From scenic motorbike drives to the diverse landscapes of the beautiful mountains and sand dunes, Vietnam will always have something for everybody. It is also for this reason why Vietnam is now slowly being taken over by mass tourism. Places like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Hoi An, and the Halong Bay are getting too crowded, that it may not appeal to anyone looking for an “off the beaten path” experience in Vietnam.
Thankfully, there are still many places in Vietnam that will allow you to experience the real beauty of the country, without the massive crowd of tourists.
Securing a Vietnam Visa
Getting visa on arrival at the airport of Vietnam
Before you get too excited to book your ticket and discover these off-the-beaten tracks in Vietnam, it’s important to secure your visa first. The last thing you want is to get turned away at the airport because you didn’t have the proper documentation or requirements for your visa. You may have visited Vietnam before, but the rules and regulations tend to change from time to time so it’s important to do your research.
To save yourself from all the hassles, I highly recommend applying for your visa ahead at eVisa-Vietnam.com. All you need is to fill out the form and make a payment. A visa approval letter will then be sent to you in your email, which you can then present at the airport upon arrival. Click this link to find out more information about the visa and how it works.
Vietnam Off the Beaten Tracks
So are you ready to fly to Vietnam and discover the country’s off-the-beaten track destinations? Check these out:
- Bai Tu Long – if you want to get away from the usual tourist trail in Vietnam, head over to Bai Tu Long. This bay is as beautiful as the Halong Bay, but without the crowd. It has similar geographical features as the Halong Bay where you’ll see impressive limestone formations and isles in different shapes and sizes.
Bai Tu Long Bay In Ha Long
- Son Tra Peninsula – this place is often overlooked in favor of Da Nang, but what makes this destination different is that it is protected by a conservation order, which means that large resorts are prohibited from taking over the place. This also means that you’ll rarely find hordes of tourists in the area.
Son Tra Peninsula in Danang city
- Phu Quoc Island – if you want to frolic at the beautiful beaches of Vietnam but hate the crowd, then check out the island of Phu Quoc. Just like the coastal town of Nha Trang, Phu Quoc is dotted with long stretches of fine white sands with crystal clear waters. It’s a perfect place to soak under the sun without the busy tourist crowd.
Bai Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
- Tram Ton Pass – considered as the highest mountain pass in the country, most travelers do not know about the Tram Ton Pass so you can expect few crowds here. Also called the “Heaven’s Gate”, this stunning mountain pass is located in the hilly town of Sapa, at the northwestern part of Vietnam. The pass is a truly incredible place to explore, which offers a spectacular view of the rice fields. Tram Ton Pass is about 15km from Sapa.
Tram Ton Pass is about 15km from Sapa
- Cham Island – this island is located at the coast of Hoi an, a charming old town of Vietnam. If you want to escape the crowd of tourists in Hoi An, you can ride a boat towards the Cham Island. After an hour of the boat ride, you’ll reach the small quaint island that’s known for its abundance of marine life and beautiful coral reefs. If you’re into scuba diving and snorkeling, then this island is a perfect destination.
Cham Island, Hoi An
- An Binh Island – another place to experience Vietnam’s island life without the crowd is at the An Binh Island. Located in the southern part of the Mekong Delta, this charming island is surrounded by palm trees with traditional thatched houses in the backdrop. You’ll love the relaxing and laid back vibe of the island, a great place to escape the hustle bustle of the city life in Ho Chi Minh.
A Boat in An Binh Island, Vinh Long Province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Exploring Vietnam Without the Crowd
Back view of lonely person with backpack walking in desert of Mui Ne,Phan Thiet
If you wanted to see some of Vietnam’s most famous attractions but you don’t want to share it with the massive crowds of tourists, consider visiting the country during the low season, which is usually between the months of April and June, as well as September and November. If possible, avoid visiting during the months of July and August, because the country tends to get crowded during this time.
Traveling during the low season also means you can take advantage of the cheap accommodations and tours. However, you should know that during the low season, the weather in Vietnam is not at its best. From April to June, the weather in the country is usually the hottest, while the country is soaked with rain and storms during September and October. Nevertheless, the places mentioned above are not too busy regardless of the season. So if you want to skip the busy crowds, make sure you include these places in your Vietnam itinerary.
