17/07/2025
Vietnam has plenty of underrated destinations beyond the usual tourist spots like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ha Long Bay. Here are some less-visited yet incredible places to explore:
Northern Vietnam
1. Bac Son Valley – A stunning valley with rice fields, karst mountains, and remote ethnic villages. Great for hiking and photography.
2. Pu Luong Nature Reserve – A peaceful alternative to Sapa, with terraced rice fields, waterfalls, and homestays in ethnic Thai villages.
3. Ba Be Lake – Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake, surrounded by limestone mountains and lush jungle, ideal for boat trips and caving.
4. Cao Bang & Ban Gioc Waterfall – A breathtaking waterfall on the China-Vietnam border, with fewer crowds compared to more famous natural sites.
5. D**g Van Karst Plateau (Ha Giang Loop) – A rugged, less-touristy alternative to Sapa, perfect for adventurous motorbike trips through limestone mountains.
Central Vietnam
6. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park (Beyond Son Doong Cave) – While the famous Son Doong Cave is expensive and hard to access, lesser-known caves like Tu Lan, Hang En, and Paradise Cave offer fantastic experiences.
7. Tam Ky – A quiet coastal town south of Hoi An with untouched beaches, historical sites, and the unique Tam Thanh mural village.
8. Kon Tum – A hidden gem in the Central Highlands, known for ethnic minority culture, wooden churches, and off-the-beaten-path trekking.
9. Ly Son Island – A volcanic island with dramatic landscapes, garlic farms, and crystal-clear waters, ideal for those looking for a quiet beach getaway.
10. Bach Ma National Park – A pristine national park near Hue, with waterfalls, jungle treks, and French colonial ruins.
Southern Vietnam
11. Nam Du Islands – A less-crowded alternative to Phu Quoc, with turquoise waters, fishing villages, and scenic boat trips.
12. Con Dao Islands – A former prison island turned into a peaceful paradise, perfect for diving, trekking, and exploring untouched beaches.
13. Cat Tien National Park – A great spot for wildlife lovers, offering rainforest trekking, gibbon spotting, and eco-lodges.
14. Chau Doc & Tra Su Cajuput Forest – A peaceful floating village town in the Mekong Delta with beautiful wetlands and a rich Khmer culture.
15. Ta Dung Lake – Known as Vietnam’s "mini Ha Long Bay," this lake has hundreds of small islands and is great for camping or boat trips.
These destinations offer a mix of nature, adventure, and cultural experiences without the heavy crowds.
Do any of these interest you?
