Top 6 Hidden Gems in Vietnam Beyond the Usual Tourist Trail

Vietnam is famous for locations like Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and many more. But in this discussion, we will explore some places in Vietnam that are not so popular among tourists, but could be an excellent option if you want to experience the real Vietnam.

For example, Bai Tu Long Bay is such a tranquil place that you will like the most if you seek a less crowded place to chill at the beach. Similarly, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a protected area that has tropical rainforests, mountains, and more. Spending a day or two in one of such places could be an experience of a lifetime.

Let’s take a look at the hidden gems of Vietnam:

Table 1: Top 10 Hidden Gems of Vietnam at a Glance

Top 6 Hidden Gems in Vietnam 

Without further delay, let’s start the discussion to help you explore the different hidden gems of Vietnam.

• Bai Tu Long Bay – The Quieter Rival of Ha Long Bay

In the northeastern part of Vietnam lies the true hidden gem of Vietnam – Bai Tu Long Bay. Just drive for a few hours from the bustling city of Hanoi, and you will arrive at a quieter and more peaceful beach life.

The Bai Tu Long Bay is located between the Gulf of Tonkin and offers an exotic view of the landscapes, emerald waters, and magical limestone karsts, rising out of the sea. You can spend the day on the beach or take a boat ride on the water, or you can go on a kayak ride with your buddies. 

• Pu Luong Nature Reserve

If your heart is craving for mountains, paddy fields, and fresh mountain air, consider visiting Pu Luong for the weekend.

When you visit the place, you can explore the rice fields, palm groves, and look at the beauty of cascading waterfalls. The best time to go there would be during May and early June. During the time, you will be able to enjoy a view of lush green young rice and feel the serene environment of the place.

If you didn’t know – Pu Luong is one of the lesser-known spots for ecotourism and trekking. You trek and explore the local villages where the Muong and Thai people grow rice on the hill terraces and build their houses there.

Besides exploring the landscape, you can also enjoy the beautiful villages of the local people.

• Quy Nhon – Vietnam’s Quiet Coastal Gem

The next secret tourist spot of Vietnam is the coastal city – Quy Nhon. It is located halfway between Nha Trang and Hoi An. It has approximately 42 kilometers of widespread coastline beach that is surrounded by mountains, rice fields, and ancient towers from the Champa Kingdom.

You can take a stroll along the beautiful coastline of the city or take a spa treatment to rejuvenate your body and spirit.

You can also explore the rich underwater sea life of the place. Just grab a few important gears like a snorkel and mask from a local vendor and dive into the tranquil water of Quy Nhon.

• Phong Nha Rural Villages

If you love adventure, Phong Nah is the ideal place for you. You can explore the world’s largest cave, Son Doong Cave, near the park which is the most attractive place as well. However, there are other attractions that you can explore when traveling there. For example, you can follow the hiking trails in the Phong Nah-Ke Bang National Park, or walk around lazily on the countryside lanes. Or, you can also go on a kayaking ride along the pristine rivers.

No doubt the caves are an attractive location to make your journey adventurous, but exploring the countryside will reveal an unexplored side of Vietnam.

• Kon Tum – A Cultural Escape in the Central Highlands

Another hidden gem of Vietnam is Kon Tum. Here, you can explore the beautiful countryside, including mountains, plateaus, and lowlands. When you visit the place, you will find breathtaking scenery that will delight wanderlust travelers.

The highland climate is pleasant enough to soothe your mood and rejuvenate your spirit. The best time to explore the countryside is the rainy season (April to November) and the dry season (December to March). 

• Tam Giang Lagoon – Vietnam’s Largest Brackish Lagoon

Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Tam Giang Lagoon, where the sky meets the water. And when the sun sets at the end, the landscape looks like painted in golden colour. The beautiful landscape has a diverse ecosystem and boasts enchanting fishing villages.

Another surprising thing is – it is the largest lagoon in Vietnam, spanning 24 kilometers in length and has a total area of 52 square kilometers.

Now, let’s take a look at the best time to visit each location in Vietnam.

Best Time to Visit Each Hidden Gem

Each tourist spot has its own season when it shines the best. Take a look at the following table before you make a plan to visit the hidden gems of Vietnam.

Table 2: Season Travel Guide to Vietnam

Travel Tips for Exploring Vietnam’s Hidden Gems 

When you go exploring the countryside of Vietnam, try maintaining a sustainable tourism practice. Go for eco-lodges to stay the night or days. You can also spend your days in Vietnam in local homestays to get an authentic experience of its culture.

For transportation, use trains, scooters on rent, or sleeper buses. Sleeper buses in Vietnam are designed to offer comfort and convenience to the passengers.

Explore the Hidden Gems of Vietnam With an eVisa

The hidden gems of Vietnam open an unexplored side of the country. The above places are less visited by tourists, and you can explore them at your own pace. The serene environment of these places, away from the bustling cities, is worth visiting at least once in your life.

If you are planning to visit Vietnam, you must apply for an eVisa and get an approved visa to legally enter Vietnam. Make sure that you have a passport with 90 days of validity beyond the date of your arrival in the country.

You will need to upload the scanned copy of the passport and the applicant’s photo while applying for the passport. It will take some time to process your visa application, and if all the information is correct, you will get an approved visa mailed to your email address.