Vietnam is full of stunning cities and destinations that are worth visiting. However, apart from the major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, there are many hidden gems in Vietnam that people miss out on visiting.
In this article, let’s explore some of the most underrated destinations and cities in Vietnam that deserve more recognition. Read on to learn more!
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If you ever travel to Vietnam, then you need to visit the Con Dao islands. These islands used to be a prison for political prisoners during French colonial rule.
They are 16 different islands that are known for their breathtaking scenic beauty and they are full of untouched beaches and forested hills.
There are a lot of fun activities to do there, such as hiking to the lighthouse, exploring marine life, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking through the forested hills, and more!
You can also visit the prison and museum there to learn about the history of the islands and how the prisoners used to live their lives there.
The largest and most popular island there is Con Son. One of the best beaches to visit in Con Dao Islands is An Hai Beach with its turquoise waters and stunning forested hills in the background.
Ever thought you could go shopping at floating markets? You can do so in Can Tho in Vietnam!
Can Tho is the 4th largest city in Vietnam and it’s known for its floating markets, canal network, and Buddhist pagodas. You can take a guided boat tour to enjoy the floating market experience at Mekong Delta. You can either stop at the local shops on both sides of the canal or shop from the locals selling their goods on boats.
You can even buy delicious Vietnamese food from the locals that are selling on their own little boats and eat while enjoying your boat ride.
The people there live a very simple life and work for very little money, yet they’re happy and always cheerful. It’s definitely a city worth exploring!
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For those who are interested in history, Hue is a must-visit! It’s a hidden gem that was once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, and it holds a lot of historical significance.
In fact, the city witnessed the Buddhist Crisis and the Battle of Hue. All of these historical events left a stamp on its architecture and shaped the city's culture. Some buildings were reconstructed yet others still have the scars of war untouched.
You can visit the tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and Emperor Minh Mang, the Tu Hieu Pagoda, monuments from the 19th century, and much more. You can also take a cruise down the Perfume River that flows through the heart of Hue.
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If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, then Ba Be National Park is worth visiting. The park is full of forested mountains, lakes, jungles, and more. It’s the dream of every nature lover.
Moreover, if you love hiking, the park offers guided hiking tours that are super fun and you can find many caves along the way!
The main attraction there is the Ba Be Lake. There you can take a boat and enjoy your ride on the freshwater lake while being surrounded by magnificent nature from every direction. You also shouldn’t leave the park without visiting the waterfalls.
One of the best places you can visit in Vietnam is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. There, you can take a boat to the Phong Nha cave, which is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. One of the fascinating facts about this cave is that it has a 14,000 meters long underground river.
In fact, the park has 300 caves to explore, and that’s why it’s called “the Kingdom of Caves.” One of the caves in the park is Hang Son Doong, and it’s actually the largest cave in the world.
The interior of the caves is truly a work of art and it will fascinate you how beautiful nature can be even underground.
Doc Let is a beautiful beach that is an hour away from the massively popular resort Nha Trang. The beach is massive with a 10-mile-long coastline. There are many hotels nearby and it’s definitely a lot cleaner and quieter than Nha Trang.
If you are a fan of seafood, the local fishermen will sell you their freshest catch, and they can even cook it for you on the sand if you want.
Even if you are staying at Nha Trang, it’s definitely worth the short trip to enjoy this gorgeous beach.
Vietnam is a land of magical nature, rich history, and friendly people.
Although all of the popular tourist areas are definitely worth visiting, there are other hidden gems that need more appreciation like all the destinations I’ve mentioned in this article.
If you require more travel-related information regarding Vietnam, check out the HalalTrip blog!
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