Less Touristy Places in Vietnam

Vietnam has many popular tourist destinations, but there are also some newer and less well-known places that are worth exploring. Here are some new tourist destinations in Vietnam:

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is located in the Quang Binh Province of Central Vietnam and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was inscribed in 2003. It covers an area of 885 square kilometres and is home to some of the largest and most spectacular cave systems in the world, including Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world. The park is named after the two limestone mountain ranges that dominate the landscape: Phong Nha and Ke Bang.

The park is known for its karst mountains, underground rivers, and cave systems, which are some of the largest and most spectacular in the world. The area contains over 300 caves and grottoes, including the world’s largest cave, Son Doong.

The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 2,000 plant species and 980 animal species, many of which are endemic. The park is also an important bird area, with over 330 bird species recorded.

During the Vietnam War, the caves and tunnels in the park were used by the Viet Cong as hiding places and as a base for operations against American troops.

Now visitors come to explore the caves and enjoy the stunning landscape. Some of the popular caves include Phong Nha, Paradise, and Hang En. There are also opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities in the park.

Ba Be National Park

Ba Be National Park is a protected area located in the Bac Kan Province of northeastern Vietnam, with stunning scenery, including Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam and the centrepiece of the park. It is named after Ba Be Lake which is 8 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide, and is surrounded by lush forests and karst peaks.

Ba Be National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 1,300 plant species and 550 animal species, many of which are endemic. The park is home to several rare and endangered species, including the white-rumped langur and the Chinese pangolin. The park is also an important bird area, with over 330 bird species recorded.

The area has a rich history and is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Tay, Hmong, and Dao people. These groups have lived in the area for centuries and have developed unique cultural traditions and practices.

Now visitors come to enjoy the natural beauty of the park and participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, and fishing. There are several hiking trails in the park, including a 10-kilometer trail to the Dau Dang Waterfall. Visitors can also take boat tours of Ba Be Lake and visit nearby villages to learn about the local culture, participate in traditional activities, such as rice planting and weaving.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is known for its scenic landscapes, including terraced rice fields, waterfalls, and traditional stilt houses, ethnic minority communities, and unique cultural heritage.

It covers proximately 17,662 hectares and is characterized by its rugged limestone mountains, deep valleys, and dense forests. The area is also home to several rivers and waterfalls, including the Cham River and the Hieu Waterfall.

Pu Luong is home to several ethnic minority communities, including the Muong and Thai peoples, who have lived in the area for generations. The area is known for its unique cultural heritage, including traditional stilt houses, handicrafts, and festivals. Visitors can enjoy activities such as trekking, cycling, and kayaking through the surrounding countryside and learn about the local culture and way of life by visiting the local villages and participating in traditional activities, such as rice planting and weaving.

The area is also home to several traditional villages, including Ban Hieu and Ban Don, which offer a glimpse into the local culture and way of life. Visitors can stay in traditional stilt houses or eco-friendly homestays, where they can sample local cuisine and participate in traditional activities.

Pu Luong is located in Thanh Hoa province, approximately 170 kilometers southwest of Hanoi and is accessible by car or motorbike.

Top hotels in Pu Luong:

• Puluong Retreat: This 4-star accommodation offers stylish villas with private pools and amazing views.

• Pu Luong Eco-Garden Resort: The modern bungalows offer additional privacy and luxury, with stylish furnishings and spacious living areas.

• PuLuong Casa Resort: The rooms and suites are elegantly decorated with traditional Vietnamese furnishings, and feature modern amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and private balconies with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rice paddies.

Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon is a hidden gem, with beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and historic sites, including the Cham Towers. It has a coastline stretching for over 40 kilometers. The city is located at the foothills of the An Lao Range, with several rivers flowing through the city, including the Con River and the Ha Thanh River.

Quy Nhon has a rich history dating back to the Cham people, who established a trading port in the area in the 11th century. During the Vietnam War, the city served as an important military base for the US Army. Today, Quy Nhon is known for its traditional festivals and cultural events, including the annual Binh Dinh Martial Arts Festival and the Cham Cultural Festival.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, and fishing at the many beaches, including Bai Xep, Ky Co Beach, and Quy Hoa Beach. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Thap Doi Cham Towers and the Long Khanh Pagoda. The city also has several local markets and restaurants, where visitors can sample the local cuisine, including fresh seafood dishes.

Quy Nhon is well connected to other parts of Vietnam by road, rail, and air ( a domestic airport, Phu Cat Airport).

Top hotels and resorts in Quy Nhon:

• Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: This luxury resort offers spacious villas with private pools and stunning ocean views.

• Avani Quy Nhon Resort: Located on a private beach, this resort offers comfortable rooms and suites with ocean views.

• FLC Luxury Resort Quy Nhon: This beachfront resort offers a range of accommodation options, from comfortable rooms to private villas with pools and a range of activities such as golf and water sports.

Con Dao Islands

Con Dao Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and marine life, including sea turtles and colorful coral reefs, also known as the Con Dao Archipelago, is a group of 16 islands located off the southern coast of Vietnam, covering an area of 76 square kilometers. The largest island is Con Son, which is also the only island with permanent residents. The islands are part of the Con Dao National Park, which covers an area of 20,000 hectares and includes both land and sea.

The Con Dao Islands are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 1,300 plant species and 160 animal species, many of which are endemic. The islands are known for their rich marine biodiversity, with over 1,000 species of fish and several species of sea turtles. The islands are also an important bird area, with over 130 bird species recorded.

The Islands have a rich history, back to the 11th century when they were first settled by the Khmer people. During the French colonial period, the islands were used as a prison for political prisoners, and later during the Vietnam War, they were used as a prison for prisoners of war.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkelling, diving in crystal-clear waters, hiking in the lush forests, and exploring historical sites such as the Con Dao Prison.

Top hotels and resorts in Con Dao Island:

• Six Senses Con Dao: The luxury resort offers stylish villas with private pools, stunning ocean views.

• Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa: Located on a private beach, the resort offers a peaceful retreat with spacious rooms and suites, a spa, and an outdoor pool.

• The Secret Con Dao: This beachfront resort offers simple rooms to villas with private pools.

Phu Yen

Phu Yen is known for its diverse landscape, including mountains, rivers, and over 200 kilometers of coastline, pristine beaches, rugged mountains, stunning natural scenery and traditional fishing villages, as well as the stunning Ganh Da Dia rock formations.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, and fishing at the many beaches, including Bai Xep, Bai Tram, and Ganh Da Dia. It is also home to several historical sites, including the Nhan Tower and the Da Dia Rock Formation.

Phu Yen is bordered by the provinces of Khanh Hoa to the south, Binh Dinh to the north, is well connected to other parts of Vietnam by road, rail, and air. The province has a domestic airport, Tuy Hoa Airport.

Top hotels and resorts in Phu Yen

Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho: a luxurious and eco-friendly resort that offers a unique and unforgettable experience in one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and unspoiled destinations.

Stelia Beach Resort: The resort is set on a secluded stretch of Bai Xep beach, offering guests a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Sao Mai Beach Resort: The resort offers a range of comfortable rooms and suites, garden or ocean view rooms, each with their own private balcony or terrace.

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