There are many places in Vietnam that remain undiscovered by tourists. While some of these destinations are well-known among locals, they are often overlooked by visitors who are keen to explore the more popular tourist spots. From the limestone caves of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park to the ancient ruins of My Son, here are ten hidden places in Vietnam that are well worth a visit!
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
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photo: Chinh Le Duc
Located in the central province of Quang Binh, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is home to a network of caves and underground rivers. The park is also a haven for wildlife, with rare species such as the Asian black bear and the red-shanked douc langur. Visitors can explore the caves by boat or on foot, and there are also opportunities to go caving, rock climbing and jungle trekking.
My Son
My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central province of Quang Nam. The site consists of a complex of ancient ruins, which were once the capital of the Champa Kingdom. The ruins are surrounded by lush jungle, and visitors can explore them on foot or by taking a boat ride along the river.
Bac Ha Sunday Market
photo: Neil Mewes
The Bac Ha Sunday Market is held every week in the town of Bac Ha, in the northern province of Lao Cai. The market is a great place to buy local products such as handicrafts, textiles and food. It is also a good place to meet the locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
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Vinh Moc Tunnels
The Vinh Moc Tunnels are located in the central province of Quang Tri. They were used as a bomb shelter during the Vietnam War, and today they are open to visitors. The tunnels are a fascinating example of Vietnamese engineering, and they offer a unique insight into the history of the war.
Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park is located in the northern province of Bac Kan. The park is home to a network of caves and lakes, as well as a variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore the park by boat or on foot, and there are also opportunities to go fishing, trekking and cave exploring.
Mekong Delta
photo: Tran Le Tuan
The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers, canals and wetlands located in the south of Vietnam. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including crocodiles, turtles and water buffalo. Visitors can explore the Mekong Delta by boat, and there are also opportunities to go fishing, bird watching and trekking.
Cao Dai Temple
The Cao Dai Temple is located in the town of Tay Ninh, in the southern province of Tay Ninh. The temple is the headquarters of the Cao Dai religion, and it is a popular destination for travelers seeking to learn about Vietnamese culture and religion.
Can Tho
Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and it is a great place to learn about the lifestyle of the local people. Visitors can explore the city by boat, and there are also opportunities to visit floating markets, rice farms and fruit plantations.
Con Dao Island
Con Dao Island is located off the coast of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. The island is a popular destination for scuba diving, and it is also home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles, monkeys and birds.
Quy Nhon
photo: Thể Phạm
Quy Nhon is a coastal city in the central province of Binh Dinh. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, and it is also a popular destination for scuba diving. Visitors can explore Quy Nhon by boat, and there are also opportunities to visit the nearby islands of Cham and Phu Quoc.
These ten hidden places in Vietnam offer a more authentic experience of Vietnamese culture and nature. From the limestone caves of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park to the ancient ruins of My Son, they are all worth exploring! Have you visited any of these destinations? What was your favorite experience? Let us know in the comments below.
Hi Kaylin,
are you available as a guide?
Bob
I think that the more people explore Vietnam, the more they will realize how amazing it is. There is something for everyone there. I wish I could move there, honestly. I do have distant relatives but we are not very close. Otherwise I would stay there for long periods at a time.
@kikobeep It really is and I can see a rise in people visiting as well as an increases in expats. It is crazy that just 20 years ago, no one was talking about Vietnam and now it is becoming part of a trend and I love it!
I took a boat ride in Can Tho and it was so much fun! It had looked like it was going to rain that day but the sun came out just in time to enjoy the views!
I have to say, the best part is getting lost. It’s incredible to just walk around and stumble across little cafes or shops that you didn’t know existed. I love seeing how people live in a place that was once so foreign to me.
Bac Ha Sunday Market is filled with friendly people who want to share their culture. I always recommend people who have never been to Vietnam to check that spot out!
@tbh23 Having only gone once and not being able to spend too much time there, I do remember people being so friendly. It was strange having people all smiling at me and being so kind!