6 easy ways to get off the beaten track in a Vietnam private tour

It is not an overstatement to say that Vietnam is a land of stunning beauty. Vietnam is one of the most favourite destinations in Asia with a unique blend of cultural heritages and natural landscapes that can make any tours to Vietnam so mesmerizing and addictive. Tourism in Vietnam is growing at a very fast pace with more than 10 million foreign visitors per year. If you are thinking of having a Vietnam customized tour, then hurry up because the numbers of foreign visitors are growing each year. However, don’t let the crowd put you off. In the article today, we would like to show you the easy ways to just get off the beaten track during your customized holidays in Vietnam.

Ha Giang, Vietnam

1. Explore the most mountainous north in Ha Giang

Ha Giang is a province that is often described as the final frontier or the northernmost area of Vietnam. The north part of Ha Giang forms a natural border with China which gives breathtaking scenery with dramatic and incredible mountain peaks of Dong Van Karst Plateau. The challenging Ma Pi Leng Pass attracts motorbike riders from all over the world with one of the most majestic landscapes in Vietnam. Moreover, the stunning rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi Valley are gaining more interest as one of the best trekking/hiking destinations in Vietnam. Since Ha Giang is further from Hanoi than the popular Sapa Town, it is not touched by the mass tourism yet. But things are changing quickly and you should get there soon if you want to have the off-the-beaten-path experience during your private holidays in Vietnam.

Ha Giang, Vietnam

2. Visit Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Established by Vietnamese government as a national nature reserve in 1999, the 17-hectare Pu Luong reserve has become a perfect getaway from Hanoi for travellers in the last few years. Getting to Pu Luong, tourists can have a chance to meet the ethnic Thai communities who have been living inside the reserve for many years and explore their unique culture and lifestyle. Just about 4-hour drive from Hanoi, you will awarded the magnificent natural scenery with verdant rice terraces dotted with incredible bamboo waterwheels and thatched-roof villages. Hiking through the tranquil valleys in Pu Luong Nature Reserve is definitely an amazing experience to look for in a Vietnam customized tour.

3. Cruise through the impressive Lan Ha Bay

Alternative to Halong Bay, which is the most famous tourist attraction or the icon of Vietnam tourism but has been so crowded and touristy in the last few years, Lan Ha Bay can be a great choice. Located in the southern section of Halong Bay and sharing the similar geographically features, you will find it less crowded than Halong Bay and easier to admire the stunning beauty of the bay because of the smaller numbers of tourists cruising around. Obviously, cruising through the magical waters of World Heritage Halong Bay is a must-do activity in Vietnam, but making a wise choice of the area to visit will enhance the overall experience of your trip to Vietnam.

Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam

4. Go adventure in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

Located in Quang Binh Province in the central Vietnam, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is a new destination for travellers seeking for adventurous experiences during their Vietnam private tours. Though the national park was recognized as UNESCO Heritage for its impressive grotto and cave system, Phong Nha is still a pristine place which is not yet affected by mass tourism. Phong Nha offers tourists countless off-the-beaten-path activities such as exploring caves and grottoes, forest trekking, mountain climbing. Even if you are just looking for a place to have a getaway from busy tourist attractions and see the authentic Vietnam, Phong Nha – Ke Bang is absolutely worth visiting.

Phong Nha Ke Bang

5. Chill out at Quy Nhon Beach

Vietnamese beaches are becoming more popular and lots of travellers are looking for wonderful relaxing beach time in Vietnam. It can be quite difficult these days finding a quiet beach destination. Quy Nhon, the capital city of Binh Dinh Province, located in central Vietnam, perfectly between two famous and busy beach places: Nha Trang and Hoi An. The town of Quy Nhon is relative new on the tourist map, therefore it is not very commercialized yet. The beach is pristine and the people are so nice and friendly. In Quy Nhon, fishing is the major industry so you can always have a chance to enjoy the exceptional seafood. Today, Quy Nhon is quite accessible by plane, train or road. You can easily stop and visit Quy Nhon on Vietnam family tours to have a wonderful beach break with your beloved ones.

Quy Nhon, Vietnam

6. Seek out the hidden corners in major cities

Can travellers just get off the beaten track in major cities in Vietnam? The answer is an absolutely yes. If you just can manage to have a short holiday in Vietnam and only visit big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there are ways and places to avoid the crowd and escape chaos of the main tourist attractions. Vietnamese people love exercising outside in the early morning, let’s start your day at dawn at place like Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, you will have chance to join and interact with local people. That is another aspect of local life that not many tourists can see.

Coffee culture is popular in Vietnam because this country is the second largest coffee exporter in the world. There are countless coffee shops in every cities and trying a cup of Vietnamese café is a must for any Vietnam private tours. But it is still possible to find quiet, off-the-tourist-radar coffee shops at hidden corners of both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy the coffee as well as the beautiful atmosphere. Finding those special coffee shops can also be a funny challenge for your visit.

Early morning in Hanoi