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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.