Lonely Planet suggests three destinations to avoid crowds in Vietnam

Below are suggestions from experienced travel writers who have been with Vietnam for many years.

Experience coffee and waterfalls in Buon Ma Thuot

Christine Van, a Vietnamese-American lifestyle editor, has called Vietnam home for the past two decades. “If you love coffee, this is heaven,” Christine said.

Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak is located in the highlands, famous for its coffee culture. Here, visitors take part in tours to coffee plantations, inhaling the aroma of fresh roasted coffee beans. Guests can also learn how to make a cup of Vietnamese coffee. As the largest coffee producing region in the country, Buon Ma Thuot people are proud of local products. There is also an annual coffee festival in mid-March.

But the beauty of Buon Ma Thuot does not stop at coffee culture. Mysterious waterfalls like Dray Nur and Dray Sap will surprise visitors. Although swimming is not allowed, the natural scenery here offers many experiences.

To truly immerse yourself in local culture, visitors must visit Lak Lake. This peaceful oasis is surrounded by villages, inhabited by the M’Nong ethnic people, with colorful bamboo and wood stilt houses. Many companies organize boating tours on the lake, helping guests interact with people and participate in traditional cultural festivals, singing folk songs, and playing gongs.

End the day with a meal at grilled spring rolls restaurant in Dak Lak. The dish includes ground pork marinated with spices mixed with herbs, then rolled in fresh rice paper and grilled over charcoal, with a delicious taste.

Visitors can choose Dakruco Hotel to stay. The hotel is clean, has an outdoor pool and spa to relax after a day of exploring.

Vacation in Chau Doc

Phan Cac Truc grew up in Vietnam and now devotes his time to visual arts, writing and storytelling. She introduced Chau Doc as a “Kingdom of all kinds of fish sauce”.

Located near the Cambodian border, Chau Doc, An Giang is a landmark in the Mekong Delta, where Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities live. The diversity of its residents is reflected in its architecture and cuisine. In addition to Mekong River cruise tours, visitors can visit spiritual sites such as Hang Pagoda, Ba Chuc town, or immerse themselves in nature and wildlife at Tra Su Melaleuca forest.

Truc’s favorite place is Chau Doc floating market, with culinary experiences made from river fish. Don’t miss the famous fish sauce and variety of fish sauces made from snakehead fish, pangasius, and anchovies. Bun mam is a dish you should try. Fish sauce hotpot brings a tingling taste to the tongue with a combination of shrimp, fish, meat and more than 20 types of vegetables and herbs. During Tet, the market is busier as people prepare goods and shop for the holiday.

Another must-see destination is Tra Su cajuput forest, a conservation area and one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. The ideal time to visit this ecosystem is during and immediately after the rainy season (from June to November), when the forest is bright green. In addition, climb Mount Sam to see the panoramic view of the vast rice fields stretching to the border.

And don’t forget to buy some hot beef cakes made from palm sugar, a local specialty that can be found anywhere.

Explore the nature of Lang Co

Giang Pham, a lifestyle, food and beverage journalist living in Ho Chi Minh City, calls Lang Co a “natural treasure”.

Lang Co, Hue City, located between the ancient capital of Hue and Da Nang, is “a hidden gem”. This is a destination with pristine fishing villages, national parks, white sand beaches, blue water and the hospitality of the people.

Laguna Lang Co staff will arrange a tour to Canh Duong fishing village. Here, people still maintain traditional fishing rituals and drying fish. Visitors can take a boat trip with the fishermen to better understand the marine industry that sustains this village. For those who like local cuisine, don’t miss fresh seafood in Lang Co fishing village, near Lap An lagoon with beautiful views of the bay.

Another must-see destination is Bach Ma National Park, with its rich flora and fauna. The mountain peak with an altitude of 1,450 m offers beautiful views overlooking Lang Co Bay. Visitors can trekking to explore this natural complex. Along the way there are many ruins of French colonial villas and hotels.

The ideal time to go to Lang Co is from March to July, when it is sunny and has little rain.