When crafting an itinerary for Vietnam, visitors tend to request for
popular destinations like Halong Bay and Hoi An. However for those
seeking a more unique experience, there are plenty of tailored
attractions and off-the-beaten-path activities to discover.
These include opportunities to pick medicinal herbs, visit
family-friendly amusement parks, and immerse oneself in Vietnamese
culture by spending a day with a local family. These unconventional
ideas are perfect to recommend to travellers seeking an extraordinary
adventure.
The North
Hanoi-based Mr. Linh’s Adventures provides the
ultimate thrill-seekers experience, with trekking and caving expeditions
through the fascinating Tham Phay Cave. Brave adventurers can wade
through three to five kilometres of the cave’s largely uncharted
passageways, following expert guides as they explore this underground
wonderland where two streams meet.
While most guests at Best Western Premier Sapphire Halong
opt to sail around the stunning Halong Bay, the hotel also recommends a
visit to the nearby Quang Ninh Museum. This modern museum boasts a
striking black facade and covers a diverse range of subjects, from
natural and cultural history to the region's coal mining past.
![Capella Hanoi takes inspiration from Hanoi's iconic Opera House, located just steps away. Capella Hanoi takes inspiration from Hanoi's iconic Opera House, located just steps away.](https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/TW-Asia/ik-seo/uploadedImages/Industry/Destinations(1)/vietnam_2-_capella_hanoi-2306/Capella-Hanoi-takes-inspiration-from-Hanoi%27s-iconi.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto)
Capella Hanoi takes inspiration from Hanoi's iconic Opera House, located just steps away.
Families and thrill-seekers can also head to the nearby Sun World Halong Complex, which features roller coasters, a water park, and a breathtaking 2-kilometre cable car ride.
Capella Hanoi, a luxurious new hotel which recently
celebrated its first anniversary, offers guests a unique experience to
immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture. They can participate in a
leather workshop by the local luxury brand Quyn, and learn from Thach, a
resident barista and coffee expert, about the subtle differences
between the three types of coffee beans grown in the country. Hotel
general manager Dennis Laubenstein proudly notes that the staff is
passionate about sharing their expertise and skills with guests.
Central Vietnam
The imperial city of Hue is a staple on many travellers' itineraries,
but for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience, Slow Travel Hue offers a range of unique and engaging activities that provide visitors with an in-depth insight into Vietnamese life.
![Slow Travel Hue’s Nature for Wellness Tour Slow Travel Hue’s Nature for Wellness Tour](https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/TW-Asia/ik-seo/uploadedImages/Industry/Destinations(1)/vietnam_3_-_slow_travel_hue-2306/Slow-Travel-Hue’s-Nature-for-Wellness-Tour.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto)
Slow Travel Hue’s Nature for Wellness Tour
Among Slow Travel Hue’s offerings is the Nature for Wellness Tour, a
full-day excursion that involves learning about medicinal plants from
local farmers and creating products like natural soaps to take home. The
experience concludes with a wholesome lunch that guests help prepare,
followed by a refreshing dip and rafting on the Perfume River, which
runs downstream through the city's historic center.
For those looking to experience local culture, Slow Travel Hue also
offers dinner in the country home of a local family and other exciting
excursions. According to Slow Travel Hue co-founder Do Phuong, the
response to their tours has been overwhelmingly positive.
Hoi An's UNESCO World Heritage site is already a hotspot for
tourists, with visitors strolling through the historic streets and
taking obligatory selfies. However, the new Hoiana multi-hotel complex, managed by Rosewood, is a destination in itself, offering a casino, golf course, and much more.
![La Distillerie d'Indochine is an award-winning rum distillery located in Hoi An that producse rhum agricole-style white rums aged in Cognac barrels. La Distillerie d'Indochine is an award-winning rum distillery located in Hoi An that producse rhum agricole-style white rums aged in Cognac barrels.](https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/TW-Asia/ik-seo/uploadedImages/Industry/Destinations(1)/vietnam_4_La_Distillerie_d_Indochine-2306/La-Distillerie-d%27Indochine-is-an-award-winning-rum.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto)
La Distillerie d'Indochine is an award-winning rum distillery located in Hoi An that producse rhum agricole-style white rums aged in Cognac barrels.
Hotel manager Jimmy Lopez recommends La Distillerie d'Indochine, an
old-school distillery that produces award-winning rums aged in Cognac
barrels from France. "They've worked hard to create a quality product,"
he says. The rhum agricole-style white rums are available for tasting,
and the hotel can also pack a picnic and arrange for transportation.
Hoi An is also a foodie's paradise, with a thriving contemporary culinary scene that is a must-try for travellers. "Tok
offers a farm-to-table experience in a contemporary setting," shares
chef and co-owner Phan Nhu Long. "Nestled in the beautiful rice paddies
of Hoi An, we are fortunate to have access to fresh local ingredients."
Meanwhile, Mua, a nearby restaurant, also celebrates
the region's culinary heritage with creative plant-based options
crafted by the talented and rising star Chef Tru Lang.
![Tok is nestled among Hoi An’s rice paddy fields. Tok is nestled among Hoi An’s rice paddy fields.](https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/TW-Asia/ik-seo/uploadedImages/Industry/Destinations(1)/vietnam_5_-_Tok-2306/Tok-is-nestled-among-Hoi-An’s-rice-paddy-fields..jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto)
Tok is nestled among Hoi An’s rice paddy fields.
The South
Nha Trang, a popular coastal town, is often underrated by overseas
visitors who may not be aware of its hidden gems. To make the most of
this picturesque destination, the friendly staff at Ariyana Smart Condotel
can arrange cyclo tours around town, as well as visits to the
breathtaking Hon Chong panoramic viewpoint. Here, visitors can immerse
themselves in a traditional music performance at the on-site house,
adding an authentic cultural experience to their itinerary.
With its origins dating back to the 8th century CE, the Ponagar Tower
stands as an exceptionally well-preserved relic of the Champa Kingdom
in Vietnam. This historical landmark continues to serve as an active
place of worship, with its grounds boasting an enchanting blend of both
Hindu and Buddhist elements. A visit to this sacred site is truly an
experience not to be missed.
Exploring the street food scene in Nha Trang is an essential part of
any visit to this coastal town. Among its culinary delights is the
famous bun cha ca (fried fish cake noodle
soup) which envelops the tastebuds with a distinctive tangy flavour
that's enhanced with squid cakes, dill, and a garnish of sliced
pineapple. Be sure not to miss out on this unique dish, which is a
delicious variation of the popular soup found throughout the country.
![The all-villa Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc is located along the picturesque Bai Truong Beach. The all-villa Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc is located along the picturesque Bai Truong Beach.](https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/TW-Asia/ik-seo/uploadedImages/Industry/Destinations(1)/Vietnam_6_-_best_western_premier_sonasea_villas_phu_quoc-2306/The-all-villa-Best-Western-Premier-Sonasea-Villas-.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto)
The all-villa Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc is located along the picturesque Bai Truong Beach.
In bustling Ho Chi Minh City, affectionately known as Saigon, socially conscious DMC Innoviet
offers a range of fantastic walking tours. Their Chinatown tour through
Cho Lon covers history, culture, a visit to a coffee roaster, and even
samples of local delicacies. Founder Na Nguyen Hai emphasises the
importance of partnering with locals who have unique stories to share
and helping them share their experiences with guests.
Innoviet's Mekong Delta excursions offer a rare opportunity to
witness the authentic local life in the region. These tours, available
as day trips or overnight homestays, include bike tours, boat trips,
market tours, and cooking experiences with locals. From learning about
local trades and crafts to exploring pagodas and other places of
worship, guests are accompanied by locals who are supported by these
tours.
While Phu Quoc is widely known for its stunning beaches, there are other delightful experiences to be found. At the Best Western Premier Sonasea and Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, guests can discover the island's culinary gems.
![Travellers seeking live music and contemporary mixology can pay a visit to Bittersweet and Co., one of the island's premier cocktail bars. Travellers seeking live music and contemporary mixology can pay a visit to Bittersweet and Co., one of the island's premier cocktail bars.](https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/TW-Asia/ik-seo/uploadedImages/Industry/Destinations(1)/vietnam_7_-_Bittersweet_and_Co-2306/Travellers-seeking-live-music-and-contemporary-mix.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto)
Travellers seeking live music and contemporary mixology can pay a visit to Bittersweet and Co., one of the island's premier cocktail bars.
For instance, they can visit the Ngoc Ha Pepper Farm to hand-pick their own peppers, or explore the Phu Quoc Bee Farm
to learn about bees and sample their honey. Visitors can also tour the
sim (rose myrtle) wine factory, which produces the island's unique fruit
wine. To enjoy some live music and modern mixology, they can visit one
of the top cocktail bars on the island, Bittersweet and Co.