Top 10 Hidden Gems in Vietnam You Must Visit in 2025
Discover Vietnam
beyond the tourist trail! Explore 10 hidden gems in Vietnam that European
travelers will love in 2025—remote beaches, quiet villages, and authentic
cultural experiences.
When most people think of Vietnam, they picture Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, or the bustling streets of Hanoi. But in 2025, many travelers are seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences that feel more authentic and less commercialized.
If you're planning a trip to Southeast Asia and want to discover the real Vietnam, here are 10 hidden gems that promise culture, nature, and local charm—without the crowds.
1. Pu Luong Nature
Reserve (Thanh Hoa)
Often overlooked
in favor of Sapa, Pu Luong is a peaceful haven of terraced rice fields,
jungle-covered hills, and traditional Thai ethnic villages.
Perfect for:
Hiking, eco-lodges, rural escapes
Tip: Visit in May or September for lush green landscapes.
2. Bac Son Valley
(Lang Son)
A photogenic gem
in northern Vietnam with karst mountains and glowing rice fields. Fewer
tourists, more breathtaking views.
Perfect for: Drone
photography, motorbike loops
Closest big city: Hanoi (about 4–5 hours)
3. Con Dao Islands
(Ba Ria – Vung Tau)
A tropical
paradise with crystal-clear waters, sea turtles, coral reefs, and French
colonial history. Far less commercial than Phu Quoc.
Perfect for:
Diving, beaches, eco-tourism
Tip: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City for a quick getaway.
4. Ha Giang Loop
(Northern Frontier)
Considered one of
Vietnam’s most epic motorbike adventures, Ha Giang offers sharp mountain
passes, ethnic minority culture, and jaw-dropping views.
Perfect for:
Adventure travelers, motorbiking, cultural immersion
Plan: 3–5 day loop starting in Ha Giang City
5. Tam Coc (Ninh
Binh Province)
While Ninh Binh is
rising in popularity, Tam Coc’s smaller villages and rice paddies still feel
untouched. Think of it as “Ha Long Bay on land.”
Perfect for: Boat
rides, cycling, nature lovers
Best time: Late May during rice harvest season
6. Quy Nhon (Binh
Dinh Province)
A rising star
among Vietnam’s beach destinations. White sand, hidden coves, and almost no
international tourists (yet!).
Perfect for: Beach
lovers, seafood, peaceful coastal stays
Bonus: Great local food scene and friendly locals
7. Chau Doc (An
Giang, Mekong Delta)
A unique border
town near Cambodia known for its floating markets, Cham Muslim culture, and Tra
Su Cajuput Forest.
Perfect for:
Mekong river life, birdwatching, culture seekers
Combine with: A river cruise or slow travel route to Phnom Penh
8. Ta Xua Cloud
Paradise (Son La Province)
Nicknamed “the sea
of clouds,” Ta Xua is a dreamy mountain retreat ideal for sunrise lovers and
photographers.
Perfect for:
Camping, cloud hunting, quiet escapes
Best season: October to March for cloud-filled valleys
9. Ban Gioc
Waterfall (Cao Bang Province)
One of the most
breathtaking waterfalls in Southeast Asia, right on the border with China—and
still relatively unknown to foreigners.
Perfect for:
Nature lovers, couples, photographers
Nearby: Nguom Ngao Cave and ethnic villages
10. Phu Yen
Province
Dubbed "the
new Da Nang" by Vietnamese travelers, this quiet coastal province features
lagoons, reefs, and mountains—without the crowds.
Perfect for:
Scenic road trips, beach hopping, drone shots
Top spot: Ganh Da
Dia (volcanic rock formations like Iceland!)
