about an overwhelming number of tourists flooding the area.

You can hop on a bike and take a leisurely ride on the riverside. You can even watch the sunset and enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes. And when it comes to the caves, it's safe to say that you'll feel transported to another place altogether. Actually, two of the smaller caves are named Paradise and Jungle, so you're sure to get an amazing experience!