Cao Bang

The beautiful part of Vietnam is reminiscent of paradise: lush hills, flourishing valleys and gushing waterfalls. The Bang Giang River snakes its way through the environment and into the cool city of Cao Bang. The area is home to many ethnic hill tribes, which is also evident in the city itself; the markets here are full of goods made by the rural communities – women arrive from small villages to sell their fresh produce alongside the river. Cao Bang city offers visitors the chance to experience the lives of the people of Vietnam and is a fantastic gateway into the arcadian countryside.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Mountains, caves and rivers combine to make the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park one of the most scenic spots in all of Vietnam. The cave systems in the park are truly enormous, and you can explore many of them on a large boat. The Phong Nha and Tien Son Caves are close to one another, and they are usually available to tour on a single afternoon. The world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong, is an incredible experience, but it is only open to a handful of people each day. If you would rather see the national park on foot, you can hike along the Nuoc Mooc Spring Eco Trail. Along the way, you’ll cross over bamboo bridges and walk alongside winding rivers.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is an entire province in Northern Vietnam, but it is also the name for the capital city of that province. The city of Ninh Binh makes for a great homebase so that you can explore the surrounding countryside throughout the province. This is where you’ll find Tam Coc, also known as Halong Bay on land with its magnificent limestone scenery. You can enjoy a boat ride in Tam Coc and admire spectacular views as the river winds through sheer cliffs. Nearby Trang An Grottoes is another amazing experience, and this time your boat will take you through remarkable caverns.

Da Nang

The large city of Da Nang is located on the coast of Central Vietnam, and it is an underrated destination that many travelers skip over. Da Nang is home to a number of historic and religious landmarks, including the iconic Lady Buddha statue. Just outside of the city of Da Nang, you can hike through the gorgeous Marble Mountains and admire statues carved into the Am Phu Cave. For epic views, make your way to the Ba Na Hill Station via the cable car and enjoy the scenery along with great local restaurants. Of course, no trip to Da Nang would be complete without visiting the beach. Non Nuoc Beach boasts a long white sand coast that visitors and residents alike will appreciate.

Tay Ninh

The city of Tay Ninh is found in the south of the country, and it is a destination that provides a fascinating insight in Vietnamese culture. Start with a trip to the Cao Dai Temple, which represents the relatively little-known religion of Caodaism. Caodaism began in Tay Ninh, and the temple is a sort of mecca for followers of the religion. The inner hall of the temple is a kaleidoscope of color, with even the priests dressed in yellow, red and blue garments. If you’re up early in the morning, make your way to the Long Hoa Market. Opening each day at dawn, this market bustles until sunset but is packed with locals in the early morning. Tay Ninh is surrounded by the Nui Ba, Heo and Ba Den Mountains, which means that there are excellent hiking trails for those in search of some outdoor recreation and stunning views.

Most Underrated Destinations in Vietnam

Doc Let
Nha Trang is by far the most popular coastal resort in Vietnam. Head less than an hour along the coast, however, and you’ll get to Doc Let. Many visitors prefer Doc Let because the beach here is a whopping 10 miles long, and it is quieter and cleaner than Nha Trang. Doc Let is within walking distance of several hotels, and there are also local fisherman who will sell you their catch and even cook it for you right on the sand. If you happen to be staying in Nha Trang, it is well worth a day trip to get to Doc Let and experience the slower, scenic way of life in the area.