5 Underrated & Must Visit Places for the explorer in you.

My favorite place on earth is Vietnam, and that’s not even up for debate. I have only been there five times, but I spent some of the best weeks of my life there discovering its history, culture, food, and people. For the 1st time, I chose the well-trodden tourist trail for my first trip to Vietnam, heading from Hanoi to Halong Bay, then on to Hoi An, then Da Nang, and finishing off in Ho Chi Minh. 

My trip was marvelous, but it got me thinking that if I was so enamored by the tourist route I had taken, what could I find if I stepped off the beaten track in Vietnam and headed into more remote and unknown territories? Would I discover the “forgotten” Vietnam I had read about in guidebooks or stumble upon villages where I would be observed? 

I wanted to hear stories from travelers who had experienced these hidden gems in Vietnam to find out where these places were. The travelers who took long, arduous bus rides to stay in traditional bamboo huts or witness animals on the verge of extinction. 

Taking all this into consideration, I traveled to Vietnam on several subsequent trips in search of the undiscovered, and I believe you will agree that some of Vietnam’s hidden gems deserve your attention after reading this. 

Mai Chau 

Located about 4 hours north of Hanoi, Mai Chau is one of Vietnam’s hidden gems. This is a place where you can experience true, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Mai Chau’s journey begins with a long, twisty bus ride along a cliff that eventually leads into a valley of rice paddies surrounded by green mountains. The trip is not for the faint-hearted.

Mai Chau’s main attraction is the Chieu Cave, 1000 steps above the city. A local may or may not be there to charge an entrance fee at the start of the hike, which shows a bit of the town’s character. One thousand steps may seem daunting, especially with the humidity of Vietnam, but the hike is well worth it for the incredible views of the surrounding valley. The cave is secondary to the sights but worth a peek! Instead of a checklist of tourist activities, Mai Chau is more of a place to relax and observe Vietnam’s nature while enjoying local food and hospitality. Scooters are available for rent and can be used to explore the surrounding rice paddies and mountains. 

Tam Coc – Ninh Binh 

Ninh Binh is a stunning region located just 2.5 hours south of Hanoi. The region is known as the “Halong Bay on land,” with massive limestone cliffs towering over bright green rice paddies. Many tourists visit Ninh Binh as a day trip from Hanoi, but very few spend enough time exploring the area. 

The most popular place to stay in Ninh Binh is the little town of Tam Coc. Life moves a bit more slowly, and the locals are some of the friendliest in Vietnam. Most people lead simple lives that involve harvesting rice or running quaint, inexpensive guesthouses. 

One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is to take a rowboat ride on the river in Tam Coc. You’ll pass amongst the towering limestone cliffs and follow the river underground through caves to secret lagoons. And you’ll find that many locals who operate the tour boats row with their feet – which looks incredibly challenging to master. 

Phong Nha–Ke Bang #6 

A treasure trove of sights awaits you at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the middle of Vietnam. Reaching this destination is a bit tricky, allowing Phong Nha-Ke Bang to remain one of Vietnam’s hidden gems away from the tourist trail.

There are, however, quite a few ways to get to the park by trains and sleeper buses. The latter is the perfect option for everyone staying on a budget in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and figuring out an affordable way to move around the country. 

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is more than 800 square km of what seems like a paradise in the middle of the country, with its rivers, caves, jungles, small villages, and mind-blowing natural wonders. 

The world’s biggest cave, Hang Son Doong, is definitely among them. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was opened to the public recently. 

But while getting into Hang Son Dong might be a real challenge, exploring the Botanical Garden and the Thac Gio Waterfall is a task that even a non-experienced hiker can manage. The route starts in Phong Nha village, which has several affordable hotels. From here, it is a short bike ride to the beginning of the trail through the tropical forest. 

The trail is marked, free, and easy to navigate. This two-hour hike’s list of noteworthy stops includes an animal rehabilitation enclosure, century-old trees, and a scenic waterfall Thac Gio. The waterfall is 30 meters high and gorgeous. Phong Nha-Ke Bang is well worth a two or even a three-day stay. The time scale will also allow you to explore the Paradise and Dark Caves and have a scenic bike ride around the park. 

Bai Tu Long Bay 

Halong Bay was once the magical setting where visitors flocked to cruise pristine waters and navigate limestone monoliths. 

That was then, and this is now, and travelers have now discovered that the more remote area of Bai Tu Long Bay offers the visitor a more authentic experience away from the tourist trail. Explore Bai Tu Long Bay by booking onto one of the many two or three-night cruises that depart from Halong Bay. 

As you wave goodbye to the overcrowded waters of what was once a premium destination, you gradually realize that there are no other boats near you – and this is the lure of Bai Tu Long Bay, complete isolation. 

Only a handful of cruise companies have permits to sail the waters of Bai Tu Long Bay so be assured that you will have it to yourself. Enjoy your 3-Day Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise on the South China Sea with activities such as kayaking, visiting caves, fishing, and beach BBQs. 

A highlight of cruising Bai Tu Long Bay’s waters is that you can visit the floating fishing villages where 99% of the residents have never stepped foot on land, an incredible feat in the 21st century. Tours from the boat include visiting a floating pearl farm to witness local life and business first-hand. 

Bai Tu Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s hidden gems, but it is gaining popularity, so make sure you visit before it’s too late! 

Quy Nhon #8 

Quy Nhon (also sometimes spelled Qui Nhon) is a small coastal city in Central/South Vietnam typically overlooked by travelers following the usual Vietnam trail. However, Quy Nhon’s area has numerous ancientCham temples and quiet, unspoiled beaches, making it one of Vietnam’s hidden gems, where it is highly worth staying for a few nights. 

The city is situated roughly midway between the charming heritage town of Hoi An and the brash commercial seaside resort of Nha Trang. It’s connected to Vietnam’s north-south railway line at the nearby town of Diêu Trì, so it’s straightforward to stop there along the way. 

While it’s off the beaten track, the city of Quy Nhon and several nearby beaches have a good range of accommodations, including small-scale guesthouses/hotels and several backpacker hostels. 

Beach Life near Quy Nhon 

If you want to stay on a beach near a local fishing village with no large-scale tourism development, consider staying at the lovely Nhon Hai beach (about 30 minutes from the center of Quy Nhon). 

Nhon Hai Beach Hostel is the best spot to stay, offering private rooms and a friendly traveler atmosphere. A short taxi ride from Quy Nhon is Bai Xep Beach, which is entirely uncrowded compared to the beaches you’ll find at Hoi An, making it one of Vietnam’s hidden gems. 

The city beach of Quy Nhon is also worth visiting, as it’s spotlessly clean and shielded from currents by a nearby peninsula. 

Besides the beaches, Quy Nhon offers a chance to see the ancient Champa civilization ruins, including temple ruins and remains of the ancient citadel of its one-time capital. Meanwhile, the city is blissfully not touristy, allowing the curious traveler to visit authentic local markets and restaurants. 

Conclusion 

Vietnam’s hidden gems are breathtaking and will appeal to every individual. Whether it is an adventure you are searching for, a luxury yoga retreat to relax, or exploring Vietnam at a slower pace, there is something to suit all tastes. 

I hope this post has inspired all the explorers in you to discover what else is available away from Vietnam’s well-beaten track!

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Blog post written by: Mohana