The scenery outside the entrance of Phong Nha Cave is as beautiful as a painting. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Travel, a well-known travel site in Canada, has recently introduced Vietnam as one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia, yet it's a beautiful country with rich culture and incredible history.
“From the ancient capital of Hanoi to the stunning beaches of Da Nang, there's no shortage of amazing places to visit in Vietnam. However, there are various off-the-beaten-track tourist attractions and hidden gems in Vietnam waiting to be explored,” it said in its recent article titled "Discover The Hidden Gems: Vietnam's 10 Off-The-Beaten-Track Tourist Attractions”.
From mysterious caves and parks to abandoned temples and floating markets, it's time to list some of the best off-the-beaten-track attractions in Vietnam, making for an unforgettable experience for those seeking places and activities away from the masses of tourists. These spots and their adventures are proof that Vietnam is among the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia to visit.
Va Cave, measuring 1.7km in length, features stalagmites in the shape of conical hats, with an exceptionally intricate and unique structure that sets it apart from other caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park – Quang Binh province
Located near the border with Laos in Vietnam and spanning over 800 square kilometers, visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is bucket list-worthy yet happens to be among the less touristy things to do in Vietnam.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular limestone karst formations, underground rivers, and some of the largest cave systems in the world, with over 300 caves and grottoes, including the namesake Phong Nha and Ke Bang caves.
Besides the caves, the park has diverse flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. Visitors can explore the natural wonders scattered around the park and indulge in various recreational activities such as trekking, kayaking, and cycling.
The abundant and fascinating floral system in a cave at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Photo: VietnamPlus).
The best time to visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is from March to August (the dry season).
Con Dao - Ba Ria-Vung Tau province
Con Dao boasts astonishingly secluded beaches, surrounded by forests (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Located off the southern coast of Vietnam, in the East Sea, Con Dao Islands is a group of 16 famed for its pristine coastal landscapes. The islands offer incredible deserted beaches surrounded by lush greenery, including the most popular Dam Trau Beach, Dat Doc Beach, and An Hai Beach.
However, the islands' main attraction is the Con Dao National Park, featuring a diverse range of animal and plant species and various outdoor activities such as trekking, bird watching, and snorkeling in the park.
The best time to visit Con Dao Islands is from October to February (the dry season) or from March to June (for the calmest ocean conditions)
Lan Ha Bay – Hai Phong city
Lan Ha Bay captivates with its clear blue waters, high mountain ranges, and the peaceful life of floating fishing villages. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Situated in the Cat Ba Archipelago, covering an area of 7000 hectares, Lan Ha Bay is among the best hidden gems in Vietnam; it's a stunningly beautiful bay, a relatively undiscovered spot, featuring crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches.
The bay is surrounded by high mountains on three sides, offering visitors a wide range of activities such as kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and exploring the many caves and grottoes scattered throughout the bay. Visitors can also take a boat trip around the bay to explore the incredible marine life and beautiful coral reefs.
The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay is March and June or October and November (for the best weather).
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark – Ha Giang province
A view of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark (Photo: Shutterstock)
Nestled in the northernmost province of Vietnam, Ha Giang, covering an area of about 2,350 square kilometers, Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is one of the lesser-known places in Vietnam. It's also a UNESCO Global Geopark established in 2010.
Located 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level, the park features a rugged mountainous area characterized by steep limestone peaks, deep valleys, karst formations, caves, sinkholes, and winding rivers.
Although it's one of the lesser-known spots in Vietnam, the area does feature a wide range of activities, such as trekking, hiking, cycling, and sightseeing, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and geological wonders of the country.
The best time to visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is from September to November (for drier weather) or from October to November (to see blooming buckwheat flowers).
Turtle Tower – Hanoi
A view of Turtle Tower (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Located on a small island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, Turtle Tower is a small historical structure dating back to the 15th century and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hanoi. The structure of the tower consists of a three-story building made of brick and stone, with a curved roof and decorative details on the walls.
Visitors can soak in the beautiful view of the tower and surrounding landscape from the shore but cannot access the structure in the center of the lake.
The best time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake In Hanoi is October to November (for pleasant, cooler weather ideal for walking)
Pongour Waterfall – Lam Dong province
A view of Pongour Waterfall in Lam Dong province (Photo: Shutterstock)
Located in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, about 50 kilometers south of Da Lat City (which offers plenty to do), Pongour Waterfall is among the most beautiful natural wonders in Vietnam, known for its dramatic beauty and serene surrounding valley covered in forests.
Pongour is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam, as it cascades down a series of rock tiers, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Visitors to the waterfall can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking and swimming. Picnic areas and campsites are also available for visitors to soak in the beauty of the incredible natural landscape.
The best time to visit Pongour Waterfall is from December to early March (for the dry season) or the 15th of the Lunar first month (typically February in the Gregorian calendar) for the waterfall's K'Ho festival.
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda – Da Nang city
A bird’s eye view of Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda. (Photo: Shutterstock) Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda, also known as Huyen Khong Pagoda, is one of the off-the-beaten-path attractions in Vietnam. It's a pretty Buddhist temple located on a hillside in the Marble Mountains in Danang.
Built in the 17th century by a Buddhist monk Minh Dung, the temple is famous for its serene natural surroundings and unique architecture. The structure of the temple is made from stone and features a series of caves and grottoes adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, offering visitors a glimpse of Buddhist culture and mythology.
Cai Be Floating Market – Tien Giang province
Floating markets represent unique culture of localities in the Mekong Delta region. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Cai Be Floating Market is a vibrant and unique market in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam. The market was originally established as a place for farmers to sell their goods but is now a lively and colorful market. While it's not exactly one of the most uncrowded places in Vietnam to visit, it's worth checking out to see the bustling local way of life in the Mekong Delta area.
The market's vendors sell a wide range of goods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and local specialties, such as coconut candy, rice paper, handicrafts, and souvenirs, from their boats. Visitors to the floating market can experience the unique culture and activities of the Mekong Delta region, with waterways as the main mode of transportation and commerce.
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The best time to visit Cai Be Floating Market is from 5:30am to 6:30am daily (to see the most vendors) and November to April (for the driest weather).
Muong Hoa Valley – Lao Cai province
A view of terraced fields in Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa, Lao Cai (Photo: Shutterstock)
Located northwest of Vietnam in the remote town of Sapa (home to must-do activities) of Lao Cai province, Muong Hoa Valley is a scenic valley known for its rich cultural heritage, serene landscape, and unique trekking experiences.
The valley is home to some of the lesser-known attractions in Vietnam and is surrounded by lush forests, rice terraces, and small villages inhabited by ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay.
The area is among the less touristy places in Vietnam, but it's treasured for its hiking opportunities. The trekking routes in the valley vary in difficulty, offering incredible views of the local villages and beautiful rice terraces scattered over the lush green mountains. The valley also has several beautiful waterfalls, including Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall.
The best time to visit the Muong Hoa Valley is from March to May (for pleasant weather, views of lush green rice terraces, and cultural activities).
Ba Be Lake – Bac Kan province
Ba Be Lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Vietnam (Photo: Shutterstock)
Found in the northeastern province of Bac Kan, approximately 230 kilometers from Hanoi, Ba Be Lake is among the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam. Situated in Ba Be National Park (which visitors can book a tour of), visiting this lake is one of the off-the-beaten-path things to do in Vietnam away from the crowds.
Ba Be Lake covers an area of about 500 hectares, surrounded by karst mountains, lush forests, and small villages. Visitors to the lake can take boat tours to enjoy the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife ecosystem of the lake. Some of the highlights of the boat tour include Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, and Widow Island.
The best time to visit Ba Be Lake is from August to October (for the best swimming and kayaking experience)./.
