Tucked away in the far east of the Asian mainland, Vietnam is a culture, a kingdom, and a history. It harbors a blend of manmade and natural beauty and is even enveloped in the amazing colors in the form of unique wildlife and people. Vietnam stirs your senses, jolts you awake, and fills you with vibrancy. A visit to Vietnam with your lover or family, whether it is for business or pleasure, is incomplete without knowing about these destinations which express the country’s real essence. These hidden gems will truly surprise you with their customs and their traditions. They each have their own particular story to tell. As much as guidebooks help the tourist in you connect with places, shops, and people to grab a bite or a drink, it is local influence that can sometimes guide you better to discovering a dream-like place that you will never want to come back from. The word evolving can be intimidating. If, maybe standing next to a person who’s been a local in a tourist spot for the last 40 years, listen to their story about their place, the secret recipe that they use in a dish only to evolve later with international practices and adapt. These are the ‘natural’ processes of assimilating information and then releasing. These are stories never to be found.
Vietnam: A Land of Diversity
Vietnam is a place of diversity and home to a complex patchwork culture of different traditions and customs. Witness some of the most fantastic views, from lush green mountain ranges to spectacular coasts and unbelievable limestone archipelagos glowing in the sea. In between, discover some of the most stunning bays, beaches, and islands of the world, or visit the unique floating markets and authentic hill-tribe villages in the remote regions of the North. Taste the delicious and diverse mix of flavors while learning about the Vietnamese lifestyle and rich history by visiting the many monuments, temples, or vibrant cities of this long and narrow country. Vietnam’s topography is extremely varied, with a lush mountainous north, a central highland, and a southern Mekong Delta. The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, ranging from thousands of towering limestone cliffs bursting out of rice paddies in Halong Bay to the tropical islands thriving with coral reefs in the clear blue waters of Nha Trang, allowing for endless beach activities.
The climate varies greatly from region to region. In general, the North has a tropical monsoon climate, the central region is wet and tropical, while the South has a tropical climate plus a heavily humid monsoon season in contrast to its warmer dry weather. It is unique and notable how the Vietnamese in each region adapt to the climate conditions to develop their agriculture and local culture and customs, creating a diverse and colorful mosaic of traditions. The cultural identity is characterized by many elements existing together, such as painting, carving, bronze-casting, and farming ceramics, along with an extensive collection of folk music and numerous dances representing different ethnic groups. The lifestyles and habits vary by region due in part to traditions and ancestor worship practices. Visit the colorful festivals and pagodas, vibrant local markets, or marvel at some of the most unique art forms in the region, such as bronze-casting, painting, or embroidery.
Culture and Traditions
Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with their own customs, traditions, and festivals that are characteristic of their own group. These people are spread throughout the country in various places, and it’s from these ethnic groups that Vietnamese culture and traditions are derived. Each group has its own handicrafts, architecture, traditional clothing, and their own way of making a living. In their daily lives, they also practice their rituals and ceremonies. Weddings, holidays, festivals, traditional music, and dance… all customs are inherited from generation to generation. Some of the best ways to really understand the Vietnamese people is through their culture. These traditions are what connect them to their past, their ancestors, and their future. In Vietnam, we have a strong sense of community and family. Vietnamese people are wonderfully friendly and very family-oriented. This being said, the entire community and village ways are very much like an extended family unit, and so everyone cares and looks out for the others nearby. A lot of what people still practice today comes from Confucianism and Buddhism. One of the other things that Vietnamese people treasure is the respect that is still there. Young people respect old people, and everybody respects their families. This is one of the things that is very visible and something that people often comment on when coming to Vietnam. We are very proud to show people our temples and ancient architecture, as inside our ancient history, they can find our deep connection to cherished customs and beliefs. As the name of our country means ‘Viet – people and Nam – south,’ this is just what Vietnam is about – its traditions, its culture, its history. Our traditions are what Vietnamese people take pride in. Surrounding these traditions is an incredibly rich history of Vietnam with many rulers and invasions, so there is so much to see. It’s dotted around every corner you turn, and we are here to show this part of Vietnam to the world.
Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
Vietnam may be known for its bustling streets and wild lakes, lavish temples, and picturesque paddy fields, home to energetic local communities and numerous culinary delights. The hidden gems of Vietnam’s off-the-beaten-path destinations tell their own story, away from the things that attract tourists. There are some truly remarkable towns and regions during your trip to Vietnam, where time seems to have ceased and the neighborliness of the Vietnamese countryside really shines through.
The remote gem of northern Vietnam is Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Created in 2001, Phong Nha-Ke Bang stands out as one of Vietnam’s most recent national parks. Phong Nha has been receiving significant attention recently and for good reason. Although not exclusively off the beaten track, this stunning area is one of Vietnam’s few UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a must-visit for those interested in the country’s natural history and adventure tourism. The surrounding Quang Binh province is home to exceptional enclaves with a wealth of activities for adrenaline junkies and wildlife enthusiasts, and the farms and small towns that sprinkle the countryside provide a fabulous insight into the lives of northern Vietnam’s Muong, Chut, and Van Kieu ethnic communities.
On the northeastern fringe of Hanoi, a half-industrial, half-rural district, Tuy An offers a peek into a typically overlooked part of Vietnam. The tattered streets of Tuy An and Minh Tan are littered with tropical fruit orchards and precipitous plateaus. Hidden gems will amaze you with their secluded freshwater pools, rugged sweeping bays, and decaying ruins. A tsunami deposit, an ancient basilica, and recovering pirate enclaves. The community-owned beach of Ky Co is one of the most striking beaches in Vietnam, a glimmering cove of azure waves. The lodes of Quang Nam can be explored on one of the more off-the-beaten-path routes taken by only a few travelers each year on the way back up to Hoi An from Qui Nhon. Start your journey to Ky Co at the village of Vinh Hai.
Ha Giang Province
Located to the north of Cao Bang and the west of Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang is popular for its amazing landscapes, untouched culture, ethnic groups, the simple lifestyle of the locals, and beautiful photos that reach the soul of all the travelers who visit this off-the-beaten-track destination. At an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, the breathtaking scenery of Ha Giang is a mix of limestone mountains, rivers, and valleys. Its immense terraces of paddy fields stretch for miles and change color during the planting and harvesting seasons, which will blow your mind. Moreover, the people of Ha Giang contribute significantly to this beautiful land. Ha Giang is home to more than 20 different ethnic groups in Vietnam, each of which has created and maintained its own special cultures and identities, such as costumes, languages, and craftsmanship. Travelers who visit Ha Giang have a great chance to join homestay tours in small traditional stilt houses, enjoy local food with local families, or participate in local festivals, dancing with the community and feeling the true Vietnamese vibes. If the first treasures of Ha Giang tourism are only known to experienced travelers, the rocky plateau of Ha Giang—the junction of four extreme geographical points of Viet Bac and one of the most breathtaking sights in Vietnam—has recently received international attention. Additionally, Ha Giang has been recognized as one of the most attractive destinations in Asia and 5th in Vietnam. However, all honors are not as important as the fact that, in a land of myth, the villages in the less crowded districts of Ha Giang still maintain their wild beauty and historical identity.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers its visitors a fantastic opportunity to explore breathtaking nature and partake in geological excursions. It has been a destination that should not be overlooked. An enormous karst region with a complex and ancient geological background, this park has an abundance of undiscovered grottoes and caves. It is also known for containing multiple of the world’s largest caves.
Perhaps most famous for its large underground cave ecosystems, the park includes approximately 400 caves, of which only half were explored and mapped in 2020. Ecotourism and commercial tourism are the two main tourist activities in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Both activities that take place in the park extend to Son Trach Commune, Phong Nha Town, and other nearby areas where local populations inhabit. The park is home to a large number of flora and fauna, with high levels of endemism. The presence of so many distinct plants and animals supports the case that the park must be preserved and secured in order to continue the existence of these species. When visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, each visitor should be aware of the ecological significance of this site. While reaching for the adventurous part of your soul, families are welcome to visit the park too. In addition, well-designed responsible travel practices promote a great and thorough understanding of local culture and nature. Support has now been given by Quang Binh’s surrounding areas and regions in environmental practices and sustainable tourism, which will produce long-term economic assistance with ecological agencies and residents.
Culinary Delights of Vietnam
If Asian cuisine had to be described in just one word, there is a fair chance that most people would choose to say that it is balanced. The middle way is a philosophy supported by many of the surging countries the continent is home to, and the gap between indulgence and being cautious is found in most of the various cookbooks dedicated to oriental gastronomy. Vietnamese cuisine is the embodiment of this name. Composed of varied flavors, the culinary tradition of Vietnam tells a story of a rich and diverse history. Each bite in this Southeast Asian country tells of the influence of Chinese neighbors, the constraint of colonialism, and the abundance of thriving nature. When visiting Vietnam, places of interest should, of course, include the sights, the sounds, and the smells of the country’s kitchen. Living up to its name as Asian cuisine in the middle way, the taste of Vietnam has a little something from every part of Asia. Found in the far East Asian inclusive diet cuisine, the street food dining culture that binds this Asian-European hybrid experience is reflected in the healthy emphasis on farm-fresh ingredients, perpetuating a food culture that truly cares, and the unique Vietnamese fondness for community dining. From gifts of delicately braised pork with the freshest soy sauce and a hint of fish sauce and sesame oil to hugs of barbecued octopus with an assortment of entertaining textures, or a memory of fried onions and lemongrass, food in Vietnam is best seen as per dish. Bowls of pho or sticky banh mi are seldom isolated acts of indulgent consumption, but serve as mnemonic aids, documenting stories of communal lunch and once-in-a-lifetime ingredients that call for further epiphanies. Vietnam has four distinct seasons, and all four have their own iconic dishes. The winter fog is best comforted by enjoying a gooey pot of propellingly powerful beef stew, while the languid summer months are brightened by plates of spring rolls that burst into a refreshing and juicy symphony in one’s mouth. Fresh, crunchy greens marry juicy prawns and strands of sticky, softened vermicelli with precision, wrapped in parchment-thin rolls of rice wrap. Spring rolls are to be devoured with an accompanying slathering of peanut sauce, or dipped into the mandal-red sauce made of fish sauce, sugar, and the juice of the kumquat to take the dish to flavorful new heights. The Hoi An area of the country is known for its delectable preparation. A delightful mix of the indigenous noodle dishes coupled with an indulgent egg-vortex crepe reminiscent of the best excesses of Malaysian cuisine, the sampler platter of carefully composed small bites is a typically Hoi An adventure. The classic Cao Lau, a dry noodle dish featuring a celebration of four textures, with al dente noodles playing footsie with crackling rice pop food, deeply fried chewy dough sticks, and a generous elevation of crunched herbs, perfectly combines bitterness, sweetness, saltiness, and sourness.
Experiencing life in Vietnam as a tourist offers a unique opportunity to embrace the vibrant culture and diverse landscapes of this enchanting country. By remaining open to new experiences, travelers can fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of places like Ha Long Bay, with its stunning limestone formations, and the bustling streets of Hanoi, rich in culinary delights and historical significance. Engaging with locals, whether through street food tours or serene boat rides in the Mekong Delta, allows for deeper connections and a genuine understanding of Vietnamese life. Each interaction and adventure not only enriches the travel experience but also fosters a sense of appreciation for the resilience and warmth of the Vietnamese people, making every moment memorable and transformative.