Thanks to its beaches, historical sites, mountain hikes and irresistible food, Vietnam attracts travelers from all over the world.
However, as you navigate the hordes at this Southeast Asian stalwart’s most popular destinations, you’ll realize the secret is out. That’s why you might appreciate three Vietnam-based, connected travel writers’ recommendations for experiencing the country’s wonders—without the crowds.
Just promise us you won’t share these picks too much.
In search of waterfalls and coffee in the Central Highlands: Buon Ma Thuot
Christine Van is a seasoned lifestyle magazine editor and Vietnamese American who, for the past two decades, has made Vietnam her home.
If you love coffee, this is your paradise. Buon Ma Thuot, hidden in the central highlands of Vietnam, is famous for its coffee culture. Here you can enjoy guided tours of lush coffee plantations and enjoy the aroma of freshly roasted beans. You can even learn how to make your own cup of coffee Vietnamese style. As the largest coffee-producing region in the country, Buon Ma Thuot is tremendously proud of its main export and even hosts an annual coffee festival in mid-March.
However, the wonders of Buon Ma Thuot extend far beyond its coffee culture. Mystical waterfalls like Dray Nur and Dray Sap evoke fairy tales. While swimming is not permitted, the lush vegetation and the sound of cascading water create a stunning landscape to experience from land.
After visiting the waterfalls, I usually return to my uncle’s house nearby. Those without local family could do worse than the Dakruco Hotel, which has comfortable rooms plus an outdoor pool and spa where you can relax after a day of exploring.
To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, a visit to Lak Lake is a must. This serene oasis is surrounded by charming villages and inhabited by the welcoming M’Nong ethnic group, who reside in vibrant rattan and wooden stilt settlements at the water’s edge. Many companies offer canoe tours on the lake, allowing you to interact with the M’Nong people and participate in their cultural traditions, including folk songs and drumming.
End your day with a fabulous meal at Quan Nem Nuong Thanh Loan, where you can enjoy nem nuong dak lakone of the characteristic foods of Buon Ma Thuot. This dish features seasoned ground pork mixed with a blend of herbs and spices, all wrapped in fresh rice paper. The buns are then grilled over hot coals, resulting in a savory, slightly smoky flavor.
Vacation in “the kingdom of fish sauce”: Chau Doc
Phan Cac Truc grew up in Vietnam and now dedicates his time to visual arts, writing and storytelling.
Near the Cambodian border, Chau Doc is a town in the Mekong Delta that is home to Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities; The diversity of its residents is evident in its architecture and cuisine. In addition to Mekong Delta cruises, visitors can visit sacred sites such as Hang Pagoda or Ba Chuc Tomb, or immerse themselves in nature and wildlife at Tra Su Bird Sanctuary.
But my main reason to visit is the Chau Doc floating market, which promises unique culinary adventures thanks to the incredible variety of fish caught in the river. Don’t get lost mother (fermented seafood) and the famous and diverse range of fish sauces, made with different types of fish such as snakehead, catfish and anchovy. mom bunA local soup, it is sometimes known as “Vietnamese gumbo” and is a dish I encourage tourists to try. Or the star dish of the region, lau mom (hot pot with fish sauce), which offers a delicious combination of shrimp, fish, meat and more than 20 different types of vegetables and herbs. During the New Year season, the market bustles with activity as people prepare for the festivities, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Another must-see destination in the region is the Tra Su Cajuput floating forest, a conservation area and one of the most beautiful sites in Vietnam. The best time to visit this unique ecosystem is during and immediately after the monsoon season, which runs from June to November. This is when the floating forest awakens and transforms into brilliant shades of green. I also recommend the 4 km (2.5 mile) hike to Sam Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the vast expanse of rice fields that stretch towards the border. Before your walk, buy some hot cakes made with palmyra sugar, a local specialty, which you can easily buy at homes or at village stalls.
A hidden treasure of natural wonders in South Central Vietnam: Lang Co
Lifestyle, food and drink writer Giang Pham is based in Ho Chi Minh City.
Far from the bustling tourist spots of Vietnam, Lang Co is a hidden gem that prides itself on its rich traditions, warm hospitality and diverse landscapes. Located between the imperial city of Hue and Danang in central Vietnam, it’s where I go to find pristine fishing villages, national parks, white sand beaches and turquoise bays.
When I visit, I stay at Laguna Lang Co, a 692-acre (280-hectare) resort overlooking the ocean and surrounded by lush forests and mountains. The resort staff organizes all kinds of local excursions, including the fishing village of Canh Duong. Here, locals continue to observe traditional and sustainable fishing rituals, such as drying fish in the sun in natural salt to enhance its flavor and preservation. The hotel actively works with local fishermen in the area and you can embark on a boat tour with one of them to learn more about how fishing sustains this town.
Another must-see is Bach Ma National Park, an absolute treasure trove of natural wonders with stunning views, towering waterfalls measuring almost 300 m (984 ft) high and an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. With a maximum elevation reaching 1,450 m (4,750 ft), the park offers stunning views of Lang Co Bay. You’ll find a number of guided trails to explore; most are moderate and some will even take you to the crumbling remains of French colonial villas and hotels.
For those looking for outstanding local cuisine and fresh seafood, including oysters that smell like the seashore, I recommend Lang Chai Lang Co Seafood Restaurant. Located near the picturesque Lap An Lagoon, this restaurant has stunning views of the bay.
The ideal time to visit the Lang Co region is from March to July, when sunny weather with minimal rainfall predominates. Warning: there may be a lot of humidity. From August to December comes the rainy season, bringing lush, green landscapes.
