Vietnam: Authentic and Rare

Avoiding the crowds and discovering pristine locations

Vietnam is universally recognized for its millenary history and the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes. Although iconic destinations like Ha Long Bay, the lights of Hanoi, and ancient Hoi An rightly attract most visitors, there is an "Other Vietnam" that remains hidden from view.

It is a country made of ancestral rituals, sincere smiles, and pristine horizons. This fascinating, rapidly evolving land jealously guards its secret corners, offering a travel experience that goes beyond the surface. For the traveler who wishes to embrace the true soul of this country, adventure is found far from the main routes: in small mountain villages, non-touristy local markets, and rice fields that disappear on the horizon.

Intimate Journey into the Heart of Vietnam

1. Homestay Experiences: An Authentic Journey Between Nature and Culture

Vietnam is not only a land of breathtaking landscapes and terraced rice fields, but also a place where hospitality is an ancient art. Staying in a homestay is one of the most authentic ways to discover this region: it means sharing daily life with local families, tasting traditional dishes prepared in their homes, and immersing yourself in the traditions of ethnic minorities.

What "Homestay" Means in Vietnam

A homestay is a form of family accommodation where travelers are welcomed directly into local homes. It is not just about sleeping in a different bed, but about living a complete cultural experience. In Vietnam, these types of accommodations are often found in mountain villages inhabited by ethnic groups like the Hmong, the Dao, the Tay, or the Thai.

The Best Homestay Destinations in Northern Vietnam

1. Sapa – Between Rice Fields and Hmong Mountains
Sapa is perhaps the most well-known destination for this experience. Hmong and Dao families open their wooden homes to travelers, offering spectacular views of the rice terraces and the opportunity to participate in local activities or cooking classes.

2. Ha Giang – The Authentic Heart of the North
Ha Giang is an area still little known to tourists, with villages nestled among limestone mountains. Here, homestays are simpler but welcoming: you can share meals cooked over a fire and learn about the traditions of the Black Lolo or the Tay ethnic groups.

3. Mai Chau – The Valley of the White Thai
A few hours from Hanoi, Mai Chau is a green refuge where you live in close contact with nature. Homestays here are often built on stilts from bamboo, immersed among rice fields and rural trails.

4. Ba Be Lake – Tranquil Life on the Lake
In Ba Be National Park, homestays offer an experience of absolute tranquility: walks through the park, swims in the lake, and evenings spent chatting with locals over a glass of rượu ngô (corn wine).

Practical Tips

Bring a small gift for the host family (like tea or sweets).
Respect local traditions: always ask permission before taking photos.
Do not expect luxury comforts: the essence of the homestay is simplicity and sharing.
Book through reliable platforms or agencies that work directly with the families.

2. The Best Floating Markets of the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta, famous for its splendid river landscapes, is the ideal destination for those who want to discover the most fascinating floating markets in Vietnam. These markets on the water represent an important tradition and offer a unique immersion into Vietnamese culture, among colorful boats loaded with tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, and typical products.

The Unmissable Ones

1. Cai Rang Floating Market
The largest and most famous floating market in the Delta, located near Can Tho. Here you will find a lively exchange of local products: tropical fruits, spices, flowers, and much more. It is an unmissable stop for those who want to live an authentic experience of local commerce on the water.

2. Phong Dien Floating Market
About 17 km from Can Tho, this less touristy market is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed and genuine atmosphere. Be sure to try local specialties like bánh xèo, a delicious Vietnamese pancake.

3. Nga Nam Floating Market
Among the oldest and most traditional markets in the Delta, it offers a suggestive experience starting from the early hours of dawn, with dozens of boats animating the intersection of five rivers.

Tips for Visiting the Floating Markets

Visiting the floating markets means immersing yourself in the true daily life of Vietnam. You will see the exchange of goods on the boats that become real market stalls, discover fresh and local products, and enjoy the suggestiveness of the Mekong river landscapes. Furthermore, these markets are a paradise for lovers of photography and cultural tourism.

Arrive between 5:00 and 7:00 in the morning to see the market at its peak activity.
Choose a boat tour with a local guide to discover details and curiosities.
Bring cash and be gentle when negotiating.
Don't forget your camera to capture the colors and life of the market.

3. Quy Nhơn and Phú Yên, The Secret Charm of the Authentic Coast

Between the vibrant Da Nang and the famous Nha Trang lies a stretch of coast still little explored: Quy Nhơn and Phú Yên, two gems of Central Vietnam where natural beauty meets the authenticity of local life.
Here you won't find crowds of tourists, but deserted beaches, fishing villages, golden cliffs, and breathtaking sunsets. This is the Vietnam that still preserves its slow rhythm, its gentle soul, and its discreet magic.

Quy Nhơn: The tranquil charm of the sea and history

Once a small fishing port and imperial city of the Champa kingdom, Quy Nhơn is today an ideal destination for those seeking sea, culture, and tranquility.

What to see in Quy Nhơn

Ky Co Beach – white sand and transparent sea, often compared to a corner of the Vietnamese Maldives.
Eo Gio – a windy promontory with breathtaking views, perfect for photography lovers and sunset walks.
Banh It and Thap Doi Cham Towers – fascinating testimonies of the Champa past, nestled in the greenery.
Nhon Hai and Nhon Ly Fishing Villages – where you can observe the traditional round boats and enjoy freshly caught fish.

Flavors not to be missed

Try the bánh xèo tôm nhảy (rice crepes with jumping shrimp) or the bún chả cá Quy Nhơn (noodle soup with local fish cakes). Every meal is a journey into the marine flavors of Central Vietnam.

Phú Yên: between cliffs, lighthouses, and film landscapes

South of Quy Nhơn lies Phú Yên, an even wilder and more poetic province, which became famous after the movie “Tôi thấy hoa vàng trên cỏ xanh” ("I see yellow flowers on the green grass"). The landscape here looks painted: hills sloping down to the sea, basalt cliffs, lagoons, and rice fields.

Must-see places in Phú Yên

Gành Đá Đĩa (Stone Plate Cliff) – a geological marvel formed by perfectly hexagonal basalt columns.
Mũi Điện Lighthouse – the easternmost point of Vietnam, where you can admire the first ray of sunshine in the country.
Vũng Rô Bay –turquoise water and fishing villages; excellent for a boat trip.
Ô Loan Lake – a tranquil spot, ideal for tasting oysters and admiring the sunset.

Conclusion

Quy Nhơn and Phú Yên represent the most authentic and secret side of coastal Vietnam. Between crystal-clear sea, local cuisine, and sincere smiles, here you rediscover the pleasure of traveling without haste, letting yourself be guided by the scents, colors, and rhythm of Vietnamese life. A journey that doesn't just show landscapes, but true emotions.